Brooks Ghost Max 4

Who Are Brooks Ghost Max 4 For?

The Ghost Max 4 is for neutral runners who prioritize protection and comfort on their everyday miles — beginners building a base, or experienced runners logging easy and long efforts. It suits people who want a plush, forgiving cruiser, not a racer or tempo tool. If you're chasing personal bests or crave a snappy, fast-turnover ride, look elsewhere.

Feelings and Experience

Underfoot the DNA Loft v3 foam feels soft and cushioned, soaking up impact rather than springing you forward. The tall, rockered platform rolls you smoothly from heel to toe, which encourages a relaxed cadence but doesn't reward hard accelerations — push the pace and the foam feels a touch dead. At easy speeds it's stable and protective; it simply isn't built to feel lively.

Performance Specs

• Drop: 9mm heel-to-toe offset (Brooks advertises 6mm) — a moderate ramp that eases the heel-to-toe transition

• Cushioning: High, DNA Loft v3 — plush and impact-absorbing without being unstable

• Responsiveness: Moderate — no plate; the soft foam limits energy return

• Stability: High, stable-neutral — wide, tall base offers guidance without medial posting

• Pace: Optimal for 5:30–6:30 min/km (8:51–10:27 min/mile)

Best Distances and Maximum Speed

This shoe genuinely excels at easy and long training runs, with 10K and the half marathon as its comfortable racing ceiling for runners who value cushioning over speed. The sweet spot is relaxed aerobic mileage. Its fastest effective zone sits around 5:30 min/km (8:51 min/mile) — beyond that, the plush foam can't keep up.

Technologies and Materials

The midsole is Brooks' DNA Loft v3 with no plate, paired with a breathable engineered mesh upper. RunRepeat measured it at 292 g (men's US 9) with a 39 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot stack.

Comparisons with Other Shoes

Brooks Ghost Max 3 vs Brooks Ghost Max 4

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Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs Brooks Ghost Max 4

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Brooks Ghost 18 vs Brooks Ghost Max 4

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