HOKA Clifton 11 vs Brooks Ghost 18
Clifton 11 or Ghost 18? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.
Want the classic Ghost ride with a comfier upper? Get the Ghost 18.
Get the Clifton 11 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (6mm more at the heel)
- You prefer a lower drop (8mm vs 10mm)
Get the Ghost 18 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm vs 8mm)
- You need a narrow width
On the run
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.
Ghost 18: The classic, steady trainer. Moderately cushioned, steady and grounded. There’s no dramatic rocker or bounce, just a natural, familiar ride for easy and steady miles.
Specs side by side
| Clifton 11 | Ghost 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $154.95 | $149.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 42 / 34mm* | 36 / 26mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 10mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.97 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.34 oz | 9.2 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 350–450 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
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.
Ghost 18. True to size with a secure heel. It’s roomier than older Ghosts, but the forefoot still tapers, so wider feet should take the wide. Narrow through 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 Clifton 11 · Shop the Ghost 18 · Compare other running shoes