Since I started wearing HOKA’s frequently over the years, many of you have asked “what do you think?” or “I’ve been considering them, should I?” “Can you explain the difference in Hoka Bondi vs Clifton??” Having run in TONS of different models since 2012, I have plenty to say about how these shoes fit and feel!
Each year, I test out their new models and put in enough miles to have solid feedback on feel, fit and whether I’ll be shelling out money for another pair.
Originally this was a straight review of the Hoka Clifton because that was the only shoe. But as they’ve expanded over the years, so have the models I’ve tested.
Here I hope to help breakdown the differences and help you find the right option for running. In particular, we are going to focus on a HOKA Clifton vs Bondi in fit, feel and function. Theses are two of their most popular shoes and for good reason!
Hoka Running Shoes Overview
Switching running shoes is a TERRIFYING prospect, but I was in need of a change. My knees had been aching for months and my chiropractor had started to point out how my foot was rolling in pretty hard on my old shoes.
Sooo the idea of some extra midfoot cushion and a little more support sounded like a good thing for long-distance running, but would I really like them?
They were so big!! They were so different!
Maximal running shoes vs minimalist shoes is a whole topic that required a specific post, so read that to figure out if it’s right for you. All HOKA shoes are maximal, meaning they have a high stack height. Which is not the same as a big heel to toe drop.
Here we’re exploring some of the different models of Hoka running shoes. What are the best HOKA running shoes? That’s going to depend on your preferences, so let’s compare to help you decide.
👉I’ve done a deep dive in another article on all HOKA Running shoe models, providing more details on each to help you choose, but here’s a quick outline.
Linked below to additional detailed reviews.
- Hoka Clifton (neutral cushion)
- Hoka Bondi (neutral plush cushion)
- Hoka Mach (neutral responsive cushion — probably my favorite road shoe from them right now)
- Hoka Speedgoat (neutral trail)
- Hoka Challenger ATR (responsive trail shoe)
- Hoka Arahi (stability shoe)
- Hoka Gaviota (most cushioned stability shoe)
- Hoka Cielo X1 (their best carbon plate race shoe)
- Hoka Rocket X2 (neutral carbon fiber racing shoe)
- Hoka Skyward X (carbon plate shoe for the middle and back of pack!)
👉Bonus: I’ve done a separate post on Best Hoka Shoes for Walking and Standing at Work>>
Following are a few things that I would say across each shoe, so saving time here by saying it once.
Stability
While I DO NOT recommend stability shoes for most runners, the Hoka is designed to provide some base level stability thanks to the wider platform of the midsole. This is a great way to get the benefits without changing your stride or hiding the fact that you have weak muscles.
This is going to apply to all of their shoes and my preference over picking a standard stability shoe for overpronation.
Maximal Shoe
Stack height is how we refer to the size of the outsole and what is therefore defined as a maximal shoe of 30mm to 50mm.
I did separate detailed post comparing maximal and minimal, but for now here is what HOKA has to say about their shoes:
“maximum cushioning material is designed for excellent shock absorption and an inherently stable ride.”
Extended Heel
You may notice that many of the HOKA’s have an exaggerated heel of the soles…some really big and some just barely noticeable. Having tested out some of the biggest and some on the more normal side, I can say that I don’t LOVE the really big heels.
But they do have a purpose.
Through testing they found that extension helped with getting the foot to roll forward more quickly.
It reduces issues from heel striking and speeds up the movement of the foot. You’ll often see this referred to as an early-stage meta-rocker.
Replacement
The standard saying is replace your shoes every 500 miles and these shoes are the same. The durability has been really great, as noted I have been through a number of pairs and never had one that I felt needed to be tossed early due to anything coming apart or feeling worn out.
Whatever you have found to be your sweet spot in the past will be roughly the same here. I.e. larger runners, big men, etc often find they need to replace shoes quicker due to breakdown, others find that more treadmill runs means maybe their shoes are good for 800 miles.
Hoka Clifton Review
Like most runners upon seeing the size of the Clifton I assumed it would be heavy or clunky.
In fact, they were so light I was absolutely shocked.
