After Many 10+ Mile Runs, I Can Confirm the New Brooks Ghost Max 2 Sneaks Are the Most Cushioned, Supportive Yet

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I am, by no means, a serious runner. I actually hated it for the most part when I was growing up, until, in April 2023, a friend of mine introduced me to the concept of a slow, conversational jogging pace. The beauty of this, you see, is that we could talk and whine about our lives while getting in some great aerobic exercise. Run-talk therapy is a thing, I suggest you try it. (And, as a side note, many experts will tell you that 80 percent of your runs should be done at this easy pace.)

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Since then, this proud Slow Runner has completed a handful of races—three half marathons, and a handful of 10kms. Like I said, I’m not serious about it, but I do know what I like in a shoe, and for anyone who lives in a city like New York where storage space is limited, it’s really important to find a solid all-rounder. Enter the Ghost Max 2, the latest and most cushioned road-running shoe from Brooks Running.

What the Brooks Ghost Max 2 offers

The Ghost Max 2 is Brooks Running’s latest in the Ghost collection and the Max 2 is their most plush one yet. Beloved for its utility, this shoe is designed for big mileage as well as being great for times when you’re on your feet all day.

Ghost Max 2 Specs compared to the Ghost Max

Brooks Ghost vs. Brooks Max 2: Is the upgrade worth it?

For those who are really particular about weight, you’re getting an ever-so-slightly heavier shoe in the Ghost Max 2. For me, this wasn’t noticeable in the slightest and, compared to the Ghost, these were way softer underfoot thanks to its DNA Loft v3 cushioning. Particularly for my long runs, which are around 10+ miles each weekend, this cushioning is almost mandatory as it ensures my body copes well with increased mileage and recovery is faster. So yes, the upgrade is worth it.

My honest thoughts on the Ghost Max 2

I tested the Ghost Max 2 on three types of runs over two weeks. My program includes two easy mid-week runs, about 30 minutes each; one speed session, roughly an hour long with 1 mile warm up and cool down; and a long weekend run (8+ miles). So eight runs total.

I started out with a short run initially—two laps on gravel around the Jackie O Reservoir and back to my place, around 3 miles—because I didn’t want to be caught halfway through a long run on the West Side Highway with developing blisters. Pleasantly, these trainers need little to no break-in period, so I could have gone for those 10 miles if I wanted to and it’s long, slow runs where these shoes really shine.

They’re super plush from the moment you slide your foot in and the high sidewalls feel very comfortable and supportive. Each step feels soft without that unstable, squishy sensation you can get from other high-stacked trainers. These absorb impact so they play nice on your joints, and are relatively responsive.

For my speed session, I really put the Ghost Max 2 through their (and my!) paces on a flat, paved road: 16 x 200 m at my faster-than-mile pace with a 1-mile warm-up, 1-minute-long recoveries between intervals, and a 1-mile cooldown.

Now, these aren’t racing shoes, there’s no carbon plate to propel you forward, but they do feel bouncy enough so speed sessions do feel pretty good; just don’t expect to break any records with them. I did enjoy how cushioned my feet felt during the rest periods so I was ready to go again.

Who is the Ghost Max 2 best for?

Running shoes can come with a lot of bells and whistles, but running, ultimately, is about utility. If you’re looking for something that’s dependable, reasonably price-accessible, and a pretty-much-do-it-all trainer the Ghost Max 2 is a perfect addition to your rotation.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. This article was sponsored by Brooks, however, all products were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.