Brooks Ghost Max vs. Hoka Clifton vs. New Balance 1080 vs. ASICS Gel-Nimbus: Comparison and Reviews 2024

• Brook Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max is a brand new shoe from Brooks which is a spinoff series of the regular Ghost.The shoe like the regular Ghost but on steroids, offering a skyscraper-high midsole combined with a stable ride, especially for heel strikers.The Brooks Ghost Max is designed to be an everyday neutral training shoe. This is the running shoe that you use for the bulk of your mileage. This covers your easy runs; recovery runs and long runs. 

Brook Ghost Max 2 Review

Release Year: 2024

Official Price: $150

The new shoe follows last year’s debut Ghost Max, which outfitted Brooks’ stalwart Ghost with extra cushioning and some added support. That shoe was a hit, offering a superbly comfortable option for everyday training.

The most obvious differences between the Ghost Max 2 and the Ghost Max are the replacement of DNA Loft v2 foam with the softer and lighter DNA Loft v3 foam.DNA Loft v3 is a nitrogen-infused midsole foam that offers softness without sacrificing sturdiness. Whereas the Max 1 had a somewhat flat and predictable ride character, the new foam is much livelier in comparison.The upper material in the Ghost Max 2 was upgraded from a single layer mesh to a double jacquard air mesh.Also, with the update to LOFT v3 Brooks adjusted shaping and release in the midsole to best work with the new compound and provide a great underfoot experience.

Not only is this midsole soft and bouncy, but it’s also tall with an ultra-wide base. Interestingly, this is a max-cushioned shoe with a 6 mm drop. These traits make the Brooks Ghost Max 2 unique, and there aren’t many directly comparable shoes.If Brooks decides to release a Ghost Max 2 variant with a waterproof upper and slip-resistant sole, it will probably outsell the Hoka Bondi SR.

Brooks has made running shoes with runners of course, but also people in professions requiring long hours on their feet, like healthcare workers, teachers, and warehouse workers. The Ghost Max 2 continues this tradition, offering a cushioned and orthotic-friendly option.

Who Are the Brooks Ghost Max Best for 2?

Soft meets supportive in the Ghost Max 2.The shoe is best for：

• Walkers or runners looking for a stiffer shoe.

• Those who need a shoe that accommodates orthotics.

• People who stand for long periods, like healthcare professionals or retail workers.

Brooks Ghost Max 2 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Brooks Ghost Max 2?

Brooks official website (up to 2% super cash back)

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Amazon

Road Runner Sports

Gazellesports.com

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• Hoka Clifton

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. 

Hoka Clifton 9 Review

Release Year: 2023

Official Price: $145

The new Clifton 9 continues its lineage with a few updates, including a change to the midsole foam, stack height, and a new upper that is more accommodating. 

Revitalized with a new CMEVA foam midsole, the Clifton 9 is designed to deliver a bouncy energy return with HOKA's quintessential smooth transitions. Stacking 3mm of additional foam in the midsole, the updated Clifton also promises new levels of protection perfectly crafted to keep you comfortable on your daily training runs. The outsole received minor alterations as well, and the Durabrasion rubber has been crafted to deliver high-quality traction with workhorse durability.HOKA has stripped down the Clifton's engineered mesh upper, removing overlays to eliminate as much unnecessary weight as possible, all while maintaining the Clifton's cozy fit and feel. The upper provides a well-balanced, Clifton-y fit with a secure hold through the midfoot and a touch of extra space for toe splay in the forefoot. 

Overall, the Clifton 9 is a solid upgrade but not a redefining one for the model. If you are thinking about investing in a pair of Hokas, the Clifton 9 is a great place to start.

Who Are the Hoka Clifton 9 Best for?

The Hoka Clifton 9 is a narrow-fitting maximalist daily trainer with a Meta-Rocker midsole for energy-saving transitions. It has a highly cushioned ride which is on the soft side and it’s best suited to slow, easy paced runs.

Hoka Clifton 9 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Hoka Clifton 9?

Hoka official website (up to 3% super cash back)

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Holabird Sports (up to 5% super cash back)

Nordstrom.com

• New Balance 1080

The Fresh Foam New Balance 1080 is a premium, neutral running shoe designed for those who prioritize maximum cushioning and plush comfort. It features an ultra-soft Fresh Foam X midsole, delivering a luxurious underfoot feel and excellent shock absorption. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, with added support from the Hypoknit construction. The 1080 delivers top-of-the-line performance to every kind of runner, whether you’re training for world-class competition, or catching a rush hour train. 

