I cannot begin to tell you how much I dislike one of these sneakers and how much I love the other one. But, before I get there, let me take you back a step. When I buy something I know I am going to utilize on a regular basis and keep for as long as it will last, I will put cost aside. I would rather purchase something once and have it for a while than have to keep buying cheaper versions of the same thing. In the end you will spend more. There is an old saying, “cheap is expensive.” Okay, that being said, I had been doing a lot of biking on my Peloton and I wanted to mix things up a bit. I decided I was going to start an outdoor running routine to alternate with the bike. As you know, the only equipment you need for that is a good pair of running sneakers. That’s what I sought out to get and as you can tell by my opening sentence, I succeeded with one of these.
It had been a while since I purchased a pair of running sneakers, I generally wore Nike Pegasus. I wanted to see what the critics were saying and try something new. Combing through review after review, two pairs began to emerge as front runners. The Hoka One One’s and the Brooks Ghost 12, both had exceptional reviews. I had heard of Brooks and I know they have been in this game for a long time. Many runners I speak to swear by there Ghost model. But, I had never heard of the brand Hoka. I was intrigued by their different approach. Instead of trying to minimize the sneaker they went bigger. Plus, how can you go wrong with a slogan that says, “why run when you can fly?” I always wanted to fly, so I went ahead and ordered a pair of Hoka’s. Some of the reviews even proclaimed them as the best running sneaker of all time.
The Hoka brand was created in 2010 by two Frenchmen who previously worked at The Salomon Group, searching for a modern trail shoe. The wide sole is based on powder skis and mountain bike tires. They were trying to replicate the same feel.
Once they arrived I was surprised at how light they were. The design was interesting, with a very large mid sole. They have a lot of cushion and even though I did not love the look, they promised to make my runs faster. This was not about appearance after all, it was about comfort and being a great running shoe. Who cares if I looked like I was wearing my late grandfathers walking sneakers, as long as they worked well.
On the maiden voyage I could feel the difference, it reminded me of the time I put a pair of boots on my dog for the first time. Everything felt different, almost to the point where I could not run and had to learn to walk again. I get the concept they were going for here, with all the extra comfort and beefier sole, but if I could not run, it defeats the purpose. I was a little frustrated after the first run, but I decided to give it another try. Maybe I had to break them in or learn how to use them. Sadly, the next run was even worse and I didn’t even want to finish. In the days that followed, not only did my knees hurt, but so did my hip flexors and everything else. It hurt standing from a sitting position and even walking without pain was difficult. I sat out of all exercise for the following week. Needless to say I was disappointed, I thought maybe running was just too much for me and there was no way it was the sneakers.
Determined to give running another try, I decided to experiment a little. While I was laid up, I ordered a pair of the Brooks Ghost 12. The Ghost line is one of the most enduring series of shoes in the Brooks lineup. Now in its 12th adaptation, the Ghost has been a reliable go-to shoe for runners at all levels for more than a decade. The Brooks 12 runs true to size and provides a sock-like fit. Once they arrived I got back out there. What a different experience, they felt even lighter than the Hoka’s and they seemed to strike the floor where my foot naturally did. They took impact very well and they felt more like what I was promised with the other pair. After the run, I did not experience the same symptoms as before. I had no pain and felt great. I never thought a running sneaker was capable of causing so much harm to my body. I am now running 3 times a week with these and have had no issues.
I understand everyone is built differently and will have a different running stride. I feel like the Hoka’s were trying to change the way my foot landed and my body did not like it. This result may not be the same for everybody, I did read plenty of reviews of them that were positive. I will also mention the I have flat feet so maybe that had something to do with it also. I really tried to like them but unfortunately, they are just not for me. Either way, I am very happy with the Brooks. The Brooks are definitely a more of a traditional running sneaker so why mess with a good thing? They have consistently been rated one of the best and with good reason.
By now I think you know which one I chose. If the Hoka’s don’t kill you they will make you stronger. With the Brooks I look forward to many more miles. I will never doubt again the importance of the correct shoe.