Why is Trendy Triumph a trusted source? To assist you in making the perfect shoe choice, we are analyzing and reviewing the leading running shoe companies, including Hoka, Brooks, Asics, and Nike. The website's revenue from monetizing ads.
Hoka vs Brooks: Which Shoe Brand Should You Prefer?
Both Hoka and Brooks offer a variety of high-quality running shoes. And those are suitable for different needs. You can have shoes for professional running, daily running, trail running, hiking, walking, and standing for long periods.
They also manufacture high-quality shoes appropriate for many fits and sizes. The shoes have ultimate comfort and are enriched with features. Some of them are; cushioned midsole, active foot frame, and more. But what should you do when choosing one?
Hoka running shoes come with J-FrameTM midsole support and an extra stack height. This makes them super convenient for high-mileage and recovery runners. The brand emphasizes cushioning and comfort more than stability and responsiveness.
Brooks running shoes have BioMoGo DNA cushioning. The feature ensures softness without sacrificing stability or response. The stack height of Brooks shoes is not as high as Hoka’s. Thus, the shoes are suitable for trail running or for those who have pronation issues.
Are Brooks or Hokas better: Comparison Table (Overall)
| Comparison Points | Hoka | Brooks |
| Best for | Comfort and Performance | Stability |
| Cushioning | More cushioned | Less cushioned |
| Durability | Last around 200-250 miles | Last around 400-450 miles |
| Support | Less supportive | More supportive |
| Weight | Havier | Lightweight |
| Size | 3-16 | 5-15 |
| Fit | For all types of fits | For all types of fits |
| Responsiveness | Less responsive | More responsive |
| Design | Come with a wide range of designs | Come with a wide range of designs |
| Price | $50-$250 | $70-$200 |
Best for: Hoka and Brooks
High-mileage runners, recovery runners, and service workers require comfortable running shoes that can provide the necessary support and cushioning for long distances walking or extended periods of standing.
Hoka makes the best use of rocker shoe technology and a sculpted sole design for maximum running comfort. We also have to credit the dual-density midsole and ultralight, resilient foam to ensure smooth impact and transition.
One of the proud customers stated that,
He truly appreciates that his shoe is comfortable enough. Not only that, he purchased another Hoka pair in another color at a sports store to ensure he got the correct size and fit. Most importantly, the customer will also recommend it to his friends, who are looking forward to purchasing the best pair of shoes.
The review is collected from Amazon on one of Hoka shoes.
Beyond that, Hoka shoes are immensely popular among service workers, especially those at a hospital. This is because the shoes have slip-resistant features and, as we mentioned, comfort. For example, Bondi 8, Clifton 9, and Arahi 7 can be suitable choices for that purpose.
Brooks running shoes are known for improved stability. GuideRails Technology makes the shoes stable, regardless of the surface you run on. You should always prioritize stability in running shoes when dealing with pronation issues, especially overpronation.
“Medium pronation, it’s a natural fit. Love this shoe! I bought the GTS 10 and had to have this one. Brooks has been my favorite shoe for over 30 years!! Very consistent product. Stable feel, comfy hug , not overly tight in the toe area. I wear a 7 1/2 B, bought this in an 8 B. I like that the purple makes the shoe look darker so it doesn’t appear dirty right away.”
The review is collected from Trustpilot.
Then again, Brooks also offers shoes for a good number of activities like walking, training, trail running, hiking, and more. Most of Brooks’s shoes feature plush cushioning, so you don’t need to worry about comfort.
Cushioning: Hoka vs Brooks
Hoka running shoes have maximum cushioning, so they are very comfortable. The large midsole gives you a clear idea about the cushioning. Due to this, the shoes have a higher stack height than Brook running shoes.
According to Time Magazine, the Glycerin 20 and Bondi 8 are two of Brooks and Hoka’s most popular running shoes. The GLYCERIN 20 is Brooks’ most cushioned running shoe; for Hoka, it is the Bondi 8.
Moreover, the GLYCERIN 20 comes with a stack height of 35mm (heel) and 24mm (forefoot), and the Bondi 8 has 39mm (heel) and 35 mm (forefoot).
Now let’s know what Jack thinks about the shoe. He shared his thoughts in a review section,
The shoes are really comfortable and stable! He likes the color of the shoes the most.
