Something New From The Tried & True
Brooks has been foundational for the running industry since it switched from ballet, baseball, softball, and football cleats to running shoes in 1972. They've set the standard in running footwear and apparel and kept the status quo inching forward, dipping a proverbial toe into new ideas and technologies but always staying on the feet of everyday and elite runners.
...But what's this? Something new from Brooks, the tried and true? Can we trust it? What is it?
...But what's this? Something new from Brooks, the tried and true? Can we trust it? What is it?
What Does A Ghost By Another Name Smell Like?
You may recall that one of Brooks's most popular shoes--in fact, one of the most popular shoes in all of running--is the Brooks Ghost. Now in its 15th version, the Ghost continues to be a running store staple.
The Ghost Max, though, is no Ghost. It's something else entirely, and Brooks may be trying to tie people's hearts into this shoe with its name. But how did they do? Is it as good as Ghost?
The Ghost Max, though, is no Ghost. It's something else entirely, and Brooks may be trying to tie people's hearts into this shoe with its name. But how did they do? Is it as good as Ghost?
What Kind Of Shoe Is The Ghost Max?
The Ghost Max is in the max cushion category of running footwear. This group of shoes emphasizes cushion over being lightweight or responsive. Running in a max cushion shoe typically feels soft and gliding, instead of firm, or light. Most high cushion shoes have a reputation for being bulky, cumbersome, and slow but that's been changing for the last few years.
Since Hoka broke the mainstream with their resilient, lightweight, max cushion foam, all other brands have been battling to "answer the market" and deliver something competitive. It seems like people want a thick shoe, so let's give the people what they want!
High-cushion shoes have been around for a long time, and the Brooks Glycerin has been the high-cushion shoe of choice for many runners. The Ghost Max is their first, truly maximum-cushioned road running shoe (for trails, they've got the Caldera 6, which is also max cushion). And, thus far, we think they're nailing it.
Since Hoka broke the mainstream with their resilient, lightweight, max cushion foam, all other brands have been battling to "answer the market" and deliver something competitive. It seems like people want a thick shoe, so let's give the people what they want!
High-cushion shoes have been around for a long time, and the Brooks Glycerin has been the high-cushion shoe of choice for many runners. The Ghost Max is their first, truly maximum-cushioned road running shoe (for trails, they've got the Caldera 6, which is also max cushion). And, thus far, we think they're nailing it.
What Does the Ghost Max Feel Like?
We haven't taken the Ghost Max out for some miles yet, but trying it on is surprisingly pleasant. In classic Brooks fashion, putting the shoe on your foot feels great. The upper gently holds the shoe on your foot and feels spacious enough to comply with a variety of foot shapes without causing slippage for the narrow-footed.
Taking some strides around the store adds to the surprise, as the Ghost Max feels half as light as it looks! To be fair, it actually is some tenths of an ounce lighter than other max cushion shoes like the Hoka Bondi 8, NewBalance Fresh Foam More, and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25. It seems like Brooks might have nailed this one, it's smooth like the Ghost...but with Max cushion!
Taking some strides around the store adds to the surprise, as the Ghost Max feels half as light as it looks! To be fair, it actually is some tenths of an ounce lighter than other max cushion shoes like the Hoka Bondi 8, NewBalance Fresh Foam More, and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25. It seems like Brooks might have nailed this one, it's smooth like the Ghost...but with Max cushion!
Final Notes On the Ghost Max
The Ghost Max is pretty darn smooth for a maximum cushion shoe. However, we haven't put it through many paces yet! We'll get back to you when we do.
If you can wait a few weeks, we have Brooks coming to our Group Run on Thursday, October 19th--and you can run in the new Ghost Max then! Test it out yourself, and let us know what you think!