If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Running can, and often should be comfortable. I usually have a hard time remembering this while focusing on logging miles and keeping my pace down, but sometimes a cruising, comfortable run can be not only enjoyable but also useful for achieving goals.
Recently, I was (pleasantly) reminded of this after a few runs in the new Brooks Ghost Max 2 . The new shoe follows last year’s debut Ghost Max , which outfitted Brooks ’ stalwart Ghost with extra cushioning and some added support. That shoe was a hit, offering a superbly comfortable option for everyday training.
I used the first Ghost Max just once and thought it might be good for some but not me. The Ghost Max 2 , however, got me excited, encouraging just the kind of relaxed jogs I didn’t realize I was missing. Related: How to Chose the Best Running Shoes Below is my full review of the new Ghost Max 2, but here’s the short version: It’s an excellent, versatile, luxury cruiser of a shoe for everyday running and walking.
Lace them up now for $150 . $150 $150 Cushioning was the focus with the Ghost Max line, and the 2 nails it. And that’s coming from a cushion curmudgeon: I normally find plush running shoes to be too weighty, spongey, and disconnected from the road.
But the Ghost Max 2 might be converting me. The core technology in the Ghost Max 2 is Brooks’ DNA Loft V3, a nitrogen-infused midsole foam that offers softness without sacrificing sturdiness. This is probably what sold me on the shoe.
Each strike felt pillowy and easy, but there wasn’t any ankle rolling or instability. I took the shoe on four-, six-, and eight-mile runs, all at a slightly slow pace, and ended them feeling fresher than normal. I also noticed fewer (or at least less intense) fatigue zones during the runs, thanks to that responsive cushioning.
Of course, all that plushness doesn’t lend itself to uptempo runs or speed work. But, as someone who’s always struggled to keep my pace down, this was a good thing for my slower runs. The Ghost Max 2 is also on the heavy side (9.
5 ounces in women’s, 10.8 ounces in men’s), but I didn’t think about this weight until the very end of my eight miler. If you’re especially sensitive to weight, though, it might not be the right pick for you.
The big question with max cushion shoes is whether or not they can still provide ample support and springiness. In short, the Ghost Max 2 can handle it. Some tech and design features to note here are the GlideRoll Rocker and a six-millimeter drop for smooth transitions.
I’m prone to getting a little too far forward on my toes, and the Ghost Max 2 seemed to encourage better rolls throughout my runs. Crucially, I also felt a good amount of spring and energy return, instead of the gooey sinking feeling that I’ve noticed with some other max cushion shoes. I was also a big fan of the Ghost Max 2’s wide base and high sidewalls which provided plenty of sturdiness.
Combined with the plush cushioning, I could see this support being especially helpful for anyone recovering from an injury. So, the Ghost Max 2 has fantastic cushioning and support. Here’s what I assume will be the divisive part: Fit.
It’s somewhat short and wide, which was (shocker) great for my short, wide feet, but this might not work for some. I loved the spaciousness, which suited the comfy character and left some room for my feet to breathe. But, if you have narrow and/or long feet, these might feel a little odd.
I’m a big fan of the Ghost Max 2. The DNA Loft V3 midsole is as plush as they come but still responsive, and the supportive design leaves me with more juice and less pain at the end of my runs. It’s making me rethink the max cushion category as a whole, and it encouraged me to add some much-needed slow runs to my calendar.
I’m also a big fan of the roominess inside, although that (and the weight) might bother some runners. In short, I think Brooks’ new Ghost Max 2 is an excellent option for slower, comfortable runs — and they’re probably even better if you’re recovering from an injury. Pick them up now at Brooks.
com for $150 ..
