Whether you are a beginner runner trying to decide what brand of running shoes to try or a loyal wearer of a specific brand keen on trying something different, you might seek a HOKA vs Brooks running shoe comparison.
HOKA and Brooks are two of the most popular running shoe brands today, but unless you’re a running shoe guru, you might not know much about the differences between Brooks and HOKA running shoes.
In this guide, we compare HOKA vs Brooks running shoes, two of the best running shoe brands for long distances.
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Which Is Better, HOKA Or Brooks Running Shoes?
Before we delve into the specific differences in our Brooks vs HOKA running shoes head-to-head matchup, it’s important to establish that these are both fantastic running shoe companies that design and manufacture viable running shoes for many runners.
HOKA One One and Brooks are running shoe brands accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which speaks to their merit, quality, and design.
Therefore, this HOKA vs Brooks running shoe comparison is less about which is the better running shoe and more about how the two reputable brands and their running shoes differ.
Because every runner is unique in terms of their biomechanics, gait, training, injury risk, and running shoe preferences, knowing the differences between Brooks vs HOKA running shoes can help you choose the best option for you.
We aren’t attempting to crown an overall winner; we are just shedding light on key differences to help you narrow your search for the right pair of running shoes.
Additionally, both HOKA and Brooks offer quite a range of running shoe models these days, so buying a certain type of running shoe (stability, trail running, maximalist, etc.) from either brand is possible.
However, each brand has a primary style or approach to running shoes, so we will focus on highlighting these differences— just bear in mind that you can almost always find exceptions to the general trends we will discuss.
HOKA vs Brooks: Main Differences
The primary difference between HOKA and Brooks running shoes is the style or type of running shoes they make.
HOKA is best known for making maximalist running shoes. These shoes have a very thick sole and high stack height because they provide a lot of cushioning between the foot and the ground.
For this reason, HOKA shoes are higher and appear chunkier than Brooks shoes, and they have a lot more foam cushioning in the sole.
They are often brightly colored, so HOKA running shoes have a distinct appearance between the shape and colors.
Because of the added cushioning, HOKA running shoes are often popular amongst master runners and injury-prone runners seeking more joint-impact forgiveness.
They are also particularly popular amongst ultrarunners and trail runners because of their maximalist cushioning.
Brooks offers more traditional running shoes with distinct differences in the level of support and pronation control they provide.
They are a widely trusted and beloved brand, adored by competitive and recreational runners alike.
See also: Hoka vs On Cloud Shoes
HOKA vs Brooks Running Shoes: Durability
The durability of any running shoe depends on many factors, including your body weight and size, the terrain you are running on, how often you run, your gait, whether you rotate your shoes (which gives the material more time to rebound between uses), and the climate and weather you run in.
However, in addition to these runner-specific factors, there are also qualities of the running shoe itself that influence durability, namely the materials used and the quality of construction.
Most running shoes last anywhere from 300 to 500 miles (500-800 km), and both Brooks and HOKA running shoes fall well within these guidelines.
With that said, HOKA running shoes often perform best on the trails, so the outsole can show signs of wear quicker when used on the roads.
If you will do a lot of road running in HOKA running shoes, buy road-specific models, such as the HOKA Bondi, because the rubber durometer on the sole will better handle the friction and wear from the road.
HOKA running shoes may last you closer to 400 miles per pair, while Brooks does tend to be closer to that 500-mile lifetime mark.
HOKA vs Brooks Running Shoes Fit and Sizing
One of the biggest differences between Brooks and HOKA running shoes is how they fit and are sized.
Brooks recommends sizing up a half size from your street shoe, while HOKA running shoes are said to fit true to size.
Brooks running shoes have a wider toe box in terms of fit. This is ideal for runners with bunions, a history of metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma, or wide feet.
A wide toe box is advantageous because it allows for natural foot spray, which is the spreading of the forefoot and toes upon landing.
If the toe box of your running shoes is too narrow or if it tapers down to a point, the ball of your foot and your toes will be compressed when you push off for the next stride.
Over time, this pressure can increase the risk of injuries such as bunions, metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma.