And when I tried to go back to my old shoes they felt like rocks. I’ve now run in the Hoka Clifton 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9.
The Clifton Edge with the larger heel did nothing for me and the shoe simply didn’t feel as cushioned. The 2 went a little off track as did 7, but 5, 8 and 9 are winners again.
I would consider the Clifton a Hoka neutral running shoe, balanced cushion, with a good padded collar and tongue.
The Clifton is not their softest shoe (that’s the Bondi), but it is absolutely a cushioned shoe with their standard eva foam midsole. But with each model the Clifton is getting closer to the Bondi and now it’s also classified as their most cushioned type of shoe.
As we get older that additional cushion might just feel better because we actually lose from the fat pads in our feet.
Checkout the newest Clifton >>
Usage
Thus far I have worn the different models for everything from a speed day to a half marathon. In truth, they aren’t the best choice for speed, but they felt nice.
Fit
Fit is the one thing that bothered a little in early models, as I have a more narrow foot and so sometimes my foot felt a bit like it was too small for the shoe. However, I have read many other reviews that state it’s a very average fit, so this you’ll need to test out for yourself.
In newer models I have not had this same experience, so it feels more dialed in and I do love the toebox providing plenty of room for the foot to move.
- I wear the same size 11 as in all other running shoes
- Fits a wider foot (I do have a more narrow foot and don’t find that my foot moves around too much)
- Toebox is not as wide as an Altra, but wider than many other brands
The Clifton 8 doesn’t feel as big due to the volume of cushion around the tongue and memory foam collar.
Specifications
Clifton 9
- 8.7 oz men’s, 7.3 oz women’s
- 5mm drop
- 8 colors
- Some available in wide
- $145
If you’ve been wearing a shoe with a larger heel drop you may notice more of a difference in the muscles that are activated in your ankles and feet.
My personal preference is towards less of a heel drop as I think it gets our foot in better alignment, it also mimics the idea of a minimal shoe, but with the cushion!
Clifton original in pink and Clifton 2 in purple.
Hoka One One Bondi Review
I swear I had tried this shoe previously without much love, but this time the first run and I knew we were going to be long term buddies.
It goes to show sometimes a shoe update is for the better.
Maybe it’s because they went back to their 2011 model and started from there (noting that the original Clifton was also my fav). I’ve now enjoyed the last couple of models of the Bondi.
This is a PLUSH cushioned shoe, which has both pro’s and con’s for the runner.
Another instance where looks are deceiving. They are not a heavy shoe.
A super cushioned shoe FEELS amazing. But runners need to be aware that on very long runs with a super plush shoe, it’s not uncommon to start having lower back pain while running.
This is because we start to sink a little in to the shoe.
I LOVE these shoes for a recovery run.
Fit
These shoes felt fabulous thanks to the huge amount of cushion and yet not too heavy for a nice long run either.
While they’re also listed as a neutral shoe, I was thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in one bit when I put them on which is common in other shoes. Another example of how their shoes have some natural support due to the bigger platform.
- True to size
- Very similar to Clifton, just the additional cushioning
- Good room in the toebox
Specifications
Bondi has a bunch of styles! But all will share the general same specs. Except for the BondiX which is their carbon fiber plate version and I’ll detail testing that below.
Bondi 8
- Max-cushioned neutral shoe
- 10.8 oz men’s, 8.90 oz women’s
- 4 mm drop
- 15 colors
- Available in wide and extra wide
- $165
Making it a slightly heavier shoe than the Clifton, but again totally fine for those easy days.
Lifespan will be same as the Clifton, though if the cushion starts to breakdown you will notice it more quickly in your form.
Hoka Clifton vs Bondi
Trying to decide between these two models? There are a a few big ways in which they are different, so it’s going to depend on what you prefer in a shoe.
Hopefully the initial details above gave you some things to think about with these road shoes. But for a straight side by side comparison of Bondi vs Clifton, here’s what I’ve found over testing many models.
- Both are a neutral running shoe.
- In both the men’s has a higher stack height.
