Description
Brooks Ghost Max 4: Maximum Cushioning, Effortless Glide The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is a max-cushion shoe for people who spend a lot of time on hard ground, whether that means high-mileage road running or long days standing on concrete. It sits on a tall 40 mm heel of nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam that takes the sting out of every step, but it still feels steady underfoot, not mushy. A curved forefoot rocker and a broad, straight base roll you smoothly from heel to toe, so your feet don't have to work as hard. Whether you're logging weekend recovery miles or working a 12-hour shift on clinic tile, it stays comfortable from clock-in to cool-down. Our Fit Team Verdict Our team loves how the Ghost Max 4 refines its stable, rockered ride. It feels smoother and easier to run in than past versions, and it still has the steady, orthotic-friendly platform that healthcare and retail workers love. What's new in the Ghost Max 4 Lighter, redesigned upper A redesigned engineered mesh upper makes it lighter than the Ghost Max 3: 10.3 oz for men's and 9.2 oz for women's. Smoother forefoot rocker Brooks reshaped the GlideRoll rocker, so the roll through toe-off feels smoother and more natural than past versions. Key performance highlights 01 Midsole Foam & Cushioning Full-length, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam softens every step on pavement and concrete. It feels plush, but the stability comes from the shoe's shape rather than squishy foam, so your legs feel fresher at the end of a shift. 02 Ride & Support The GlideRoll forefoot rocker helps you roll forward with less effort and less bending at the toes. Raised sidewalls and a broad base keep you centered, without a hard post under your arch. 03 Upper & Fit Breathable engineered mesh holds the midfoot securely. A padded tongue, a structured toe bumper, and a deep heel collar keep your foot locked in on long runs and when you're moving side to side at work. 04 Outsole & Traction Segmented rubber covers the spots that wear fastest, so the shoe holds up longer. It grips well on the road and on polished tile and other indoor floors. Quick Specs Support Stable Neutral Cushioning Max Midsole Foam DNA LOFT v3 Category Road / Walk / Work Men's Weight 10.3 oz 292 g Stack height 40 / 34 mm heel / forefoot Heel-toe drop 6 mm Women's Weight 9.2 oz 261 g Stack height 40 / 34 mm heel / forefoot Heel-toe drop 6 mm Who the Ghost Max 4 is for Ideal foot & arch types Neutral mechanics Mild overpronators seeking natural guidance without rigid medial posts Flat-to-medium arches Runners or workers using custom or over-the-counter orthotics Target relief areas Plantar fascia strain Forefoot and metatarsal pressure Achilles tension Lower-back fatigue from prolonged standing on rigid hospital, school, and warehouse floors Best for: daily road running, recovery miles, walking, 12-hour hospital shifts, and all-day standing on hard surfaces. Sizing & fit notes Consider a half size up The toe cap is structured and the toe box tapers toward the front, so a lot of people find it runs about a half size short. If you're between sizes, or want more room for your toes to spread out on long days, go up a half size. Orthotic friendly The roomy, straight-shaped last, deep heel cup, and removable insole leave plenty of space for over-the-counter inserts or custom orthotics. Bring yours in and we'll fit the shoe with them inside. Ghost Max 4 FAQ Is the Brooks Ghost Max 4 good for plantar fasciitis and 12-hour shifts? Many people with heel and arch pain find it very comfortable. The 6 mm drop and forefoot rocker mean your foot doesn't have to bend as much when you push off, which takes some strain off the plantar fascia, and the broad, cushioned base helps a lot on hard floors. Everyone's feet are different, so come in and try it next to a couple of other options. How does the Brooks Ghost Max 4 fit compared to the Hoka Bondi? The Ghost Max 4 feels a little firmer and more stable, with a broader midfoot than the Hoka Bondi . Its toe box tapers more at the front, so many people go up a half size from their usual size. The best way to decide is to try them on side by side in the store. What's the difference between the Ghost Max 4 and the Brooks Ghost 18? The Ghost 18 is Brooks' everyday neutral trainer. It's lower to the ground and more flexible, with a higher heel-to-toe drop. The Ghost Max 4 has more foam underfoot, a lower 6 mm drop, a rocker that rolls you forward, and a broader, more stable base. If you want maximum cushion or need room for orthotics, go with the Max. If you like a lighter, more traditional feel, try the Ghost 18. Does the Ghost Max 4 come in wide sizes? Yes. Men's comes in a wide (2E) and women's comes in a wide (D). Not every color is made in every width, so if you don't see your size online, give your nearest store a call. How long will the Ghost Max 4 last? Most people get around 300 to 500 miles out of a running shoe. If you mostly stand or walk in it, watch for the cushion feeling flat or new aches showing up. That's usually the sign it's time for a new pair. Local in-store fitting & service Visit any of our four stores in Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, or Mount Pleasant for a personalized fitting with gait analysis and a foot pressure scan. Prefer to shop online? Order for local pickup or shipping, and earn RAC Rewards points either way. Find your store → <!-- Structured data for search engines and AI answers. If Run Free strips
