HOKA Bondi 8 vs Clifton 9 - Which one to choose?

Discover how the HOKA Bondi 8 and HOKA Clifton 9 stack up against each other and how to pick between them.
With their focus on cushioning and comfort, the Bondi and Clifton are highly popular daily mileage shoes. Both models feature HOKA’s CMEVA foam in the midsole, however the key difference with the Clifton cushioning is there’s less of it and it’s quite a bit lighter.
The higher stack and ‘billowed’ Bondi is the ultimate cruiser. It’s cushioned and protective with a more accommodating fit, making it ideal for long runs and recovery runs. While the lighter and livelier Clifton performs better over a range of paces, making it ideal for steadier paced runs and when the legs are feeling fresh.
If you like to wear different shoes for specific runs, there’s definitely a place for both the Bondi and Clifton in your shoe rotation.
Shop the HOKA Bondi 8: www.run4it.com/collections/ho...
Shop the HOKA Clifton 9: www.run4it.com/collections/ho...
About Finlay: Finlay is Run4It’s Training and Development Manager. He’s been with the business for over a decade and has extensive knowledge of running shoe technology, innovations and advances, and their effects on running economy and performance. When he’s not talking about running shoes, he enjoys training and racing.
About Run4It: Run4It is a specialist running retailer with 7 shops across Scotland and run4it.com serving UK wide. In-store Run4It offers a free +runlab analysis and shoe fitting service.
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#hokabondi #hokaclifton #hokabondi8 #hokaclifton9 #hokarunningshoes #hokafans

[@angehlow]

Really appreciated this thorough comparison!! Recently visited a podiatrist who suggested these two shoes for my particularly flat feet. Cheers!

[@steveareeno65]

This was one of the best and most detailed explanations between the shoes I have heard. Thank you.

[@thatclint6975]

Great review, thanks for helping me decide between the two

[@Itscourtenayxo]

Just the video I was looking for. Thank you 😊

[@run4it]

Delighted we could help! ☺

[@goutfromfriedokra3936]

@@run4it Which one would you choose for walking? Is Bondi thick enough material to handle winters???

[@run4it]

@@goutfromfriedokra3936 Thanks for your comment and questions. We're assuming you're asking about how thick the Bondi upper is. The upper is very breathable and doesn't offer specific protection against harsher elements, such as heavy rain and cold temperatures. We would recommend looking at a Gore-Tex shoe or weather-resistant shoe for the winter months. With regards to walking, both are popular options for walking. As the Bondi is more cushioned you'll simply feel like you have more underfoot padding. Some people prefer the Clifton as it's lighter. Hope that helps!

[@sodak14]

This one of the best shoe reviews, in general, that I've ever seen, super presentation. Waaay better than I expected! I subscribed, shared, and liked...great job man!

[@run4it]

Thanks. We really appreciate that!

[@AshleyBlakely-co6xs]

Great video thank you only review I have come across which straight to the point

[@run4it]

Thanks for your comment - we're glad it was helpful.

[@samclarke9268]

Great video thank you!

[@tj5511]

Great comparison.

[@napoleonflores7740]

Thank you. 🙏🏼 Now I know which one I’m going to buy. 💸

[@run4it]

Glad we could help you choose! ☺

[@karlbratby4349]

great insights on these shoes, Bondi on order, cant decide between the clifton 9, mach 6 or mach X, or all three LOL

[@JcVersio7]

Thank you so much for the detailed comparison! 👌I get shin splints often from running, so I think the Bondi’s extra cushioning should help a little more in avoiding shin splints.

[@pr8835]

Thanks

[@ayal2]

Thanks 🙏

[@Ultrajamz]

Bondi comes in 4E Wide, giving that a try now compared to the clifton 2E wide.

[@hc1616]

I was picking between these a few months ago and I love my Cliftons. I thought I made a mistake by choosing ee wide because I wear normal width in other shoes but they fit perfect. I searched online and people say they are narrow.

