• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • New? Start Here!

RunToTheFinish

Online Running Coach for All Paces, All Ages

  • Training
    • Beginner Half Marathon Training
    • Sub Two Half Marathon Training
    • Marathon Training
    • New Runner Tips
    • Low Heart Rate Training
    • Group Run Coaching
    • Nutrition for Runners
  • Running Injuries
  • Gear Reviews
  • Work Together
    • Online Run Coaching
    • 1-1 Coaching
    • Brand Partnerships
  • Shop
    • Book
    • Book Tour
    • IT Band Solution
    • LHR Training Plans
  • Blog

Hoka Vs Brooks Running Shoes

5shares

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 Hoka styles.

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.Brooks vs Hoka

I break down the differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:

Brooks Running Shoes

  • Wider Toe Box
  • Exclusively designs running shoes
  • Science-driven to accommodate rather than correct gait

Hoka Running Shoes

  • Maximal shoe – has the larger sole for stability and smooth ride
  • Usually more cushioned
  • Some state they run narrow, but compared to other brands like Nike I disagree
  • Does have some casual shoes, gym shoes and recovery sandals

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.

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, 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.

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

Hoka Big Heel

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.

comparing shoe models

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, while 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.

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

The brand’s most popular road running shoe (GTS stands for go-to-shoe) just turned 20 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).

HOKA Gaviota

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.

It’s still cushioned, only 5mm heel toe drop and 10oz.

Neutral Running Shoe

Brooks Ghost

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.

The other similar shoe I’ve used is the Brooks Levitate and you can see my full review here.

Hoka Clifton

The Clifton was their first model and I actually got to run in version 1, 2 and 6! It’s their trademark shoe and a great one for any runner who wants cushion and to test out a maximal shoe.

At just 7 oz you’ll be shocked how much cushion in provides. It’s cushioned without being too soft, so it’s still responsive.

Cushioned Running Shoe

Brooks Glycerin

The plushiest model in the Brooks line features plenty of DNA Loft foam, plus the Ortholite sock liner. Despite all the cushion, the shoe remains fairly light at 9 oz and has a 10mm heel drop, encouraging speed and comfort.

Hoka Bondi

If you want to feel like your feet are running on actual pillows…this is it. The most cushioned shoe I’ve tried in over 26,000 miles of running. It’s a heavenly shoe for recovery days.

Important for most runners to know a shoe this cushioned isn’t ideal for all runs. You can easily start to sink in to your low back and lose a little speed without that spring off the ground.

More About Brooks

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.original brooks adrenaline

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.

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.

And remember, just because these are two of the most well known brands on the market, there are still plenty of other shoe brands to select from if neither Brooks nor HOKA has the right shoe for you.

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 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.Hoka 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 of by surprise in a time where Zero Drop and Barefoot running were the in thing.

In 202o, 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:

  • Best Trail Running Shoes
  • Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
  • Skechers Running Shoes review (you might be surprised!)
  • Best Running Shoes
  • Minimal or Maximal Running Shoes: Which is Right for You?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishrunning coach

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs

 

 

5shares

Posted by amanda Leave a Comment Categories: Hoka One One, review, running gear, Running Shoes

