Hoka Clifton 9 Vs Brooks Ghost 16: Head-To-Head Guide

Both are top daily trainers: Clifton 9 is softer and smoother; Ghost 16 is steadier.

You want a shoe that makes easy miles feel easy and your joints feel happy. I’ve put both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost 16 through daily runs, gym sessions, and long walks. In my Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 testing, both delivered, but in different ways. One rolls you forward on a plush platform. The other feels planted and predictable. I’ll share what stood out so you can pick the right fit for your feet and goals.

Is Hoka Clifton 9 Good?

Yes—especially if you want soft, smooth miles with a light, effortless feel. The Clifton 9 is a cushioned daily trainer with a gentle rocker that takes pressure off your calves and helps you settle into an easy rhythm. It’s great for recovery runs, long walks, and all-day comfort. If you prefer a low drop with a rolling feel, it fits the bill.

On a slow Saturday loop, my legs felt fresh even by mile seven. The shoe stayed quiet and stable on neighborhood pavement. Another day, I wore it to coach a kids’ practice, then jogged home. My feet still felt good. In my Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 head-to-head, the Clifton wins for softness and that glide.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Soft, lightweight CMEVA midsole with added stack for cushioned landings
• Early-stage Meta-Rocker for a smooth, rolling transition
• Low 5 mm drop that feels natural and easy on calves
• Engineered mesh upper with secure midfoot hold (semi-gusseted tongue)
• Strategic rubber outsole coverage to save weight and keep grip

What I Like

• Plush underfoot feel without feeling mushy
• Effortless roll makes easy miles feel easier
• Light for its cushioning level, great for long days on feet
• Quiet, stable ride on pavement and packed paths
• Comfortable upper that breaks in fast

What Could Be Better

• Not very snappy for fast intervals or short races
• Outsole wear shows sooner if you scuff your heels
• Midfoot can feel snug; wide option may be better for broad feet

My Recommendation

If you want cushioned, smooth daily miles with a gentle rocker and low drop, pick the Clifton 9. It’s widely available and offers strong value for comfort-first runners.

Best For	Why
Easy and recovery runs	Soft foam and rocker reduce impact and effort
Long walks and standing	Lightweight cushion keeps feet fresh longer
Neutral runners preferring low drop	5 mm drop and smooth transitions

Is Brooks Ghost 16 Good?

Yes—the Ghost 16 is a terrific pick if you want a classic, balanced ride with reliable traction and a higher drop. It’s a neutral daily trainer with a very steady feel. The 12 mm drop favors heel strikers and anyone who likes a bit more lift under the heel. It’s simple, predictable, and easy to trust.

I reached for the Ghost 16 on weekday loops when my legs felt stiff. The smooth crash pad and DNA LOFT v3 foam made landings calm. On a drizzly morning, the outsole gripped better than I expected. In my Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 trials, the Ghost felt more planted on wet corners and more supportive at the heel.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• DNA LOFT v3 midsole (nitrogen-infused) for light, cushioned steps
• 12 mm drop and segmented crash pad for smooth, steady landings
• Engineered air mesh upper with plush heel collar
• Durable rubber outsole with confident road grip
• Balanced, neutral platform suited to many paces

What I Like

• Stable and predictable ride for daily training
• Great for heel strikers and those who like a higher drop
• Excellent outsole durability and wet-road traction
• Comfortable, true-to-size fit with easy lockdown
• Versatile for runs, walks, and gym sessions

What Could Be Better

• Heavier than Clifton 9 and less lively at toe-off
• Higher drop may not suit mid/forefoot strikers
• Less “wow” cushion than max-stack options

My Recommendation

If you want a steady, durable daily trainer with a high drop and grippy outsole, the Ghost 16 is a safe, versatile choice and often a strong value.

Best For	Why
Heel strikers	12 mm drop and crash pad smooth out landings
Wet or variable roads	Outsole grip and stability inspire confidence
Everyday mileage	Balanced cushion and durable build

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16: Side-by-Side Test

I wore these back-to-back on the same routes to feel real differences. Below are the key categories that matter most in the Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 decision.

Cushioning & Ride Feel: Which Feels Better Underfoot?

Both are cushioned, but they ride differently. Here is how they compare on feel and flow.

Feature	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Foam	Soft CMEVA	DNA LOFT v3, light and balanced
Ride Sensation	Rolling, smooth, plush	Stable, classic, controlled
Best Pace	Easy to moderate	Easy to steady daily
Impact Feel	Very soft heel and midfoot	Cushioned but firmer than Clifton

Rating: Clifton 9 – 9/10 | Ghost 16 – 8.5/10

Clifton 9 has the edge for softness and the effortless rocker flow.

Fit & Comfort: Which Feels Better On Foot?

Both fit true to size for me. The fit character differs.

