The Ghost Max 2 is a wonderful update that builds on the success of the original Ghost Max which burst on to the scene in September 2023. It was Brooks’ first genuine rocker shoe…and we smashed it out of the park. Below are major features that resonated with consumers and clinicians alike.
Optimised Bending Stiffness
The beauty of the Ghost Max is that it is an effective rocker that is both protective of excessive movement and accommodating of a reduced range of motion (particularly through the 1st MTPJ and ankle joint). This is achieved through optimising the longitudinal bending stiffness of the shoe.
In other words, we are using geometry and our biomechanical understanding to arrive at a midsole stiffness that can offload vulnerable structures yet still feel natural.
We could have gone stiffer with this shoe as our key competitor has, however we think this is overkill. The result is a gait that feels smooth and natural but pain free because of how the stiffness has been optimised for protection within natural function.
Low offset
The midsole stack of Ghost Max is 28mm in the rearfoot and 22mm in the forefoot; a 6mm offset. (Total stack height is 39:33mm.) This drop allows us to offload the forefoot and relieve strain on the plantar fascia.
The Ghost Max is also protective for the achilles complex. Now, you would be correct in thinking that the best way to offload the achilles is with a higher offset. In the case of the Ghost Max, thanks to the efficacy of the rocker through it’s optimised bending stiffness, the workload of the calf/achilles is significantly reduced because the shoe is doing more of the work for these tissues than an ordinary shoe. So, although the achilles is in a relatively lengthened position, the total force being exerted while wearing a Ghost Max is lower than being in a shoe with a high drop. Hence the shoe is able to provide protection and offload multiple vulnerable tissues.
Maximum Protection
The primary goal for this shoe is to deliver an experience of protection. It is achieving that aim through a higher stack height in addition to that which is mentioned above. There are many shoes available today with a high stack height.
Unfortunately consumers are often lured into thinking that a shoe with high displacement (something that is excessively soft) is going to be the most beneficial. Excessive softness can lead to instability, uneven wear patterns resulting in distorted forces and of course a significant compromise in longevity.
I am proud to say that the Ghost Max takes all this into account and is not just a soft pillow for softness’ sake. Because there is a difference between displacement and shock attenuation. Ghost Max is a higher stack than something like the Ghost 16 but it is not excessive. It offers increased cushioning to attenuate impact forces but it also has a very wide footprint to accomplish inherent stability.
In summary, it is highly cushioned and very stable with an accommodating fit.
Given the discussion above you would be correct in thinking that the shoe has a broad demographic of patients and consumers that will benefit from its design. To reiterate that thought, here is a few examples of people that can benefit from Ghost Max.
- The patient that has no intention of exercising. Perhaps they put on their shoes to walk up the street for a coffee. Maybe they just enjoy taking the dog for a walk. Or they could be somebody that just lives in their runners. This person may not be enjoying their day to day as much as they could because they are in pain or discomfort from a pathology. It might be reduced range of motion in the 1st MTPJ from arthritic changes or perhaps they have ankle equinus. It could be plantar fascia or achilles strain. They might have an inefficient toe off due to HAV.There is a litany of pathologies that the Ghost Max can assist as part of a treatment plan (we would never claim to be able to cure any of these pathologies. Absurd. But we know that good footwear choice can have a positive impact). Ghost Max is an excellent walking shoe or day to day shoe for these people. It will help reduce pain and discomfort and improve quality of life.
- Ghost Max is protective. It picks up more of the workload than a regular shoe. So, for someone that is new to running and finding it intimidating to get started, a shoe that protects and does some of the work for you is a very attractive option.
It’s lighter and feels more natural than other shoes in it’s category which is a win/win. Equally we might have a runner returning from injury. Ghost Max is a brilliant gateway to assist in returning them to their preinjury function.
- With recreational running at an all time high there are many people training for marathons, half marathons and even ultras. Ghost Max is a perfect recovery shoe. It is something that works really well for a slower easy run or an absorption run to help prepare for the next tougher training session or to get more kms in with less load on the body.
That brings you up to speed on the concept behind Ghost Max. What about Ghost Max 2?
Well everything discussed above applies to the Ghost Max 2.
The key update for the 2nd edition is the introduction of a DNA Loft v3 midsole to this shoe.
DNA Loft v3 is our nitrogen infused midsole technology. It is a supercritical foam that makes the Ghost Max 2 even more effective at absorbing impact and relieving the joints and tissues of load. The efficacy of the cushioning is improved by 9% from version 1. It is important to not only provide a cushion response but to also contribute to improved function.
So DNA Loft v3 delivers an 11% improvement in responsiveness. This is really important as it contributes to propulsion and forward momentum. If you only had softness without responsiveness, you may as well be running on a couch cushion.
DNA Loft v3 significantly improves the function of the shoe and how it feels on your walk or run underfoot.
The Ghost Max 2 is an incredible tool for referrers. It is available in 3 widths (standard, wide and extra wide) and it has features so that it can easily and seamlessly accommodate an orthotic or insole such as being built on a straight last and having a very structured heel counter.
Written by Brooks Australia Sales, Education & Product Specialist, Dainel Roscoe
