HOKA Vs BROOKS – Comparison of Two Running Shoe Brands

Brooks

History and Background -

Brooks www.brooksrunning.com - “Run happy. We exist to inspire you to run your path. Because every day with a run is better. Every run brings you closer to your best self.”

Headquarters: Seattle, Washington

How Brooks company describes itself: Running is more than just a hobby — it’s our passion. We eat, breathe, and stretch for the run. And we find running brings us closer together as a group than any team-building exercise could. On the road of life, it’s always better to travel in packs.

One of Brooks early running shoes called the “Villanova” that came out in 1974 developed with help from US Olympic middle-distance runner Marty Liquori.

What are Brooks Known For?

Brooks is one of the older running shoes brands that started with shoes for other sports but really hit their stride during the 1980s running boom in North America. Brooks early on came out with the varus wedge to try and help runners who overpronate (foot rolls excessively inward), then a rollbar and kinetic wedge to better support and help runners’ feet. In the 1990’s they came with an addition of shock-absorbing gel pods that help cushion the foot.

They have made in my opinion one of the most solid and functional motion-control shoes for people who need extra support, called the Beast (Ariel for women).

*Check my piece on great shoes for overpronators!

My Experience With Brooks Running Shoes

From my experience, the shoes are usually straight-lasted, well-cushioned, reliable shoes. I always loved fitting people up with the Brooks Addiction (moderate stability) or the Brooks Beast (motion control). Both shoes are so stable and hold on both sides and are a great stable platform for a foot with stability issues. I am currently looking to get my hands on the Brooks Hyperion Tempo to try as a racewalking shoe.

I have always seen them as a reliable running brand with a range of good options for racing and all types of feet.

For Whom are Brooks Shoes Recommended?

Someone looking for a brand that has been around for a long time and has a reliable set of tested running shoe options. Most won’t be mind-blowingly different than other brands, but the shoes have a Brooks feel.

My review of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 and Ghost 16!

HOKA

HOKA www.hoka.com - “Everything we do is rooted in Optimism.”

Headquarters: Goleta, California

Founded: 2009

HOKA summed up: Thick, light EVA-cushioned shoes

What HOKA says about themselves: HOKA was born out of the unwavering belief that if you ignored the doubters, brushed off the critics, and poured your heart into a wild idea, it was possible to create a shoe that let people fly down mountains.

What are HOKA Known for?

HOKA burst onto the scene and pushed aside minimalist shoes with a surprisingly set of shoes with very thick midsoles. They were beefy EVA midsoles but very light. You felt super cushioned and farther off the ground without feeling really heavy. They have basically stuck to this formula and kept their big EVA midsoles and then tweaked them for racing, training and different foot types. They feel unique.

My Experience with HOKA

I remember when these shoes came out. HOKA was going against the flow at the time with their beefy, tick midsoles compared to the trend at the time of minimalistic running shoes. They pushed back against the 5-fingers kind of shoes. 

Even as someone who could not do minimalist shoes and wore “normal running shoes”, the HOKAs were a big change. I felt so high off the ground but liked the added cushion but light feel. I think the first HOKA I tried was the Clifton. I have run in the Clifton, Clayton, SpeedGoat, Rocket, CarbonX and tried on a few other models. First shoe brand that surprised me!

Check out my review of the HOKA Carbon X3!

For Whom are Brooks Shoes Recommended?

If you want to try something a bit different with accompany that is a bit newer, then HOKA is worth trying! A different experience than most other brands – a little less so now – with other brands making big beefy super light super shoes, but still unique.

Both shoe brands have a different feel and may fit different feet. If you have the chance, make sure to try on a shoe you think might work for your feet in a store. You cannot learn everything from online research and articles like this one.

Fitting your Shoes