- Bondi has a higher stack height than the Clifton,
- Clifton is the lighter shoe by a couple of oz, which may be a factor in longer runs
- I prefer the Mach over the Clifton for either speed or daily training because it’s not quite so firm.
- The Bondi is a MUCH plusher feel. You won’t question if it’s a cushioned shoe.
- Having run in both, I like both. As noted above, I use them differently.
- Bondi is great for recovery runs or when you are starting to run and the joints need a little extra cushion as they adjust.
- Clifton is great for long runs, easy runs. It’s a little bit more flexible shoe.
- Skyward X (replaced the BondiX) is a shockingly good shoe for those long race days!
Hoka BondiX
***They seem to have temporarily stopped this model, we’re waiting to see if it returns.
A cushioned shoe with a carbon fiber plate?! I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of the two combined, but then I went for a run. I thoroughly enjoyed this shoe as did a lot of you who are middle and back of the pack runners.
9.00 oz, 5mm drop make it not their most lightweight shoe and yet somehow one of the fastest!
- You don’t feel the meta-rocker, so much as you notice it in your pace.
- If I had a race with a slight downhill and popped these one, I’d say almost guaranteed PR.
- This is the fast shoe for the everyday runner.
- Carbon Fiber shoes have a shorter lifespan and these are no exception.
“We asked ourselves why every carbon-plated shoe on the market had to be created with an eye on only the elite runner. Everyone deserves to fly and everyone can level up.
What better way to pose the idea than on a super plush HOKA platform with forgiving geometry plus a carbon plate? The Bondi X was born!”
Snag a pair of the BondiX here >>
Fit
Fit is pretty much the same as the Bondi. The feeling is firmer, which is due to the carbon fiber plate, but still a cushioned shoe!
Hoka Rocket X vs Skyward X
If you’re looking for a carbon fiber running shoe and you love your Hoka running shoes then of course the next question is do I want the Rocket X2 or Skyward X?!
Neither one feels like a Clifton, so we’ll start there. The Rocket X2 is going to be much bouncier and that’s part of what brings more speed to that carbon plated running shoe. However, that is also a problem for some runners with achilles or other lower leg issues.
- Rocket X2 is going to be a bouncy cushion, not a plush cushion
- Skyward X is not as much of a fast shoe as a shoe that feels good and would provide good support if you’ll be racing for a long time (it’s also very bouncy and a bigger overall shoe)
- Both are a neutral running shoe
- Skyward X maintains the cushion you expect of a Bondi (it’s replacing the old BondiX as a better shoe)
- RocketX2 is 8.3 oz, Skyward X is 9.2oz
- Both shoes are 5mm heel drop
- Skyward X has more padding around the heel, the Rocket gave me blisters
Rocket X2 Fit
I ran in to some fit issues with the Rocket X2 which made me really sad. While the shoe feels light and fast, the lack of any heel padding created massive rubbing issues.
In general, if you’re wanting a HOKA Carbon plate shoe I say checkout the wild new Cielo X1 if you want a really fast option or snag a BondiX while available for a longer marathon day.
All right now that I’ve given you a deep dive on their most popular road shoes, time to talk a little trail.
If you like the Clifton or Bondi, then the Speed Goat is going to be your easy transition to trail running.
Hoka Speed Goat Review
Consider this your Clifton for trail running. If you want even softer then the Challenger might be your winner.
After asking for opinions on the best trail running shoe, this one came up so much that I’ve now run in the last 4 models.
The masses were right, I love it.
The Speedgoat has all of the cushion that I have come to love from my Hoka Cliftons and has all the grip and varied lugs I need to maintain traction on the trails.
You can tell mine are well loved due to the layer of dirt and grime covering every inch of the shoe. I know many ultra runners who will use them on any terrain, while I’m probably looking for something with a tad more grip when I get to really technical stuff.
Specifications
- Neutral trail shoe
- 10.3 oz men’s, 8.5 oz women’s
- 4mm drop
- Available in Wide
- $155
Usage
I’ve now run easy trails, technical trails and up to 18 miles in the Speedgoat.
Loving how this neutral shoe feels on my foot and with a slightly wider toe box than many it’s meant no issues with blisters from downhill running.
