Hoka vs Brooks Running Shoes: Clifton vs Ghost Compared

Two Philosophies of Cushioning

Hoka and Brooks approach running shoes from different directions. Hoka stacks foam high with a rocker geometry that propels you forward. Brooks uses traditional cushioning with a balanced, predictable ride. Both make excellent shoes — the question is which philosophy suits your stride.

Hoka: Maximum Foam, Rocker Geometry

Hoka arrived on the scene with impossibly thick soles and a distinctive rocker shape. The idea is simple: more foam absorbs more impact, and the curved sole rolls you through the gait cycle efficiently. Runners either love the sensation or find it strange.

The Hoka Clifton 9 is their flagship daily trainer. It’s surprisingly light for its size, with a smooth, propulsive ride that makes easy miles feel effortless. The thick midsole protects joints on long runs and hard surfaces.

Best for: Runners who want maximum cushioning, joint protection, and a rolling ride feel.

Brooks: Traditional Comfort, Reliable Ride

Brooks has been making running shoes for over a century, and the Ghost is their bestseller for good reason. It does everything well without any extreme characteristics. The cushioning is moderate, the drop is standard, and the ride is smooth and predictable.

The Brooks Ghost 16 is the shoe you recommend when someone says “I just want a good running shoe.” It’s comfortable, supportive, and works for every distance from 5K to marathon training runs.

Best for: Runners who want a reliable, balanced shoe that doesn’t force any particular running style.

Clifton vs Ghost: The Comparison

Feature	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Price	~£130	~£120
Weight	250g (men’s 9)	280g (men’s 9)
Heel drop	5mm	12mm
Stack height	32mm heel / 27mm toe	35mm heel / 23mm toe
Cushion feel	Soft, marshmallow	Moderate, balanced
Ride	Rolling rocker	Traditional
Durability	400-500 miles	400-600 miles
Width options	Standard + Wide	Standard + Wide + Narrow

The Drop Difference

This is the biggest practical difference. The Clifton’s 5mm drop encourages a midfoot strike and more forward lean. The Ghost’s 12mm drop is more traditional and accommodates heel strikers naturally. Neither is better — it depends on your running form.

If you’re a heel striker (most recreational runners), the Ghost’s higher drop will feel more natural. If you already run with a midfoot strike or want to transition towards one, the Clifton’s lower drop supports that.

Cushioning Feel

The Hoka Clifton feels like running on a cloud. It’s soft, bouncy, and absorbs road impact impressively. Some runners find it too soft — like running on a mattress — and prefer more ground feel.

The Brooks Ghost feels more traditional. There’s cushioning, but you still feel connected to the road. It’s a firmer, more responsive ride that some runners find more confidence-inspiring.

Who Should Choose What

Choose Hoka Clifton if: You want maximum cushion, you have joint issues (knees, hips), you run mostly easy miles, or you prefer a lighter shoe.

Choose Brooks Ghost if: You’re a heel striker, you want a versatile shoe for all paces, you prefer a traditional ride feel, or you want the widest range of width options.

The Look Factor

Let’s address it — Hokas look chunky. The thick sole is polarising. Some people love the distinctive look, others find them clown-like. Brooks Ghost looks like a normal running shoe. If aesthetics matter to you (they shouldn’t, but they do), factor this in.

Our Verdict

Both are top-tier daily trainers. The Clifton edges it for pure comfort and joint protection. The Ghost edges it for versatility and traditional feel. If you’re starting out and unsure, the Ghost is the safer bet — it suits every running style. If you know you want maximum cushioning, go Clifton.

Check our running shoes gear page for more options across all budgets.