[@1santushti]

Hi Finlay @run4it, I have been advised by my Podiatrist to get a motion control shoe for over pronation and hallux limitus problem that I'm currently suffering with. I have a wide toe (currently using 13 4E size in NB 1080 and 840 before my toe issue), but now need to get something to correct my foot problem and want to try Hoka. I already got my customized orthotics insoles made. Could you please suggest what to pick between Gaviota 5, Arahi 6 and Bondi 8 considering my wider foot and toe issue. My big toe is bigger than the smaller toes. I have also watched your other video about Gaviota 5 and Arahi 6 comparison and I like the way you explain in detail. I hope you can suggest me a good advice. Thanks!

[@run4it]

Hi, thanks for your comment and question. If you have orthotics, we normally recommend adding them to neutral running shoes. As that combination often provides the appropriate level of support. With regards to these models, that would be the HOKA Bondi 8. However, this isn't always the case, and stability running shoes are sometimes required. A local running shop should be able to establish if this is the case. In the UK, the HOKA Bondi 8 are available in three width fittings: Regular, Wide, and X-Wide. The HOKA Gaviota 5 and HOKA Arahi 6 are only available in two width fittings: Regular and Wide. So, the HOKA Bondi 8 X-Wide might be the widest option available for you. Hope that helps. Thanks.

[@colmgallagher2285]

Great comparison. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the most cushioned shoe for over pronaters. Is there anything resembling the Bondi?

[@run4it]

Thanks for your comment and question. The new HOKA Gaviota 5 (expected to arrive at Run4It soon) are a stability version of the Bondi. The Gaviota 5 midsole is almost identical to the Bondi, except it features an H-Frame support structure. This means a slightly firmer structure runs around the edge, at the top of the cushioning, and bridges across in the mid section. As your feet sit into this firmer structure, it helps guide your feet and ankles throughout the gait cycle and reduces pronation. While the Gaviota is likely to feel marginally firmer than the Bondi, it should feel very similar in terms of overall protection and cushioning. The new ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 are also very soft and cushioned stability running shoes. These would be our top recommendations in this category.

[@1santushti]

I have been advised by my Podiatrist to get a motion control shoe for over pronation and hallux limitus problem that I'm currently suffering with. I have a wide toe (currently using 13 4E size in NB 1080 and 840 before my toe issue), but now need to get something to correct my foot problem and want to try Hoka. I already got my customized orthotics insoles made. Could you please suggest what to pick between Gaviota 5, Arahi 6 and Bondi 8 considering my wider foot and toe issue. My big toe is bigger than the smaller toes. I have also watched your other video about Gaviota 5 and Arahi 6 comparison and I like the way you explain in detail. I hope you can suggest me a good advice. Thanks!

[@halfpiint]

@@run4it I tend to walk on the outside of my foot and after seeing your video I’m leaning toward the Bondi. Then I see you mention my favorite shoe ASICS Gel Kayano which I first bought 20 yrs ago when my knees were hurting during my 4 mile daily walk. My knees never hurt again. So, now I think I need your help. If you had a choice between the NEWER Bondi model Gaviota 5 or the ASICS Gel-Kayano, which shoe would you pick ?

[@zavirax]

Thank you for the video. How do they comprise in size? Do you have them in same size?

[@run4it]

Thanks for your question. I wear the same size. However, while the length feels very similar, the Bondi feel more spacious in the toe box. This is because the Bondi are made in a slightly wider last than the Clifton. I don't have any problems alternating between the Bondi and Clifton from a size perspective.

[@samlucas1621]

Question: which is best for marathons? . Disclaimer: I'm not a great runner and my pace is rather slow. I have terrible issues with blisters and ancle problems over a mid to long distance. My intention for the marathon is not for a good clock time, but for comfort and ease and durability on my joints and skin. Or would you recommend another shoe entirely? Would appreciate any feedback.

