Which of these popular Hokas will be your holy-grail sneaker? You must choose, but choose wisely.
Love to get your steps in? You’ve probably heard of Hokas, or seen fellow walkers and runners sporting this ultra-cushiony footwear brand. Hoka is known for its incredibly comfortable, supportive shoes in bold, bright colors. I got my first pair three years ago after a disastrous 5K — I wore an old pair of sneakers and my feet hurt the entire time. After seeing everyone else wearing Hoka's bouncy shoes, I decided to try one of its most popular pairs, the Cliftons. I've been a convert ever since.
For the past three years, I have worn Cliftons every time I go for a long walk, whether I'm on a treadmill, a trail or around town. They're also one of my go-to travel essentials, and I can't remember the last time I've flown without wearing them. But after hearing some of my coworkers rave about the brand's other most popular shoes, Hoka Bondis, I ordered a pair to see how these beloved sneakers compare. If you're deciding which pair to buy, keep reading to see how they measure up.
Update, Feb. 4, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. The Bondi 8 sneakers are no longer available at Hoka's own website — they've been replaced with the newer Bondi 9 version (which features upgraded cushioning, 2mm more in height, a retooled collar and a new version of the knit upper). We are currently testing the Hoka Bondi 9 and will update this article with the results.
No wonder we gave these top billing in our guide to the best walking shoes for women. And after testing them head-to-head against Hoka Bondis (which also made the above best list) we found that Cliftons are the better choice for active days and longer walks or runs.
There's a lot to like about the Bondis too: Not only did we find these more stylish than Cliftons, they also offer more stability and support thanks to their structured insoles. These are a great option for people who are on their feet all day, which makes sense since so many nurses recommend them.
Both pairs fit true to size. They come in 5-12 including half sizes and wide sizes, so it should be easy to find an option that fits. I tried both in the regular width as my feet are pretty narrow, and they both fit great. However, the Cliftons were a bit narrower in the toe box than the Bondis, so if you have wider feet, the Bondis might be your best bet. On the other hand, the Cliftons are lighter and more flexible, so they were easier to slip on and off without untying the laces. With the more structured Bondis, I had to loosen up the laces each time I pulled them on.
Both styles are super cute, and I love that they come in a wide range of colors (19 for Bondis and 20 for Cliftons), but overall, I find the Bondis slightly cuter. The Hoka logo on the Bondis is more prominent, in the middle of the shoe, while it's toward the heel on the Cliftons. Both have super-cushioned soles that give you a boost, though the Bondis' soles are thicker. The Bondis have a fabric pull tab at the heel, while the Cliftons have a plush heel that extends further to help you slip them on and off. Other than that, the sneakers are pretty similar: Both have a lace-up design and mesh uppers.
While both pairs of shoes are very supportive, the Bondis have a more structured design to better keep your foot in place. The firmer insole kept my feet planted, so I would recommend these for when you're standing for long periods. The Cliftons were stable while I was walking, but while I stood still, my feet didn't feel as secure as they did in the Bondis. I'm not much of a runner, but I've worn both pairs on light jogs, on long and short walks and for just standing around, and I had no foot, leg or back pain.
If you feel like you need extra protection and support on slippery surfaces, check out the GTX version of the Cliftons. These come with weather-ready traction pods, reflectivity and closed mesh construction, so you can move in inclement weather without slipping, sliding or getting your feet soaked.
If comfort is your priority, you can't lose. Both pairs boast a cushioned midsole and supportive foot frame that makes them comfortable enough for all-day wear. Even better, there was no break-in time for either pair — I was able to walk for miles in both when they were straight out of the box. They both have slight arch support and knit uppers that don't rub against my skin. The Bondis are heavier than the Cliftons (8.9 ounces vs 7.3 ounces), which makes them firmer and more supportive, but also a bit less bouncy.
Overall, both are incredibly cushioned and more comfortable than the other sneakers in my closet, but I found myself reaching for them in different situations. The Cliftons boast Hoka's signature MetaRocker, which is a "curved shoe geometry that complements the natural gait cycle," according to the brand. "It can be dialed up to create a faster transition in the forefoot or dialed down to provide more ground contact and stability." This made them more comfortable for action-packed days where I was going at a faster pace or heading out on longer walks and jogs. Meanwhile, the Bondis' stability and firmness made them better for standing for long periods and shorter, slower walks — so it makes sense that these are a fan-favorite of nurses who are on their feet all day.
You really can't go wrong with either pair: Both are cute, comfortable and supportive (plus, they come in every color of the rainbow, so it should be easy to find a pair that matches your aesthetic). Choosing comes down to what you'll be doing. If you're looking for an ultra-cushioned shoe to stand in for long periods or support you for shorter, slower-paced walks, I recommend the Bondis. If you need a more flexible, slightly bouncier pair for active days and longer walks or runs, the Cliftons are your best bet.
