The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is a better version of an already solid daily trainer. The lighter build, highly-comfortable upper, and redesigned outsole all make this update worthwhile, and we really liked how smooth and predictable the shoe feels on every run. In fact, it's one of the best max-stack shoes available for beginners. However, we found that the same foam still limits energy return, leaving us waiting for the major midsole upgrade this lineup deserves.