Hoka Clifton 9 vs Bondi 8 (2024 Comparison): Which One?

Hoka Clifton vs Bondi

The Hoka Clifton 9 is much lighter than the Hoka Bondi 8, with a difference of over 1.8 oz/50 g. Moreover, with its 2023 version, the Hoka Clifton 9 is more cushioned than the Bondi, with 1 mm more stack height (40 mm in the heel vs. 39 mm for the Bondi 8 in the men’s version).

The heel-to-toe drop of both shoes is low, at 5 mm for the Clifton and 4 mm for the Bondi.

However, the cushioning/weight ratio clearly favors the Clifton. While the Bondi X version (2021) makes it better, the weight difference remains significant.

Cushioning and Ride

The Clifton 9’s cushioning is more responsive, providing a smoother ride for uptempo sessions.

However, the Bondi 8 offers softer cushioning, which is more comfortable for running workouts at slow or moderate paces. They are also ideal running shoes for recovery sessions.

The Clifton 9, on the other hand, is at ease in all scenarios with its pleasantly balanced and responsive cushioning.

Lockdown

Both shoes offer a comfortable, roomy fit (maybe even too roomy with the Clifton if you have narrow feet). However, the Bondi’s fit can be tricky for some runners, making it less accessible than the Clifton.

Clifton or Bondi: Which One Is Best for You?

We clearly recommend going for the Hoka Clifton 9 for its greater versatility, enabling you to enjoy any type of run.

Nevertheless, the Bondi may still be an interesting choice if you want very soft cushioning for your long runs and recovery jogs.

Side-By-Side Comparison

9.2
Hoka Clifton 9 Check Prices
8.8
Hoka Bondi 8 Check Prices
Overview
Description The Hoka Clifton 9 is a lightweight running shoe combining comfort, versatility and cushion. The Hoka Bondi 8 is a shoe with soft XL cushioning ideal for everyday running and recovery.
Comfort
9.5
Responsiveness
9
Foot lockdown
9
Stability
9.5
Durability
9
Value
9
Design
9.5
Comfort
9
Responsiveness
8
Foot lockdown
9
Stability
9
Durability
9
Value
8.5
Design
8
Facts
TerrainRoadRoad
Support NeutralNeutral
Heel stack height40 mm39 mm
Forefoot stack height35 mm35 mm
Heel-to-toe drop5 mm4 mm
Weight (men)248 g307 g
Weight (women) 205 g252 g
Features Vegan, Recycled materialsVegan, Wide feet, Heavy runner, Recycled materials
Athletes
Release year20232022
Technologies
Outsole Durabrasion RubberDurabrasion Rubber
Midsole Compression-molded EVA foam (CMEVA), Early Meta-Rocker Geometry EVA foam, Ortholite Hybrid
UpperBreathable technical mesh, gusseted tongueEngineered Mesh
Cushioning
Cushioning Balanced Soft
ResponsivenessMedium Low
Use
DistanceMid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon
Speed Slow, Moderate, Fast Slow, Moderate
WorkoutsDaily running Daily running, Recovery
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.

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