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Filter by Category
  • Select a Category
  • 10 miler
  • 10K
  • 13.1 marathon series
  • 15K
  • 30 Day Challenge
  • 5k
  • About ME
  • Abs
  • Active Travel
  • alaska
  • Amanda Brooks
  • Arizona
  • Asics
  • Austin
  • Baltimore
  • barefoot running
  • beauty
  • Biking
  • birthday
  • bloggers
  • blogging tips
  • body fat
  • body image
  • body weight exercises
  • book reviews
  • Boston Marathon
  • breakfast
  • California
  • Camping
  • Canada
  • Caribbean
  • chicago
  • ChiRunning
  • Clean Eating
  • cold weather training
  • colorado
  • compression
  • Costa Rica
  • Crockpot
  • cross training
  • CrossFit
  • dairy free
  • dessert
  • egg free
  • electrolytes
  • emotional health
  • Europe
  • family
  • Fit Together
  • fitness gear
  • Fitness Tracker
  • fitness vacation
  • florida
  • foam roller
  • food sensitivity
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • France
  • Funny Running
  • Gift Guide
  • Gluten Free
  • GPS Watch
  • Green Smoothie
  • Guides and Tips
  • habits
  • Half Marathon
  • Hawaii
  • HBBC
  • health coach
  • healthy eating
  • Healthy Home
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • Heart Rate Training
  • HIIT workout
  • hiking
  • hiking
  • Hip Strength
  • Hoka One One
  • Holistic Health
  • Hormones
  • hydration
  • Iceland
  • injury
  • inspiration
  • instagram
  • Ireland
  • IT Band
  • IT Band Recovery
  • Jerusalem
  • key west
  • knee injury
  • Kona
  • Love
  • low heart rate training
  • Maffetone
  • main dish
  • Marathon
  • marathon training
  • marriage
  • meal planning
  • Meditation
  • Memphis
  • mental marathon training
  • Mexico
  • Miami
  • Motivation
  • New York City
  • New York City Marathon
  • New York City Marathon Training
  • NYC marathon
  • Oregon
  • Orlando
  • Palm Beach
  • Philadelphia Marathon
  • physical therapy
  • podcasts
  • Prague
  • Product Review
  • Race
  • race costume
  • race medal
  • race photo
  • race report
  • Ragnar
  • Recipe
  • recovery
  • recovery meal
  • relaxation
  • relay race
  • resolution run
  • review
  • Rock N Roll
  • run club
  • Runner's World
  • running accessories
  • running books
  • running coach
  • running form
  • running fuel
  • running gear
  • Running Group
  • running motivation
  • running music
  • Running Shoes
  • safety
  • salads
  • san diego
  • Saucony
  • Seattle
  • skin care
  • Soup
  • South Beach
  • South Carolina
  • South Florida
  • speed work
  • sports nutrition
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Steamboat Springs
  • Strength Training
  • stretching
  • sugar reduction
  • Thanksgiving
  • trail running
  • Training Group
  • training plan
  • travel
  • travel running
  • treadmill
  • treadmill workout
  • triathlon
  • ultrarunning
  • vegan
  • Vegas
  • vegatarian
  • vegetable
  • virtual run
  • wedding
  • weight loss
  • winter
  • women's running
  • workout
  • workout motivation
  • workout schedule
  • Yoga

5 Secrets to Improve Your RUn

Start Making Quick Progress on Your Goals (I swear it's easy) no matter your current fitness level. The tips I share with the runners I coach.

Recent Posts

  • 97 High Protein Breakfast Ideas – Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan and Paleo Options
  • Low Heart Rate Training | February Run Club
  • Hoka Vs Brooks Running Shoes
  • The Broadmoor Colorado Springs – What to Expect
  • How to Eat More Vegetables Everyday | Hidden Veggies and More Tips

Must Have Gear

Comparing GPS Watches

Best HR Monitor for Running

Best Foam Rollers

Best Running Books

Running Jackets for Every Condition

fitness partners

Please note that affiliate links {such as Amazon} may pop up on RTTF from time to time. They do not cost you anything to use, but are a huge help to support the ongoing content creation process. Click here to do your shopping!

Welcome!!

Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified personal trainer and running coach. I’ve been coaching over a decade and distance running since 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!

 

online running coach

Footer

Get the Free 5 Day Better Runner Challenge

Start Making Quick Progress on Your Goals (I swear it's easy)

