When you think of plush maximalist shoes, Hoka often comes to mind. But Brooks decided to toss their hat into the ring with the Ghost Max, an ultra-cushioned, high-stack evolution of their flagship Ghost model. Naturally, I had to see if it lived up to the hype. So I did what any Bombay-based runner would do: I laced up the Ghost Max and hit the chaotic, pothole-riddled, monsoon-drenched streets of Mumbai.

Mumbai is a city that doesn’t forgive poor design. From smooth Marine Drive tiles to the brutal concrete cracks of Jogeshwari, if a shoe can survive here, it can thrive anywhere.

First Impressions

The moment I pulled the Brooks Ghost Max out of the box, I was both intrigued and slightly skeptical. It looked bulky, almost too plush to be nimble. But once on foot, the story changed. The step-in comfort was exceptional, and despite the towering midsole, the shoe felt surprisingly balanced.

The toebox was roomy, and the heel lock-in was solid despite the absence of a gusseted tongue. As someone with slightly wide feet, I appreciated that Brooks offers this model in multiple widths.

Shoe Specifications at a Glance

We get all technical info directly from Brook’s official websites to keep it accurate and reliable.

Feature	Brooks Ghost Max
Weight (Men’s US 9)	10.3 oz / 291g
Stack Height (Heel/Forefoot)	39.8 mm / 30.3 mm
Drop	9.5 mm (measured)
Midsole	DNA Loft v2
Insole Thickness	6.1 mm
Outsole Thickness	3.3 mm
Torsional Rigidity	4/5
Heel Counter Stiffness	4/5
Flexibility	21.3N
Breathability	4/5
Durability (Toebox / Heel)	1/5 (toe), 4/5 (heel)
Traction (Grip Score)	0.48
Tongue Padding	8.5 mm
Upper	Engineered mesh (50% recycled)
Price in India	₹15,650 (approx.)

Daily Runs in Mumbai: From Bandra to Dadar

The first test was a 10K from Bandra Fort to Shivaji Park. The early morning humidity was already at 70%, and the roads were a mix of broken concrete, footpath tiles, and the occasional puddle leftover from overnight showers.

The Ghost Max absorbed every bump, pothole, and uneven curb with ease. It felt like riding on a cloud that adjusted with each step. The DNA Loft v2 midsole, while lacking in energy return, excelled at shock absorption. My knees and hips felt the difference, especially on the downhill stretch near Mahim Causeway.

One thing I noticed was how stable the shoe felt, even on slanted footpaths. The widened platform and stiff torsional rigidity (4/5 in lab tests) worked well to counter the stack height. It’s not a shoe you’d want for quick tempo workouts, but for easy runs and recovery jogs? Phenomenal.

The Monsoon Test: Grip and Drainage

Running in Mumbai during monsoon is the ultimate test of a shoe’s grip. I headed to CST one rainy evening and did a loop around Azad Maidan and the Fort area. The sidewalks were slick, and puddles were unavoidable.

Here, the Ghost Max surprised me. With a grip score of 0.48, it held firm even on wet tiles and polished concrete. The deep central groove in the outsole helped with water drainage, and I never slipped, even while cornering. The outsole rubber, which covers most of the shoe’s base, also proved durable and reliable on wet terrain.

Fit, Feel & Flexibility

Brooks shoes have always been true-to-size for me, and the Ghost Max was no exception. With a width of 97.3 mm at the widest part of the toebox and 79.4 mm at the big toe area, it felt secure yet unrestricted.

However, the Ghost Max isn’t particularly flexible. At 21.3N, it’s stiffer than most daily trainers. This was noticeable when I tried to do a few calf stretches post-run, less give meant more effort. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting if you like a more natural flex underfoot.

Breathability in Colaba Heat

On a hot Sunday afternoon, I wore the Ghost Max for a walk and light jog around Colaba Causeway. Despite the soaring 33°C temperature, my feet stayed comfortably cool. The engineered mesh upper, with its strategic perforations, allowed airflow, especially in the toebox and midfoot. I give it a solid 4/5 for breathability.

That said, this upper’s breathability comes at a cost. The toebox durability is poor. During one encounter with a protruding metal edge near Churchgate station, the upper snagged slightly. Later lab tests confirmed this with a dismal 1/5 durability score.

Long Runs on Marine Drive: Cushion Above All

The ultimate test was a 20K along Marine Drive at sunrise. The Ghost Max shone here. Its high stack (39.8 mm heel, 30.3 mm forefoot) and soft midsole (13.0 HA) made every stride feel less taxing. It’s not springy, but it’s forgiving.

Even after 15K, I felt fresh. The heel’s width (100.2 mm) helped keep me stable, and the rocker geometry promoted a nice forward roll. I didn’t feel the ‘bottoming out’ that sometimes plagues softer shoes.

My only gripe? The lack of a gusseted tongue. It shifted slightly mid-run, which I had to fix with a brief stop. At ₹15,650, I expected a better lockdown system.

Real World Pros and Cons

Pros: – Plush comfort for long runs and recovery days – Surprisingly stable for a max-cushion shoe – Excellent grip on wet roads – True to size with multiple width options – Breathable and eco-friendly upper material

Cons: – Lack of energy return makes it unsuitable for speed work – No gusseted tongue affects fit security – Poor toebox durability – Slightly stiff for walking or casual use

Final Thoughts

After logging over 60 km in the Brooks Ghost Max, including runs, walks, and one intense Mumbai monsoon, I can confidently say this shoe is a solid daily trainer for runners who prioritize comfort over speed.

It’s the kind of shoe you reach for on tired-leg days, or when you’re logging double-digit kilometers. It’s not perfect, the tongue issue and upper durability are annoying, but its strengths easily outweigh the weaknesses.

In a city like Mumbai, where every run throws a new curveball, the Ghost Max held up admirably. It’s not just a max-cushion shoe. It’s a max-survivor.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, cushioned, and surprisingly stable trainer that can handle the roads of Mumbai and beyond, the Brooks Ghost Max deserves a spot in your rotation.