[@run4it]

Hi. Thanks for your comment. In this case, we would highly recommend visiting your local running shop and having your gait analysed. This is likely to help you find the best pair of running shoes for your style of running, and help prevent some of the problems you're experiencing. All of the models we've recommended in this video are suitable for marathon running, but it's not possible to say which ones are best for reducing specific problems. We hope you find the right pair.

[@malcomcysec4398]

Hey man! Thanks for the video! I have slight supination but I tend to hit hard with my heel on the floor first. Which one do you recommend for me (avg 6.2 miles running purpose)?

[@run4it]

Hi, thanks for the question. On the basis of the information you've provided, our advice would be to consider the Bondi over the Clifton. Reason being that if your feet supinate (outward rolling of the feet - away from the midline of the body) then you're feet are moving into a progressively stiffer and more rigid position as you go through the gait cycle. Therefore the additional cushioning provided by the Bondi (in comparison to the Clifton) may be more forgiving for your feet and legs, especially with the heel strike you've described. We've used the phrase 'more forgiving' as it is very common to see some amount of pronation during the course of the gait cycle. Pronation (the inward rolling of feet - towards the midline of the body) provides natural shock absorption. If your feet are predominantly supinating through the gait cycle and there is very little/no pronation then you may be missing out on some natural shock absorption; hence the recommendation to consider the softer, more cushioned shoe out of the two in question. Our final point would be to recommend speaking to a specialist running shop, unless you have already done so. We've not seen your feet move and are therefore having to rely on what you say. You may well supinate through most of your gait cycle. However, over the years, a lot of customers have told us that they supinate. This comes from the predominant signs of wear on their shoes being on the lateral sides of the heels (the common first point of contact with the ground). When we've filmed those customers running, we've often found there is then a noticeable amount of pronation after the initial ground contact. Sorry for the very long answer, but we felt it necessary to provide as much info as we could to help you with your decision.

[@malcomcysec4398]

@@run4it thank you so much for your precise answer! Cheers from Brazil!

[@halfpiint]

@@run4it Thank you for breaking down the difference between the Bondi and Clifton. I was torn between the Bondi and the Clifton but since I tend to wear my shoes down on the outside then I'm going to consider the Bondi with it's extra cushioning. Again, thanks!

[@adamrobins1884]

Have Clifton 9s and they were amazing for daily wear in Orlando around all the parks. Only gripe was when it rained as zero protection against rain and water simply goes straight through causing me to walk in pools of water. What would you recommend that provide waterproofing? Clifton 9 have gore-tex version now but do Bondi8?

[@run4it]

Hi. Thanks for your question. Unless running shoes have some form of weather-proof upper, or waterproof membrane, they're designed to be as breathable as possible. This means there's usually no protection from rain. Some running shoes may dry faster than others, due to the way water drains from them. If you like the Clifton 9s, the GORE-TEX option should be great. As they feature GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, there should be minimal differences in they feel around your feet. There are no GORE-TEX Bondi unfortunately.

[@adamrobins1884]

@@run4it thanks ever so much. I don't run but wear them for a day comfort as I work in a primary school so am on my feet all day. I love the Clifton's so going on the scho field various times a day may mean the Clifton Gore-tex may be better for protection against the wet grass. Great video and information. Thanks for your reply again.

[@jodale1972]

You said that while the Bondi is very cushioned and soft, it was not the most cushioned/softest. So which shoe would win that category? I am 51yo and about 35 lbs overweight with achy knees and a tinge of neuropathy. I am looking for the softest/most cushioned ride I can find, at least until I get those extra 35-40 lbs off. Thanks!

[@Nakameguro97]

Try the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, but make sure you try them in-store. Its drop is higher than Hoka’s, which might bother your knee. Otherwise, the Nimbus certainly qualifies as a max-cushion shoe.

