Hoka Bondi 9 vs Hoka Clifton 10 | 2026 Comparison
Both the Bondi 9 and Hoka Clifton 10 represent excellent cushioned shoes in Hoka’s lineup, but they serve distinctly different purposes. After logging over 200 miles across varied terrain in both walking shoes, the Bondi 9 delivers maximum plush comfort with supercritical foam, while the Clifton 10 offers versatile performance as a daily trainer.
As a walking shoe tester with 156years of experience testing walking shoes, trail runners, and hiking boots, I will be giving you my expert testing results based on objective testing scores.
I’ll compare these two shoes head-to-head across key categories including comfort, traction, fit, stability, breathability, weight, and durability to help you choose the right Hoka shoes for your needs. I will also be directly comparing these shoes to the Altra Experience Flow 2, Hoka Clifton 9, Hoka Transport, and Brooks Ghost Max 3.
Also check out our individual review of each shoe, Hoka Clifton 10 review, Hoka Bondi 9 review.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/31/25 with new comfort insights after further testing. We also added our youtube review.
Our Verdict
| Comparision | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Most Comfortable Walking Shoe  | Our most comfortable walking shoe of this year. Increased breathability and better support than previous iteration | 8.6 | Check LOWEST PriceRead Review |
Top Walking Shoe  | Top walking shoe of this year, increased comfort but at the cost of breathability and weight from previous iteration | 8 | Check LOWEST PriceRead Review |
Choose Bondi 9 if you want
✔ Maximum plush cushioning with supercritical EVA foam
✔ Superior all-day comfort for standing and walking
✔ Lower 5mm drop for more natural foot positioning
✔ Wider platform and roomier fit for broad feet
✔ Exceptional stability for heavier runners
✔ Premium soft ride ideal for recovery days
The Bondi 9 excels as the most cushioned shoes in Hoka’s lineup, delivering a cloud-like sensation underfoot.
The supercritical foam creates an almost marshmallow-soft landing that absorbs impact exceptionally well during easy runs and recovery days. This shoe shines for long periods of standing or walking.
Choose Clifton 10 if you want
✔ More responsive CMEVA foam for versatile training
✔ Higher 8mm drop for smoother heel-to-toe transitions
✔ Better performance across multiple running paces
✔ More affordable price point at $150 vs $175
✔ Firmer ride with improved ground feedback
The Clifton 10 serves as an excellent versatile trainer that balances cushioning with responsiveness. Its firmer ride and active foot frame make it suitable for everything from easy miles to tempo efforts, making it ideal for most runners seeking one shoe for daily training.
Hoka Bondi 9 vs Hoka Clifton 10 Price Comparison
The Clifton 10 offers better value at $150 compared to the Bondi 9’s $175 price point, $25 difference one must consider.
Hoka Bondi 9 Price: $175
Hoka Clifton 10 Price: $150
See Our Hands-On Youtube Comparision Of The Clifton 10 vs Bondi 9
Comfort
The comfort difference between these two shoes represents a fundamental design split: maximum plush cushioning vs responsive versatility.
Clifton 10 vs Bondi 9 Specs
| Feature | Bondi 9 | Clifton 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel Stack Height | 43mm | 42mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 38mm | 34mm |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Cushioning Feel | Ultra-plush, supercritical foam | Firmer, responsive CMEVA |
The Hoka Bondi 9’s supercritical foam feels like stepping on premium memory foam. During our testing, each heel strike felt completely absorbed, there’s almost no impact transmitted up through the legs.
The foam is firm towards the outsole, but very plush and forgiving towards the insole, it’s a perfect set up for a stable yet plush walking shoe.
The Clifton 10’s CMEVA foam is a different experience altogether. While still cushioned, it’s more energetic and gives more ground feedback.
During recovery runs the firmer ride means a more responsive toe off, helping you maintain pace without the sluggish feeling that can come with maximum cushioning.
The heel drop difference makes a big difference in foot positioning. The Bondi 9’s lower drop encourages a more natural mid foot landing, while the Clifton 10’s higher drop allows for smoother heel striking transitions for traditional walking form.
For recovery runs and easy days the Bondi 9’s comfort can’t be beat. But for daily miles where you might vary pace the Clifton 10’s balanced approach is more versatile.
Both shoes have quite maximalist outsoles, however the difference lies in between the impact absorption of the Bondi 9 while not sacrificing on compression and instability issues.
Hoka Bondi 9 Comfort: 5 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Comfort: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Bondi 9
Traction
Both shoes feature similar rubber outsole designs in high-wear areas, but they behave differently on various surfaces.
When we put them to the test on wet pavement, both shoes held up decently, but they really aren’t great in super slippery conditions. The Bondi 9’s wider platform, aids in traction on wet surfaces.
