Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton might not seem as significant to someone who doesn’t take the footwear game thoughtfully, but you do. A good pair of sneakers can take you far, and that’s why you’re adamant about finding the perfect pair of Hokas that promise to get you through the day pain and pressure-free.
Whether you’re going for a run, running errands, or grabbing coffee with friends, you’re planning on getting a pair that works for whatever event you’ve got on your radar.
At the end of the day, your sneakers are supposed to serve you – not the other way around. And you can’t help but notice that Hoka sneakers have been taking the world by storm, making waves left and right, and popping up everywhere from the office to the gym.
Hoka One One sneakers, or Hoka for short, have been spotted on the feet of numerous celebs, podiatrists, and average folk, and you can’t wait to be one of them. Well, we’re here to help! Keep on reading to figure out which of the two Hoka best-sellers might be right for you.
About Hoka
Hoka One One, a company that produces top-of-the-line runnings sneakers, was founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, by two trail-running enthusiasts, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard.
Hoka’s “maximalist” cushioned sneakers took the world by storm and went from being aimed at runners to being designed for hikers, cyclists, and gym-goers, too. But the name of the company continues to confuse many people to this day.
Hoka One One (pronounced ho-kah oh-nay oh-nay) was the name Nicolas and Jean-Luc settled on because of the meaning behind the words One One. They seemed to have been encouraged by a phrase from New Zealand’s indigenous Maori that roughly translates to “to fly over the earth.”
Nicolas and Jean-Luc produced the first Hokas because they needed a type of sneaker that would allow runners to run faster downhill, but the two runners couldn’t find them anywhere.
So, they took matters into their own hands and designed a pair of sneakers that provided comfort, support, and shock absorption – the name seemed fitting enough, too. Hoka One One went on to become one of the most popular, prominent sportswear companies across the globe.
Hoka Bondi Vs. Clifton: What’s there to know?
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4.5
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$159.99
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$163.99
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Hoka dropped the “One One” when most customers started referring to them as Hoka, and because of that, we’re going to do the same.
When you’re trying to decide between two sneaker styles from the same brand, you might need to dig your heels in a little deeper to figure out which one would work better for you.
Whichever Hokas you opt for, you’re going to be happy because the brand is known for manufacturing some of the most comfortable, supportive, and protective sneakers out there.
Hoka’s chunky sneakers are promoted by pretty much everyone for a reason. Celebrities adore them because they’re a fashion statement – with the “ugly sneaker” trend going around, stars have been rocking the chunky Hokas left and right.
Podiatrists appreciate them, too. With plenty of padding all around, great arch support, and maximum airflow, they’re suitable for most people’s foot-related problems.
When you do your research, though, you might notice a few differences between Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton sneakers. Who wins the Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton battle, then? Why don’t we find out together?
1. History
Where do we even start? The history of a sneaker might not play a role in determining the right Hokas for you, but – there’s always a but.
It might be able to tell you a little bit more about the brand’s vision behind the particular style, and that might be the deciding point that sways you toward Hoka Bondi or Hoka Clifton sneakers.
Hoka Bondi sneakers were launched in 2011 during the height of the barefoot shoe craze. Everybody was going for minimalist, lighter-than-a-feather sneakers, and Hoka decided to take a risk and come out with the chunkiest, bulkiest sneakers ever. Soft, squishy, and deceptively lightweight, Hoka Bondi sneakers quickly became everyone’s favorite footwear.
Hoka Clifton sneakers, on the other hand, were released in 2014 when the brand wanted to focus on the performance side of sneakers.
Hoka Clifton 1 pretty much put Hoka on the map for running gear and the brand decided to stick with the Clifton series. Eight editions later, Hoka Cliftons are as triumphant as ever.
2. Design
Need we argue anything other than the fact that both Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton earned The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they’re approved by podiatrists?
Bondis are made with lightweight foam, brand-new extended heel geometry, and a rear crash pad which makes them one of the most comfortable Hoka styles.
Cliftons, on the other hand, are made with responsive foam, a striped back upper, a reflective heel panel, and a streamlined tongue with a single-side medial gusset.
Not to mention that the latest edition of the award-winning Clifton franchise seems to be lighter and more cushioned than ever before. Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on either of the two.
3. Performance
Both Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton sneakers were made for walking, running, and working out, but they might not be appropriate for running on rough surfaces, hiking, or weightlifting.
Hoka Bondis, for instance, are advertised as “a daily trainer,” perfect for a short run, light workout, or recovery from foot-related problems.
Hoka Clifton sneakers are similar. They’re considered a “neutral running sneaker,” great for those with a neutral or correct running pattern. On the chance that you’re searching for corrective, motion control, or stability sneakers, you might be better off with Arahi or Gaviota styles.
4. Comfort and fit
Now, the Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton face-off wouldn’t be valid without mention of comfort. Hoka sneakers are known to be super comfortable, supportive, and protective – that’s pretty much why everyone’s obsessed with them.
Both Bondi and Clifton sneakers are comfortable, but Bondis offer more cushioning with a 33 mm heel stack height for men and 31 mm for women. Cliftons, though, come with cushioning that’s more responsive which provides you with better shock absorption.
Bondis also come with a carbon plate responsible for energy return, making every step you take more comfortable. We’d say that Hoka Bondi sneakers win the comfort battle, but that’s for you to decide.
5. Support and stability
We’d be surprised if Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton sneakers didn’t come with enough support and stability to carry you through the day – but of course, they do.
Although they aren’t advertised as stability footwear, they’re supportive enough to keep you from rolling your ankles. And, they’re appropriate for those with moderate probation, too.
Hoka Bondi sneakers come with maximum cushioning, a softer midsole foam, and an extended heel. And Cliftons offer neutral support – they’re not as cushioned as Bondis, but they’re made with reactive outsoles that are guaranteed to keep your feet happy and healthy.
6. Breathability
Hoka kicks are made with recycled polyester (rPET), leather, and rubber, for the most part. Sure, these fabrics don’t scream “breathable,” but they’re designed to allow airflow and keep your feet dry during your workouts.
Hoka Bondi sneakers are both lightweight and breathable because they’re made with hot melt TPU yarns and equipped with a thin, racing-inspired tongue that’s wider than most other Hokas.
Hoka Clifton sneakers are super similar, too, because they’re made with the same hot melt TPU yarns and have plenty of wiggle room for your toes.
7. Durability
Hoka uses high-quality, hard-wearing fabrics that guarantee you’ll be wearing your Hoka sneakers for years to come. With that out of the way, though, most Hoka sneakers are made to endure between 300 and 500 miles.
But that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be as comfortable and cushioned the entire time – you’ll probably notice a difference before you hit the 300-mile mark. Hoka sneakers are made to endure wear and tear, but they won’t be the same the entire time you wear them.
8. Affordability
Hoka isn’t affordable whatsoever, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a go. They’re meant to be durable, which means you’re going to get your money’s worth.
When you take a quick trip to the official Hoka website, you’ll notice Bondi sneakers start at $165 all the way up to $215. Clifton sneakers might be a little more affordable – these bad boys start at $110 but get up to $250 (the $110 styles are on sale at the moment, though).
Hoka Bondi Vs. Clifton: Which are the superior Hoka kicks?
We might disappoint you by saying that we don’t have an outright winner in the Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton debate. Both best-sellers are comfortable, supportive, and protective. Both are wearable, too. Whichever you decide to go with, though, you’re bound to become one of the many, many happy customers.
