Hoka Vs Brooks Running Shoes: Maximal Vs Traditional

Comparing Hoka vs Brooks running shoes could largely be described as a difference in fit and feel, along with some company philosophy if you care about those things. But of course we know that Hoka came on the scene due to their maximal shoes…and that’s interesting all on its own!

Both brands provide high quality shoes and offer a variety of models to suit different needs like overpronation, cushioning, and trail running.

Hoka One One first became popular with Ultrarunners and has since moved in the to main stream of running.

I myself have run in a number of models and previously compared the best Hoka running shoe models.

Hoka Vs Brooks Key Differences

Brooks and Hoka offer similar features and models for all kinds of runners, from the new runner to Ultramarathoner to the flat-footed or high-arched.

Largely we’re looking at how a maximal shoes compares to a traditional running shoe. I break down the main differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:

Brooks Running Shoes

• Wider Toe Box than most traditional running shoes
• Exclusively designs running shoes
• Science-driven to accommodate rather than correct gait
• Huge variety of styles and colors

Hoka Running Shoes

• Maximal shoe – has the larger sole for stability and smooth ride (stack height)
• Usually more cushioned
• Most are more lightweight than a similar traditional running shoe
• Some state they run narrow, but compared to other brands like Nike I disagree
• Does have some casual shoes, gym shoes and recovery sandals

HOKA’s gained popularity initially among Ultra runners, who found the higher stack height provided a more stable base. Additionally, the shoes are surprisingly light for the amount of cushion provided.

I’ve worn both brands and will add some personal thoughts, along with links to detailed reviews. In fact, both brands are in my current shoe rotation.

Additionally, I’ve done a HOKA vs ASICS  or a Best Hoka Walking Shoes if one of those is more helpful for your needs today.

Brooks vs HOKA ONE ONE Feature Comparison

Both brands have been around for a very long time and are leaders in running shoe design. They both offer various technologies to aid with comfort, support, stability, and cushion. Where they differ most are in the fit.

The following breaks down each shoe based on the components buyers need to consider when purchasing a running shoe.

It’s gonna get a little TECHY…so you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if I’m shelling out $150 for shoes, I kinda want to know why.

Durability 

The lifespan of shoes from both companies is fairly comparable.

• Brooks shoes have a life expectancy ranging from 300 to 500 miles, or three to six months, depending on your monthly mileage.
• HOKA is often reported to last longer. I don’t know if this is more trail runners and thus less hard surfaces which extends the life of the shoe or simply their maximal design.

Determining when to replace running shoes, of course, all depends on your gait, weight, and whether you run mostly on trail or road.

Fit

Brooks shoes have a wider toe box than most traditional running shoes, which makes them a great choice for runners with wide feet or bunions. The brand recommends that buyers go up a half size from their everyday shoe.

Brooks does a great job with online fit, the Brooks shoe fit finder will give you an idea of what to look for in a running shoe when you do visit your local store.

HOKA shoes run true to size from my testing. Some models are definitely a little more narrow than others, as with most brands. In fact, they have been working on increasing the toebox in newer models.

They also have a shoe finder quiz to help you get in to the right model.

👉Checkout this guide on How to Lace Running Shoes, you’ll be amazed at how you can make most shoes fit better!

Cushioning

Brooks uses two types of cushioning in their designs:

• DNA LOFT – Soft cushioning, that adapts to a runner’s profile, stride, and speed
• BioMoGo DNA – also adapts to runner’s profile, stride, and speed, providing a more balanced experience with a bit of spring.

HOKA likes to say they provide marshmallow softness. More technically PROFLY.

I’m going to admit that I was really skeptical of HOKA at the start because I assumed all that cushion would make it heavy. It turned out I was wrong and instead have been running in them since of their very first shoes.

• They have 3 levels of cushion, which is important because plush isn’t what you want on all runs
• Cushion that provides both a good landing and plenty of stability for push off
• Hubble Heel – their newest shoes with a longer heel which is supposed to improve heel to toe transition

Stability

Brooks refers to individual running gaits as the “Run Signature.” Rather than “fix” the way someone runs, Brooks technology helps to stabilize your stride based on how you naturally run.

