Brooks Ghost 17 vs HOKA Clifton 10
Ghost 17 or Clifton 10? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a dependable shoe for almost any run? Get the Ghost 17.
Want soft, forgiving everyday miles? Get the Clifton 10.
Get the Ghost 17 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
- You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm vs 8mm)
Get the Clifton 10 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (5.5mm more at the heel)
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You need a roomier fit
On the run
Ghost 17: The no-surprises workhorse. Balanced cushioning that’s a touch firm, with a little bounce and a flexible forefoot. It won’t wow you. It just works, run after run.
Clifton 10: The soft, easygoing cruiser. Cushioned and forgiving, with a gentle rocker that rolls you through each step. It’s happiest at relaxed paces and starts to feel heavy if you push it into workouts.
Specs side by side
| Ghost 17 | Clifton 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.95 (was $140) | $103.95 (was $155) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 36.5 / 26.5mm* | 42 / 34mm* |
| Drop | 10mm* | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.1 oz* | 9.8 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.9 oz* | 8.8 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Ghost 17. True to size but fitted: the toebox tapers and the instep is low, so loosen the laces if your midfoot is sensitive. Narrow through extra-wide.
Clifton 10. True to size with a moderate toebox, wider than the Clifton 9, and a padded collar that holds the heel well. Comes in wide and extra-wide.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Ghost 17 · Shop the Clifton 10 · Compare other running shoes