A customer review on the Brooks Glycerin 20.
The biggest benefit of having maximum cushioned running shoes is that the substantial midsole helps with impact absorption. But there is a drawback. Customers often find the Hoka shoes a bit bulky. In addition, the most cushioned shoes reduce proprioception.
Design: Hoka vs Brooks
Hoka shoes come with a bit more minimalistic designs. Even though the shoes have thicker midsoles, they don’t look that bulky compared to Brooks shoes. Beyond that, a few Brooks shoes have the traditional two-strap design, which you won’t see in most modern running shoes.
But both footwear brands have been up to the mark in offering shoes with various designs. So, you will find footwear that best matches your choice from the two companies.
Durability: Hoka vs Brooks
According to many customers, Brooks’ running shoes tend to be more durable than Hoka’s. You can expect the Hoka running shoes to last 200–250 miles of regular use. But Brooks’ running shoes usually last around 400–450 miles.
The high-compressed midsole is a key reason most Hoka running shoes are less durable. While this can increase comfort, it is prone to wear quickly.
Weight: Hoka vs Brooks
Some of the Hoka running shoes feel more bulky due to the extra cushioning. For this reason, the shoes are also a bit heavier, but most Brook shoes are lightweight.
For example, the new Brooks GLYCERIN 20 weighs 10.1oz, and the Hoka Bondi 8 weighs 10.8oz. Brooks has recently introduced the Luach GTS series, one of the lightest running shoes.
Size and Fit: Hoka vs Brooks
Both brands offer running shoes in different sizes and fit. Most of the Hoka running shoes come in sizes 3 to 16, and the Brook running shoes come in sizes 5 to 15.
But the midsole of Hoka running shoes is a bit narrower than Brooks’s. Moreover, Hoka running shoes are compact but fit true to size. On the other hand, you will have additional toe space in Brooks running shoes.
Price: Hoka vs Brooks
If pricing is your topmost concern, then Brooks should be your choice. We are stating this because Hoka’s running shoes are more expensive than Brooks’s.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the most popular Hoka and Brooks running shoes with updated prices;
Hoka Price (Approx)
- Hoka Bondi 8: $131.99- $165.00
- Hoka Clifton 9: $145
- Hoka Mach X: $180
Brooks Price (Approx)
- Brooks GLYCERIN 20: $109.95
- Brooks Men’s Ghost Max, $150
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23: $140
What Are Some of the Best Hoka and Brooks Shoes?
| Purposes | Hoka Shoes | Brooks Shoes |
| Walking | Bondi 8, Clifton 9, Moabi LS Sun Top, Gaviota 5, Arahi 7. | Glycerin 21, Beast GTS 23, Addiction Walker 2, Addiction Walker V-Strap 2, Addiction Walker Suede, Addiction GTS 15, Adrenaline GTS 23, Ghost Max |
| Training | Kawana 2, Solimar, Kawana | Glycerin 21, Ghost 15, Adrenaline GTS 23, Glycerin GTS 21 |
| Trail Running | Speedgoat 5, Stinson 7, Challenger 7, Challenger 7 GTX, Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX, Speedgoat 5 GTX, Tecton X 2 | Caldera 7, Catamount 3, Cascadia 17, Cascadia 17 GTX, Divide 4 GTX, Divide 4 |
| Lifestyle | Mafate Speed 2, HOKA x END. Kaha Low GTX, HOKA x END. Mafate Speed 2, All Gender Mafate Speed 2, Transport GTX | Ghost Max, Adrenaline GTS 23, Glycerin 21 |
| Hiking | HOKA x END. Kaha Low GTX, HOKA x END. Mafate Speed 2, Hopara 2, Speedgoat 5, Stinson 7, Kaha 2 GTX, Trail Code GTX | Caldera 7, Cascadia 17, Cascadia 17 GTX, Caldera 6, Cascadia 16 GTX |
Hoka vs Brooks: The Top of the Line-up Shoes
1. Bondi 8 vs Glycerin 21: Running and Walking
Are you in need of a suitable pair of running shoes? The Bondi 8 of Hoka and Glycerin 21 from Brooks are something you should never uncheck. Support, comfort, feel, performance, and everything!
