You don’t have to be a die-hard runner to recognize the name Hoka. Since launching in 2009 with oversized shoes that defied minimalist trends of the time, the brand has expanded its lineup to include a wide range of styles, colors and fits. Still, the Clifton and Bondi remain standout favorites, celebrated for their comfort, support and all-around performance. If you’re torn between these two shoes, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down the Hoka Clifton vs. Hoka Bondi debate, dissecting both styles based on shared features—cushioning, stability, responsiveness and fit—to help you decide which is the best one for you.

In this guide, we break down each shoe’s key components to give you a side-by-side comparison. Our objective is to help you determine which one aligns with your goals, so you can walk, run or work in comfort.

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If you’re looking for a do-it-all shoe that caters to different running styles and daily activities, opt for the Clifton. It balances responsive cushioning with slight weight savings to improve support during long runs, tempo runs and even tasks (or jobs) that require you to stand all day. Read my Clifton 10 review for more insights.

The Bondi, on the other hand, weighs just a little more due to its thicker cushioning. This is the shoe that gives Hoka footwear its “cloud-like” reputation and as such, it’s perfect for long walks or slow runs when you’re prioritizing comfort and support.

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The Hoka Clifton and Hoka Bondi are both neutral shoes—they provide balanced cushioning and support without significant arch correction, making them ideal for runners with a natural gait. But that’s not to say they offer the exact same experience underfoot.

The Clifton, for its part, offers a bit more cushioning than the average running shoe, though Hoka describes it as “balanced” cushioning. This means it isn’t incredibly plush to numbly soak up impact, nor is it very responsive to truly propel you forward. Instead, it lies somewhere in the middle to deliver a dynamic ride for different activities: Head out for a long walk and you’ll appreciate the support, or move quicker and you’ll notice a little more bounce with each step.

The Bondi, meanwhile, is heavier than the Clifton (9.3 ounces versus 8.8 ounces, respectively) because of its additional cushioning. Hoka describes it as a “plush” shoe that caters to slower, easygoing paces when you’re looking for pure comfort. Both the Bondi and the Clifton use Hoka’s patented CMEVA foam, but the Bondi’s foam is a little denser, so it favors control over bounciness. This might also explain why the Bondi costs $20 more than the Clifton ($175 versus $155).

From there, the Bondi has a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, which helps your hips and knees and calls on the muscles of your lower leg to come in for support. The latest Clifton has a more pronounced 8mm drop, but that’s by design: As you spend time in the shoe, the foam will compress and the drop will decrease to around 5mm.

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The Hoka Clifton and Bondi are neutral shoes, which means they don’t offer additional features to combat overpronation—they simply maintain the natural alignment of the hip, knee and foot. But if your decision between the two comes down to pure stability, I recommend the Clifton because its midsole feels a little less plush—and therefore more grounded—than the Bondi’s.

With that said, there are a lot of Hoka stability shoes to choose from if you’re willing to expand your horizons. I recommend the Arahi that features Hoka’s “J-Frame” midsole technology—a thick strip of J-shaped foam on the inside of the shoe prevents your foot from rolling inward as it makes contact with the ground.

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It’s important to keep in mind that neither the Hoka Clifton nor the Hoka Bondi are very responsive shoes. Remember, these are do-it-all trainers with excess cushioning, so they aren’t designed to make you faster. If reactivity and speed are requirements for tempo runs and races, go with the Rocket X 3 or the Mach 6.

Between the Clifton and Bondi, the Clifton is more responsive because of its versatile midsole. The foam is a little less dense than the Bondi’s, which makes it feel bouncier upon toe-off. Many runners actually prefer to run races in the Clifton, but doing so comes at the cost of pure speed.

Based on my experience, the Clifton and Bondi fit true to size, much like all the other Hoka shoes I’ve worn. While I have slightly wide feet, I’ve never found either shoe to be too tight or too lose, though the Clifton is a little more narrow towards the toe. Still, these shoes offer the same general degree of interior space. Both are available in wide and extra-wide sizes.

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The Hoka Clifton and Bondi are running shoes at heart, but that doesn’t mean you should only wear them while running. Based on our panel research with multiple users participating in long-term testing, the Clifton is the best cushioned walking shoe for men with flat feet and the best cushioned walking shoe for women.

Meanwhile, we consider the Bondi to be the best shoe for plantar fasciitis, and the best cushioned Hoka shoe for running and walking. Invest in the pair you need for running, or consider each one for a range of other activities.

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At the end of the day, these are versatile shoes that offer lasting comfort and support for a wide range of activities. As is often the case when comparing one shoe to another, neither model is better simply because they cater to different people and activities.

If you want a lightweight, responsive shoe for runs at varying paces that’s also ready for day-to-day activities, reach for the Clifton. If you prefer a shoe that’s comfortable and cushioned for periods of low-intensity exercise, consider the Bondi.

Personally, the Clifton has been my everyday running shoe for years, though I began wearing it long ago for walks, travel and errands around town, too. It’s a fantastic, versatile trainer that comes in a dizzying array of colors. And I couldn’t recommend the Clifton, the Bondi or any other Hoka shoe more highly.

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The gear team at Forbes Vetted spends countless hours testing, rating and reviewing products, including footwear. We’ve covered specific models like the Clifton and Bondi, as well broader topics like On running shoes and running shoes for beginners.