The Hoka Clifton 9 and New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 are two of the most popular neutral daily trainers on the market.
With comfortable cushioning and smooth rides, these shoes are great options for runners looking for an everyday shoe that can handle a variety of training. But how do they compare when it comes to features, performance, and value? Read on for a detailed comparison.
Similarities And Differences Between Hoka Clifton 9 And New Balance 880v13:
| Feature | Hoka Clifton 9 | New Balance 880v13 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2023 | 2023 |
| Stability | Stable | Stable |
| Flexibility | Medium | Medium |
| Sizing | Runs small | True to size |
| Weight | 8.7 oz | 10.3 oz |
| Cushion | Highly cushioned | Moderately cushioned |
| Outsole | Rubber | Blown rubber |
| Midsole | CMEVA foam | Fresh Foam X |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Retail Price | $145 | $140 |
Features Comparison:
Now we will see how these two giants from Hoka and NB differ in terms of their features.
Materials
The Hoka Clifton 9 uses a rubber outsole, a CMEVA foam midsole, and an engineered mesh upper. The outsole provides durability and traction. The CMEVA foam midsole offers a soft, highly cushioned ride. The engineered mesh upper enhances breathability.
The New Balance 880v13 utilizes a blown rubber outsole, a Fresh Foam X midsole, and an engineered mesh upper. The blown rubber outsole is lightweight and flexible. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers responsive cushioning. The engineered mesh upper improves ventilation.
Durability
The Clifton 9 is a fairly durable shoe, with many runners getting 300-500 miles out of a pair. However, some have reported premature midsole compression and outsole wear.
The 880v13 is also quite durable, with the blown rubber outsole holding up well. The midsole may lose some responsiveness around 200 miles.
Fit
The Clifton 9 runs small, so sizing up half a size is recommended. It has a narrow toe box that may not work for wide feet.
The 880v13 fits true to size for most runners. It has a medium width through the forefoot and midfoot for an accommodating fit.
Stability
Both neutral trainers provide adequate midfoot support and stability for mild overpronators.
The Clifton 9 has a stable platform due to its wide base and midsole rim. The 880v13 utilizes TPU encasing around the midsole for increased support.
Cushioning
The Clifton 9 offers high amounts of soft cushioning that is ideal for recovery days and easy mileage.
The 880v13 has a moderately cushioned ride with Fresh Foam X providing a balance of responsiveness and impact protection.
Value for Money
The Clifton 9 retail price is $145, while the 880v13 costs $140. Both shoes are on the pricier end for trainers.
The Clifton offers exceptional cushioning that justifies the cost for some. The 880v13 is feature-rich but the high price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Performance Comparison:
After the features comparison of both models we are going compare the performance of them to see who outshines the other.
For Walking
The plush cushioning of the Clifton 9 absorbs impact very well during walking, providing comfort mile after mile.
The 880v13 is also a comfortable walking shoe, with its Fresh Foam X midsole offering a good balance of softness and support. Both shoes have flexible outsoles that enable natural foot flexion when walking.
For Running
During runs, the Clifton 9 provides soft landings and smooth transitions for easy mileage. The rockered geometry helps propel the foot forward.
The 880v13 is a versatile trainer that can pick up the pace on tempo runs or handle long distances. The midsole provides responsive cushioning for a lively feel.
For Plantar Fasciitis
The high cushioning and supportive base of the Clifton 9 helps alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The raised midsole rim also takes pressure off the plantar fascia.
The 880v13 has adequate midsole cushioning but may lack the plushness some need for PF relief.
For Standing All Day
The Clifton 9’s ample cushioning helps reduce fatigue when standing for extended periods. However, some may find it too soft for all-day wear.
The 880v13 offers a good balance of cushioning and support which makes it a solid option for jobs that require a lot of standing.
Final Verdict:
The plushly-cushioned Hoka Clifton 9 is best for recovery days, easy running, walking, and plantar fasciitis relief. It offers the softest ride but is expensive and has a snug fit.
The New Balance 880v13 is a well-rounded trainer ready for anything from jogs to tempo runs. It has a versatile performance and a more accommodating fit.
At last we would recommend you to go with the model that suits your preference and style.