About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

Popular Posts on RunToTheFinish

  • Suunto vs Garmin: Which GPS Watch Is Better for You
  • Piriformis Syndrome Exercises: Alleviating a Pain in the Butt
  • T25, P90X3, PiYo – Can it Improve Your Running? Complete Comparison
  • 17 Funniest Running Memes – Which One’s Do You Relate To?
  • Best Virtual Races and 11 Reasons You Need to Do One

runtothefinish

Amanda Brooks : Run Coach
PICK A SUPERMARKET SWEEP STORE?? If you could run PICK A SUPERMARKET SWEEP STORE?? If you could run through any fitness type store for 90 seconds and get to keep what you grab, what store???
//
Do you go @lululemon crazy? Remember you can only get 5 of one item? But mmm all my favorite run shorts are there...
.
Do you think big at @rei? Though I imagine it might take all 90 seconds to get that SUP back to the counter.
.
Me? I’d head in to @runnersroost! I mean running shoes are priority one, then tops and maybe a watch ya know!
//
Ok your turn!! Pick a store! #dreamreallyfreakingbig #supermarketsweep
LIFES A BEACH...except when it’s sand dunes next LIFES A BEACH...except when it’s sand dunes next to a mountain range. Then it’s just confusing 😂 and a hard, but awesome workout. 
.
Which feels exactly like my start to the year with running.
//
What emoji best describes your recent workouts??
🤦‍♀️Errr not happening
😀Doing what I can
👍Having fun, consistently sweating
🔥Fired up to achieve big things
//
While I had a good 10K time trial on the 2nd and I’m rocking some hard core workouts, I’m missing my longer runs. The legs just haven’t been feeling it though and I’ve been tired.
.
A good reminder to us all that when adding intensity and new strength, it’s ok not to be hitting big miles. I’ll keep building slow and steady.
//
Photo throwback from a visit to the Great Sand Dunes.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Do you look at those Buzzfeed WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Do you look at those Buzzfeed stories to see what childhood idols are doing now…this is my runner life version.
👇👇👇
Have you always loved running? Recently found it? Still trying to love it?🤔
//
🔴Guaranteed no one would have guessed I’d become a runner.
In fact, they flat out told me I was not a runner. I was athletic, but not a runner.
🟣By high school I only ran as punishment at practice or once a year when they timed us in the mile for PE.
//
🛹🛼On the flipside, stayed out late under the streetlights playing tag  for hours or I could joyfully go in circles around the yard with my big old Collie. 
.
FUN. IT WAS FUN!!!! 
.
💡Turns out that’s all it really took for me to like running. To find out that it could in fact be FUN:
👉to challenge myself
👉to see what I’m made of
👉to have time to think
👉to explore the world
✅and never worry about proving anything to anyone
//
I never would have imagined going from hating a mile to running 31 solo last year just because I wanted to see if I could 😂
MIND GAMES IN RUNNING are a tool every experienced MIND GAMES IN RUNNING are a tool every experienced runner has in their little pockets.
I’ll just got to that next sign 🛑, well maybe til my watch is a round number...ok, just 5 more minutes.
.
We’re very good liars 😂because then we just say it again.
//
Those are always my favorites to get out the door or prevent myself from quitting on a run where I really have no good reason to stop.
.
But SAVE THESE mental training tips for a day you might need them:
.
💜Go with the flow. Not every run is our best or fastest, stop trying to force it to be so and you’ll have more fun.
.
💚Change the words you use. Stop saying you’re slow and not a runner and this is too hard and you are too busy. Those just confirm and cement the ideas, not help you move forward.
.
🤍Embrace mistakes as the best way to have a great run or race in the future. 
.
💙Acknowledge ALL of your progress. 1 extra push up? Awesome! 1 minute longer running? Awesome! Actually did all of your workouts for the week? Awesome. Stop waiting for race day to celebrate!!
//
❓❓What mental tricks do you have that help keep you training (especially this last year with races off the table for motivation)?
WELCOME TO THE CLUB 🥳 I’m not sure we’re th WELCOME TO THE CLUB 🥳 I’m not sure we’re the cool club, we might be the weird club...but we are definitely a club.
.
I’d still like to print membership cards as mentioned in my book.😂
//
👉Which of these speaks most to you as a runner??
//
I’m going with oversharing. There’s some cool science about how when we’re side by side we feel less threatened and therefore open up more to each other.
.
I can 100% say that friends who have gone on walks or runs with me know more than probably anyone else in my life!
Follow on Instagram
Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy.

Copyright © 2021 RunToTheFinish

Copyright © 2021 · RunToTheFinish V2 on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in