The Bondi 9 is about as cushioned and comfortable as running shoes get and softer than the Clifton 11 for running and general use, but can feel clunky for faster runs.
The Hoka Clifton 11 is lighter and a little more versatile than the Bondi 9 on the run, with a smooth, comfortable ride that works well for easy and steady runs.
I’ve been testing the best running shoes for over a decade and I’ve tried almost the entire Hoka line-up, along with several past models of both the Clifton and the Bondi.
Both have been very popular picks with runners for many years, and the latest models of both shoes stick to the principles that made them so popular.
The Hoka Clifton 11 and Hoka Bondi 9 are both comfortable shoes with a smooth ride that work well for walking and long days on your feet as well as running.
I’d actually say neither is my preferred pick from Hoka’s line-up right now — I’d go for the Hoka Clifton Pro myself — but if you’re picking between the Clifton 11 and Bondi 9, here are the key differences you need to know about.
Hoka Bondi 9 vs Hoka Clifton 11: price
At full price the Hoka Clifton 11 is the cheaper shoe, setting you back $155 compared to $175 for the Hoka Bondi 9.
However, the Bondi 9 has been out for longer and is now a regular in sales, including Hoka’s own where it’s currently available for $140. When the Clifton 11 hits the sales itself it will probably be the cheaper pick again.
Hoka Bondi 9 vs Hoka Clifton 11: design and fit
I tested both shoes in my normal running shoe size and had a good fit for length with them, but like many Hoka shoes they are a little narrow around the midfoot. There are wide and extra wide versions of both shoes you can opt for if this is a concern.
The Bondi 9 is the higher stack shoe, standing 43mm tall at the heel and 38mm at the forefoot for a 5mm drop. The Clifton is 42mm at the heel and has a higher 8mm drop, making it 34mm tall at the forefoot.
Partly because of this extra cushioning the Bondi 9 is the heavier of the pair, tipping the scales at 11oz in my US men’s size 9.5, almost a full ounce heavier than the Clifton 11, which is 10.1oz in my size.
Upper
Both the Bondi 9 and Clifton 11 have mesh uppers that prioritize comfort over being especially lightweight, with lots of padding around the collar and on the tongue of the shoes.
The forefoot on both is breathable though and I found the upper to hold the foot securely and comfortably throughout all my runs in both shoes.
Midsole
The biggest differences between the Clifton 11 and Bondi 9 are found in the midsole, both with regards to the foam used and the geometry of the rocker.
While both shoes use EVA foam, it’s a supercritical version of the foam in the Bondi 9, whereas it’s compression-molded in the Clifton 11. If you’re not as keen on running jargon as me, that means the Bondi 9’s foam is less dense and more responsive.
The Bondi 9 also has a lower drop, which for me makes the Clifton 11’s rocker feel more pronounced — it tips you onto your toes more and has a smoother feel on the run.
Outsole
Both shoes have a thick layer of rubber covering the main impact areas of the forefoot and heel and both have gripped well for me during testing.
There is some exposed foam in the midfoot of each shoe, but I have no concerns about the durability of either — both the Bondi and Clifton are renowned as long-lasting shoes and I have no real signs of wear on mine yet.
Hoka Bondi 9 vs Hoka Clifton 11: running performance
I’ve run around 35 miles in the Hoka Clifton 11 and 40 miles in the Hoka Bondi 9, using both for the same types of daily training runs, with a lot of easy miles along with some steady stuff, strides, and long runs in both shoes.
Both shoes are undoubtedly comfortable, especially when landing at the heel as I do, but the Bondi 9 is a bit softer overall. It does a great job of absorbing the impact of running, especially when you’re rolling through easy runs.
The Bondi 9 is not particularly versatile, in that anytime I tried to push the pace at all in the shoe it felt sluggish and a bit cumbersome.
However, the Bondi 9 is not particularly versatile, in that anytime I tried to push the pace at all in the shoe it felt sluggish and a bit cumbersome. I found that while the rocker in the midsole pushed me onto my midfoot well, it felt quite blocky when I arrived at my toe-off.
The Clifton 11 is by no means a speedster itself, but it is lighter and feels more natural at faster paces in my experience. The foam in the midsole doesn’t give a lot of energy back, but the rocker is smooth and it’s better than the Bondi 9 for anything faster than easy pace.
I also did a short run wearing one shoe on each foot to directly compare how they felt on the run, and it highlighted the extra softness of the Bondi 9, and the more fluid and nimble ride feel of the Clifton 11.
Both shoes felt good for walking and traveling too, but if you’re primarily after a sneaker to wear for long days on your feet rather than running, I think the Bondi 9 is a bit more cushioned and comfortable.
Hoka Bondi 9 vs Hoka Clifton 11: verdict
If I was buying a running shoe for myself, I’d go for the Hoka Clifton 11. It’s comfortable and has a smoother ride at all paces, while being lighter and more versatile than the Bondi 9.
However, the Bondi 9 would be the better buy if you just want the most comfortable of the two shoes, either for running or for general use. It’s a little softer and has more cushioning in the midsole.
On value, it might come down to which has the best deal going on it at the time of buying — right now that’s the Bondi 9, but I expect to see the Clifton 11 in sales soon enough.
As a final point, I’d also consider the Hoka Clifton Pro because I think it’s the best of the three. It has the supercritical foam used in the Bondi 9 and the smooth rocker geometry of the Clifton 11, and a bit more bounce than both shoes.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom's Guide
- If you enjoy lifting weights — these are the only 3 gym shoes I'd wear, and they're up to 30% off in Prime Day sales
- I’ve tested almost every Hoka running shoe and 4 of the best are reduced right now, including the Clifton 10
- My favorite trail-running shoe is 34% off for Prime Day, and it’s great for hiking too
