Why Brooks’ New Ghost Max 4 Sneaker Is a Godsend for Casual Runners

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The August 2026 release has already managed to endear (and impress) the running community with its smooth ride, dependable stability, and refreshingly accomodating fit.

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Widely considered to produce some of the best running shoes for casual and pro athletes alike, Brooks keeps its loyal fans on their toes with regular releases and updates to iconic series such as the Ghost , Glycerin , Adrenaline GTS , and Hyperion .

The first is perhaps Brooks’ most widely known (and widely worn): representing a slew of neutral road-running shoes that are built for daily training. A Brooks Ghost is, in essence, the workhorse of running sneakers — guaranteeing smooth rides, plush cushioning, and the kind of support you need when racking up those miles in the neighborhood.

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Now, the Ghost line has been expanded with the August arrival of the Brooks Ghost Max 4 shoe for men and women . The fresh style clocks in at $165 (making it a bit more expensive, and rightfully so, than its predecessor) and comes with a rolodex of features that all work to achieve one goal and one goal only — making you excited to go out there and pound the pavement, absorbing none of the impact of this task.

Weighing less than 10 ounces, the Ghost Max 4 takes advantage of Brooks’ proprietary GlideRoll Rocker technology, which makes heel-to-toe transitions as fluid as possible while propelling you forward — no matter where it is you’re headed.

The shoe’s cushioning, meanwhile, is stacked high with a six-millimeter drop but doesn’t go overboard, instead offering essential protection against the stress of surfaces from concrete to dirt trail. The running community has noted that the sneaker fits in a more accommodating fashion than other Ghosts, being a blessing for wide-footed runners and even leaving enough room for an orthotic .

Swathed in a limited-edition Raisin/Purple/Metallic colorway.

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Another perk? Customers who have already gotten their hands on this model found it both efficient and effortless in context of easy runs during which one tends to cruise rather than chasing speed. More refined and streamlined than many Ghost counterparts, the Max 4 feels more buoyant in action, too, despite its chunky midsole.

Other shades of the shoe are sold in a Wide and Extra Wide.

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

The top running (and walking) sneaker’s geometry lends itself well to proper lockdown and stability, a must-have for active individuals dealing with overpronation or supination. And we’d be remiss not to mention this Brooks Ghost Max 4 stepper’s visual allure, which stems from pleasant, trend-aware colorways that will complement your chicest workout apparel. Yes, the brand’s breathable knit upper remains, and you’ll be happy to know that it’s also partially crafted out of recycled materials.

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Like most of Brooks’ latest and greatest, this shoe has been buzy generating quite the buzz on social media channels like Reddit, where users express strong opinions on its superiority to older Ghost generations: “I have been wearing the Ghost Max 1, and I was happy to see that the Ghost Max 4 features noticeable improvements to the heel collar — with extra padding around the ankle collar for comfort. This is key because the heel collar on the Ghost Max 1 is too stiff.”

Another shares the following: “It’s a huge aesthetic improvement. A lot faster through the stride, too.”

Benefitting from a reasonable price point; practical features that don’t leave anything out or, alternatively, overburden the shoe with too many bells and whistles; and intentionally good looks, the just-launched Ghost Max 4 stands out as an option you’re bound to savor across many jogs, seasons, and years of your life.

Don’t believe us? Just hit “add to cart” and see what happens.

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Sign up for WWD Shop ‘s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here .

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, wrote about tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on new, innovative footwear releases from leading brands and how to shop them online.

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