Hoka Bondi 8 vs Clifton 8 – Which Pair to Choose?

Buying a new pair of running shoes can be challenging when comparing Hoka Bondi 8 vs Clifton 8. I also experienced the same dilemma when choosing between them for my cousin. So, I put them side-by-side and compared them.

The significant difference I found is the design. Hoka Bondi 8 features a thick mesh upper, well-cushioned midsole, thick rubber with exposed foam midsole and heel pull tab. The Clifton 8 has an engineered mesh upper, a durable rubberized sole unit and a padded tongue.

Read this guide to learn the detailed comparison between Bondi 8 and Clifton 8.

Hoka Bondi 8 vs Clifton 8 – Comparison Chart

Find the specs comparison between Bondi 8 and Clifton 8 from the table below.

Parameter	Hoka Bondi 8	Hoka Clifton 8
Weight	8.9 oz.	7.2 oz.
Stack Height	Heel: 39 mmForefoot: 35 mm	Heel: 33 mmForefoot: 28 mm
Drop	5 mm	4 mm
Fit	True to fit	True to fit
Breathability	Moderate	High
Upper	Thick mesh fabric	Engineered mesh fabric
Midsole	CMEVA foam	CMEVA foam
Outsole	Thick rubber with exposed foam	Thick rubber

Key Differences Between Hoka Bondi 8 and Clifton 8

Here, I comprehensively looked at the features and compared how they felt after wearing them.

Upper

The Bondi 8 upper is designed to maximize comfort. Plush upper ensures zero crimping on the padding. Also, the upper feels tight due to the narrow base with the regular width. Thanks to its width and extra width options, offering more room in the forefoot. Besides, the thick mesh fabric makes the upper less breathable.

With the right proportions of breathable mesh fabric, the Clifton 8 upper is exceptionally comfortable. The upper wraps around your foot gently, guaranteeing long-lasting comfort. Great ventilation breaths and dries your feet quickly.

Midsole

Injection molding and the CMEVA midsole in the Bondi 8 increase cushioning responsiveness. Thus, the midsole becomes less resilient to compression. Also, a symmetrical cushioned bed provides the required support when walking or running. Extra plush cushioning feels more comfortable compared to the Clifton 8. Sadly, a user found the Bondi 8 less pillowy cushioning and returned. Nonetheless, most users appreciated its midsole. 

Compression-molded EVA foam makes the Clifton 8s midsole super-comfy. It is a mid-drop shoe offering some stability without controlling too much motion. Moreover, rocker midsoles save energy during long runs.

Outsole

The Bondi 8 has exposed foam in the outsole. As a result, it becomes less durable than Clifton 8 and other road shoes. Also, the carbon rubber can withstand regular wear and tear inefficiently. However, the thick outsole provides a lot of stability on the road. Traction is also never an issue with this pair.

On the other hand, a 3 mm rubberized thick sole unit guarantees long wear. A typically softer outsole provides a smooth ride no matter how many miles you run. Simultaneously, strategically positioned rubber gives excellent traction and durability.

Size & Fit

Like all Hokas shoes, the Bondi 8 and Clifton 8 are “true to size.” The roomy toe box makes the Bondi 8 ideal for wider feet.  

Don’t assume that Clifton 8 is for narrow feet. Wear them before buying. Keep in mind that the arch support of the pair is little. Consequently, the shoes may rub your inner foot, causing blisters.

Weight

You might have guessed that the Bondi 8 is bulkier than the Clifton 8.

Additional cushioning in the midsole adds some extra grams to the Bondi 8. Although, the general thumb rule is that shoe weight depends a lot on its size. Generally, a regular Bondi 8 is 1.5 oz. bulkier.

Initially, the additional weight may not make a significant difference. But these additional grams will matter if you plan to run a longer distance. Clifton 8 will be a better option for people who prefer lightweight shoes.

Durability

As mentioned, Bondi 8 quickly damages the exposed foam in the outsole. Nevertheless, the mesh upper is durable and can resist damage. Moreover, the CMEVA midsole retains cushioning for many days. 

Furthermore, regular wear and tear is evenly distributed by the outsole lugs. This means that the durability issue is only with the exposed foam. Other than this, the Bondi 8 is durable.

Tongue & Heel Collar

The extra thick tongue of Hoka Bondi 8 lets you feel comfortable during runs. A partially gusseted tongue makes it an excellent all-around shoe. Besides, a moderate amount of heel collar cushioning prevents blisters. The heel pull tab allows for convenient wearing of the shoes.

The Clifton 8 has a moderately cushioned tongue attached to the gusset. Thus, it feels narrow and snug. In addition, the padded tongue is thin and ultra-light, ensuring breathability. Signature tapered heel collar improves comfort around the Achilles tendon.

Stack Height

Both the shoes have meaty soles but significant differences in the stack height. This way, the responsiveness of the shoes varies.

With 35 mm forefoot and 39 mm heel, you will always enjoy a bouncy ride wearing Bondi 8. Runners found them absolutely best on hard surfaces. On the flip side, Clifton 8 features a 28 mm forefoot and 33 mm heel stack height, offering a balanced running experience.  

Responsiveness

Neither pair of shoes is particularly responsive underfoot. However, the Bondi 8 is more responsive for its plush cushioning in the midsole. So, you can wear it for recovery or slow-paced runs.

In contrast, Clifton 8 helps pick up the pace in long runs. Necessary cushioning absorbs shocks and impacts effectively for a smooth ride.

Hoka Bondi 8 or Clifton 8 – Which One to Buy

After analyzing the performance and features, choosing the right one for your feet will not be an issue.

I suggest you buy Hoka Bondi 8 if	I suggest you buy Hoka Clifton 8 if
You want superior stability	You prefer lightweight design
Your requirement is a well-cushioned shoe	You like responsive shoes
You have wider feet	You require a neutral feel