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Review

Release Year: 2024

Official Price: $164.99

At first glance, there’s not a huge amount of change between the v13 and v14 in terms of appearance — it still looks very much like the 1080.If you enjoyed the 1080v13 I think you’ll enjoy the v14, too.

However,there are two changes in the 1080v14 that contribute to the slight weight increase.Firstly, an upper material that’s focused on delivering the utmost comfort for everyday runners. New Balance wanted to ensure that the 1080v14 was more breathable than the 1080v13, so there’s an additional thin layer of comfortable mesh to deliver holes through the mesh for increased breathability. There are also very small tweaks in the geometry of the midsole to deliver a slightly more stable underfoot ride for every day running.The shoe features an updated outsole for a propulsive feeling, and additional rubber in high wear areas for added durability.

The New Balance 1080v14 is a great cushioned daily trainer that can go for miles. It’s a solid long run shoe pick for runners who enjoy a more max cushion feel.

Who Are the New Balance 1080v14 Best for?

With a plush, pillow-y midsole, the 1080 v14 is the perfect choice for runners who don’t shy away from softness.It’s great for standing on your feet all day, and it’s perfect for everyday training runs. Soft cushion lovers will like it for long runs, too.If you found the 1080 v13 too soft or too warm, the 1080 v14 is a good replacement.

New Balance 1080v14 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy New Balance 1080v14?

New Balance (up to 2% super cash back)

Amazon

Scheels.com (up to 5% super cash back)

Backcountry (up to 4% super cash back)

• ASICS Gel-Nimbus

What is the GEL-Nimbus model? It’s a long-distance running shoe that offers maximum cushioning and bounce, thanks to a range of ASICS performance technology. From your first stride to your last, the lightweight cushioning and new improved fit provide lasting comfort you can rely on, making this the leading cushioning running shoe for neutral runners.The upper is extremely secure, with a 360º fluid skin and strategic overlays, while the revolutionary GEL technology gives you more flexibility of movement in the rear and forefoot while protecting your feet and lower legs from impact on hard surfaces.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Review

Release Year: 2024

Official Price: $160

The Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is the flagship high mileage, neutral cushioned shoe in the Asics running shoe family – staying consistent to the honest, protected feel of its predecessors. This running all-rounder is both an excellent choice as the running shoe to conquer most of your Ks in, or as a soft daily trainer to complement your shoe rotation.

The midsole is also FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning.Here they added to the rearfoot PureGEL technology, a material that is lighter and 65% softer than conventional GEL technology, providing even softer landings.One great update to this version is the grippier outsole thanks to Ahar+ rubber. Not everyone will notice this so much, but if you run in the rain or do any road to gravel path, it’s a nice switch.Up top, a more breathable upper wraps your feet with a supportive, deep heel collar and soft memory foam. Asics have tweaked the fit to offer more wiggle room in terms of both depth and volume, with a new engineered knitted construction that adapts more readily to conform to your feet through the forefoot.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is targeting the same runner as its predecessor. It's someone who is neutral with regards to their foot stability and also a person who is seeking maximum cushioning for plenty of kilometres out on the road.

Who Are the GEL-Nimbus 26 Best for?

I highly recommend the ASICS Nimbus 26 for:

• Runners seeking a luxurious, comfortable experience on easy and moderate runs.

• ASICS fans desiring a super-cushioned shoe for long distances and daily training.

• Those who prioritize top-notch uppers, as the Nimbus 26's knit material offers a premium feel, excellent lockdown, good ventilation and ample toebox space.

Asics GEL-Nimbus 26 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Asics GEL-Nimbus 26?

Asics.com(up to 5% super cash back)

Amazon

Dicks Sporting Goods(up to 2% super cash back)

Academy Sports + Outdoors(up to 1% super cash back) 

Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs. Hoka Clifton 9 vs. New Balance 1080v14 vs. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26: Comparison Side by Side

1. The Specs

2. Construction and Material

• The Upper
  

Brooks Ghost Max 2 - The upper is made from an engineered mesh, which is breathable, but slightly less so than its predecessor. Not a dealbreaker, especially with fall and winter on the horizon—it’s perfect for cooler seasons.

Hoka Clifton 9 - The Clifton has a new engineered mesh upper with improved ventilation. The Clifton has a padded heel counter which locks down the heel well and a padded tongue which is semi gusseted. 