Checkout current colors and pricing here >>
Hoka Casual Shoes
David tested in their more casual slip on shoe, Solimar, and it’s absolutely love at first slip!!
In fact, David wanted a pair and now we both sport them together…aren’t we cute.
Again I dive deeper in to all of their walking shoes here: Best Hoka Walking and All Day Shoes
These are nice enough to wear on those long walks we take on vacation and yet I also know I could probably run a couple miles in them, which just makes me happy! And in fact, that’s exactly the need they were trying to fill with this shoe!
Wondering how HOKA stacks up against other traditional running shoes?
Checkout these match ups:
Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?
Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.
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This is not a sponsored post, though I have received Hoka’s free over the years for testing.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
I’ve been running in Asics Gel Nimbus for so long, I can’t even remember not running in them! They are super cushy, and I like to think that the Hokas are probably just an extreme version of them. I’ve had great success in them and so I’m not looking for a new shoe. But I do change pairs every 400 miles or so. Usually things start to hurt and I realize it’s time..
RunToTheFinish
I totally agree with sticking with what works…until it doesn't!!! I usually know it's time for shoes when my legs feel achy!
Darin
I switched from the Asics Gel Nimbus to the Biondi 3. Best running shoe decision I made.
Beth
Thanks for this thorough review! I work part time at a running store and our Hoka reps stopped by last week to tell us about the new Clifton 2s. We don't have them in our store yet, but I'm looking forward to giving them a test on the treadmill. I like that they added some padding to the tongue–I think it will make a big difference in comfort, especially since a lot of folks are choosing the Clifton for long runs.
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organicsandra
Great review for amazing shoes!!! I am so in love with my Hoka Stinson ATR. I just can't stop raving about them.
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Susan
Thank you for the review! I too am terrified to try a new shoe. I have run in Saucony Guide for years. Sometimes I feel like I would like a little more cushioning but the rest of the shoe is really great. I replace my shoes every 300 miles–I would rather replace them too soon than too late.
RunToTheFinish
I totally understand. If you like the feel of the guide, then I think you will probably really love the Hoka. Let me know if you do try it!
rejoiningsociety
I ran in Asics forever and was convinced that they were the only running shoe for me. When I started having foot and knee pain, someone recommended Hokas and I have never looked back. I'm about to buy my third pair of Cliftons – they are ah-mazing!!
Noson Fontenot
Thank you for the review! I just bought a pair Clifton 2's last night and am having buyers remorse because of their size- ugh! But my knee pain has caused me to find something else, KT tape isn't enough. Your review has made me want to not return them. Hopefully I will have a similar positive experience with them. Thank you again for taking the time to help people out with your experience and expertise.
@RunningwithSD
I am madly in love with the new Stinson ATRs. My favorite shoes by Hoka ever. Close second would be the Bondi 2 and third would be the Huaka! I am a Hoka fan for life! Great review. Can't wait to try the Clifton 2!
My recent post @GoneForARuncom #runforBeer10K recap!
Sally
I have run in asics nimbus for 18mths, then after severe shinsplints i was talked into a hoka stinson ATR3. ‘You can run out stress fractures in these’ the shop guy reported. it was the ‘solution’ to keep me running. I returned to asics as the podiatrist said the hokas would affect foot flexibility. I raced 6hr- 2hrs in.. i swapped into my hokas after tweaking my achillies & managed to finish-crisis averted- im definately a fan!
Natiel Hagen
Love Hokas, specifically the Clifton for my neutral foot. This was some great insight, thanks for the comparison on Brooks vs Hokas as these are my two go to’s its an interesting comparison as well. The Bondi has so much cushion and is up so high, I would worry if I rolled my ankle I would have a worse injury. What are your thoughts about so much height on a running shoe?
amanda
The stack height is something to adjust to for sure. I honestly can’t say I notice much difference between the bondi, clifton and speedgoat when it comes to the stack height.
Tim
I started walking everyday a year ago after open heart surgery. I bought the Hoka Bondi8 and absolutely love the shoe! I walk 7-10 miles everyday and I feel great when I’m done walking. I highly recommend them for walking or for people who are on their feet all day.