The Clifton 10 has a firmer midsole, which makes it feel like it’s giving you more feedback on what the ground’s doing. That makes it easier to adjust your stride and footwork on tricky terrain.
When we took them out on the trails, the more springy feel really came in handy on packed dirt and gravel, helping me make quick turns.
The Bondi 9 is great at keeping your feet secure even on some pretty tough surfaces like the polished tile in my local supermarket. It’s not like it’s going to slip and slide, you can just walk/ run along with confidence. That makes it perfect for everyday wear.
Because both shoes have exposed foam sections, they’re not exactly built for ripping any surface you’re on, but they do just fine on mixed surfaces and are excellent as walking shoes, which is what they are made to be.
If you are looking for more grip in a walking shoe, check out the Hoka Transport.
Hoka Bondi 9 Traction: 4 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Traction: 4 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Bondi 9 vs Clifton 10 | Which Fits Better?
Both shoes fit to size but the truth is the internal space and contours inside are actually quite different which can make a big difference in how comfy they are for people with different shaped feet
Both shoes are available in regular, 2E, and 4E so they fit anybody well in either scenario.
Bondi 9: The Bondi 9 comes with a pretty roomy toebox and loads of space in the front of the foot plus a very soft upper that gives a little as you move around.
It has a memory foam in the heel that moulds to the shape of your foot which makes it a good choice for wide feet, or anyone who needs a bit more room in there.
Clifton 10: The Clifton 10 has a more performance-focused fit with a snug heel counter to keep the foot in place when you’re running fast. The footframe is also a bit more supportive around the middle of the foot and its got a sort of minimalist tongue design.
In addition, the Bondi 9 definitely has more volume when directly compared to the Clifton.
The Clifton 10 upper is more structured which is a plus for running and gives a bit more stability and support but some people might find it a bit restrictive if they like a looser fit.
The heel counter does lock the foot into place a bit more so you don’t get heel slip during quick spells.
Hoka Bondi 9 Fit: 4.5 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Fit: 4 out of 5
Winner: Bondi 9
Stability and Support
Even though these two shoes have similar heel stacks, the actual stability experience is quite astonishing. Its all down to the difference in midsole density and platform design.
The Bondi 9 has a very wide platform, which is great news for bigger runners because it gives them a much more stable base.
I measured the forefoot width of the Bondi 9 at 127 mm with our caliper, that is the largest forefoot base we have measured to date.
The supercritical foam does feel pretty soft, but it holds its shape really well under load which stops that nasty excessive collapse that can send you tumbling into instability.
The rear foot active focus foot frame of the Bondi 9 also helps with any instability issues.
Instead of your foot sitting on top of the massive heel stack, the heel drops slightly and the outsole comes up over the edges of your foot, so you’re sitting in the shoe, not on top of it.This was really well addressed by Hoka for instability issues on the Bondi 8.
The Clifton 10 on the other hand, also has then active foot frame tech which gives a bit more support round the mid foot area without feeling all clunky and intrusive.
The CMEVA foam is a bit firmer and that gives better stability when you’re moving fast and changing direction.
When I put them through their paces on uneven ground the Bondi 9’s wide base was a real confidence-booster, while the Clifton 10’s platform was more responsive and gave me better feedback for making quick adjustments on the fly.
For just plodding along on the easy runs or recovery days the Bondi 9 and Clifton 10 both deliver very good stability for maximalist shoes. If you’re doing more varied pace training and your stability needs change with the speed you’re going the Clifton 10 is the better option.
Hoka Bondi 9 Stability & Support: 4.5 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Stability & Support: 4.5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Breathability
Upper ventilation is quite noticeably different between these two models which in turn makes a difference in how comfortable they are during longer walks and when walking in the heat.
The Bondi 9 is way more breathable and it’s mainly down to its more open knit construction with much better ventilation, pockets.
During some summer testing with the temperature at 85 degrees, I found my foot was much more comfortable and well-ventilated when compared to the Clifton 10 in the same heat.
The Clifton 10s upper is still adequately ventilated dont get me wrong, its just that its made from a slightly denser knit material which gives it a bit more structure but not as much air flow as the Bondi 9.
You start to notice this when you’re running a bit further or in hot conditions where the issue of heat retention becomes a real problem. The upper is much like the Clifton 9, breathable but not a ventilation machine.
Both shoes are good at managing moisture if you have a good pair of thin socks but the Bondi 9 really has the edge when it comes to ventilation which makes it perfect for walking in the heat or for people who tend to overheat pretty easily.
Hoka Bondi 9 Breathability: 4.5 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Breathability: 4 out of 5
Winner: Bondi 9
Weight
I weighed in my Clifton 10 at 11 oz while the Bondi 9 weighed in at 12 ounces on our scale. While weight is important, on the scale of combat, it also depends on how they actually feel on your foot.