[@run4it]

Thanks very much for your comment and question. To explain further, while the HOKA Bondi 8 feels extremely protective and cushioned, there’s a slight firmness to the foam. For clarity, we still regard them as maximum cushioned running shoes. Running shoes such as the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 are likely to feel softer underfoot. As a direct comparison, the Invincible Run 3 features Nike’s ZoomX superfoam. This delivers an ultra soft and bouncy underfoot experience, and should deliver more shock absorption than the HOKA cushioning. Lots of runners regard the HOKA Clifton 9 running shoes to be very cushioned and the Bondi 8 feels considerably more protective than those. When it comes to cushioning, softer isn’t always better. The slight firmness in the Bondi 8 midsole likely improves how the rocker (curved midsole) functions. To explain further, making the midsole too soft could reduce how effectively the midsole rolls your feet forward. This ‘rockered’ midsole is normally very effective at reducing the load placed on the knee area. In summary, even though the Bondi 8 may not feel as soft as the models mentioned above, they might be a very suitable option for you. Having said that, if you definitely want the softest underfoot experience, we would recommend opting for one of those instead. The best option would be to try each model on, then test them to see what feels the best to run in.

[@jodale1972]

@@run4it Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely be heading to the running shop to try on all the shoes. Just wanted to try and get a good idea of what I am likely to end up deciding between. My basic goal I guess is the most cushion/shock absorption but stable enough to not tweak my knees. As I get rid of the extra 30 lbs or so, the knees become a little less of an issue. Before the lockdowns I was walking 12,000 steps a day with some intermittent light running. Since lockdowns, I now work remote and have become sedentary so I just need to get started moving again and hopefully back to at least intermittent light running at some point. Thanks again!

[@run4it]

@@jodale1972 That's great, we look forward to seeing you in-store. Given your goal, getting well cushioned shoes with the right level of support to start slow and steady, and work your way back, is definitely the right approach. All the best with it!

[@shahzaib5577]

Hi, my feet hurt and I have a long standing on feet job too. Including walking and running. I have a slightly wide foot. I tried Asics Kayano but I thought they’re narrow. I want to try Hoka, please suggest which is better Clifton 9 or Bondi 8?

[@run4it]

Hi - thanks for your question. The Bondi 8 are more cushioned than the Clifton 9, so they should offer more comfort if you're standing for long periods. The Bondi 8 are also built on a wider last than the Clifton 9, so offer more space in the toe box. Both are available in wide-fitting versions.

[@hepgeoff]

Thanks for this review. I haven't tried the Clifton 9. I have the Arahi 6. I know the Bondi 8 is supposed to have the most cushioning, but my Arahi's feel much more cushy than the Bondi 8 I tried. Maybe it's just me. The Bondi is also more stiff than the Arahi.

[@run4it]

Thanks for your comment. Everyone's perception of cushioning is different. Additionally, the level of support on offer can also impact how cushioning feels. This is because your feet might be in different positions, and being loaded in different ways. For example, the Arahi are more supportive than the Bondi, and that might improving the underfoot experience for you. It's important to note that softer doesn't necessarily mean more cushioning. The Bondi are definitely more cushioned than the Arahi, but the Bondi cushioning is more resilient. It's possible that a slightly firmer feeling foam, can offer more protection and cushioning, than a softer alternative. The Bondi cushioning can take a few runs to break in too. With all this being said, it sounds as if the Arahi are the best options for you. This is why there's never a 'best shoe', it's all about what's right for you.

[@hepgeoff]

Excellent points! Thanks!

[@rajratt]

Which one would you suggest for high arch with plantar fasciitis? I do more long brisk walks rather than running.

[@run4it]

Hi. Thanks for your question. Both the Bondi 8 and Clifton 9 could be suitable. However, given that the Bondi 8 are more cushioned, they have the potential to the best option.

[@mingchi1855]

I would agree. I went into my local running store, and the first day they wanted to recommend a cliffton to me but out of size, so then sold me a pair of arahi 6. It really irritated my foot even just wearing indoors for a day so I went back and exchanged. The real store owner was there so he explained the arahi was stable but for low arch, cliffton would be good and lighter, and bondi though heavier would be much more stable for my high arch and heel pain. I did get the bondi and it instantly feels better.