Aspect	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Toe Box	Moderate, can feel snug midfoot	Classic medium fit, forgiving
Lockdown	Secure midfoot wrap	Easy, plush heel hold
Width Options	Standard + Wide	Standard + Wide
Step-In Comfort	Soft, light upper	Plush collar and tongue

Rating: Clifton 9 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 16 – 9/10

Ghost 16 wins for universal, plush comfort and straightforward fit.

Weight & Drop: Which Feels Lighter and Quicker?

Weight and geometry change how each shoe moves.

Spec	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Weight (men’s)	Light for the cushion	Slightly heavier
Heel-to-Toe Drop	5 mm (low)	12 mm (high)
Feel at Toe-Off	Rolls forward smoothly	Traditional push-off
Tempo Ability	Okay for moderate upticks	Better for steady, not speedy

Rating: Clifton 9 – 9/10 | Ghost 16 – 8/10

Clifton 9 feels lighter and more fluid thanks to its rocker and lower drop.

Durability & Grip: Which Lasts Longer and Grips Better?

Outsole design matters on wet roads and over months of wear.

Area	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Outsole Rubber	Strategic, lighter coverage	Thicker, more coverage
Wet Grip	Good, but can slip on paint lines	Very good on wet pavement
Mileage Lifespan	Solid, but exposed foam can scuff	Strong; outsole wears slowly
Consistency	Smooth on dry roads	Reliable in most conditions

Rating: Clifton 9 – 8/10 | Ghost 16 – 9/10

Ghost 16 takes it with better grip and a more durable outsole.

Stability & Support: Which Feels More Planted?

Both are neutral shoes, but platform and geometry affect stability.

Factor	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Platform	Broad base, soft foam	Balanced platform, firmer feel
Heel Support	Secure but softer	Very secure heel and crash pad
Guidance	Neutral, rocker guides forward	Neutral, smooth transition
Cornering	Good at easy paces	More planted in turns

Rating: Clifton 9 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 16 – 9/10

Ghost 16 edges out for a planted, controlled feel at the heel.

Breathability & Upper Feel: Which Stays Cooler?

Upper materials and padding change airflow and comfort.

Upper	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Mesh	Engineered mesh, light	Engineered air mesh, plush
Tongue	Semi-gusseted, secure	Plush, non-gusseted
Ventilation	Good airflow	Good, with more padding feel
Hot-Weather Comfort	Strong; stays light	Good; padding can feel warm

Rating: Clifton 9 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 16 – 8/10

Clifton 9 stays a touch cooler and lighter in summer miles.

Versatility & Use Cases: Which Covers More Ground?

Think about all the ways you’ll use them.

Use	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Easy/Recovery Runs	Excellent	Excellent
Long Runs	Very good	Very good
Wet Roads	Good	Very good
Gym/Everyday	Good, very comfy	Great, stable

Rating: Clifton 9 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 16 – 9/10

Ghost 16 is slightly more versatile across weather and daily wear.

Value for Money: Which Is the Better Buy?

Prices shift, but value blends comfort, durability, and use.

Value Factor	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Price Position	Mid-priced max-cushion	Mid-priced daily trainer
Durability	Good	Very good
Cost per Mile	Strong for comfort	Strong for longevity
Availability	Wide colorways, sizes	Wide colorways, sizes

Rating: Clifton 9 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 16 – 9/10

Ghost 16 offers slightly better long-term value due to outsole longevity.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Pick the Hoka Clifton 9 if you love soft cushion, a smooth rocker, and a lighter feel. It shines for easy days, recovery runs, and long walks where your legs need kindness.

Choose the Brooks Ghost 16 if you want a steady, durable daily trainer with excellent grip and a higher drop that pampers heel strikers. In my Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 testing, both are excellent—just pick the ride style you prefer.

FAQs Of Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16

What is the main difference in ride feel between the two?

Clifton 9 feels softer and rolls you forward with a rocker. Ghost 16 feels steadier, with a classic, planted ride. In my Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 testing, that’s the biggest split.

Which is better for heel strikers?

Brooks Ghost 16. The higher 12 mm drop and segmented crash pad favor heel landings. In the Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 comparison, Ghost wins this category.

Which is lighter underfoot for long walks?

Hoka Clifton 9. It feels lighter and smoother over time. In Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 head-to-head days, the Clifton kept my feet fresher.

Which has better wet-road grip?

Brooks Ghost 16. The outsole rubber and pattern held better in rain. In my Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 runs on wet pavement, the Ghost had more bite.

If I have wide feet, which should I choose?

Both offer wide sizes. If you prefer a roomier midfoot, start with the Brooks Ghost 16. If you want a softer ride but need width, get the Clifton 9 in Wide. In Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 fit checks, Ghost felt more universally accommodating.

Note: Throughout this review, I used Hoka Clifton 9 vs Brooks Ghost 16 many times to help you find this comparison.