Brooks Ghost 16 vs Hoka Clifton 9
Brooks Ghost 16 vs Hoka Clifton 9: Which daily trainer is right for you? We compare comfort, durability, and value to find the definitive winner.
Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two titans of the daily trainer world. In one corner, we have the Brooks Ghost 16 , the latest evolution of a legendary workhorse known for its balanced comfort and unwavering reliability. In the other, the Hoka Clifton 9 , a maximalist icon celebrated for its cloud-like cushioning and lightweight ride.
Spec Snapshot
| Spec | Brooks Ghost 16 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Retail Price (USD) | $140 | $145 |
| Amazon Price Range | $99.95 - $140.00 (as of June 24, 2025) | Not Available |
| Weight | 278 g | 248 g |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Fit Advice | Fits true to size for most, but some users recommend going up half a size if you have a wider foot. | Generally fits true to size in length. Some women found it slightly longer than Clifton 8. Standard width is often narrow; wide (2E/D) sizing recommended for many. Low-volume feet might consider half-size down from usual Hoka size. |
Green text indicates the better figure..
Decision Matrix Showdown
| Scenario ↓ / Sneaker → | Brooks Ghost 16 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Urban | ||
| Comfort | ✓ good | ✓ Excellent (5/5) |
| Breathability | ✓ good | ✓ Very Good (4/5) |
| Rain Grip | average | ✓ Good (3/5 - Standard adequate, GTX better) |
| Style Score | average | ✓ Very Good (4/5 - Athleisure trend) |
| Office Casual | ||
| Comfort | ✓ good | ✓ Excellent (5/5) |
| Breathability | ✓ good | ✓ Very Good (4/5) |
| Rain Grip | ✗ poor | N/A |
| Style Score | average | ✓ Very Good (4/5 - Athleisure trend) |
| Light Sport / Gym | ||
| Comfort | ✓ good | ✓ Excellent (5/5 - for cardio) |
| Breathability | ✓ good | ✓ Very Good (4/5) |
| Rain Grip | average | N/A |
| Style Score | ✓ good | ✓ Good (3/5 - Acceptable gym aesthetic) |
✓ = Good ○ = Average ✗ = Poor N/A = Not Applicable. Highlighted values/icons indicates the better performer for that criterion.
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Based on the scenarios above, check live pricing and customer reviews to make your final decision.
Brooks Ghost 16
Top PickHoka Clifton 9
AlternativeComfort & Fit
Comfort is subjective, but in this matchup, there's a clear philosophical divide. The Hoka Clifton 9 is built around a single idea: maximal cushioning. The Brooks Ghost 16 aims for a more balanced, traditional comfort that works for a wide range of runners.
The Hoka Clifton 9 features a tall stack of reformulated CMEVA foam that delivers an incredibly soft, "pillowy" experience. It’s the kind of shoe you put on and immediately say "ahhh." The trade-off is that its standard width is notoriously narrow, particularly in the midfoot and toe box. Many users find that going for the wide (2E) version is a necessity. As one reviewer on Zappos noted, it feels like "Walking on air," capturing the essence of its appeal. However, another buyer from a running forum lamented, "The toe box is too narrow (standard width)," a common refrain that can be a deal-breaker.
The Brooks Ghost 16 , on the other hand, provides a more conventional sense of comfort with its nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole. It’s soft, but not mushy, providing a protective feel without completely detaching you from the ground. It accommodates a wider variety of foot shapes out of the box and is available in multiple widths. A happy customer on the Brooks website praised it: "This pair of Ghost 16 is by far the best pair of Brooks I have owned. Incredible support, responsiveness and great looking." Still, it’s not perfect for everyone. One user found the fit unforgiving, stating, "The shoe felt unusually tight and narrow. So much so that I did not even attempt a run in them."
Round Winner: Hoka Clifton 9.
While the fit can be tricky, for those it works for (especially in wide sizes), the sheer plushness and cloud-like cushioning are unmatched in this comparison. It simply delivers a more luxurious feeling underfoot for walking and easy runs.
Who Should Choose?
Brooks Ghost 16
- A neutral runner looking for a dependable daily trainer.
- A heel striker who can benefit from the 12mm heel-to-toe drop.
- A walker or individual on their feet for long periods who values durability.
- A runner who prioritizes a soft but balanced and reliable ride over a mushy one.
Hoka Clifton 9
- A runner who prioritizes the highest level of cushioning and comfort above all else.
- A beginner runner seeking a very forgiving and protective shoe.
- Prone to joint pain and need maximum impact absorption.
- An avid walker or someone standing all day (e.g., healthcare workers) who can find a good fit.
- Looking for a versatile shoe that doubles as a trendy casual sneaker.
Final Verdict
So, who takes the crown? After a blow-by-blow analysis, the Brooks Ghost 16 emerges as the overall winner and the smarter purchase for most dedicated runners. Its combination of balanced comfort, workhorse performance, and—most critically—outstanding durability makes it a trustworthy partner for the long haul. It does its job without fuss and will reliably carry you through hundreds of miles.
The Hoka Clifton 9 wins the battle for immediate, luxurious comfort and style. If you want a shoe that feels like a pillow for walking, recovery runs, or long days on your feet, and you're willing to risk the potential durability issues, the Clifton 9's ride is undeniably seductive. But for a consistent training companion, the Ghost 16 stands tall as the more sensible, reliable champion.
Ready to Shop? Check Latest Prices
Based on our comprehensive analysis, here are our top picks. Compare prices and read reviews on Amazon.
Brooks Ghost 16
Our top recommendation based on expert analysis
Hoka Clifton 9
Great alternative for specific needs
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