Brooks Ghost Max 3 vs HOKA Clifton 10

Ghost Max 3 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 big cushion with a smooth rocker? Get the Ghost Max 3.

Want soft, forgiving everyday miles? Get the Clifton 10.

Get the Ghost Max 3 if

• You’d like a little less squish underfoot
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)

Get the Clifton 10 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more foam underfoot (3mm more at the heel)
• You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
• You like a less rigid forefoot

On the run

Ghost Max 3: Big cushion, easy rolling. Tall, steady cushioning with a pronounced rocker that rolls you along. It’s comfortable on long days, though it doesn’t feel especially springy.

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

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 Max 3. True to size with a rounder, roomier toebox than the regular Ghost. No break-in needed. Wide and extra-wide available.

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 Max 3 · Shop the Clifton 10 · Compare other running shoes