HOKA Clifton v10 vs Brooks Ghost v17
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
| HOKA Clifton v10 | Brooks Ghost v17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack (heel / forefoot) | 43.0 / 35.0 mm | 36.0 / 26.0 mm |
| Drop | 8.0 mm | 10.0 mm |
| Weight (men's 9) | 9.1 oz (258g) | 10.2 oz (289g) |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA (Hoka CMEVA) | DNA LOFT v3 (nitrogen-infused EVA) |
| Plate | none | — |
| Upper | Engineered knit | Double jacquard air mesh |
| MSRP | $150.00 | $150.00 |
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
HOKA Clifton v10
Hoka's refined daily trainer balances comfort and stability with a slightly firmer, more traditional ride than its predecessor, though the compression-molded EVA midsole lacks the liveliness some runners seek. Best suited for easy miles and long runs rather than faster efforts.
Brooks Ghost v17
A refined daily trainer that balances plush cushioning with subtle stability and versatility, the Ghost 17 handles easy miles through marathon pace with a more responsive forefoot and lower drop than its predecessor, though some find it still slightly firm for a true soft ride.
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.
Similar wide-platform utility shoe, but Clifton 10 has a better outsole and feels like a good replacement.
Targets the same runner with more plush heel/tongue padding and heavier build; foam also feels lackluster but more comfort-oriented
Most similar in price point — not the wildest but very comfortable and reliable.
Similar reliable, no-nonsense, not-very-lively workhorse experience
HOKA Clifton v10 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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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"
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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"
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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"
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Steve gives the Clifton 10 a solid two thumbs up — the bumped heel drop, slightly softer feel, and added lateral stability make it feel like a genuine new Clifton rather than a repackaged old one.
Ride:Slightly softer once broken in versus the Clifton 9; same compression-molded EVA midsole (no super-critical foam). Offers a bit more lateral stability. 8mm drop is a meaningful change from prior 5mm.
In their words: "it's a little bit softer" · "more stability on the lateral side" · "still that heritage shoe"
Brooks Ghost v17 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .
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The best Ghost Kofuzi has tried since the Ghost Max 1 — a welcome update with a more modern 10mm drop, softer-feeling DNA Loft v3, and helpful flex grooves, though still slightly firm and annoyingly bumped to $150.
Ride:New DNA Loft v3 feels softer than last year's version but still a touch firm for a daily trainer. Stable, predictable, good roll-off. Flex grooves make an otherwise plank-like shoe more flexible. Light stability elements under the arch are noticeable but not obtrusive.
Fit:True to size; available in regular, wide, and extra wide widths. Tongue feels slightly short but not bothersome on the run.
In their words: "very stable for me" · "a little bit more firm than I'd prefer" · "kind of like plank like on the bottom"
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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"
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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"
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A surprisingly snappier, almost stable-neutral daily trainer with better heel transition and more versatility than past Ghosts, despite gaining weight.
Ride:Snappier, stiffer forefoot than prior Ghosts with a smooth heel transition via a lateral bevel; feels lower than its 10 mm drop and borderline stable neutral thanks to midsole sidewalls/bucket.
Fit:Lower volume, snugger and a little narrower than the 16; thick heel padding with a stiffer counter that may bother sensitive Achilles but breaks in.
In their words: "a totally different shoe" · "way more aggressive" · "a much snappier shoe"
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 v10 if
- Neutral runners wanting a balanced, protective daily trainer and long-run shoe with a touch of softness and bounce — The Run Testers
- New runners or those wanting a reliable, stable, comfortable daily trainer for easy miles and long runs — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a single cushioned daily trainer that can handle easy miles, progression runs, and mild tempo efforts — The Run Testers
- A versatile work/life/running/gym shoe for people on their feet all day who also want to do easy miles up to around 8 miles. — FORDY RUNS
- Cushioned daily training and easy miles for a wide range of runners, including newer runners. — The Run Testers
- Easy-paced daily miles and long runs, especially for runners who prefer a firmer ride or liked the Novablast 4. — The Run Testers
Consider the Brooks Ghost v17 if
- Runners wanting a plush daily trainer with a hint of stability — Run Moore
- 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
- 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
- Beginner to intermediate runners looking for a reliable, stable, versatile cushioned daily trainer at good value — The Run Testers
- Everyday runners wanting a versatile, well-built daily trainer. — FORDY RUNS
- A versatile, reasonably priced daily trainer for runners wanting one pair to handle running, walking, and all-day wear. — Believe in the Run