In contrast, HOKA shoes tend to run somewhat narrow, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
If you have narrow feet, you don’t want them swimming around in a wide toe box. You’ll lack control and sensory feedback, and the risk of blisters and tripping will increase.
It should be noted that both brands offer wide running shoes in some of their available models.This comparison has focused on standard-width running shoes (B for women and D for men).
With that said, if you have a fairly normal width to your foot, you might be best served to go with a wide sizing with HOKA running shoes, especially with the Bondi models, because they run narrow.
HOKA vs Brooks Running Shoes: Cushioning
There are some differences in the materials used for cushioning with HOKA vs Brooks running shoes.
HOKA running shoes are known to be among the best-cushioned shoe brands and provide “marshmallow softness.” This cloud-like cushioning is due to PROFLY technology and molded EVA foam.
Although people usually associate HOKA with just the thickest maximalist running shoes, they actually offer three levels of cushioning.
The shoes are surprisingly lightweight despite their generous amount of cushioning.
Not only does HOKA’s cushioning make for a comfortable running experience, but they also make great walking shoes!
Brooks utilizes different midsole foam materials based on the primary purpose of the running shoes. For example, the midsole will be composed of different types of foam with a cushioned trainer for shock absorption versus a lightweight speed trainer for greater responsiveness.
DNA LOFT is their softest cushioning, found in many of their popular models, including the Brooks Ghost 15. It is made from a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air.
DNA AMP provides the highest energy return because it is ultra springy, much stiffer, and more responsive than DNA LOFT. This makes it ideal for speed shoes where you want to optimize forward propulsion.
BioMoGo DNA lands in the middle of DNA LOFT and DNA AMP and is said to adapt to and accommodate your gait and running style to provide the proper support and cushion.
DNA Flash provides very little cushioning, so it’s for racing shoes.
HOKA vs Brooks Running Shoes: Stability
In general, when comparing Brooks vs. HOKA stability, Brooks comes out on top, meaning a Brooks running shoe offers more stability.
Most Brooks models have both a neutral and support/stability version. The latter is distinguished by the “GTS” in the product name, which stands for “Go-To-Support.”
The GTS versions of Brooks running shoes employ GuideRails Technology, designed to balance and support your natural running stride to optimize your degree of pronation.
Brooks running shoes are said to be scientifically designed to accommodate rather than correct your gait. They do extensive testing with their products and incorporate user feedback and data from scientific studies to design and adjust their running shoes.
HOKA doesn’t offer quite as many stability shoes, but those designed to provide more support use a J-Frame technology and firmer foam on the medial side of the foot to prevent overpronation (rolling inward).
HOKA vs Brooks Running Shoes: Feel
Given the difference in fit and cushioning, HOKA and Brooks running shoes have a pretty different feel.
HOKA running shoes often feel more plush and forgiving, whereas Brooks running shoes are responsive yet comfortable.
Additionally, the heel-to-toe drop differs.
Most Brooks running shoes have a heel-to-toe drop of around 10 mm-12 mm. In contrast, this heel-to-toe difference is only about 5 mm in HOKA running shoes.
This means that Brooks running shoes feel more like your traditional shoes, while HOKA shoes are closer to zero-drop, so they put you in a more natural running position.
HOKA soles also have a meta rocker designed to help guide the transition from heel to toe (impact to push off) when you run.
Newer models also have a Hubble Heel, an extended heel portion designed to improve the heel-to-toe transition.
HOKA vs Brooks Running Shoes: Price
Both Brooks and HOKA running shoes are competitively and reasonably priced for the quality of the products.
HOKA running shoes generally tend to have a slightly higher price point than comparable Brooks models.
The average price of HOKA running shoes is about $150, whereas Brooks shoes usually set you back about $130, making Brooks about $20 less than HOKA running shoes.
When it comes to Brooks vs HOKA running shoes, there isn’t really a definitive better option for all runners, but one might be better than the other for you.
If you need some extra guidance in choosing which shoes are right for you, check out our running shoe guide or visit your local running store!
We’ve got guides on all other shoe brands, including Nike, Asics, and New Balance, which you can check out here!
Here are some Amazon links to some of the most popular HOKA and Brooks running shoes:
Brooks Glycerine 20
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Hyperion GTS