The Bondi 9 felt a little heavier than 12 ounces while it was on my foot. This is mainly due to the heavier outsole, and upper materials. The weight felt similar to the Altra Experience Flow 2.
The Clifton 10 on your foot, feels the same weight that’s comparable on the scale. The Meta Rocker on the Clifton 10 is a little bit more aggressive, therefore you get a little bit more relief from foot fatigue when it comes to energy preservation.
Both shoes are in the maximalist category, so don’t expect them to be ultra-light shoes with minimal foot fatigue.
This is the price you pay for better impact absorption and comfortability during your daily walks.
Hoka Bondi 9 Weight: 3.5 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Weight: 4 out of 5
Winner: Clifton 10
Durability
Construction quality and expected lifespan show interesting results during my field testing.
Outsole wear patterns after 100+ miles on each model reveal similar durability in high-wear areas.
Both shoes use strategic rubber placement to balance weight and longevity, with exposed foam in low-wear zones.
The Bondi 9’s supercritical foam shows excellent compression resistance, maintaining its plush feel even after significant mileage. The wider platform distributes wear more evenly, definitely expanding its lifespan.
The Clifton 10’s firmer CMEVA foam demonstrates good durability characteristics, though the higher-density material in the heel area shows slightly more wear due to the heel striking patterns.
Upper construction quality appears comparable between both models, with reinforced areas holding up well to daily use.
The Bondi 9’s softer materials I expected to see more scrapes and scratches, however, after a hundred miles, they have surprised me with minimal wear.
Hoka Bondi 9 Durability: 4 out of 5
Hoka Clifton 10 Durability: 4 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Hoka Bondi 9 Overall Rating
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Traction: 4 out of 5
Fit: 4.5 out of 5
Stability and Support: 4.5 out of 5
Breathability: 4.5 out of 5
Weight: 3.5 out of 5
Durability: 4 out of 5
Total: 30/35
Our Score: 8.6
Hoka Clifton 10 Overall Rating
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Traction: 4 out of 5
Fit: 4 out of 5
Stability and Support: 4.5 out of 5
Breathability: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4 out of 5
Durability: 4 out of 5
Total: 28.5/35
Our Score: 8.1
Which Shoe Should You Choose?
The Clifton 10 takes the overall victory by a narrow margin due to its superior versatility and value proposition.
Choose the Bondi 9 if maximum comfort is your priority. It’s ideal for recovery days, long periods of standing, heavier runners, or those with foot sensitivity issues. The supercritical foam provides unmatched plush cushioning that makes every step feel like walking on clouds.
Also add the fact that the Bondi 9 was crafted with fixing the instability issues with the previous iteration. The Active Foot Frame along with the more firm outsole really makes the Bondi 9 hard to compete with, engineering-wise.
Choose the Clifton 10 if you want one shoe for daily training versatility. Its , firmer ride, and responsive characteristics make it suitable for everything from easy recovery runs to all day walking.
Most runners will find it offers the better balance of comfort and performance.
For users who prefer a lower drop and more natural foot positioning, the Bondi 9’s 5mm drop feels more natural.
Those who heel strike or prefer traditional running shoes will appreciate the Clifton 10’s 8mm drop and smoother heel-to-toe transitions.
For Walking and All-Day Wear
Both shoes excel for non-running activities, but serve different needs:
The Bondi 9 is superior for healthcare workers, teachers, and others who stand for long periods. Its maximum cushioning and wider platform reduce fatigue during 12+ hour shifts.
The plush comfort makes it feel like wearing premium comfort footwear rather than traditional running shoes.
The Clifton 10 works well for general walking and casual wear where you need a lighter, more responsive feel. Its more structured fit and firmer ride make it suitable for varied activities throughout the day.
Also consider the Clifton 10 aesthetically, the massive outsole of the Bondi 9 can be quite a turn-off for some people.
Get the Best Deal on Both Shoes
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Testing Methodology
I personally tested both shoes through 100+ miles each across varied conditions to provide objective, unbiased comparisons. During my real-world testing, I took these shoes through a variety of terrains including concrete sidewalks, asphalt roads, track surfaces, treadmill sessions, and even some light trail paths.
The weather varied as well I walked in temperatures ranging from a crisp 45°F morning to hot 90°F afternoons, experiencing both dry and wet conditions, and at different times of day to see how the shoes performed across scenarios.
Independence statement: This comparison is completely independent with no manufacturer sponsorship or bias. Both shoes were purchased at retail price to ensure objective evaluation focused solely on performance characteristics and user experience.
The goal was providing runners with honest, detailed information to make informed decisions between these two excellent Hoka running shoes based on individual needs and preferences.
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
