HOKA Clifton 10 vs Brooks Ghost 17
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Targets the same runner with more plush heel/tongue padding and heavier build; foam also feels lackluster but more comfort-oriented
Similar wide-platform utility shoe, but Clifton 10 has a better outsole and feels like a good replacement.
Most similar in price point — not the wildest but very comfortable and reliable.
Similar reliable, no-nonsense, not-very-lively workhorse experience
HOKA Clifton 10 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
-
The Clifton 10 is a decent daily trainer with a stable neutral ride but suffers from a stiff, uncomfortable transition and a baggy, poorly locking upper that made it a frustrating experience for the reviewer.
Ride:Stiff midsole transition caused peroneal tendon pain for the reviewer despite the early meta-rocker. Forefoot transition particularly stiff. More structured feel than v11.
Fit:More midfoot volume and rear padding than v11, causing heel slip and foot push-forward issues for the reviewer. Ran hot. Better for higher-volume feet.
In their words: "so stiff for me that I actually had some peroneal tendon pain" · "didn't loosen up"
-
Hoka's flagship daily trainer, but this version feels slightly stabilized and is not the reviewer's favorite Clifton — he would drop it first from his Hoka rotation.
Ride:Tall stack height, low heel drop, and front rocker yield a comfy, chill ride. This version skews slightly stabilized, which the reviewer prefers less than the Clifton 9's livelier feel.
In their words: "isn't my favorite Clifton" · "comfy and chill" · "slightly stabilized side"
-
A reliable, comfortable and stable daily trainer that's a good general crowd-pleaser for easy and long runs, even if the EVA midsole lacks excitement.
Ride:Smooth, stable, well-cushioned ride with a mild rocker; EVA foam is flat and not particularly lively but reliable; wider base gives better stability than the Puma
Fit:True to size with multiple width options available; padded tongue and well-padded upper; good heel and midfoot hold; roomier toe box than the Puma
In their words: "fairly flat and dull foam" · "very assured and very reliable" · "easy run end of the spectrum"
-
An essential, Swiss Army knife style shoe — super comfortable and stable for all-day wear plus easy runs, though not an exciting out-and-out running shoe.
Ride:Very comfortable and stable with a wide platform; CMEVA foam is reliable but uninspiring, missing the excitement of shoes like the Vomero 18.
Fit:Chris prefers to go half a size up in Hoka; lockdown is typical Clifton.
In their words: "really boring CME EVA foam" · "always up half a size in Hoker shoes" · "does all the basics very well"
Brooks Ghost 17 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .
-
Kofuzi says the Ghost 17 is basically the same shoe as the Ghost 18 (the tongue being the main difference), and at its $110 sale price he calls it a very good deal for a Ghost.
In their words: "pretty much the exact same shoe" · "a very good deal for a Ghost"
-
A decent, lighter daily shoe than the Ghost Max 3, but its DNA Loft foam can't match modern ATPU compounds from other brands.
In their words: "not a patch on the ATPU stuff that's out there right now" · "good foam for durability"
-
A reliable, stable, firmer daily trainer with the versatility to handle slightly faster miles; good value and durable, though not the most exciting ride.
Ride:Firmer, poppier DNA Loft v3 midsole with a snappier, more traditional flat-feeling ride; more versatile than the Nimbus with a bit more pop off the toes; one reviewer finds the heel-to-toe transition not smooth
Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box; narrower midfoot than the Nimbus; improved heel collar over the Ghost 16 with no Achilles rubbing
In their words: "It's like a workhorse shoe" · "spritlier ride by far" · "lighter, more kind of poppy foam"
-
Brooks added more forefoot foam and it transformed the shoe into a very good, versatile daily trainer.
In their words: "extra foam under here has transformed it" · "right amount of softness" · "very good daily trainer"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the HOKA Clifton 10 if
- Cushioned daily training and easy miles for a wide range of runners, including newer runners. — The Run Testers
- Walkers, run-walkers and runners who prefer a lower-stack, firmer, higher-drop traditional daily trainer — Kofuzi
- Runners who want a single cushioned daily trainer that can handle easy miles, progression runs, and mild tempo efforts — The Run Testers
- Cruising daily miles and walking for Clifton fans who want a cushioned, comfortable, mildly bouncy daily trainer. — Believe in the Run
- Middle-paced cruising, junk miles, and recovery days; good for supinators who want cushion with lateral support. — Run Moore
- Neutral runners wanting a balanced, protective daily trainer and long-run shoe with a touch of softness and bounce — The Run Testers
Consider the Brooks Ghost 17 if
- A reliable, no-nonsense workhorse daily trainer for long, slow, and easy runs, with enough range to pop out marathon-pace miles. — The Run Testers
- A reliable, stable, comfortable workhorse daily trainer for easy and long runs, suitable for runners of any level — especially new runners wanting a do-everything shoe. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a more performance-leaning Ghost that can handle daily miles, long runs, and some workouts, including those with mild stability needs. — Doctors of Running
- Beginners wanting stability and comfort for marathon prep — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a plush daily trainer with a hint of stability — Run Moore
- A versatile, reasonably priced daily trainer for runners wanting one pair to handle running, walking, and all-day wear. — Believe in the Run
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the HOKA Clifton 10 and the Brooks Ghost 17?
The HOKA Clifton 10 is a daily trainer and the Brooks Ghost 17 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the HOKA Clifton 10 weighs 258g, has a 43mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Brooks Ghost 17 weighs 289g, has a 36mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $150 for the HOKA Clifton 10 and $150 for the Brooks Ghost 17.
Should I buy the HOKA Clifton 10 or the Brooks Ghost 17?
The Run Testers on the HOKA Clifton 10: Cushioned daily training and easy miles for a wide range of runners, including newer runners. The Run Testers on the Brooks Ghost 17: A reliable, no-nonsense workhorse daily trainer for long, slow, and easy runs, with enough range to pop out marathon-pace miles.
Per The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the HOKA Clifton 10 and the Brooks Ghost 17?
Yes — Kofuzi, FORDY RUNS, and The Run Testers directly compared the HOKA Clifton 10 and the Brooks Ghost 17 in their reviews.
Per Kofuzi, FORDY RUNS, The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the HOKA Clifton 10 or the Brooks Ghost 17?
The HOKA Clifton 10 is lighter, at 258g versus 289g (men's 9) — about 31g less.
Which is more cushioned, the HOKA Clifton 10 or the Brooks Ghost 17?
Measured by stack height, the HOKA Clifton 10 has more underfoot foam — 43mm at the heel versus 36mm.