Hoka Clifton Vs Bondi and Other Models: Hoka Running Shoes Review

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, but here’s a quick outline.

• Hoka Clifton (neutral cushion)
• Hoka Bondi (neutral plush cushion)
• Hoka Mach (neutral responsive cushion)
• Hoka Speedgoat (neutral trail)
• Hoka Challenger ATR (responsive trail shoe)
• Hoka Arahi (cushioned stability shoe) – not a shoe I’ll test as I don’t need stability
• Hoka BondiX (neutral plush cushion with carbon fiber)
• Hoka Rocket X (neutral carbon fiber racing shoe)

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 shoe sometimes a shoe update is for the better.

Checkout the current model >>

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
• 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.
• 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 Bondi 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 Bondi 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
• BondiX 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
• Both are a neutral running shoe
• BondiX maintains the cushion you expect of a Bondi
• RocketX2 is 8.3 oz, BondiX is 9oz
• Both shoes are 5mm heel drop
• Bondi 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.