I've Run Over 200 Miles in HOKA Shoes but Tried Brooks for This Review (2024)

I will be honest: I never imagined myself to be a runner. But somewhere between one-mile jogs around the neighborhood and my first 5K, I began to enjoy running. My first ever running shoe was from ASICS but after that, I quickly became a HOKA girlie and have since owned three different styles. However, I often see runners and commuters wearing Brooks sneakers and was tempted enough to road test two styles.

To compare HOKA vs. Brooks once and for all, I teamed up with our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab to summarize the pros and cons of each brand so you can find the best shoe for your needs. We reached out to each brand to ask for their most popular shoes and decided on three HOKA shoes and three Brooks shoes that also performed well in consumer tests.

In the GH Institute, we evaluate women's sneakers of all categories including the best running shoes and walking shoes for women as well as the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and the most comfortable shoes. For this particular story, we evaluated six running shoes (four of which I have personally run in) and paid close attention to differences in cushioning and stability, which is where the two brands differ most.

We outline more differences between the six shoes below, as well as provide testing results on each included style.

HOKA vs. Brooks: Key Differences

Before you click "add to cart" on any pair of running shoes, it's key to do your research. Luckily, we already did that hard work for you so you can compare and contrast with ease. Here's how HOKA and Brooks differentiate among the most important features.

Fit

When it comes to fit, each specific sneaker is a little different but the main difference is that HOKA offers thick cushioning while Brooks provides stability (more on that below). HOKA also offers rocker styles to propel you forward. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour and I both find Brooks shoes to run true to size.

Meanwhile, with HOKA running shoes, it can fluctuate. For example, for my first pair of Cliftons, I went for an 8.5 and they fit well (my shoe size runs between an 8 and and 8.5, but a half size up is comfortable in a pair of running shoes so your toes don't squish against the front). When I sized down to an 8 in my Bondi 8s, they fit but were a little tight, so as expected, an 8.5 would have been a better choice. The exception is that I tried the Arahi 7 in an 8.5 and I found it to run big — I had to wear them with insoles and thicker socks.

Cushioning

As previously mentioned, HOKA is known for its ample cushioning. "This can be helpful if you have joint pain for added relief, but the bulky cushioning can be unstable for older individuals," explains Seymour. On the other hand, Brooks typically have minimal cushioning on most styles and are firmer. I appreciate the cushioning of HOKA shoes when walking long distances and would have lived in the shoes after ballet class if I had owned them years ago. However, they can feel a bit chunky, and while I found my Ghost sneakers to feel hard, they were slimmer.

Stability

You know the drill here. "Brooks shoes offer more stability hands-down," says Seymour who explains this is ideal for a runner with foot pain because the shoe is stiffer and more structured. However, that isn't to say HOKA offers no control at all. Their shoes do offer some stability but it isn't to the same degree as Brooks.

Price

Overall, HOKA tends to be more expensive but both brands are relatively pricey. I find the investment to be worth it as someone who goes on runs two to three times a week and often walks over 10,000 steps a day (#citylife). But if even if I wasn't a runner or enjoyed walking to the grocery store, a cushioned and/or stable shoe can be worth it if your job requires you to be on your feet all day.

Best HOKA and Brooks Running Shoes

SHOP MEN'S

My first HOKA running shoe was an older version of the Clifton and it did me well. I had previously only run in ASICS or Nike running shoes and was surprised by the extra cushion a HOKA shoe offered. It has been written many times before, but I can confirm I felt like I was running on a cloud. "They are very comfortable and have excellent cushioning all around, unlike most sneakers that feel like cushioning is just on the bottom," said one tester.

Since running and walking in the HOKA Bondi 8 and Arahi 7, I tend to prefer the latter two for extra cushioning. But if I were to recommend a HOKA shoe to someone who hasn't tried the brand before, I think the Clifton is a stellar start. GH Assistant Commerce Editor Isabella Cavallo would have to agree. "I used to have the Clifton 8s and I ran over 400 miles in them in total. Hoka's Clifton sneakers will always have my heart," she says.

Testers found the Clifton 9 to be comfortable, supportive and provide good traction. One tester noted the shoe didn't flare up their plantar fasciitis and reported the shoe was supportive even during long periods of exercise. If you plan to do a lot of speedrunning, Cavallo prefers the HOKA Mach X because it's a lighter shoe that will help propel you forward. Other testers found the Clifton to be kind of bulky, which is a typical complaint with HOKA shoes. I find the Clifton to be less bulky than the Bondi 8, though.

Weight: 8.5 oz | Drop: 5 mm

SHOP MEN'S

I have multiple strong runners in my family and when we talk running shoes, Brooks consistently comes out on top as an all-time favorite brand. Our testers took the Ghost 15 (a similar, less updated model) out for a whirl at a moderate speed. All three testers gave perfect scores for comfort and cushioning, as well as top scores for support and traction — great if you aren't afraid of running in the rain. Testers also raved about the breathable lightweight fabric.

"My feet were never sore and I walked A LOT with these," reported one tester, while another added, "I have an issue with a heel spur in my right foot so the cushioning in the shoes helps with the pain as it absorbs to your entire foot." Overall, the Ghost is a versatile everyday shoe you can take on a run or slip on for your commute. One drawback? Testers didn't love the design of this shoe, which is a complaint you will see with Brooks. They may not be the most stylish, but they will keep your feet supported.

If you want even more cushioning, I recommend the Glycerin series. I wore my Ghost shoes for walking over 3 miles around the city but preferred the Glycerin for running weekly jogs in the park. The Ghost is also a solid gym shoe if you primarily work out using weights or incorporate a 1-mile run into your routine. Note that one tester with wider feet found the shoe took a while to break in.

