I’ve tested dozens, if not hundreds, of sneakers in my career. From compiling the best Hoka shoes for walking to comparing Hoka vs. Brooks, the brand’s kicks hold a cherished place in my footwear rotation. So when I got the opportunity to test the latest iterations of two of the brand’s most popular styles, Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton, I couldn’t wait to see how they compared. So, I put the Bondi 9 vs. the Clifton 10 to the test—and found a clear winner. I wore the Hoka Clifton 10s and the Bondi 9s for over 20 miles each, traversing various terrains (including concrete), walking, jogging, and hiking. It’s important to note that I wear custom insoles after an injury last year, so I am testing these with my own insoles. But, I made sure to examine the originals for any noticeable differences. Hoka boasts an extensive style list, but the Clifton and Bondi are some of their most popular. The brand’s ethos focuses on designing running shoes that “could be remarkably kind to the human body and still be world-class,” as the website reads. Many of the shoes come in regular and wide widths, and there are all-gender sizes as well. The Bondi 9 is the latest design in the Bondi category, reworked with better underfoot cushioning (made of foam) and an extra 2mm of stack height. The newness extends to a foam midsole for a soft, cushioned stride. The brand also tweaked the collar (3D molded) and added a knit upper for breathability. It boasts reflective details (adding marks to the safety category for nighttime walks and runs) and has an extended heel pull, making it easier to get on and off. It has Hoka’s classic metarocker design (much like the Clifton), but more subtle, in my opinion. It has a durabrasion rubber outsole so it’ll outlast your long runs. And, it boasts the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. I found these shoes to be more stable than the Cliftons, and loved how they evenly distributed the weight from heel to toe. The added stack height can be felt with each step, making me prefer these as walking shoes as opposed to running (when I prefer a bit less cushion and more ground feel). Hoka noted that the 10th version of the Clifton boasts an updated, more refined heel, adjusted underfoot, created more stability by adjusting the midsole, and a double-lace lock to make it easier to get on and off and to ensure the tongue stays put. Hoka added a Jacquard knit upper for breathability, and added 3mm in stack height for even more cushion. It also boasts an APMA Seal of Acceptance and is best for everyday running and walking. A more subtle metarocker style, it has an EVA foam midsole for a super-light feel, and a durabrasion rubber outsole for longevity. (Check out my full Hoka Clifton 9 vs. 10 review). This is an ideal shoe for everyday running, long walks, and other workouts. They feel sturdy and have helped me log miles all over NYC (walking and running), and through long periods of standing. Though a bit clunky (that’s the Hoka style, after all!), they are surprisingly lightweight (but a bit heavier than previous iterations). The plush design stays true to Hoka’s ethos, rooted in comfort, and the rubber outsole provides great traction. I find my strides confident in these. I wouldn’t say they are ideal for those looking to shave time off their mile (the heel-to-toe stride does feel a bit weighed down compared to other Hoka shoes), but for everyday runs, long walks, and running errands, they are ideal. The Clifton 10s are an entry metarocker, meaning they’re a great foray into the rocker style. The biggest difference between the Clifton 10 and 9 is that the metarocker on these is much more subtle. Whereas the older iteration felt like someone was gently nudging your foot forward, these just made my stride feel more fluid. These were not my favorite for running (though I did like them better than the Bondis). Ultimately, these are great for long walks, jogging, and runs outside. They felt a bit too bouncy for runs on the treadmill, but I often feel that way about ultra-cushioned sneakers and treadmill running. The biggest differences between the two are: Ultimately, sneakers are a very personal purchase. What works best for one person may not for another. So with this in mind, for me, the clear winner is the Bondi 9—and that’s saying something since in a past comparison of previous models, I preferred the Cliftons. I prefer a more stable shoe, and the redesigned Bondi 9s evenly distributed my weight with each stride, felt solid whether running or walking, and ultimately left my feet feeling hugged and supported. While I preferred walking over running in both of these shoes, the Clifton would be my pick for the latter.