
New Balance 880 vs. Brooks Ghost 16 vs. Hoka Clifton 10: Comparison and Reviews 2025
Three top running shoe brands known for offering comfortable, durable, and high-performing options are New Balance,Brooks and Hoka.These brands are well loved and used because they make high quality running shoes for various running styles and foot types.However,choosing a running shoe – especially as a beginner runner – can feel overwhelming.Which is better, HOKA Clifton or Brooks Ghost?New Balance vs. Brooks Ghost vs. Hoka: which brand should you choose?One way we get to know each shoe brand and model inside and out is with a deep dive into every option out there.In this article, I'm going to be putting three most popular neutral running shoes from these brands - New Balance 880,Brooks Ghost 16 and Hoka Clifton 10 – head to head.Keep reading as Iprovide all the information to help you make an educated choice.
New Balance 880 vs. Brooks Ghost 16 vs. Hoka Clifton 9: Comparison Table
Features | New Balance 880v15 | Brooks Ghost 16 | Hoka Clifton 10 |
Width | Narrow/Standard/Wide/X-Wide | Narrow/Medium/Wide/X-Wide | Regular/Wide/X-Wide |
Heel Drop | 6mm | 12mm | 8mm |
Weight | 10.7 oz (Men) | 9.5 oz (Men) | 9.8 oz (Men) |
Cushion | Maximum | Moderate | Maximum |
Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Upper | Breathable and structured engineered mesh upper | Engineered air mesh | Breathable jacquard upper |
Midsole | Fresh Foam X midsole foam | DNA Loft v3 foam | Compression molded EVA foam |
Outsole | Rubber | RoadTrack rubber | Abrasion rubber |
Best For | Everyday running/Some faster-paced efforts | Daily training/Long-distance runs/Long walks | Everyday runs/Training |
User Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Price | $139.99 | $109.95-$140 | $150 |
New Balance 880v15 Review
The New Balance 880 is a highly regarded running shoe that offers a perfect balance of cushioning and support. It is designed to provide a responsive and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice among runners of all levels.The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 has undergone a bold transformation—keeping only its price unchanged. New Balance has embraced cushioning and comfort while maintaining what runners love about this staple everyday running shoe.
The 880 v15 features a whopping 40.5 mm of foam under the heel and 34.5 mm under the forefoot. While this is a high stack height for a daily trainer, the balanced Fresh Foam X cushioning maintains a responsive and lightweight feel, making the 880 a great choice for everyday wear and mileage. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers an initial soft, cushioned feel, but the firmer foam and rocker geometry help keep the foot moving efficiently through toe-off. Fresh Foam consists of rubber infused with numerous small bubbles. These bubbles are larger in the heel for a cushioned impact and gradually decrease in size toward the forefoot. This design aids in a smooth transition from heel to forefoot, delivering a positive push at toe-off and enabling the runner to generate more speed. The upper fits similar to previous versions with a slightly wider fit throughout the length of the shoe.The structured engineered mesh upper offers a snug and comfortable fit around the foot, while the extra padding around the heel collar locks the foot in place and adds extra comfort and padding mile after mile.
However,This shoe isn’t as stable and structured as the Ghost 16. Your feet will sink into the Fresh Foam while running, which provides tons of comfort but can lead to inconsistency from stride to stride. And the outsole now has less rubber coverage, raising durability concerns.
New Balance 880v15 Pros And Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Where To Buy New Balance 880v15?
New Balance official website (up to 2% super cash back)
Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)
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Brooks Ghost 16 Review
The Brooks Ghost is the popular daily trainer in the Brooks line-up.The Ghost is mid-priced neutral running shoe from Brooks that is at ease both for long mileage training and some long distance racing. Universally praised for its balanced cushioning and comfortable upper fit is a great first choice for both beginners and experienced runners.
The Brooks Ghost 16 marks a subtle yet positive evolution in the series—particularly beneficial for heel strikers seeking a reliable everyday shoe. Two big changes in this version the shoe. The first is the visible change to the outsole which now has RoadTrack Rubber and should provide better traction on your runs.The second change is the one you’ll feel.Brooks uses an updated nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam to deliver a lightweight, bouncy and soft ride.The upper of the Brooks Ghost 16 features an engineered air mesh that offers good ventilation and efficiently adapts to the shape of the foot, improving the fit without compromising comfort.Its lightweight design and balanced cushioning gives it a grounded feel that makes walking, running, and any kind of activity feel comfortable—even at long distances.