Weight: 1 lb 1 oz | Drop: 12 mm

Best HOKA and Brooks Walking Shoes

SHOP MEN'S

After wearing my Bondi 8s for two 5ks and well over 200 miles, they are definitely ready to retire, but I will miss the shoe's stellar cushioning and may or may not snag another pair. Compared to the Cliftons, these offer even more plush cushioning and are for that very reason a go-to shoe for nurses or any job that requires you to be on your feet for long hours. I find the Bondis to be more stylish too although I wish I got an 8.5 rather than an 8 (they fit, but are a bit snug and needed a little time to break in). However, the chunkier style may not be everyone's taste.

Despite the somewhat controversial chunky design, these are probably one of the most popular shoes I often see on my commute or walk. They are a breathable and lightweight shoe that still provides good support and stability. Another tester with plantar fasciitis described this shoe as a game-changer. Runners who also go on long walks or who are recovering from an injury will appreciate the unparalleled cushioning. I often have shin splints and putting on my Bondis after a day of wearing a poorly supported shoe feels like a breath of fresh air.

Weight: 9 oz | Drop: 4 mm

SHOP MEN'S

HOKA is typically my go-to running shoe brand, but after trying Brooks shoes for this article, I was impressed with how much cushioning the Glycerin 21 offered in comparison to the Ghost. I view this shoe as best of both worlds because it offers enough cushioning to rival HOKA and is still a stable running shoe. I wore it on a 20-minute jog as well as two hikes that were 6 and 9.5 miles — on top of regular wear walking around the city or traveling. Our textile pros included the Glycerin in our guide to the best walking shoes, finding it to be a top shoe for plantar fasciitis thanks to its great arch support and cloud-like cushioning.

"On the days I wear this pair, my feet feel so much more comfortable by the end of the day," wrote one tester. I concur and can report my feet felt more comfortable after wearing these shoes on a 9+ hike than some of my hiking shoes — although note these shoes aren't designed for that type of activity. While I wish I ordered a different color than white (they got dirty quickly), the shoes held up well on rougher terrain and offered good traction during a downpour. However, it did take them three days to dry. One tester also found the shoe to be too bulky.

Weight: 8.8 oz | Drop: 10 mm

Editor Favorite HOKA and Brooks Shoes

SHOP MEN'S

I have not personally tried the HOKA Mach X but it's on my wish list for running sneakers. Popular for long distances and speedrunning, our testers tried the Mach X both outdoors and on the treadmill. The shoes received all-around top scores for every category including cushioning, comfort, traction and fit, with only one tester giving a lower score for support. Multiple testers described the shoes as "springy" thanks to the dense foam and appreciated the shoe's tongue that lays flat and doesn't get tangled with the laces.

"I wore them on one run and I could tell an immediate improvement compared to my other shoes — this pair actually helped propel me forward, so I felt like I could run even faster," reported Seymour. She does wish the shoe offered better arch support because after a long walk, her arches slightly ached. Other perks include a breathable upper and reflective detailing that is ideal for running in the dark.

Note that these are some of the most expensive HOKA running shoes. However, testers do think the price is worth the investment given the sneaker's versatility for running and walking. I find that splurging on a supportive running shoe that fits well is worth it in the long run, but that doesn't mean the upfront cost is easy to digest.

Weight: 8 oz | Drop: 5 mm

SHOP MEN'S

We named the Adrenaline GTS 23 best overall in our recent guide to the best running shoes for flat feet. A physical therapist and registered nurse tested this Brooks shoe and both gave perfect scores for almost every category, namely taking away points for the sneaker's appearance, which isn't the most aesthetic-looking. Still, the Adrenaline series is top-notch for support.

"They provided great arch support throughout my 9-hour work day," reported the physical therapist. Meanwhile, the RN said, "the cushion in these shoes is amazing." Their feet and knees haven't been hurting after a 12-hour shift thanks to the Adrenaline GTS 23. Similar to other styles included in this roundup, these shoes are breathable for sweaty, long runs during the warmer months. In turn, though, the mesh front may mean your toes get a bit wet in the rain.

Weight: 9.1 oz | Drop: 12 mm

How We Tested HOKA vs. Brooks Running Shoes

We have evaluated over 30 different running shoes in the Lab and among consumer testers, gathering over 1,000 points of data. Testers ran a total of 150 hours to evaluate comfort, support, stability and overall fit. Our experts also try on each shoe in the Lab to note the level of arch support each style offers, measure its weight and evaluate the shoe's construction.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the choice between HOKA and Brooks comes down to which features will help you have the best run. If you prefer more cushioning or want a stylish aesthetic, then HOKA is the brand for you. But if you have flatter feet or want a more stable shoe, then we recommend Brooks. Of course, there are some exceptions and you may be able to find the best of both worlds in select styles.

If you have foot pain or specific concerns, we recommend speaking with your podiatrist and heading to your local running store so you can try on the shoe in person before ordering. Otherwise, choose styles with a generous return policy to ensure you find them comfortable after trying them on.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she works across Labs to ensure our guides are up-to-date when it comes to pricing, product information and testing notes. She has reported on a variety of shoe content including the best running shoes for flat feet and the best HOKA shoes. While she opted for HOKA when she started seriously running, Elizabeth is surprised how much she enjoys running (and walking) in the Brooks Glycerin 21.

To gather top-tested running shoes and shopping advice, Elizabeth collaborated with Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour, who has evaluated all of the styles included in this guide. In addition to running shoe evaluations, Emma has also led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology.