Brooks Ghost Max 4 vs HOKA Clifton 11

Ghost Max 4 or Clifton 11? 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, smooth cushion that’s easy to run in? Get the Ghost Max 4.

Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.

Get the Ghost Max 4 if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)

Get the Clifton 11 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)
• You need an extra-wide width

On the run

Ghost Max 4: Big, smooth, beginner-friendly cushion. Smooth and predictable, with a rocker that rolls you through each stride. The ride is on the firm side with little bounce, but it’s stable and protective.

Clifton 11: The soft cruiser, refined. The same soft, steady Clifton ride. It’s comfortable and consistent rather than bouncy, and a new insole and a more flexible forefoot make it a touch smoother than the 10.

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 4. True to size with a plush upper and a thick, padded tongue. It’s lower over the toes and snugger than the Ghost Max 3. Wide available.

Clifton 11. True to size. Reviewers find the forefoot roomier than the 10’s, but lab measurements show the toebox still narrows to a point at the very front. Wide and extra-wide available.

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 4 · Shop the Clifton 11 · Compare other running shoes