HOKA Clifton 11 vs Bondi 9
Clifton 11 or Bondi 9? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.
Want max cushion with a firmer, more supportive feel? Get the Bondi 9.
Get the Clifton 11 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.5 oz
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)
- You’d rather spend $20 less
Get the Bondi 9 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)
On the run
Clifton 11: The soft cruiser, refined. The same soft, steady Clifton ride. It’s comfortable and consistent rather than bouncy, and a new insole and a more flexible forefoot make it a touch smoother than the 10.
Bondi 9: The supportive max-cushion tank. A huge, protective slab of foam that’s firmer than it looks, more supportive than squishy. The rocker keeps it moving, but it’s built for easy miles and long days on your feet, not speed.
Specs side by side
| Clifton 11 | Bondi 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $154.95 | $175 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 42 / 34mm* | 43 / 38mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 5mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.97 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.34 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Clifton 11. True to size. Reviewers find the forefoot roomier than the 10’s, but lab measurements show the toebox still narrows to a point at the very front. Wide and extra-wide available.
Bondi 9. Lower volume, with a toebox that tapers, so wide feet should go straight to the wide. The heel counter is stiff, so it isn’t a sockless shoe.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Clifton 11 · Shop the Bondi 9 · Compare other running shoes