[@stevennashington1274]

clifton gang

[@halfpiint]

I have a question Re: Sizing & Fitting, where should your toe be in the shoe? or how far from the end of the shoe should your toe be for proper fiting?

[@run4it]

Hi, thanks for your question. We recommend having half a thumb to a full thumb width in space from the end of your big toe to the end of the shoes.

[@chriss.1511]

Can you comment of the removable insole is the same in the Bondi and Clifton? I found the new Foamwell insoles flatten quickly, sadly. Versus Ortholite in previous models. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3uyiWaQa5arppY

[@run4it]

Thanks for your comment and question. The Clifton 9 has a 4mm FoamWell insole, whereas the Bondi 8 has a 4mm Ortholite insole. HOKA used to use Ortholite in the majority of their running shoes, but are now transitioning to FoamWell. FoamWell should be pretty equal to Ortholite in quality and structure, but the main difference is FoamWell is lighter. Hope this helps!

[@chriss.1511]

@@run4it unfortunately the Foamwell compressed and flattened after a week of use. You can see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3uyiWaQa5arppY Ortholite has not lost its form even after months. The trade for less weight is going to disappoint users of HOKA’s.

[@MikeyMoran]

Between these two, what do you think is best for walking?

[@run4it]

Thanks for your comment. The Bondi offers more protection and cushioning. However, the Clifton are lighter and still have lots of cushioning. As a result, there's a good chance more people will find the Clifton more comfortable for walking. The Clifton also has a sleeker design, which may also feel better for walking.

[@MikeyMoran]

@@run4it thank you for the comment and reply. I’m also leaning towards Clifton 9 as the all round shoe. There has been a lot of debate of hoka vs on cloud though. If you were to pick Clifton 9 vs on cloudsurfer or other on shoes like cloud monster for walking? Also I usually wear a 10.5 Nikes and also for my other shoes. Would you say the Cliftons and on cloudsurfer are true to size? Thanks in advance

[@run4it]

The On Cloudsurfer offer a different experience to the Clifton, but are comparable. The Cloudsurfer (at the time of writing) are the only On performance running shoes that don't feature a Speedboard. This means they offer a soft underfoot feel, which is similar to the Clifton. In contrast, models such as the On Cloudmonster feature a full-length Speedboard that is specifically designed to enhance energy return during running. It's unlikely this midsole construction will feel as comfortable as the Cloudsurfer for walking, as the On shoes that have a Speedboard should feel firmer. The Clifton midsole offers a slightly more prominent rocker sensation underfoot -which can feel very comfortable for walking. The midsole walls on the Clifton also rise up at the sides. As a result, they have the potential to offer slightly more support than the Cloudsurfer. Having tried both options, I wear the Cloudsurfer in my normal running shoe size (same as Nike). However, I need half a size bigger in the Clifton for the same fit. Hope this helps. Thanks, Finlay.

[@MikeyMoran]

@@run4it probably the best explanation I’ve heard from anyone I wrote to with the same question. Really appreciate the reply. Thanks bud. Im going to hopefully try both shoes and then decide.

[@mrcoolorhot8595]

What would you prefer for a person who has wide and flat-footed

[@run4it]

Hi - thanks for your question. The Bondi have a broader midsole base and are made on wider last than the Clifton. So, we suggest choosing the Bondi over the Clifton.

[@mrcoolorhot8595]

@run4it Hi, thank you for your reply. I just finished watching this video after I sent my comment. Seems Bondi 8 has more durability and stability based on your video. 🙂🙏

[@run4it]

@@mrcoolorhot8595 you’re welcome. Yes, the Bondi should last longer than the Clifton as a result of the thicker midsole and greater proportion of outsole rubber.

[@mrcoolorhot8595]

@run4it Thank you again for the information. This helps me to get which pair of HOKA shoe models.

[@unknwoncommand1985]

Your not sandler arent you?

[@jackeddemon]

Can’t understand your accent