Running Shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Brooks Ghost 16 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 16: 45% of 67 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Brooks Ghost 16

45%of 67 owners recommend
45% recommend · 10% neutral · 45% don't
Owners praise
  • Comfortable, plush ride with no hotspots
  • Holds up well over high mileage
  • Solid, supportive daily trainer
Owners complain about
  • Causes blisters, sore knees or arch pain
  • Tight, narrow fit that runs poorly
  • Feels worse and made differently than previous Ghosts
Full owner report →

Hoka Clifton 9

38%of 24 owners recommend
38% recommend · 33% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Very comfortable with plush cushioning
  • Great for long runs and easy daily miles
  • Comfortable for walking and all-day wear
Owners complain about
  • Not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace
  • Cushioning wears out and feels dead quickly
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Brooks Ghost 16 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a plush, supportive daily trainer
  • ✓People on their feet all day needing cushioning
  • ✓Road runners mixing easy miles and speed intervals
Skip it if
  • Wide-footed runners (narrow forefoot causes blisters)
  • Fans of the Ghost 15 who dislike the reworked fit
Get the Hoka Clifton 9 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles
  • ✓Walkers and retail workers on their feet all day
  • ✓Long-distance runners valuing stability and rocker feel
  • ✓Wide-foot runners who benefit from the wide option
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting a fast, responsive shoe
  • Those bothered by a high heel collar rubbing the Achilles

What Brooks Ghost 16 owners say

“the ghost and adrenaline shoes by brooks have saved me”
— @Mackham63 on YouTube
“This shoe is not given enough credit for how well it performs *in what it is good at*”
— @aconcernedcitizen1 on YouTube
“The Ghost is so outdated compared to modern daily trainers”
— @ianpshuffles on YouTube

What Hoka Clifton 9 owners say

“Hoka Clifton 9 are so good I have 2 pairs in different colors.”
— @agendasurf8604 on YouTube
“I just got some and LOVE THE CLIFTON!”
— @danielsiminski5878 on YouTube
“These are a absolute nightmare if you have flat feet and unwearable”
— @LAdogg4545 on YouTube

Brooks Ghost 16 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the Brooks Ghost 16 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 16: 45% of 67 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the Brooks Ghost 16?

Owners point the Brooks Ghost 16 at runners wanting a plush, supportive daily trainer, and people on their feet all day needing cushioning.

Who should get the Hoka Clifton 9?

Owners point the Hoka Clifton 9 at runners wanting a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles, and walkers and retail workers on their feet all day.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Brooks Ghost 16 is causes blisters, sore knees or arch pain. For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.