They put runners into two different categories: Neutral and Support.

Brooks GuideRails technology allows hips, knees, and joints to move naturally, offering support when needed. Neutral runners may only require them to kick in when their stride is off.

HOKA was designed entirely with stability in mind. It was a core foundation of their shoes because it allows runners to move quicker with less risk of injury. This is why they created a wide stable platform.

In fact, they call their heel system the “bucket seat”, like the seat of a race car. It cushions the heel and foot without posts or guide rails — this means the midsole remains more cushioned.

Overview of heel to toe drop and type of cushion in most shoe brands.

Affordability

The prices between the two brands are fairly comparable.

• Brooks prices range between $100 to $160
• HOKA’s start at a slightly higher price at $120 to $250

The most popular models for Brooks are around $150 and for HOKA also around $150. Specialty items with more features are want increase price.

You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. They know that the big box store can sell the shoe with less in it, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.

Are Brooks or HOKA better for plantar fasciitis?

I’ve gotten this question a few times, so I wanted to try and address it. Neither. Both.

Honestly, the key to a great shoe for PF is one with good arch support.

As your arch falls down during your foot strike, the entire foot rolls inward which is what your body then tries to correct by tightening up all those other foot and lower leg muscles. It’s also trying to protect you from knee pain.

Checkout my best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis >>
pssttt… the Brooks Adrenaline is there.

HOKA Vs Brooks Models

Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.

With each of these, they are the top models so numbers are constantly changing as they make a little upgrade and it becomes the Glycerin 27 or the Bondi 7.

Stability Running Shoe

👉Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

The brand’s most popular road running shoe (GTS stands for go-to-shoe) just turned 23 and comes in a swath of colors. This supportive shoe is best for a medium to high arch, and is part of the cushion line.

This was one of the very FIRST shoes that I bought at a running store! I thought it was so incredibly cool my name was on the shoe…ha!!! But yes they were super duper bright white (as you’ll see below).

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS is going to grow in popularity as Brooks got rid of it’s two other stability models the Ravena and Transcend. So it’s a good thing that it has many years of very happy runners behind it. It’s definitely a firmer daily trainer, to help provide that necessary support for overpronation.

*People LOVE that this shoe comes in so many colors.

• 12mm drop – on the higher side, good for those with Achilles issues
•  9.0 oz women’s, 10.2 oz men’s
• $140

👉HOKA Gaviota 4

As noted all Hokas are designed with more stability than many brands, but these are considered maximum stability. But they provide stability without feeling rigid, a probably many runners have with other shoes.

This is one of the few Hoka running shoes I have not tested, so I handed it over to another trusted tester. But I have enjoyed every model that I’ve run in. After putting in some run/walk miles,  we’re inclined to recommend these as a stability shoe over a traditional shoe that forces your foot into a different gait.

The Arahi is their slightly less intense stability shoe for those not wanting has much stiffness. That being said, many folks still use the word plush around the Gaviota which is almost unheard of in a stability shoe.

• 5mm drop
•  9.3oz women’s, 11.3oz men’s
• $170

Neutral Running Shoe

These two have a very similar feel, but the HOKA will have a slightly higher stack height. The Ghost MAX will have even more cushion and more height than either of these, it may also be less stable.

👉Brooks Ghost 16

The Ghost offers smooth transitions and soft cushioning for road running and is best for those seeking neutral support. Runners’ World has awarded this shoe several Editor’s Choice Awards.

I personally was so intrigued by those awards that I snagged myself a pair last year and they are nearing the end of their life, but have served me very, very well. Which is why I then upgraded to the newest model to see what might be different.

Admittedly, I might like the 15 a bit more than the 16. But isn’t that the way it goes with shoes!

The heel-to-toe drop is a lot higher than I tend to like, but it’s a very standard traditional running shoe feel. So if you’re looking for that everyday run shoe, which can provide a moderate amount of cushion to go the distance, it’s a win.

