Hoka Clifton vs Bondi: Complete List [Buying Advice 2023]

Here in this post, we would like to review Hoka Clifton vs Bondi side-by-side and share our experience with them. So, the main difference between the Hoka Clifton 8 and Bondi 7 is the amount of cushioning. Although, both running shoes are the neutral and the cushioned models of Hoka, the Bondi 7 is a maximalist runner and offers plush cushioning. On the other hand, the Clifton 8 is more like for long distance recovery run and it offers balanced cushioning.

Here is the table we have put together to list the key points of Hoka Clifton vs Bondi comparison:

Which one is worth buying Hoka Clifton 8 or Bondi 7? If you need a short answer, you can consider these:

• You can go with the Hoka Bondi 7, if you are planning a recovery run. It is the plush option out there and offers a lot of comfort compare to the Clifton 8.
• You can go with the Hoka Clifton 8, if you are planning long-distance slow-paced runs. The Clifton 8 is also lighter in comparison to Bondi 7.
• Both Clifton 8 and Bondi 7 are good options, if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.

None of these shoes are eligible for the speed-work out. You can check out our Brooks Ghost vs Launch post, if you are looking for a speed trainer.

One more thing, if you are looking for activity or foot shape specific running shoes, we strongly encourage you to read our Brooks vs Hoka: Which one is better post.

Hoka Clifton 8 vs Bondi 7: Key Differences

Here is the list of key differences between Hoka Clifton 8 and Bondi 7:

The Sole Unit & Cushioning

About the sole unit, both Clifton 8 and Bondi 7 has EVA compression midsole, but the midsole of Bondi 7 is thicker than the Clifton 8 about 4 mm. Therefore, the amount of cushioning in between of Clifton and Bondi is different. Also, the stack height is large for both running shoes. Therefore, both Clifton and Bondi are not responsive running shoes. So, there will be almost no ground feel. Instead of it, they offer great amount of shock absorption and therefore foot protection.

Again, due to the difference between their stack-heights which is 4 mm, the Bondi 7 is 50 grams heavier than the Clifton 8 for both Men’s and Women’s.

Ride Experience

About the ride experience, the Clifton 8 has a softer midsole than the Bondi 7.  Therefore, the Clifton 8 is more suitable for long runs, whereas the Bondi 7 is better for short distance runs. Also, since the midsole of the Bondi 7 is firmer than the Clifton 8, the Bondi offers more stable ride than the Clifton.

Upper Unit & Heel Counter

About the upper unit, both running shoes have engineered mesh upper. But, we concluded that the breathability of the Bondi 7 is better than the Clifton 8. So, the Clifton 8 runs warm and may not be the best option to use in the summer.

Comparing the heel counter of these two, the Bondi 7 has memory foam on its heel counter. This makes it more comfortable and supportive in comparison to the Clifton 8.

Sizing of Hoka Clifton vs Bondi

About the sizing of the Clifton 8 and Bondi 7, the Clifton 8 is true to size. But you should consider ordering the wider option, if you don’t have narrow feet. For the Bondi 7, we would recommend sizing up or considering the wider option.

Pros & Cons of Clifton vs Bondi

In here, we would like to list what we like the most and what we don’t like about these products. Here is the list of Hoka Clifton vs Bondi Pros & Cons:

Hoka Clifton 8 Review

• Weight (gr): 250 Men/ 200 Women
• Heel to Toe Drop (mm): 5
• Rates on Amazon Men’s / Women’s
• Rates on REI Men’s / Women’s

The Hoka Clifton 8 is a neutral cushioned daily trainer. It has a thick midsole and therefore not a responsive running shoe. But it is one of the best options out there for the foot protection. The thick structure of midsole offers plenty shock absorption. It suits well for the recovery runs as well.

The only down side of this shoe is the breathability. It is not a good choice for summer. If you are looking for a breathable running shoe, you may want to check out Brooks Adrenaline or Ghost.

Related Article: Best Running Shoes for Men and Women

Hoka Bondi 7 Review

• Weight (gr): 300 Men/ 250 Women
• Heel to Toe Drop (mm): 4
• Rates on Amazon Men’s / Women’s
• Rates on REI Men’s / Women’s

The Hoka Bondi 7 is a maximalist trainer. It is very suitable for the long distance runs since its midsole is quite soft. It is also highly breathable and offers plush cushioning. This neutral cushioned trainer offers superior protection and shock absorption. However, due to its stack-height and heavy structure it is not suitable for the long distance runs as well as speed-works.

Definitely, the Hoka Bondi 7 is not built for the stability, but the stiffer structure of the midsole offers some stability and support. If you are wondering why you should pick the Hoka Bondi, it combines the top comfort, foot protection and the plush cushioning.

So, if you need a speed trainer, we recommend you to check out our Brooks Launch vs Ghost post. If you need a stability shoe, we highly recommend the GTS line of Brooks. You can find a lot about it in our Brooks Adrenaline or Glycerin post.

Bottom-line Hoka Clifton vs Bondi

Our verdict for Hoka Clifton vs Bondi:

• You can go with the Hoka Bondi 7, if you are planning a recovery run. It is the plush option out there and offers a lot of comfort compare to the Clifton 8. It is also more breathable and therefore more suitable for summer. The foot protection and shock absorption are way better than the Clifton 8.
• You can go with the Hoka Clifton 8, if you are planning long-distance slow-paced runs. The Clifton 8 is also lighter in comparison to Bondi 7.

You know that the Hoka is not the only running shoes option out there. There are also Brooks, Asics and Saucony which produce perfect running shoes. In case you are wondering how they are doing against each other; you can check out our comparison of Brooks vs Asics and Brooks vs Saucony posts.