| Comparison Standard | Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 |
| Release date | August 4, 2022 | February 1, 2024 |
| Good for | Running, walking | Running, walking |
| Cushioning | High | Medium |
| Stack Height | 39mm (heel), 35mm (forefoot) | 36 mm (heel), 26 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | Traditional EVA foam | DNA Loft v3 technology |
| Weight | 10.8 oz (Men) | 9.8 oz (Men) |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | Higher | Higher |
| Price | $165 | $160 |
2. Speedgoat 5 vs Caldera 7: Trail Running
Do you want to feel the madness of trail running, an adventure to remember, and whatnot? The Speedgoat 5 and Caldera from the two reputed brands can be your support under the feet.
| Comparison Standard | Speedgoat 5 | Caldera 7 |
| Release date | March, 2022 | January, 2024 |
| Good for | Trail running | Trail running |
| Cushioning | Higher | Average |
| Stack Height | 33mm heel, 29mm forefoot (Men) 31mm heel, 27mm forefoot (Women) | 26mm heel, 20 mm Forefoot (Men) |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam midsole | DNA LOFT v3 midsole |
| Weight | 10. 3 oz (Men) | 10. 6 oz (Men) |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | Higher | Average |
| Price | $155 | $150 |
3. Kawana 2 vs Ghost 15: Training
Effective training means a lot for a daily trainer. And you know the right shoes can make a huge difference? Yes, it is. So, the Hoka Kawana 2 and Ghost 15 are our absolute choice for taking the training period to a different level.
| Comparison Standard | Kawana 2 | Ghost 15 |
| Release date | February 15, 2024 | November, 2022 |
| Good for | Training | Training |
| Cushioning | Higher | Higher |
| Stack Height | 30 mm (heel) – 25 mm (forefoot) | 35 mm (heel) – 23 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | Regular CMEVA foam | DNA Loft v2 cushioning |
| Weight | 11. 1 oz (Men)8.9 oz (Women) | 9.1 oz (Men)8.9 oz (Women) |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | Higher | Higher |
| Price | $140 | $109.95 |
4. Clifton 9 vs Ghost Max: Walking, Running and Training
Do you like walking? Or you might have to. Whatever. When you have shoes like Hoka Clifton 9 and Brooks Ghost Max under your feet, you will feel like you are flying. Sounds familiar? Let’s reveal more!
| Comparison Standard | Hoka Clifton 9 | Brooks Ghost Max |
| Release date | February 19, 2023 | October 1, 2023 |
| Good for | Walking, Running, Training | Walking, Running, Training |
| Cushioning | High | High |
| Stack Height | 33 mm (heel) – 27 mm (forefoot) | 39 mm (hee) – 33 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | 10. oz (Men)9 oz (Women)Approx. | DNA LOFT v2 cushioning |
| Weight | 8.7 oz (Men)7.5 oz (Women) | 10 oz (Men)9 oz (Women)Approx. |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | High | High |
| Price | $145 | $150 |
Read our latest blog on Brooks Ghost 14 vs Hoka Bondi 7
What People Ask the Most About the Two Brands?
Does Brooks own Hoka?
No way, never. Hoka and Brooks are two different shoe manufacturer companies. Yes, it is true that both the brands offer shoes for meeting a good number of needs and so that they have a reputation on the market as well. Hoka was established not a long time ago, in 2009. The arrival of the Brooks running shoe brand took place in 1914.
Are Hokas Bigger Than Brooks?
What do they mean by bigger here? Well, yes, Hoka shoes look bulky due to immense cushioning. And the weight also becomes higher for that reason. But in terms of fit, you will not have any issues if you can pick the right shoe. So, the bottom line is that Hoka shoes are not necessarily that big compared to Brooks.
What Is the Best Hoka and Brooks Running Shoe?
Hoka has an enriched running shoe line-up, and Brook is also not lagging behind in this case. We tasted and found out that the Clifton 9 is still the best Hoka running shoe. Now, what about Brooks, right? We can’t refrain from mentioning Glycerin 21. You will always have the luxury of choosing one from various collections.
The Bottom Line
Brooks is a much older footwear company than Hoka. However, both brands have a vast customer base worldwide. But compared to recent growth, Hoka has been quite top-notch.
Fair enough. Do you need more cushioning in your shoes? Go with Hoka. Regarding responsiveness and stability, Brooks should be the way to go. But there won’t be too much of a difference.
