Embarking on your fitness journey can be an exhilarating experience, and the right pair of running shoes can make all the difference. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the beloved Hoka Clifton 9 against the plush Brooks Ghost Max 2, two titans in the world of running footwear.
Get ready to discover which of these high-performance shoes will elevate your runs and provide the ultimate comfort and support.
Key Takeaways:
- Sustainable Design: Both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2 feature recycled materials in their construction, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Cushioning Dynamics: The Hoka Clifton 9 offers a balanced blend of responsive cushioning, while the Brooks Ghost Max 2 provides maximum plush comfort for a smooth, floaty-feeling ride.
- Fit and Flexibility: The Clifton 9’s gusseted tongue and true-to-size fit deliver a personalized, comfortable experience, while the Ghost Max 2 maintains a secure and stable foot lockdown.
- Versatile Performance: The Clifton 9 excels in versatile training and everyday activities, while the Ghost Max 2 shines for easy runs and long-distance efforts.
- Value Proposition: Both shoes offer exceptional value in their respective categories, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of runners and walkers.
Comparison Table between Clifton 9 And Ghost Max 2:
| Specification | Hoka Clifton 9 | Brooks Ghost Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2023 | 2023 |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sizing | True to Size | True to Size |
| Weight | 8.70 oz | 10.8 oz |
| Cushion | Responsive | Maximum Cushion |
| Outsole | Durabrasion Rubber | Blown Rubber |
| Midsole | Compression Molded EVA | DNA Loft |
| Upper | Engineered Knit | Synthetic Mesh |
| Retail Price | $145 | $150 |
Hoka Clifton 9 VS Brooks Ghost Max 2: FEATURES COMPARISON
Material:
The Hoka Clifton 9 boasts a breathable engineered knit upper that provides a lightweight and foot-hugging fit, while the Brooks Ghost Max 2 features a synthetic mesh upper for a comfortable and supportive feel.
Both shoes utilize recycled materials in their construction, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The knit upper of the Clifton 9 offers enhanced breathability and a more custom-like fit, while the synthetic mesh of the Ghost Max 2 is designed to provide a secure and stable foot lockdown.
Durability:
The Hoka Clifton 9’s Durabrasion rubber outsole is designed to extend the shoe’s longevity, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of your daily runs. The Brooks Ghost Max 2, on the other hand, features a blown rubber outsole that delivers reliable traction and wear resistance, making it a durable choice for both running and walking.
The Durabrasion rubber compound used in the Clifton 9 is designed to provide exceptional abrasion resistance, while the blown rubber of the Ghost Max 2 is engineered to offer a balance of cushioning and grip.
Fit:
Both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2 are true to size, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit right out of the box. The gusseted tongue on the Clifton 9 helps mitigate tongue migration, providing a more personalized and customized feel for the wearer.
The secure and locked-in fit of both shoes is further enhanced by their traditional lacing systems, allowing wearers to achieve their desired level of tightness and support.
Cushioning:
The Hoka Clifton 9 boasts a responsive, compression-molded EVA foam midsole that delivers a balanced blend of plush cushioning and lively responsiveness, while the Brooks Ghost Max 2 features the brand’s renowned DNA Loft cushioning, offering maximum cushioning for a smooth and floaty-feeling run.
The Clifton 9’s midsole provides a balance of impact protection and energy return, while the Ghost Max 2’s DNA Loft cushioning is designed to offer exceptional softness and shock absorption.
Stability:
Both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2 are designed for neutral runners, providing a stable and balanced ride without any additional prescriptive technologies. The early-stage Meta-Rocker in the Clifton 9 helps facilitate a smoother heel-to-toe transition, enhancing the overall stability and comfort of the shoe.
The neutral and balanced design of both shoes makes them suitable for a wide range of runners, from those with normal pronation to those seeking a more natural and responsive ride.
Value for Money:
At $145, the Hoka Clifton 9 offers a compelling value proposition, with its lightweight construction, responsive cushioning, and sustainable materials. The Brooks Ghost Max 2, priced at $150, provides a maximum cushion experience that may appeal to runners seeking the ultimate in plush comfort and protection, making it a worthy investment for those who prioritize maximum cushioning. Both shoes offer exceptional value in their respective categories, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of runners and walkers.
Hoka Clifton 9 VS Brooks Ghost Max 2: Performance Testing
Walking:
Both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2 excel in the realm of walking. The Clifton 9’s responsive cushioning and smooth transitions make it a comfortable choice for everyday strolls, while the Ghost Max 2’s maximum cushioning and stable ride provide exceptional comfort for longer walks.
Running:
On the running front, the Hoka Clifton 9’s lightweight and responsive nature makes it an excellent choice for versatile training runs, tempo workouts, and even race day. The Brooks Ghost Max 2, with its plush cushioning and assisted transitions, is better suited for easy, recovery runs and long-distance efforts.
Standing All Day:
For those who spend a significant portion of their day on their feet, the Hoka Clifton 9’s balanced cushioning and supportive midsole provide a comfortable experience, while the Brooks Ghost Max 2’s maximum cushioning may offer even greater relief for prolonged standing.
Plantar Fasciitis:
Both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2 can be suitable options for runners and walkers dealing with plantar fasciitis. The Clifton 9’s responsive cushioning and smooth transitions can help alleviate heel and arch discomfort, while the Ghost Max 2’s maximum cushioning may provide additional shock absorption and support.
Conclusion:
In the battle of the running shoes, the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2 both offer impressive features and performance capabilities. The Clifton 9’s lightweight, responsive, and sustainable design make it an excellent all-around choice for versatile training and everyday activities.
The Ghost Max 2’s maximum cushioning and assisted transitions, on the other hand, make it a compelling option for runners and walkers seeking the ultimate in plush comfort.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and running or walking needs, but both shoes are sure to elevate your fitness experience.