New Balance 1080v14 - The upper of v14 is an improvement over v13. It feels lighter, thinner and more breathable; more performance and less lifestyle driven. It’s made of a new double-layer engineered mesh with large ventilation holes on the top of the toe box.The semi-gusseted tongue is lightly padded and doesn’t move around during runs- it has large perforations for extra ventilation. The heel tab and collar are padded while an internal heel counter provides excellent heel lockdown.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 - The Nimbus 26 has a more comfortable upper than the 25 thanks to its redesigned upper which is wider in the forefoot and toe-box. The 26 also has more ventilation on the top of the toe-box so breathability is better in the 26.

• The Midsole

Brooks Ghost Max 2 - The midsole is now using Brooks’ DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-injected foam that boosts durability and keeps the ride soft for longer.Sure, it’s a tad heavier than the previous version, but the trade-off is durability and longevity. You’ll get a smooth ride with excellent energy return, making it ideal for runners who want that plush feel for longer.

Hoka Clifton 9 - The Clifton has an oversized EVA compression midsole with a thick stack height. The Clifton has a Metarocker which smoothes the heel-to-toe transitions and the midsole of the Clifton feels soft in the forefoot and heel but doesn’t feel mushy. It gives you some responsiveness with plenty of deep cushioning without any bottoming-out flatness.

New Balance 1080v14 - Fresh Foam X is New Balance’s softest midsole foam yet, but that softness doesn’t take away from the extra bit of pop it provides underfoot.The Fresh Foam X in the 1080 v14 is pure EVA and not a PEBA-EVA blend like in the more premium Balos but honestly, there isn’t a big difference in terms of ride between the Balos and the 1080. The new midsole density of v14 makes the cushioning feel more substantial because it doesn’t bottom out as easily so it can handle long runs better; it’s also more suited to heavy runners now.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 - The midsole unit is made of two major parts: the PureGel in the heel surrounded by the FF Blast PLUS ECO foam. For those that are Eco-conscious, the development of the FF Blast™ foam helps reduce the shoe’s carbon footprint by 25%.One change from the previous version is that they added a bit of a rocker to the heel. It helps a bit with making the ride smoother.

• The Outsole

Brooks Ghost Max 2 - The outsole features a solid rubber compound for durability, and despite all that cushioning, the Ghost Max 2 is surprisingly stable underfoot.The wide platform helps reduce lateral roll, making it a fantastic option for heavier runners who need extra support without sacrificing cushioning.

Hoka Clifton 9 - The Clifton has also received an outsole update in version 9, featuring more outsole coverage along the medial side of the shoe.The Clifton 9 has more blown rubber than earlier versions (the downside of the rubber is it’s heavier!). 

New Balance 1080v14 - There’s a new outsole design with wider rubber pieces which are not as spread out as v13. The rubber is soft but thick so durability is decent. Traction is good on dry surfaces and average one wet ones.The new outsole configuration also helps to make the forefoot stiffer so that the rocker speeds up transitions. You get livelier toe-offs in v14.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 - One upgrade in this version compared to Nimbus 25 is the upgraded rubber outsole. The new outsole is a combination of Asics Grip and their AHAR PLUS. This improved the grip on this shoe.In all of your runs, you will feel secure and stable taking any tight turns at any speed.

3. Fit and Sizing

Brooks Ghost Max 2 - The Brooks Ghost Max 2 offers a spacious interior with plenty of wiggle room, perfect for runners and walkers with high-volume feet.

Hoka Clifton 9 - The Clifton has a padded heel counter which locks down the heel well and a padded tongue which is semi gusseted.The toe box of the Clifton is wider than previous versions but in general the Clifton has a narrow fit so order the wide version if you don’t have narrow feet. The Clifton fits true to size.

New Balance 1080v14 - Just like the previous version, the toe box is very narrow so I recommend going up a half size or getting the wide version. 

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 - In the Nimbus 26, the fit for me was good with the plush step-in comfort you expect here. The padded collars hold the heels well, the tongues boost the plushness and the uppers wrap quite snugly but there’s ample room in the toe box and enough flex to feel spacious. I got decent lace lock down across the midfoot, too. Comfort and fit here is reliable and I’d recommend going true to size.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

The four running shoes have their merits and can serve different types of runners well. Ultimately, the choice among them comes down to personal preference and specific running needs. 

If you’ve been a long-time fan of the Brooks Ghost series, the Ghost Max 2 will likely deliver the familiar comfort and durability you’ve come to expect.However, if you’re open to trying something new, the HOKA Clifton 9 offers a compelling package with its lightweight design, superior cushioning, and breathability.

