Head-to-head · Best Men's Wide Walking Shoes

Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs HOKA Bondi 9

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

HOKA Bondi 9 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Walkers and all-day-standers with wide feet who want the deepest cushioning, especially anyone managing plantar fasciitis or heel pain. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Men's Wide Walking Shoes

Brooks Ghost Max 2

3.8

$159.01as of Jul 5

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is the roomy-toe-box cushion pick — a max-stack neutral shoe offered in Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) that pairs plush DNA LOFT v3 foam with a smooth GlideRoll rocker. RunRepeat scored it 84/100; Believe in the Run was more measured at 10/15, noting a firmer-but-more-responsive ride. It is a comfortable, dependable daily walker and one of the few shoes reviewers say takes orthotics well. The knocks are weight and softness-over-stability, and the standard toe box is tapered, so size into the wide build.

Strengths

— Max-cushion 39 mm heel stack of nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for plush, protective comfort
— Offered in Medium (1D), Wide (2E), and Extra Wide (4E) — a strong pick for bunions, swelling, and wide feet
— GlideRoll rocker geometry smooths heel-to-toe transitions for a comfortable walking gait

Watch-outs

— Heavy — about 0.8 oz more than the original Ghost Max
— Softer foam makes it less stable and supportive than firmer walkers, and unsuited to faster running
— Standard (D) width has a tapered toe box; you need the 2E or 4E to open it up

$159.01 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Men's Wide Walking Shoes

HOKA Bondi 9

4.5

$169.88as of Jul 5

The HOKA Bondi 9 is our best overall pick because it pairs the most protective cushioning in the category with genuine Wide (2E) and X-Wide (4E) options. RunRepeat scored it 88/100 and Fleet Feet buyers rate it 4.8/5, and it carries the APMA Seal for foot health. It is technically a max-cushion road running shoe, but it is one of the most-recommended shoes anywhere for walking and standing all day. Just size into the wide build — the standard width is narrow.

Strengths

— Offered in Regular (D), Wide (2E), and X-Wide (4E), so wide and extra-wide feet get the same plush ride as everyone else
— Deepest cushioning of any shoe here — a 43 mm heel stack of supercritical EVA that takes pressure off the heel and plantar fascia
— Carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is a standard podiatrist recommendation for plantar fasciitis and all-day standing

Watch-outs

— Heavy and tall — reviewers call it clunky, and the 43 mm stack can feel tippy to some walkers
— The standard (D) width runs narrow; you need the 2E or 4E build to actually get wide-foot room
— The new knit upper can trap heat in warm weather

$169.88 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Brooks Ghost Max 2

A plush, rockered everyday cushion shoe with a roomy wide toe box, but softer and less stable than the New Balance 928v3 or Brooks Addiction Walker 2. Reviewers pair it with the Saucony Echelon 10 as the two shoes designed for orthotics. It is lighter and more wearable casually than the dedicated walkers, but its review scores trail the HOKA Bondi 9.

HOKA Bondi 9

The most cushioned and highest-rated shoe in this group, but also the heaviest-feeling underfoot. If you want a dedicated walking shoe with even wider sizing, the New Balance 928v3 goes up to 6E; if you need maximum motion-control support, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is firmer and more structured.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brooks Ghost Max 2	HOKA Bondi 9
Weight	10.8 oz (306 g)	10.7 oz (303 g)
Width	1D (Medium), 2E (Wide), 4E (Extra Wide)	Regular (D), Wide (2E), X-Wide (4E)
Cushioning	DNA LOFT v3 (nitrogen-infused)	Supercritical EVA midsole
Upper Material	Engineered Air Mesh	Engineered knit mesh
Outsole	Blown rubber	Durabrasion rubber
Heel-to-Toe Drop	6 mm	5 mm
Best Use	Daily walking, long miles	Road walking, all-day standing
Support	Neutral + GlideRoll rocker	—

← See the full ranking of best men's wide walking shoes