Both shoes are designed for neutral feet, daily training, and long runs. Though they are priced similarly, the biggest difference is in the cushioning. Also, Clifton’s midsole uses old-fashioned EVA-Compression, while Ghost shoes are more resilient.
Heel-to-toe drop: Brooks (10mm-12mm), Hoka (5mm-6mm).
Brooks Ghost 14
Hoka Clifton 8
There are a few qualities that work as a barometer. These are the basics of any given running shoe. Such as features like comfort, fit, cushioning, stability, durability, breathability, and traction.
Here, we will go through the basic distinctive characteristics that set them apart from each other. But first, I want to present some of the comparison blogs I created from Hoka Clifton and Brooks Ghost:
- Hoka Mach 5 vs Clifton 8
- Brooks Ghost Vs Hoka Clifton
- Hoka Clifton vs Mach Compared
- Brooks Adrenaline Vs Hoka Arahi
- Hoka Bondi 7 Vs Brooks Glycerin 19
So, let’s dive in the actual comparison and pair you up with a running shoe that suits you best:
The Brooks Ghost Vs The Hoka Clifton
While securing the basics, both Brooks Ghost and the Hoka Clinton both come at the top. But there are a few distinctive features that they both come with. Which actually makes all the difference.
Upper Unit Mesh
The burning heat, while you run, has to have a way to get out. This is exactly why the upper unit meshes exist. The better they are, the better breathability you get.
In the Brooks Ghost, they have an engineered mesh upper. It is a patented technology that ensures its breathable fit and maintains a very lightweight. This material also conforms to the shape of the foot for a comfortable and customized fit.
On the other hand, the Hoka Clifton has an open-engineered mesh. It kind of works the same way as in Brooks. Both are pretty similar in being lightweight and flexible.
Well, finally we can say that the Brooks Ghost mesh system is a little bit more sophisticated than the Hoka Clifton. It is more breathable and more flexible. But Hoka has a better firm fit.
Cushioning
When you’re running, cushioning is what balances your feet and ensured maximum comfort.
In this case, both the Brooks Ghost and the Hoka Clifton come with excellent cushioning.
Brooks’ proprietary DNA Loft cushioning technology does magic in the midsole. This cushioning material provides a soft and plush feel underfoot. But still offers a responsive ride that adapts to the individual needs of each runner.
On the other hand, Hoka Clifton has an EVA midsole. It is a lightweight and responsive cushioning material that ensures the utmost comfort. The specialty about it is the edges, which are a bit stiff and when the feet land the pressure is perfectly balanced throat the whole feet.
Overall, this combination gives the runner a smooth running experience.
Crash Pad
When you run, your feet are bearing two different forces at the same time. One is the weight of your body and the other one is the force when you constantly land with all the energy. So, when you land, a great running shoe provides enough opportunity for shock absorption.
The shoe Brook Ghost features a shock absorber system called the Segmented Crash Pad. This system helps to absorb impact and smooth out the transition from heel to toe, providing a more comfortable and efficient running experience.
On the contrary, the Hoka Clifton series also has a similar feature. Which is an early-stage Meta-Rocker design. It is meant to provide a more natural and efficient toe-off.
While both of them have done a good job in this segment. However, comparing them with each other- the Brook Ghost series offers a better outcome than the Hoka Clifton.
Hoka Clifton 8 Vs Brooks Ghost 14
| Criteria | Highlights |
| Comfort | Brooks Ghost 14 gives the user a softer and more plush feel |
| Balance | Hoka Clifton 8 provides good pressure distribution |
| Fit | Hoka Clifton 8 has a more snug and secure fit |
| Cushioning | Brooks Ghost 14 provides more soft cushioning |
| Stability | Hoka Clifton 8 & Brooks Ghost 14 |
| Durability | Brooks Ghost 14 has a more durable outsole |
| Breathability | Hoka Clifton 8 provides better ventilation. |
Comfort & Balance
The Hoka Clifton 8 and the Brooks Ghost 14 both shoes excel in the race of comfort but in different ways.
Whereas the Brooks Ghost 14 gives the user a softer and more plush feel. The Hoka Clifton 8 is more responsive and supportive.
So naturally, Ghost 14 gives the feet all the comfort and flexibility. On the other hand, Clifton 8 brings comfort but compared to Ghost 14, that comes down. But, the support your feet receives from the Clifton 8 is unparalleled.
Its midsole is designed in a way so that when your feet land, the pressure just distributes throughout the whole sole.
So, Brooks Ghost 14 wins for comfort, whereas the Hoka Clifton thrives for balance.
Fit
Your shoe has to fit you, or otherwise, all the other features won’t be of any help to you. The better fit, the better grip, the better running experience, and the fewer possibilities of injury.
Well, speaking generally- both shoes offer an excellent fit.
Whereas the Brooks Ghost 14 has a more traditional fit. The Hoka Clifton 8 has a wider toe box. This makes them a more suitable choice for people with wider feet.
However, the Hoka Clifton 8 has a more snug and secure fit than the Brooks Ghost 14. Meaning, you will feel like the Hoka Clifton 8 is more like a part of your body than just an accessory.
On the other hand, there is a good chance that the Brooks Ghost 14 in your feet will still have a bit extra room. Specifically, if your feet are not wide in shape.
Cushioning
We have already discussed- cushioning is important for the balance and comfort of a runner.
In this case, we must say the Brooks Ghost 14 provides a bit better cushioning than the Hoka Clifton 8.
The Hoka Clifton 8 has a thicker midsole and a more pronounced rocker shape. This combination provides a very great cushioned ride.
While the Brooks Ghost 14 has a slightly thinner midsole. The technology they use ‘DNA Loft cushioning technology’ makes the cushioning very soft so that the feet almost feel no pressure at all.
Breathability
The breathability of a shoe depends on the design of its upper unit. Shoes with good breathability help to keep the feet cool and dry during running.
While both shoes have excellent mesh designs and even their own invented technology. However, the Hoka Clifton 8 has a more open-engineered mesh upper that provides better ventilation.
While the Brooks Ghost 14 has a more structured mesh upper that offers a more secure fit.
Stability
Good stability saves you from small injuries.
On this point, both shoes offer very good and efficient stability.
The Hoka Clifton 8 features Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology. This technology introduces a smooth and stable ride.
On the other hand, the Brooks Ghost 14 has a segmented crash pad that provides stability and shock absorption.
So, both shoes have features to provide efficient stability and it is almost impossible in this segment to pick a winner. And so, we have decided to make this a tie.
Durability
If a shoe is not durable, it’s not worth the money. And, in this sense, we are ensuring you that both Hoka Clifton 8 and Brooks Ghost 14 are worth every penny.
However, the Brooks Ghost 14 has a more durable outsole and upper material, which may make it more long-lasting than the Hoka Clifton 8.
Final Words
A great running shoe provides a comfortable and secure fit, along with ample cushioning stability, breathability, and durability. Together they protect the feet and joints during running.
These are the criteria, and based upon them we have discussed and compared the Brooks Ghost and the Hoka Clifton series. Both of them are excellent shoes, it’s just that they have differences which may not suit you well but someone else perfectly.
So, first set your requirements, and then follow the lead. Choose the one that will serve you the best and have a good run!