Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews! Today we’re comparing two of the most popular neutral shoes on the market: the Hoka Clifton 10 and the Brooks Ghost 17. Whether you’re looking for a shoe for everyday wear, long walks, or easy runs, we’ll break down the key features to help you figure out which one is the better fit for you.
Midsole & Cushioning
Let’s start underfoot.
Clifton 10 brings the most cushioning we’ve seen in the Clifton line to date—42 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot, giving it an 8 mm drop. You’ll definitely feel that extra padding. It’s soft, cloud-like, and ideal for people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Ghost 17 also saw an update to its midsole: 36.5 mm in the heel and 26.5 mm in the forefoot, which now makes it a 10 mm drop instead of the classic 12 mm we saw in earlier versions. Its DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-injected foam feels balanced—slightly soft but with enough bounce to give you a responsive ride.
In short:
- Clifton 10 = Softer and more cushioned
- Ghost 17 = Slightly firmer, more responsive
Rocker Geometry & Forefoot Feel
The Clifton 10 also comes with a more pronounced forefoot rocker and a stiff forefoot, which gives more protection under the ball of the foot—especially useful if you’ve got forefoot sensitivity or joint stiffness.
The Ghost 17 has some forefoot stiffness too, but it’s more flexible than the Clifton. It feels smoother during transition but doesn’t offer quite the same level of forefoot support.
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Fit & Upper
Both shoes are true to size in length, but they differ in width and shape:
- Clifton 10: Now features a wider toe box than previous versions, making it more comfortable for broader feet. Also available in wide versions.
- Ghost 17: Slightly narrower through the midfoot and forefoot, but also comes in wide and extra wide options.
Both have padded tongues and collars. The heel counter is firmer in the Ghost 17, offering more ankle support, while the Clifton 10 has more flexibility in the heel for those with sensitivity at the back of the foot.
Performance: Running vs Lifestyle
Here’s where they start to feel really different.
- Ghost 17 is a great all-rounder. You can walk in it, stand in it all day, or take it for easy runs, long runs, and even some early uptempo workouts. It’s a little heavy for speed work, but still versatile.
- Clifton 10 leans more toward comfort and daily wear. It’s softer, less responsive, and more of a lifestyle shoe or recovery run option. It’s ideal for long days on your feet or marathon training at slower paces, but not for faster runs or workouts.
Weight comparison:
- Ghost 17: ~286g (Men’s US 9)
- Clifton 10: ~278g (Men’s US 9)
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Final Thoughts
Both of these shoes are excellent—but they serve slightly different purposes:
- Choose the Brooks Ghost 17 if you want a balanced, responsive ride for walking, running, and possibly some uptempo sessions. It’s your classic workhorse shoe.
- Choose the Hoka Clifton 10 if you prioritise softness, comfort, and need something for long days on your feet or recovery runs. It’s a standout lifestyle shoe with loads of underfoot cushioning.
Got questions about either model? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to help. Interested in some faster running options? Check out the Rebel V5!