• Heel Drop: 12mm  – again higher than I recommend for most runners, we see more overstriding and IT Band issues.
• Weight: 8.8 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
• $140
• Available on Brooksrunning.com
• Read my full review of the Brooks Ghost 16 >>

👉Hoka Mach 6

I know some are surprised not to see the Clifton here, but I really think the Mach is just a better shoe for so many.

When you’re ready to turn on the speed, the Mach is your HOKA of choice. It’s not a carbon plate shoe, instead it’s a super lightweight running shoe designed to spring off the ground and help you find that quick turnover.

Why it’s on the list though is it’s not just a speed shoe, it’s very much a great daily trainer.The Mach features a lightweight foam midsole that provides a quick, lively feel, while the meta-rocker design helps to encourage a more natural gait.

Cushioned Running Shoe

Of these two, the Skyflow is going to feel like the more cushioned shoe because it’s plush.

👉Brooks Glycerin 21

The plushiest model in the Brooks line features plenty of DNA Loft foam, plus the Ortholite sock liner. I’ve tested this shoe out on a number of easy runs from middle to longer distance.

It’s a good shoe to go the distance and even provide the stability you’d want in a marathon day shoe, for those not looking to switch to something super light and fast on race day.

This is a shoe I’ve enjoyed in the past and one that my friend who runs with bunions swears by for a bit more room in the toebox.

Despite all the cushion, the shoe remains fairly light, which is to encourage both speed and comfort in your run.

• 10mm drop
•  9.1 oz women’s, 10.1 oz men’s
• $160

👉Hoka Skyflow

I am super excited to be updating this article with the Skyflow to replace the Bondi. While it was a good shoe, it was so plush that I found some runners ended up with back pain because they simply sink in to the show and lose good form.

The Skyflow will not have that issue and you’ll be getting an even better quality foam! In fact, you’re getting the same supercritical foam that we see in top end shoes. That means cushion with a little bounce.

Due to the weight, this is definitely not a fast tempo run kind of shoe and yet with the same cushion as the Mach, it’s 100% a shoe that I could a lot of runners using on race day for the half or marathon. It just feels good underfoot and has enough room in the shoe for your foot to swell a bit on those long runs.

• Heel drop: 5 mm (41 mm stack on men’s)
• Weight: 8.6 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s

• Available in wide
• Available in the most sizes and colors on HOKA.com for $160
• Read my review of the Hoka Skyflow>>

Carbon Plate Racing Shoe

Since we’ve all started to move in to buying a carbon fiber shoe to really crank out those race day PR’s, let’s take a quick second to look at what both have in their line up.

Interestingly HOKA created their super plus Bondi with a carbon fiber plate and I personally LOVE IT. Not my race day shoe, but what a nice little combo for those marathon training runs where I am throwing in some goal pace miles.

👉Brooks Hyperion Elite

This shoe is Unisex, which means you aren’t getting any of the specific fits for a women’s foot. Traditionally this has meant something slightly narrower and with a little more heel cupping.

Always in these shoes they like to talk about energy savings. Which we’ve seen from studies is debatable for the average runner…perhaps 1%. Then again if I can get 1% on race day, sign me up!!

They also use a rapid roll, where HOKA uses a meta rocker. In both cases, this just means there is a VERY slight curve that should help your foot roll more quickly from heel to forefoot.

• 8mm drop
•  8.1 oz
• $250

👉Hoka Cielo X1

I am a huge fan of HOKA, but did not like the Hoka Carbon X and the RocketX2 ripped my heel apart, so of course I was nervous….but then YESSS this was a winning shoe.

HI guess the first thing I should say, is wow. This shoe underfoot feels really speedy and the energy savings were apparent to me in the first mile repeat. I would say this is definitely a marathon distance shoe, less of a 5K race shoe, but again that depends on the runner.

Another new design in the Cielo X1 is the winged carbon fiber plate. The goal of this design is to provide a little bit more stability to the shoe and further assist with that forward propulsion.

The carbon fiber plate is actually nestled between two layers of PEBA foam – a more cushioned softer foam positioned above the plate and a sturdier variant below.

100%  I am excited to race in this shoe…perhaps my next half or marathon!

