Brooks Ghost Max 3 vs Brooks Ghost Max 4

Brooks Ghost Max 3 vs Brooks Ghost Max 4, side by side on equal terms. Differences are emphasised; matching specs are dimmed.

Specification	Ghost Max 3	Ghost Max 4
MSRP	$160	$165
Weight	318g	292g
Drop	6mm	6mm
Stack (heel/forefoot)	—	40/34mm
Lug depth	—	—
Surface	Road	Road
Primary use	Daily	Daily
Cushion	Max	High
Firmness	Balanced	Balanced
Stability	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	Unknown
Waterproof	No	No
Midsole	—	DNA LOFT v3
Outsole	—	—
Width availability	Standard	Standard
Best for	Easy and recovery miles where max protection and a stable, wide platform matter more than speed.	Runners who want a plush, stable platform for daily runs, long easy efforts, and walking, especially those using orthotics.
Avoid if	You want a light or responsive shoe for tempo work or faster paces.	You want a light, snappy shoe for tempo work or racing, as the weight and cushioning favor comfort over speed.
Lowest offer	—	—

Which should you pick?

head-to-head · opinion

Both the Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Ghost Max 4 are max-cushioned daily trainers built for easy miles, not speed, so the real difference is heft versus protection. The Ghost Max 3 (318 g) piles on more cushion and a stable, wide platform for recovery runs, while the Ghost Max 4 trims weight to 292 g for a slightly nimbler feel that still suits long easy efforts and orthotic users. Pick the 3 if maximum protection is the priority; go with the lighter 4 for a bit more everyday versatility.