Brooks Ghost 18 vs HOKA Clifton 10.
Two everyday road trainers with different approaches to cushioning and geometry. Compare fit, drop, and purpose.
Shortlist the Ghost 18 if you want a conventional daily road trainer with several width options. Try the Clifton 10 if HOKA’s rocker-led daily design appeals. Fit and preferred geometry are more useful deciding factors than choosing a universal winner.
Brooks Ghost 18
A considered starting point for everyday road miles, with a familiar cushioned design and a generous choice of widths.
- Use
- Daily road running
- Cushioning
- DNA LOFT v3
- Heel-to-toe drop
- 10 mm
- Listed weight
- 289.2 g / 10.2 oz
- Reference
- Men’s model · manufacturer-listed weight
- Upper
- Engineered air mesh
HOKA Clifton 10
A cushioned daily trainer with HOKA’s MetaRocker design and an easy-to-understand everyday running brief.
- Use
- Everyday road running
- Cushioning
- CMEVA midsole
- Heel-to-toe drop
- 8 mm
- Listed weight
- 277.83 g
- Reference
- Men’s model · manufacturer-listed weight
- Geometry
- Smooth MetaRocker
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The decision that matters.
Both belong in an everyday road-shoe fitting session. Start with the platform: compare the Ghost’s 10 mm drop with the Clifton’s 8 mm drop, then jog in both if possible. Choose the shape that holds your foot comfortably and the transition that feels natural. The linked HOKA source is New Zealand; the Brooks shop link opens its US collection.
Fit is the deciding test.
Try both with your usual running socks and insoles. Look for toe room, secure heel hold, and an upper that supports the foot comfortably while you move. There is no need to force a fit because one brand has a feature you like on paper.
Use our fitting checklist ↗Your questions, answered.
Which one should I choose?
Shortlist the Ghost 18 if you want a conventional daily road trainer with several width options. Try the Clifton 10 if HOKA’s rocker-led daily design appeals. Fit and preferred geometry are more useful deciding factors than choosing a universal winner.
Should I choose by the listed weight alone?
No. Manufacturer-listed weights use reference sizes and can vary. Compare purpose, fit, geometry, and your preferred feel before using weight as a deciding detail.