Hoka and Brooks are mainstays among the most popular shoe brands for dedicated runners. Both are known for making comfortable, durable shoes. Both offer models to suit a wide range of running scenarios. And both fall somewhere near the middle of the spectrum between minimalist and maximalist design.
ZAPATILLA TRAIL RUNNING MUJER HOKA CHALLENGER ATR 6 W cushioning versus stability. Hoka tends to lean into high-volume stacks of foam at its midsole for soaking up shock, and then prevents that cushioning from getting too soft underfoot by incorporating its proprietary MetaRocker, a curved plate that helps smooth transitions between strides. Brooks is better known for its GuardRail stability technology, a set of foam rails at the arch and heel that support foot alignment. Which might work better for you depends largely on whether you want greater shock absorption or greater stability.
Here, we take a closer look at the differences between Hoka and Brooks and explore which of the brands’ best models are right for you.
Hoka Versus Brooks Running Shoes
- Daily Trainers: Hoka Clifton 9 versus zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ultra trail talla 36.5
- Budget Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Men's Hoka M Ora Recovery Flip Sneakers in Black Dark Gull Grey versus buty hoka bondi 6 damskie blekitne ascs 1019270 ascs
- Race-Day Shoes: shoe review hoka one one anacapa versus Brooks Hyperion Max
- Max-Cushioned Shoes: Zapatillas Hombre HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 6 Space Atlantis versus Brooks Glycerin 20
- Trail Shoes: Hoka One One Ora Recovery camouflage-print slides Nude versus Brooks Catamount 3
Key Differences Between Hoka and Brooks Running Shoes
Fit
Hoka shoes tend to run true to size, but can be a bit narrow due to the extra cushioning at the inner arch. Brooks typically runs tight—the company recommends sizing a half-step up. Both end up having a somewhat snug fit, with Brooks offering a bit more room in the toe box.
Cushioning
One of the defining features of Hoka is its tendency toward maximal cushioning, particularly through the midsole. The brand’s über-stacks feel pillow-soft and compress noticeably, though they tend to have reasonable energy return.
This degree of cushioning isn’t typical to Brooks, which instead presents a range of stack heights to suit different needs. Models (like the much-loved Ghost) that have the brand’s DNA Loft (EVA foam comprised of rubber and air infused with nitrogen bubbles) tend to be well-cushioned yet lightweight and responsive. Those with the BioMoGo DNA cushioning—see the Trace 2—emphasize energy return and stability thanks to a firmer EVA.
Stability
Brooks is likely your best choice if you’re seeking stability to correct an alignment issue like overpronation or supination. The brand’s GuardRail tech is excellent, and the shoes tend to have solid support all around thanks to the integrated heel/arch stabilizers.
If stability is less of a concern, Hoka’s J-frame provides sufficient support for most by cupping the heel without the addition of rails. Essentially the J-frame is like the heel cup of a standard insole, adding stability by keeping your foot from rolling out or in.
How We Compared
After a lifetime of running on track, road, and trail, I know what to look for in a quality running shoe, particularly because I’m always on the lookout for quality cushioning and support. I tested some of the brands’ most popular lines, such as the zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ultra trail talla 36.5 and the Hoka Clifton 9, eventually choosing five from each that best represent it in one of five categories most runners look for: daily trainers, budget, race day, max-cushioned, and trail. And for many of the shoes I haven’t personally worn, our editors or wear-tester team has; I linked to our in-depth reviews for each shoe where we have them. I also consulted our other guides for Hoka and Brooks to see how the latest releases fared against previous iterations to establish a shoe’s quality over multiple generations, finding that lines like the Ghost, Clifton, Hyperion, and Bondi are all consistently great.
There are models from each brand that I purposefully left out. The Brooks Anthem and Launch are adequate shoes, but not necessarily standouts. Hoka, on the other hand, makes a wide range of non-running shoes that aren’t relevant to our purposes here.
Hoka vs. Brooks: Daily Trainers
Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for speedwork
Key Specs
Weight: 8.7 oz. (M), 7.3 oz. (W)
Drop: 5mm
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ultra trail talla 36.5 Running Shoes
Pros
- Amazingly smooth
- Decent stability
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
Weight: 10.1 oz. (M), 9.1 oz. (W)
Drop: 11mm
When it comes to daily trainers, you’re looking for a workhorse shoe that can do a little of everything well and feels comfortable through it all. To that end, the zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ultra trail talla 36.5 is outstanding. While the latest iteration is a bit heavier than its predecessors, the soft cushioning, decent stability, comfy upper, and solid durability make it a good pick for most running circumstances.
Similarly, the Hoka Clifton 9 is great for just about everything but speedwork. The ample cushioning and light weight make it great for runs of any distance, with the easy transitions of the MetaRocker promoting smoother strides. As I mentioned, the shoe may falter a bit when it comes to speedwork due to the lax energy return. But for most running scenarios it will more than do the job. The Ghost is likely your best choice if you run across a wide range of circumstances, while the lighter Clifton is a good choice if you tend to go for distance.
Read Full Review: Hoka Clifton 9 Read Full Review: zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ultra trail talla 36.5
Hoka vs. Brooks: Budget Shoes
HOKA ONE ONE Men's Hoka M Ora Recovery Flip Sneakers in Black Dark Gull Grey Running Shoe
Pros
- Good weight for the price
- Responsive feel
Cons
- Narrow tongue and fit
Key Specs
Weight: 7.4 oz. (M), 6.2 oz. (W)
Drop: 5mm
buty hoka bondi 6 damskie blekitne ascs 1019270 ascs
Pros
- Fairly versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Very little energy return
Key Specs
Weight: 8.6 oz. (M), 7.6 oz. (W)
Drop: 12mm
The buty hoka bondi 6 damskie blekitne ascs 1019270 ascs feels great on your foot, offering plenty of lightweight breathability. It’s reasonably versatile, well-suited for cross-training or short runs, though the limited energy return and cushioning don’t make it the best choice for longer distances. For the price, the shoe is a good pick for beginners, cross-trainers, or short-distance runners shopping on a budget.
