Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Brooks Ghost 18 vs Hoka Clifton 10: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 18: 49% of 92 owners recommend it, vs 40% of 128 for the Hoka Clifton 10.

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

Brooks Ghost 18

49%of 92 owners recommend
49% recommend · 22% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Fits noticeably better than the Ghost 17
  • Wider, roomier toebox
  • Comfortable for all-day wear and long shifts
Owners complain about
  • Heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle
  • Ankle pain isn't fixed by sizing up to wide/2E
  • Runs firm, clunky, or low to the ground
Full owner report →

Hoka Clifton 10

40%of 128 owners recommend
40% recommend · 18% neutral · 42% don't
Owners praise
  • Plush, comfortable cushioning
  • Great for walking and daily wear
  • Wider, roomier toe box than Bondi
Owners complain about
  • Poor durability, wears out fast
  • Caused foot, arch and ankle pain
  • Too soft and unstable, heel collapses
Full owner report →

What Brooks Ghost 18 owners say

“Kudos to Brooks for offering various different widths.”
— @UnclPhilly on YouTube
“As a Amazon van driver that runs alot, I give praise to the ghost 18”
— @jamesehlers6994 on YouTube
“I like Brooks, but why are Brooks shoes still so heavy in 2026?”
— @RTB1910 on YouTube

What Hoka Clifton 10 owners say

“me gusta las semsaciiones que son buenas”
— @Khoscorro32 on YouTube
“Very nice shoes and I’ve got the crazy Color one”
— kenny61953 on Reddit
“teniendo Clifton 9 ya no quiero esas 10”
— @diegoglezmad on YouTube