When you’re investing in a new pair of running shoes, there’s a lot to consider. We all have different builds, foot types, and natural running gaits. Choosing a pair that’s right for you is important to prevent injuries, make your runs feel comfortable, and help you reach your training goals.
After thoroughly analyzing the top running shoe brands, our team found that HOKA and Brooks running shoes stand out as top options. In this article, we’ll break down the best HOKA shoes and best Brooks shoes based on common running goals, including:
We’ll compare the top shoes in each category head-to-head to give you a better idea of which shoes are best for your needs. Stick around for all the information.
Daily Trainers: HOKA Clifton 11 vs. Brooks Ghost 18
The HOKA Clifton 11 and Brooks Ghost 18 are both top-tier daily trainers. They offer comfort and versatility for a variety of running styles. Let’s compare their features to help you decide which one suits your needs.
HOKA Clifton 11
The HOKA Clifton 11 is a lightweight daily trainer at 9.97 oz for men’s shoes and 8.34 oz for women’s shoes. It features a comfortable EVA foam midsole that’s very durable and resistant to compression, keeping your strides feeling responsive and bouncy off the ground. This thicker midsole is great if you run longer distances since it’s durable and remains stable throughout your workout.
It also has a MetaRocker design (curved sole) that eases the transition from heel to toe when your foot hits the ground and a lightweight mesh design in the upper layer to keep your feet cool and fresh.
While previous Clifton iterations featured a low drop, the Clifton 11 has an 8 mm drop, bringing it closer to the Ghost 18’s 10 mm drop. This helps prevent the heel from compressing too quickly, while adding some extra protection in the heel for both midfoot and heel strikers.
Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost 18 is the slightly heavier shoe at 10.2 oz for men’s and 9.2 oz for women’s. Like the Clifton, it has a very soft and durable midsole that will keep your feet cushioned and stable throughout your workouts.
One of the advantages of this shoe is that it features a RoadTrack rubber outsole that performs better on varied terrains and in different weather conditions. So, this could be the better choice if you run in many different places or live in a climate where your weather conditions change often.
As mentioned in the previous section, this shoe also has a higher heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm. A higher drop will allow for more heel striking in your natural running stride since there’s extra cushioning under your heel to absorb the impact. However, some say that heel striking will slow down your overall cadence and running speed, including some studies that say those who heel strike less tend to perform better in competitive races, so there’s some give and take here.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Clifton 11 vs. Brooks Ghost 18
Overall, both these shoes perform well for all types of running, from uptempo intervals to longer distances, so you’ll be in good shape no matter which one you choose.
The HOKA Clifton 11 will be better for those who want to adopt a more natural midfoot or forefoot strike, especially when trying to pick up your pace. It also feels a bit softer underfoot for more comfort on longer runs.
On the other hand, the Brooks Ghost 18 is a little better for those who heel strike more often or when you run on varied terrains. Higher drop shoes such as the Ghost 18 can also place more stress on the knees and hips, while lower drop shoes place more of the impact on the lower body such as calves and the achilles, so you may want to consider past injuries when deciding between these two daily trainers.
Speed Trainers: HOKA Mach 7 vs. Brooks Glycerin Flex
When it comes to speed-focused running shoes, both the HOKA Mach and Brooks Glycerin Flex offer responsive, lightweight designs ideal for tempo runs, speedwork, and picking up the pace. Here’s a full head-to-head comparison to determine which one you should choose.
HOKA Mach 7
The HOKA Mach 7 is the lighter weight, more responsive option between these two speed trainers. Like the HOKA Clifton 11 we covered before, the Mach 7 features a durable and responsive EVA foam midsole. It’ll add a nice bounce to your step, which works well for speed training and allows you to mix in some longer daily runs.
The versatility is also enhanced by its durabrasion rubber outsole, which is very sturdy for long-term use on multiple terrains. This shoe also has a great mesh upper layer that keeps it breathable and flexible.
The primary difference between this shoe and the Brooks Hyperion Max is that the HOKA Mach 7 is a little lighter and lower profile, at 8.37 oz for men’s shoes and 7.15 oz for women’s shoes. It also has a low heel-to-toe drop of 5 mm, which is best for natural midfoot or forefoot strikes.
