Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say
Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 17: 82% of 11 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
82%of 11 owners recommend
82% recommend · 0% neutral · 18% don't
Owners praise
- A dependable, comfortable daily trainer that owners reach for on the majority of their runs
- Plenty of cushioning with a higher stack, often described as crazy soft and easy on the feet
- Handles long runs and half marathons reliably, holding up over a few hundred miles
Owners complain about
- Runs a bit heavy, so owners suggest a faster shoe for racing or speed sessions
- The redesign feels like a different shoe to some longtime Ghost wearers
- Toe box can feel narrow, which was a dealbreaker for a couple of owners
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
What Brooks Ghost 17 owners say
“these shoes are IT”
“Not a shoe to go fast but a fantastic daily trainer.”
“Its like running with a stiff truck tire for a midsole. Its dead, heavy and depressing”— @albertteng1191 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”