Brooks Ghost 16 vs Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the better daily trainer for most runners: lighter, more cushioned underfoot, and cheaper. The Brooks Ghost 16 is the pick if you want a traditional 12mm drop and a firmer, more grounded ride. The Ghost 16 is $178.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, while the Clifton 9 has traded between $85.95 and $109.95 since October 28, 2026.
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Brooks Ghost 16
3$178.99at AmazonObserved Nov 2, 2026, 2:36 PM
Choose the Ghost 16 if you want a classic 12mm drop, a balanced firm ride, and wide/medium/narrow width options.
Pros
- Traditional 12mm drop suits heel strikers and runners coming from older trainers.
- Three width options, including narrow.
- Durable Road Tack rubber outsole with 3.5mm thickness.
- Reflectors for low-light runs.
Cons
- Heavier at 9.5 oz.
- Less stack height and cushion than the Clifton 9.
- $178.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 is well above the Clifton 9's recent prices.
What separates them
| Brooks Ghost 16 | Hoka Clifton 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.5 oz / 269 g | 207 g (about 7.3 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12 mm | 5 mm |
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 25 mm / 13 mm | 32 mm / 27 mm |
| Midsole | DNA Loft V3, balanced cushion | Compression-molded EVA with meta-rocker |
| Ride feel | Firmer, more ground feel, smooth heel-to-toe | Plush, rockered roll-through |
| Width options | Narrow, medium, wide | Standard (B) and wide (D) |
| Latest new price | $178.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 | $85.95 low since October 28, 2026 |
| Upper | Engineered mesh, 67.3% recycled content |
Price history
$109.98$85.95
- Brooks Ghost 16: lowest $99.95 on Oct 31 at Pro Bike+Run; $105.09 on Nov 2.
- Hoka Clifton 9: lowest $85.95 on Nov 1 at Gelstephon.
Prices at every store
Brooks Ghost 16
- StockXNew
In stock
$240.00+ $14.95 shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 2:36 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$178.99+ $9.49 shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 2:36 PM
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- eBayCheck price at eBay
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- Iowa Running CompanyCheck price at Iowa Running Company
Hoka Clifton 9
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- distance-store.comCheck price at distance-store.com
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Specs compared
| Spec | Brooks Ghost 16 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.5oz / 269.3g | 206.95 g |
| Forefoot stack height | 13mm | 27 |
| Midsole drop | 12mm | — |
| Cushion | Balanced | — |
| Support | Balanced support | — |
| Recycled upper content | 67.3 % | — |
| Rearfoot stack height | 25mm | — |
| Outsole rubber thickness | 3.5mm | — |
| Midsole foam | DNA Loft V3 | — |
| Outsole rubber | Road Tack rubber | — |
| Numeric Size |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for long runs?
- The Clifton 9. Its 32mm heel stack and rocker absorb more impact and roll you forward, and it weighs about 60 g less.
- Which is better for heel strikers?
- The Ghost 16. Its 12mm drop puts less strain on the Achilles and calf than the Clifton 9's 5mm drop.
- Is the Ghost 16 worth the higher price?
- Only if you need the 12mm drop or a narrow width. At $178.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, it costs far more than the Clifton 9's recent $85.95 to $109.95 range.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Ghost 16's DNA Loft V3 and 3.5mm Road Tack rubber tend to hold up well over 300 to 500 miles. The Clifton 9's EVA is softer and can compress sooner, though its Durabrasion outsole is durable.
- Which is better for wide feet?
- Both offer wide. The Ghost 16 adds a narrow option, so it fits more foot shapes overall.
- Can I use either for walking?
- Yes. The Clifton 9's rocker suits long walks, and the Ghost 16's firmer ride feels more stable for everyday wear.
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