Brooks Glycerin Flex
The Brooks Glycerin Flex is a great option when you want a versatile speedwork shoe that can easily carry over to other types of runs.
One of the features that stands out about these shoes for speed training is their nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned midsole. The foam in these midsoles is infused with nitrogen gas during production. It creates a very lightweight and responsive feeling that returns great energy on the rebound of each stride.
This shoe also features a remarkably flexible design that promotes natural movement and a 6mm drop for more natural landings compared to other Brooks shoes. While it’s relatively light for the amount of cushion, the Glycerin Flex is slightly heavier than the Hoka Mach 7 at 9.1oz for men’s shoes and 8 oz for women’s shoes.
The one downside for some is the cushioning in these feels a bit stiffer. That extra stiffness is meant to help the shoe snap back quickly after bending when you’re running fast and striking your feet harder on each stride. However, it can make the shoe less versatile on longer runs for those who prefer softer landings.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Mach 7 vs. Brooks Glycerin Flex
Overall, both these shoes perform well for speed training. If you want something lighter and more geared towards dedicated speed training, the HOKA Mach 7 might be the better choice. However, for a versatile and cushioned shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Glycerin Flex.
Race Day Shoes: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 vs. Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
For race day, both the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 and Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 are designed to deliver speed and performance. Still, each has a unique approach to maximizing runner efficiency and propulsion during competition.
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
The HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 stands out as the better long-distance race day shoe.
It has great features like a soft and responsive PEBA foam midsole paired with a carbon fiber plate that increases the bending stiffness of the midsole to keep you propelling forward. Many runners choose carbon plate shoes on race day since their ability to quickly snap back after bending helps promote energy return off the ground after each stride.
This shoe’s smooth transition from stride to stride is enhanced by its curved sole, which eases the transition from heel to toe.
The shoe’s compression-molded outsole also provides excellent grip, giving you confidence in all race-day weather conditions.
Overall, this shoe excels in energy return and adds a bounce to each step that’s great for managing fatigue on long runs like marathons and half-marathons. That said, it’s a little heavier than the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 at 7.52 oz for unisex shoes, so it’s not quite as good for shorter or more fast-paced races.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
When you need a shoe that performs well in shorter races like 5Ks or 10Ks, the lightweight Brooks Hyperion Elite is a terrific option.
These unisex shoes come in at a light average weight of 6.8 oz.
The SpeedVault+ carbon plate and 100% PEBA DNA GOLD midsole feel a bit firmer and don’t have as much bounce as the HOKA Cielo X1. However, that extra firmness can lend itself well to faster-paced efforts in shorter races where you’re pushing to get the most out of each stride.
Like the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0, it has a curved sole to ease the transition from heel to toe on each stride. And while the outsole on the Hyperion Elite 6 performs well, it’s not quite as good as the one on the Cielo X1 3.0 when running on varied terrain or in different weather conditions.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 vs. Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
Overall, while both are great options for race-day shoes, the length of the race you’re competing in can help you decide which one’s best for you.
The HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 is better served for longer-distance marathon or half-marathon runners.
On the other hand, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 is a better option for shorter 5Ks or 10Ks or for runners who prefer more stable landings.
Max Cushioned Shoes: HOKA Bondi 9 vs. Brooks Glycerin 23
When it comes to max-cushioned shoes, the HOKA Bondi 9 and Brooks Glycerin 23 are top choices for runners seeking plush comfort, especially on long runs or recovery days. Let’s take a closer look at how these two models compare.
HOKA Bondi 9
The HOKA Bondi 9 is best known for its soft EVA midsole and maximalist cushioning. This extra-soft foam underfoot provides great comfort and impact absorption on each foot strike. It also has a curved sole that keeps you propelling forward on each stride.
Despite the high platform, the Bondi feels very stable and reliable underfoot. It features an extended heel, wide base, and raised sidewalls to keep you feeling secure and locked in place through every step.
While the shoe itself is relatively heavy for a daily trainer – 10.5 oz for men’s shoes and 9.3 oz for women’s – the lightweight and breathable mesh upper layer and grooves in the midsole help reduce any excess weight. And with a low 5 mm drop, this is a great choice for those who want to emphasize a mid or forefoot strike during recovery runs or slower long-distance runs.
Brooks Glycerin 23
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a slightly stiffer, more streamlined shoe that’s ideal for runners who want a stable platform and more responsive cushioning.
It weighs 10.6 oz for men’s shoes and 9.5 oz for women’s shoes and features a DNA Tuned midsole foam that’s not quite as soft but has a bit more responsiveness than the Bondi 9.
When you try on the Brooks Glycerin 23, you’ll notice it’s a bit narrower and doesn’t have as much support around the sides of the foot as the Bondi 9. However, it’s a bit more flexible to allow for more versatile or faster-paced training.
The Glycerin 23 also has a higher drop of 8 mm to absorb more impact for those who tend to heel strike.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Bondi 9 vs. Brooks Glycerin 23
Overall, the HOKA Bondi 9 is a great choice for those who want soft and supportive shoes. It’s especially great for longer distances or recovery runs.
However, if you want something a little more responsive when you pick up the pace, the Brooks Glycerin 23 is a great choice.
Trail Running Shoes: HOKA Speedgoat 7 vs. Brooks Cascadia 20
For trail runners, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 and Brooks Cascadia 20 are two of the most reliable shoes, designed to offer support, stability, and traction across varying terrains. Here’s how these two heavyweights of the trail shoe market compare.
HOKA Speedgoat 7
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is a nice lightweight trail shoe that still maintains stability in all terrains. It weighs in at 9.96 oz for men’s shoes and 8.3 oz for women’s shoes.
One of the most notable features of this shoe is its stack height, which is 37 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot (4 mm drop). This is one of the highest stack height trail running shoes on the market, with a similar high stack height to the Cascadia, providing extra cushioning underfoot for rougher terrains.
The super-critical midsole foam in this shoe provides a well-cushioned and stable base. Plus, the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs provides excellent traction on different surfaces and in wet and dry conditions for even more stability and confidence in each stride.
Overall, when you wear these shoes on the trails, you’ll feel locked in and secure, making them ideal for long-distance runs on technical trails. The one downside some people have is they have a narrower fit, so those with wider feet might want to look for something a little roomier.
Brooks Cascadia 20
The Brooks Cascadia 20 is a bit heavier at 10.8 oz for men and 9.7 oz for women, and it has a similar stack height at 38 mm in the heel and 32 mm in the forefoot (6 mm drop).
The Cascadia 20’s midsole has a firmer cushion, resulting in less bounce in each stride than the Speedgoat 7. However, like the Speedgoat, it’s built to handle tough and rugged terrain.
Its built-in TrailAdapt system, along with the lightweight DNA Flash v2 foam, provides lots of support and comfort as you go off-road. The targeted flexibility, broad base, increased stack height, and flexible outsole are designed to protect your foot if you step on a sharp object (such as jagged rocks) on the trail.
Additionally, the Cascadia 20’s upgraded Vibram outsole is very sturdy on all terrain and in wet or dry conditions. Many say the lug pattern even performs better on rugged surfaces like loose gravel than the Speedgoat 7.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Speedgoat 7 vs. Brooks Cascadia 20
Overall, both these shoes perform well for long runs on the trail.
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is better for those who like a lighter shoe with more bounce and responsiveness in each step.
On the other hand, the Brooks Cascadia 20 is a great choice for those wanting something a little more rugged and protective, especially if you plan to run or hike on challenging terrain.
Visit Marathon Sports to Explore and Try on These HOKA and Brooks Running Shoes
Each of the HOKA running shoes and Brooks running shoes covered in this article are available at Marathon Sports.
You can shop via our online store to compare their specs in more detail and get them shipped straight to your doorstep. Or, stop in at one of our retail locations to try them on and explore your options in person. With a wide selection of running shoes from top brands in the industry, we’re confident we’ll have an option that fits your needs.
