In-depth Hoka Bondi vs Clifton Comparison

Established in 2009 in France by former employees at Salomon, Hoka One One has been well-known worldwide for its excellent comfy design. Two of its best-selling series, Bondi and Clifton, have been mentioned in many debates in runner communities.

So, Hoka Bondi vs Clifton, which option is more suitable for you? Let’s compare these two shoe models to know which one better suits your running demands.

Hoka Bondi vs Clifton: An Overview

Hoka Bondi

Hoka Bondi is not the right choice for your upcoming marathon or a race that requires high speed. It is more suitable for long, recovery, or easy runs. It’s a max-cushioned pair of shoes you can use after surgery, allowing your joints and knees to move without too much stress.

Thanks to its plush cushioning, Bondi is also highly recommended for plantar fasciitis patients or people who prefer distance rather than pace.

Since the Hoka Bondi 6 in 2019, Hoka Bondi has improved itself to serve worldwide runners, with 4 models, including Bondi 6, Bondi 7, Bondi X, and Bondi 8 as the latest model.

Hoka Clifton

Clifton is another superstar of the Hoka One One. It is a combination of a daily trainer and max-cushioned footwear. Clifton is well-suited for a moderate, easy-paced run rather than a recovery run.

Hoka Bondi and Clifton: Key Similarities

When comparing Hoka Bondi vs Clifton, we should not neglect their key similarities.

First, these best-selling Hokas are neutral and more well-cushioned than the average running shoes on the market. They are also highly recommended by podiatrists for either daily training or for foot-related injuries like plantar fasciitis.

These two running shoes are also similar in their upper’s design. Bondi and Clifton feature the new engineered mesh on the upper, letting the air inside our shoes ventilate regularly.

Also, these two shoes use the traditional lacing system so that you can always get the best fit of your shoes by loosening or tightening the laces.

Both Bondi and Clifton are well-known for their cushioned midsole. They use the Hoka’s signature early-stage Meta-Rocker on the midsole and have beveled rubber heels, allowing the shoes to have a quick but smooth heel-to-toe transition. However, the Meta-Rocker on Bondi (Bondi 7) is more refined for a smoother transition.

Hoka Bondi vs Clifton: Main Differences

	Hoka Bondi	Hoka Clifton
Weight	Heavier	Lighter
Width	2 options for women, 4 options for men	2 options for both men & women
Fit	Slightly narrow	True to size
Durability	Better
Breathability	Better
Upper’ breathability		Better
Midsole	Firmer in cold weather	More flexible, bouncier
Outsole	High arch	Medium arch
Support	Better for standing all the day

Weight, Width & Fit

When comparing Hoka Bondi vs Hoka Clifton, we should consider their weight, width, and fit.

Bondi is by far one of the heaviest shoes of Hoka, due to its superior cushioning system. Thus, if you are serious about speed, you should go for a pair of Clifton over Bondi. The Clifton 8 weighs only 8.7 ounces, while the Bondi 7 weighs 10.7 ounces.

Regarding the shoe’s width and fit, Clifton offers only two widths – normal and wide. On the other hand, Bondi offers two options for women but four options from narrow to super wide for men.

Clifton is true to size, while Bondi is slightly narrow like other Hoka shoes.

Durability

Both these two Hoka shoes are durable and can keep their performance and shape for a long time. However, Bondi is better at this point. There is some discoloration due to dust and dirt.

Breathability

Bondi offers 95% better breathability over Clifton. It has a soft mesh upper, maintaining the fresh air inside the shoes and wiping away sweat. This mesh prevents the growth of annoying odors, mold, and bacteria.

If you wear Bondi in winter, you will love this comfort. It maintains the dryness inside while keeping your feet warm and protected.

Upper

The Clifton wins over Bondi for its upper’s breathability and weight. Instead of heavy overlays, there are plush heel collars and high pull tabs to hug your Achilles, offering added comfort and stability when moving on the road.

Moreover, the 3D bands and the solid strips between eyelet chains keep your feet locked while moving. The toe box is spacious enough to keep your toes stay relaxed.

When wearing the Bondi, you sacrifice its weight for its extra durability and support. The small overlay strips run around your midfoot and toe to straighten the connection between the upper and the sole.

Plus, the plush memory foam collar of Hoka Bondi keeps your ankle locked. This thick structure is reported to have less breathability and not be ideal for runners that are sensitive to heat.

Midsole

The midsole of Clifton is symmetrical, making it more flexible, balanced, and bouncier. Oppositely, that cushioning of the Bondi is plusher, making it “maximalist shoes”.

Some runners said that the plush effect of the Bondi might differ depending on the weather. It tends to be firmer in cold weather and sponge-like in hot weather.

Outsole

Clifton is the most-cushioned model in the Hoka family. It features abrasive zones to protect the midsole without extra weight. Conversely, the midsole of the Bondi contains no protective rubber. Depending on your running gait, this sole area can be torn down over time.

How about the heel and arch support? The Bondi supports a high arch, while the Clifton supports a medium arch. You can notice this difference the first time wearing them.

Support

Platform support is a vital criterion that nurses, workers, or people whose professions require standing over 10 hours a day need to know. Apart from being safe footwear, you also want to utilize these kicks for walking to your office or going to the grocery store.

The Hoka Bondi might also be an ideal choice for nurses. The soft EVA foam midsoles and the expansive outsole is suitable for standing all day. This design lessens the risk of pain at the end of the day.

But if you prefer flexibility over support, the Clifton would be a great alternative. On the Clifton, there is less cushioning and a lightweight upper.

Check more: What Does Hoka One One Mean And Why?

FAQs

1. Is Clifton or Bondi better for running?

Bondi is better for runners than Clifton. It is a top-notch choice for long runs or recovery runs, thanks to its design. The Bondi is made with plush support and maximum cushioning.

Also, Bondi inherits the Hoka’s signature early-stage Meta-Rocker to help you transition from heel to forefoot smoothly and quickly. Unlike Clifton, Bondi has a wide heel with symmetrical rubber grooves to make your movements light and smooth while maintaining its traction for long period.

2. Which Hoka shoes are the most comfortable?

Hoka Bondi 8 is the most comfortable shoe of Hoka. This pair of shoes is lighter and softer than the previous versions. It also has an extended heel, providing extra stability to runners.

3. Which Hokas have the most padded support?

Hoka Bondi provides the most supported padding in the Hoka family. The latest version, Bondi 8, applies this formula with maximum cushioning and a soft, lightweight midsole foam for a superior plush feeling.

Which Is Better – Hoka Bondi vs Clifton?

These two Hoka One One shoe models encompass the brand’s characteristics for professional runners. The main difference between Hoka Clifton and Bondi is that Bondi prioritizes cushioned support while Clifton focuses more on balance and breathability.

So, which shoe should you buy? If you weigh over 200 pounds or you have a higher arch, you might want to consider the Bondi. If your feet are heat-sensitive, Clifton will maintain your performance well at longer races of 250-300 miles.