While the 1080 v14 doesn’t look like a significant update, New Balance has made some small tweaks to improve their most popular training shoe. The tweaks include improved stability, better breathability and livelier toe-offs.The only downside is that version 14 has picked up weight but most runners who were fans of the 13 will like the 14 even more because it feels like a more balanced daily trainer.

The Gel-Nimbus 26 is for runners who want a supremely comfortable cruiser. With top-of-the-line comfort and impressive durability, this is a shoe that can eat up a lot of miles. You won't want it as a training partner in hard or fast workouts. But when the goal is to get in an easy effort, this is the shoe you'll love it.In addition to cushioning enthusiasts, the GEL-Nimbus 26 is also a great choice for anyone who spends long days on their feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ghost Max best for?

The the original Ghost Max is best for running.

Does the Brooks Ghost Max have a wide toe box?

Yes. The toe box is roomier than it is in reality which feels a lot more comfortable to a lot of runners.

Does Ghost Max run narrow?

They are true to size and the Ghost Max has a more narrow fit that won't suit runners with wide feet.

What is the heel toe drop on Brooks Ghost Max?

Its drop is 6 mm.

How long do Brooks Ghost Max shoes last?

When used for its intended purpose, Brooks footwear has an expected lifespan of 500-800 km / 300-500 miles.

Is Clifton 9 good for plantar fasciitis?

These types of shoes can be especially beneficial for those who have plantar fasciitis or a heel strike, when the heel hits the pavement first with each step. The Clifton 9 has an early-stage meta-rocker, meaning the curvature starts at the middle of the foot.

What are Clifton 9 Hoka best for?

Anyone who wants a walking shoe that they can wear out and about, too. Runners who want an everyday training shoe for easy and tempo runs.

How many miles is Hoka Clifton 9 good for?

Median lifespan: 400 miles.

Is the HOKA Clifton 9 good for walking?

Yes. The shoe is best for runners who want an everyday training shoe for easy and tempo runs.

Does Clifton 9 have a wide toe box?

The Hoka Clifton 9 running shoe is narrow at the mid-foot and provides a bit more space in length in the forefoot/toe box compared to the Clifton 8s.

Can you run a half marathon in Clifton 9?

Yes. Compared to some of Hoka's previous, heavier models, the Clifton 9s outright fly.

What is the drop on HOKA Clifton 9?

Hoka states that the shoe's stack height is 32/27 mm, featuring a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.

Is the New Balance 1080v13 a neutral shoe?

Yes. The shoe is bets for neutral runners who crave the ultimate softness in their shoes, as this model tops the charts as the plushest daily trainer available.

Why are New Balance 1080 so expensive?

This is due to its premium cushioning and lighter weight. However, the higher price tag also reflects its overall quality and comfort. 

Are New Balance 1080 v13 good for knee pain?

Yes.

Who should wear Asics Gel Nimbus 26?

Runners seeking a luxurious, comfortable experience on easy and moderate runs. ASICS fans desiring a super-cushioned shoe for long distances and daily training. Those who prioritize top-notch uppers, as the Nimbus 26's knit material offers a premium feel, excellent lockdown, good ventilation and ample toebox space.

Can you walk in Asics Gel-Nimbus 26?

Among ASICS' walking-running models, Gel Nimbus 26 stood out in our lab and actual wear tests with its generous, plush, luxurious, and cloud-like cushioning. The adjectives are endless and don't feel adequate to describe the heavenly sensation of this shoe.

Is the gel Nimbus 26 a stability shoe?

It provides plenty of support underfoot for runners who don't need additional stability, but if you need some motion guidance, check out the similar (but more supportive) Gel-Kayano 30. The wide midsole of the Nimbus helps provide some stability, although it is very much not a stability shoe.

Should I size up in Asics Gel Nimbus?

Asics' running shoes are usually a pretty standard width and run true to size – and the Gel-Nimbus 26 is no exception.

【Read More】

Brook Ghost Max vs. Max 2 vs. Ghost 15 vs. 16: Differences and Reviews 2024

Hoka Clifton 8 vs. Clifton 7 vs. Bondi 8 vs. Bondi 7: Differences and Reviews 2024

Asics Nimbus 24 vs. Brooks Glycerin 20 vs. Hoka Clifton 8 vs. New balance 1080: Differences and Reviews 2024

New Balance 990v5 vs. 990v6 vs. 1080v13: Differences and Reviews 2024

New Balance 860 vs. 880 vs. 890 vs. 1080: Differences and Reviews 2024

ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 vs. 25 vs. 26: Differences and Reviews 2024

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