Model comparison
Brooks Ghost vs. Hoka Clifton
Choose the Brooks Ghost if you want a balanced, traditional daily trainer with strong width options. Choose the Hoka Clifton if you prefer a softer, higher-stack ride for easy miles.
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Hoka Clifton 9
Runners who want a lighter maximal cushion feel for easy miles
Spec comparison
| Spec | Brooks Ghost 16 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners who want a smooth, versatile everyday trainer | Runners who want a lighter maximal cushion feel for easy miles |
| Use | Daily road running and easy miles | Cushioned daily road running |
| Fit | Secure midfoot with a generally true-to-size feel; roomy enough for many all-day miles | Roomy toe box relative to many traditional trainers; check width listings |
| Cushioning | Soft-to-balanced daily cushioning | Soft, high-stack daily cushioning |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Weight | Approx. 9–10 oz (men's 9) depending on version | Approx. 8–9 oz (men's 9) depending on version |
| Drop | 12 mm (manufacturer-published for recent Ghost versions) | 5–8 mm depending on version |
| Tradeoff | Not the lightest or softest option if you prefer maximal stack | Tall stack and rockered feel may feel unfamiliar at first |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Choose Brooks Ghost 16 if
- You want a more familiar daily-trainer geometry
- Wide or extra-wide availability matters
- You prefer balanced cushioning over maximal stack
Choose Hoka Clifton 9 if
- You want a softer, taller cushioned ride
- Easy and recovery-style miles are your priority
- You like Hoka’s rockered daily feel
Bottom line
Ghost is the safer all-rounder for many beginners who want predictability and widths. Clifton is the better match when soft stack is the main goal.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for beginners, Ghost or Clifton?
Both work well. If you are unsure, Ghost’s balanced ride and width coverage make it an easy first pick. If you already know you want a soft maximal feel, start with Clifton.
Is Clifton softer than Ghost?
Clifton generally offers a higher-stack, softer daily sensation than Ghost’s more balanced ride, though exact feel varies by version.
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Author: My Running Pair Editorial
Last reviewed: 2026-09-15