Head-to-Head Comparison
Brooks Glycerin 21 vs Hoka Clifton 10: Cushioning Showdown
Despite costing $15 more, the Glycerin 21 wins with modern DNA LOFT v3 foam, APMA certification, and documented reliability. The Clifton's warranty concerns and outdated CMEVA foam (52% energy return) can't compete.
Winner
Brooks
Brooks Glycerin 21
8.2
$165VS
Hoka
Hoka Clifton 10
6.0
$150R3 Research Verdict
Despite costing $15 more, the Glycerin 21 wins with modern DNA LOFT v3 foam, APMA certification, and documented reliability. The Clifton's warranty concerns and outdated CMEVA foam (52% energy return) can't compete.
Updated Jan 22, 20267 attributes comparedBy R3 Research Team
The Verdict
Research-backed recommendation
The Glycerin 21 wins despite costing more. The upfront savings on the Clifton evaporate when you factor in shorter lifespan (250-400 miles vs 400-500), outdated foam technology, and documented warranty issues. Sometimes paying slightly more upfront saves money long-term.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Quick summary of each product's strengths and weaknesses
Brooks
Brooks Glycerin 21
Winner
Pros
- Better Midsole Foam
- Better Energy Return
- Better Warranty Trust
- Better Certification
Cons
- Loses on Price
- Loses on Width Options
Hoka
Hoka Clifton 10
Pros
- Better Price
- Better Width Options
Cons
- Loses on Midsole Foam
- Loses on Energy Return
- Loses on Warranty Trust
Who Wins Each Category?
A quick breakdown of how these products compare head-to-head
Price
Hoka
Win
Clifton $15 cheaper upfront
Midsole Foam
Brooks
Win
DNA LOFT v3 is modern; CMEVA is outdated
Energy Return
Brooks
Win
Glycerin significantly more responsive
Warranty Trust
Brooks
Win
Hoka has documented claim denials
Certification
Brooks
Win
Medical endorsement matters
Width Options
Hoka
Win
Clifton offers X-Wide
Durability
Brooks
Win
Glycerin lasts longer
Winner
Tie
Which One Is Right For You?
Personalized recommendations based on your priorities
Buy Brooks If You...Winner
- Runners wanting proven, modern foam technology
- Those who value APMA medical certification
- Anyone concerned about warranty reliability
Buy Hoka If You...
- Runners needing X-Wide sizing options
- Those prioritizing immediate plush feel over longevity
- Brand-loyal Hoka customers accepting trade-offs
Head-to-Head Comparison
Detailed attribute-by-attribute breakdown
Brooks
vs5
Hoka
2
| Attribute | Brooks | Hoka | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Clifton $15 cheaper upfront | $165 | $150 | Hoka |
| Midsole Foam DNA LOFT v3 is modern; CMEVA is outdated | DNA LOFT v3 | CMEVA | Brooks |
| Energy Return Glycerin significantly more responsive | ~60% | 52.3% | Brooks |
| Warranty Trust Hoka has documented claim denials | Standard | Concerns | Brooks |
| Certification Medical endorsement matters | APMA Certified | None | Brooks |
| Width Options Clifton offers X-Wide | 2 widths | 3 widths | Hoka |
| Durability Glycerin lasts longer | 400-500 mi | 250-400 mi | Brooks |
Brooks
5 Wins
Hoka
2 Wins
Price
Hoka
$165
$150
Clifton $15 cheaper upfront
Midsole Foam
Brooks
DNA LOFT v3
CMEVA
DNA LOFT v3 is modern; CMEVA is outdated
Energy Return
Brooks
~60%
52.3%
Glycerin significantly more responsive
Warranty Trust
Brooks
Standard
Concerns
Hoka has documented claim denials
Certification
Brooks
APMA Certified
None
Medical endorsement matters
Width Options
Hoka
2 widths
3 widths
Clifton offers X-Wide
Durability
Brooks
400-500 mi
250-400 mi
Glycerin lasts longer
$Price Analysis
The Clifton's $15 savings disappear when you'll need replacement 100-150 miles sooner. Cost-of-ownership favors the Glycerin.
Best Time to Buy
Skip the Clifton 10 unless you find it under $100 on clearance. At any price near MSRP, the Glycerin 21 or Ghost 17 are better investments.
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Independent Research
No sponsored placements. Data-driven verdicts.
1,000+ data points
Updated January 22, 2026
R
R3 Research Team
•Evidence-Based Review BoardOur multidisciplinary team of researchers, parents, and medical advisors dedicated to finding the safest products for your family.
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