Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Brooks Ghost 18 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 18: 49% of 92 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 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 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 18 if
  • ✓Runners upgrading from the Ghost 17
  • ✓People on their feet through long work shifts
  • ✓Wide or flat feet needing a roomier toe box
  • ✓Runners wanting a firm, versatile daily trainer
Skip it if
  • Runners who want a soft, plush ride
  • People with low arches or narrow-instep issues
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 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 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 18 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the Brooks Ghost 18 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 18: 49% of 92 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the Brooks Ghost 18?

Owners point the Brooks Ghost 18 at runners upgrading from the Ghost 17, and people on their feet through long work shifts.

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 18 is heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle. For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.