Brooks Glycerin Max vs Brooks Ghost Max 3: Which Max Cushion Trainer Is Right for You?

Introduction

Brooks makes two shoes that sit in nearly the same slot in the lineup: max cushion daily trainers with tall stacks and rocker geometry. The Glycerin Max and the Ghost Max 3 look similar on paper, but there is a real difference in how they ride, how much foam you get, and how much you pay. This comparison breaks down where they overlap and where the Glycerin Max earns its premium.

Stack and Weight

The stack numbers tell part of the story. The Glycerin Max carries 45 mm under the heel and 39 mm in the forefoot with a 6 mm drop, while the Ghost Max 3 comes in at 39 mm heel and 33 mm forefoot. That means about 6 mm more foam underfoot on the Glycerin Max.

Both shoes sit on the heavier side, but the difference is small: for a women’s US 7.5, the Glycerin Max weighs about 9.5 ounces versus 9.3 ounces for the Ghost Max 3. The extra weight on the Glycerin Max is largely explained by the additional foam, and the bouncier ride makes it feel lighter than the scale suggests.

Midsole and Foam: The Real Differentiator

The Ghost Max 3 uses DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam, as its midsole. It is a pleasant, simple cushioned ride with plenty of stack.

The Glycerin Max goes further with DNA Tuned, a two-part midsole made from two densities of expanded foam with no glue between them. The softer foam sits underfoot while the firmer layer provides a springy bounce-off at toe-off. That dual-density construction is the clearest reason the Glycerin Max feels more fun to run in, and it is what separates the two shoes beyond raw stack height.

Both shoes share the GlideRide rocker geometry, which helps them roll smoothly through the stride.

Upper and Fit

Both uppers use a comfortable engineered mesh, and both shoes offer a very accommodating fit, so runners with wider feet should be happy in either.

The edge goes to the Glycerin Max here as well: it uses a peel-back heel pillow that works noticeably better than the standard heel counter on the Ghost Max 3, improving both ease of entry and heel hold.

Price and Everyday Wear

At $200, the Glycerin Max costs $50 more than the Ghost Max 3 at $150. That gap is meaningful, and it is the main reason the Ghost Max 3 makes sense for a lot of runners.

The Ghost Max 3 also works as an all-day casual shoe. It is comfortable for daily wear outside of running, in the same general territory as a simple, cushioned neutral trainer. If you are not running a lot of miles, it delivers the max cushion feel without overcomplicating anything.

Which One Should You Buy?

The decision comes down to mileage and intent. If you are putting in double-digit long runs and want something plush that rolls through your stride, the Glycerin Max is the better shoe and worth the extra money. It is the more fun, more exciting ride, and it makes you want to lace up and head out the door, which is the best compliment a running shoe can get.

If you are running a more modest amount, around 25 miles a week or less, and just want a comfortable max cushion option to slot into your rotation, the Ghost Max 3 is an excellent value at $150. It is also a great entry point if you are hesitant about max cushion shoes: if you like the Ghost Max 3, you will love the Glycerin Max.

Conclusion

Both runners in this comparison prefer the Glycerin Max as the better shoe, but both agree it is ultimately a use-case decision. If you have the budget and want the best ride, go Glycerin Max. If you are entering the max cushion category or want serious cushion for less, the Ghost Max 3 is the smarter buy.