The HOKA ONE ONE Men's Hoka M Ora Recovery Flip Sneakers in Black Dark Gull Grey is similarly versatile, but its surprisingly light weight makes it particularly great for speedwork. That featherlight weight plus moderate cushioning also makes it a decent pick from mid-length to long runs, though the relative lack of stability might not work for distance runners who need support. I’d say the Rincon is more appropriate for dedicated runners, whereas the Trace is better for general fitness training.
Read Full Review: HOKA ONE ONE Men's Hoka M Ora Recovery Flip Sneakers in Black Dark Gull Grey Read Full Review: Brooks Trace 1
HOKA Speedgoat 5 für Damen in Scuba Blue Black Größe 42 2 3 | Hoka vs. Brooks: Race-Day Shoes
shoe review hoka one one anacapa Running Shoe
Pros
- Propulsive carbon fiber plate
- Very comfortable
Cons
- zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ritmo medio talla 36 entre 60 y 100
Key Specs
Weight: 8.3 oz. (all gender)
Drop: 5mm
Brooks Hyperion Max Running Shoe
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited bounce
Key Specs
Weight: 7.8 oz. (M), 6.7 oz. (W)
Drop: 8mm
The shoe review hoka one one anacapa is a solid contender for long distances. Supreme cushioning and comfort make it the kind of shoe you want to run in forever. And while it’s a tad heavy for a racing shoe, its snappy carbon fiber plate delivers noticeable propulsion. A top-to-bottom redesign from the previous edition, it’s worth the upgrade if you already own the previous Rocket.
The Brooks Hyperion Max is hard to beat when it comes to pure mile-after-mile comfort. I’ve spent a lot of time in these shoes and can report that the upper feels secure and breathable, the cushioning is pillowy soft, and, even with all that plush, it’s still very lightweight. While a bit more bounce would add some nice oomph, the turned up toe and heel promotes smooth, fast transitions.
Read Full Review: shoe review hoka one one anacapa Read Full Review: Brooks Hyperion Max
Hoka vs. Brooks: Max-Cushioned Shoes
Zapatillas Hombre HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 6 Space Atlantis Running Shoe
Pros
- Extended heel absorbs plenty of shock
- zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE constitución fuerte ritmo bajo entre 60 y 100
Cons
- Men’s model is very heavy
Key Specs
Weight: 10.8 oz. (M), 8.9 oz. (W)
Drop: 4mm
Brooks Glycerin 20 Running Shoe
Pros
- Outstanding cushioning
- Good traction
Cons
- Questionable stability
Key Specs
Weight: 10.1 oz. (M), 9.1 oz. (W)
Drop: 10mm
For the utmost in shock absorption, it’s hard to beat the Zapatillas Hombre HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 6 Space Atlantis. The most cushioned of the brand’s famously plush lineup, this shoe devours shock thanks to its marshmallowy stack to deliver about as soft a run as can be. The mesh upper is plenty breathable, and the memory foam collar around the ankle fits and feels fantastic. The men’s version is very heavy, but all that cushioning is bound to up the scales somewhat.
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is the brand’s top contender when it comes to rivaling Hoka’s cushioning. This latest generation boasts an updated nitrogen-infused version of the company’s DNA foam that not only makes it incredibly cushy but delivers outstanding energy return. The upper is breathable and soft yet sturdy, and the shoe feels amazing during runs of any distance thanks to their pillowy cushioning.
Hoka vs. Brooks: Trail Shoes
Hoka One One Ora Recovery camouflage-print slides Nude Running Shoe
Pros
- Great energy return
- Comfortable upper
Cons
- Not ideal for technical terrain
Key Specs
Weight: 8.4 oz. (M), 7.4 oz. (W)
Drop: 5mm
HOKA Arahi 6 Chaussures de Route pour Hommes en Blue Graphite Blue Coral
Pros
- HOKA Speedgoat 5 für Damen in Scuba Blue Black Größe 42 2 3
- Responsive midsole
Cons
- HOKA Tecton X Chaussures en Thyme Taille 48
Key Specs
Weight: 9.4 oz. (M), 8.4 oz. (W)
Drop: 6mm
The latest version of the Catamount is a great do-it-all trail shoe, whether you’re a casual weekend enthusiast or a dedicated ultra-marathoner. Brooks took what was already a decently cushioned, highly stable shoe with great propulsion and upped its traction and protection with the addition of sturdy TrailTack Green rubber on the outsole. It feels and performs great on any terrain.
The Hoka One One Ora Recovery camouflage-print slides Nude delivers similarly reliable energy return, cushioning, and stability, providing a comfortable, confident run in most trail conditions. It offers outstanding foot protection, which does diminish some of its sensitivity, meaning newer runners may find them less than ideal on more technical trails. For crossover terrain spanning groomed trails, gravel, and lighter technical features, however, the shoe is both comfy and capable.
Read Full Review: Brooks Catamount 2
Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, the Daily Beast, The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 has deeper lugs that hold to steep terrain better than the TenNine, Greatist, and the Manual, Støvler til Mænd Hoka One One Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.