• 7 mm heel drop
• 9.3 oz Men’s 10, 7.4 oz women’s 8 (unisex shoe)
• $250
• See the complete HOKA Cielo X1 review

Trail Running Shoes

👉HOKA Speedgoat 6

I like to say the Speedgoat is the Clifton with extra traction. While that’s not 100% true, it’s pretty close! So if you love the feel of their classic neutral trainer then the Speedgoat is going to be a winner for you as well.

It’s absolutely become one of my go to trail running shoes.

You might think with the stack height that it makes trails harder and it HOKA is one of the preferred shoes for ultramarathon runners. Which I believe is due to the good combination of cushion and stability.

The Speedgoat 6 features a durable design that provides a comfortable and stable ride on any terrain. The shoe also features a breathable upper, which helps to keep the feet cool and dry during runs.

• Heel Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 8.2 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
• $155
• See all HOKA Speedgoat models (also includes a waterproof option)
• Ready my full Hoka Speedgoat 6 review >>

👉Brooks Cascadia

If you’re a trail runner and need a wider shoe, Brooks Cascadia has got you covered. It is an extremely protected shoe so you don’t have to worry about your feet getting banged up on rough terrain, while remaining light and agile.

I used these on all the trails when we first moved to Colorado! The GTX version will keep your feet dry for winter running or rainy days. These aren’t a shoe that I realized was a stability shoe while wearing it and for me that’s a win.

They’re also built for distance meaning they won’t wear down on you. Trail runners need shoes that offer stability and comfort whether their feet are wide or narrow. Cascadia delivers.

• 8mm heel drop
• 9.5 oz women’s, 10.5 oz men’s
•  $140

Are Brooks or HOKA Better?

By now you now that my philosophy is that no one perfect running shoe exists. However, there is the shoe that feels the best on your foot and allows you to run comfortably.

Both brands have a lot of great shoes in their line up, so your job is to pay attention to what feels great on your foot. Then test out some shoes!!

Use Zappos where you’ve got super easy returns, head to your local running store and try them on, whatever it takes.

Seriously, even REI, return policies are pretty amazing.

And remember: Your gait and feet will likely change over time and you may need to change shoes.

This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.

Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair.

More About Brooks Running Shoes

Believe it or not, Brooks started out in 1914 making ballet slippers and bathing shoes. Since then, they have made everything from baseball and football cleats to roller skates.

It wasn’t until Frank Shorter won the marathon at the 1972 Munich Olympics that Brooks considered limiting its focus. The first running shoe debuted in 1974 and their most popular running shoe, the Adrenaline GTS first hit the market in 1999.

In 2001, Brooks decided to focus solely on running.

They introduced the Transcend in 2013, a shoe that used new biomechanics technology to create a GuideRails technology, allowing runners to run naturally without trying to correct their gait.

The Seattle-based company is also well known for its commitment to sustainability and giving back. Brooks donates time, gear, and money to companies that align with their values around diversity, equity, and inclusion and staff receive paid annual volunteer time.

More about HOKA ONE ONE

Let’s start with how do you pronounce Hoka One One? “Ho-Kah O-nay O-nay” which is a Māori phrase that means “to fly over the earth.”

But they’re kind of like Madonna and just need one name: Hoka.

Founded by two mountain trail runners in the Swiss Alps, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, former Salomon employees, had an epiphany during their training that lead to the foundation of a new shoe and new company in 2009.

This makes them a mere baby in the world of running shoes, as many of the brands from Brooks to ASICS have been around 100+ years now. Pictured here is their first prototype.

At first they simply wanted a shoe that would allow them to run downhill faster and thus win!

Quickly they realized there was something more here with a smooth, super light, cushioned and stable shoe. Their maximal design took many by surprise in a time where Zero Drop and Barefoot running were the in thing.

In 2020, the company was purchased by Deckers (owners of UGG and Teva).

Hopefully that just means more marketing to keep the shoes going and not a change to what their doing right.

For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

• Altra Vs Brooks Running Shoes
• Best Trail Running Shoes
• Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
• How to tell if a running shoe fits?
• Best Running Shoes
• Nike vs New Balance running shoes

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