The Brooks Ghost 16, like its predecessor, is a Certified Carbon Neutral product. This is achieved through the increased use of recycled materials and Brooks’ support of verified carbon offsetting projects that serve to neutralize any remaining emissions.
Brooks Ghost 16 Pros And Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Where To Buy Brooks Ghost 16?
Brooks Running (up to 2% super cash back)
Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)
Hoka Clifton 10 Review
The Hoka Clifton series has always been the neutral workhorse for the brand. One of the best-selling shoes in the marketplace, it's become a legacy series not only for runners, but also everyday people who are on their feet for much of the day due to its consistent comfort.
For the 10th iteration of the Clifton, the shoe geometry is reworked from heel to toe. Ushering in a new era of plush performance, this next-generation update delivers a revitalized underfoot experience with an additional 3mm in heel-to-toe drop. The Clifton 10 sports a familiar CM EVA (Compression Molded Ethylene vinyl acetate) foam in the midsole that provides a plush and cushioned feel while still being responsive for a smooth, efficient stride.Delivering the same ultralight cushioning that made the Clifton a fan favorite, Hoka has fine-tuned the fit and added a breathable jacquard upper with double-lace lock to mitigate tongue migration.The Clifton 10 has also increased volume on the toe box.
There are downsides too, as the weight gain, outdated foam, and flatter ride make it less lively than before. Still, for comfort-seekers chasing a stable, everyday option, it remains a solid pick that’s likely to sell fast once again.
Hoka Clifton 10 Pros And Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Where To Buy Hoka Clifton 10?
Hoka official website (up to 5% super cash back)
Holabird Sports (up to 5% super cash back)
Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
The New Balance 880v15,Brooks Ghost 16 and HOKA Clifton 10 have their merits and can serve different types of runners well. Ultimately, the choice among these three comes down to personal preference and specific running needs.
If you're looking for a shoe with soft cushioning that offers a smooth, comfortable running experience without sacrificing comfort, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V15 is an excellent choice. It's ideal for runners who engage in long training sessions or are looking for a shoe that provides a comfortable feel over time.The Brooks Ghost 16 is best when you need something lighter for uptempo training and want extra stability and heel cushioning. Ideal for daily training and easy runs, the Clifton 10 provides a stable, cushioned and responsive ride runners expect from the Clifton franchise.
When you want a shoe that helps achieve your running goals, it isn’t just about picking something that looks good. You also need to determine the right fit for your natural gait and foot type to ensure proper biomechanics and consider the types of shoes for different training styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Balance 880 good for?
Ideal for neutral runners seeking a max-stack shoe without the usual premium cost. A solid daily trainer for those who aren't hard on outsoles and prefer joint-friendly cushioning without a bulky or overly wide midsole.
What is Brooks Ghost 16 good for?
If you have a neutral stride and are looking for standard cushioning support, the Brooks Ghost shoe should be at the top of your list to take out on a test run or walk. No matter if you're new or an experienced runner, these award-winning shoes were designed to keep your feet secure and comfortable throughout your run.
Are Ghost 16 good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes. The Ghost is a great option to help with plantar fasciitis.The Ghost offers a 10mm drop from heel to toe which helps to put your weight more in the forefoot and away from the plantar in your heel.
Are Hoka Clifton good for walking?
Hoka's sneakers are comfortable, supportive and provide shock absorption. That's why she says they're a good option for frequent walkers or anyone who stands a lot during the day.
Is the Hoka Clifton 10 worth it?
If you are looking for a running or walking shoe that has the versatility of a trail runner, then the Clifton 10 is definitely worth it. The strengths of this shoe is the comfort, support, versatility, and performance!For under $150, it's tough to match the Clifton 10’s versatility and value.
【Read More】
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 vs. v11 vs. v10: Differences and Reviews 2025
New Balance 860 vs. 880 vs. 890 vs. 1080: Differences and Reviews 2025
Brook Ghost Max vs. Max 2 vs. Ghost 15 vs. 16: Differences and Reviews 2025
Brooks Ghost 15 vs. 14 vs. 13 vs. 12: Differences and Reviews 2025
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Clifton 9 vs. Gaviota 5 vs. Bondi SR: Differences and Reviews 2025
HOKA Gaviota vs. Arahi vs. Clifton vs. Bondi: Differences and Reviews 2025

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