Which shoe has better cushioning?

Both provide excellent cushioning but with different characters. The 1080 has traditional high cushioning that feels soft and consistent. The Clifton has HOKA's signature lightweight-cushion feel—substantial foam that doesn't feel heavy. The 1080 is plusher; the Clifton is lighter. Neither is objectively better—it depends on your preference.

Is the HOKA rocker hard to adjust to?

Most runners adapt to HOKA's rocker geometry quickly—within 2-3 runs. The Clifton's rocker is moderate compared to other HOKAs and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Some runners love it immediately; others need a brief adjustment period. If you've never run in HOKAs, try them at a store first if possible.

Which is better for wide feet?

The New Balance 1080 is significantly better for wide feet. It's available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide options, while the Clifton only comes in standard and wide. New Balance also tends to run slightly wider in the toe box even in standard width.

Which shoe lasts longer?

The 1080 typically lasts longer due to New Balance's denser Fresh Foam and more durable outsole rubber. Expect 400-500 miles from the 1080 and 300-400 from the Clifton. The Clifton's lighter weight comes with some durability trade-off.

Can these shoes handle long runs?

Both are excellent for long runs. The 1080's traditional cushioning provides consistent protection over many miles. The Clifton's lighter weight and rocker geometry can make long runs feel easier by promoting efficient turnover. Many runners specifically use these shoes for their longest efforts.

Compare the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 and HOKA Clifton 9, two premium cushioned trainers. Find which delivers the ride you want.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 and HOKA Clifton are two of the most popular premium cushioned trainers, each representing their brand's philosophy of comfortable running. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right ride.

Quick Verdict

Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 if you want traditional plush cushioning with excellent width options. It offers proven comfort in a more conventional package.

Choose the HOKA Clifton 9 if you want lighter weight cushioning with HOKA's signature smooth ride. It packs substantial foam into a surprisingly nimble shoe.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Overview

The 1080 is New Balance's flagship cushioned trainer, designed for runners who prioritize comfort over everything else. It uses Fresh Foam X technology for a soft, plush ride.

Key Features:

Fresh Foam X midsole
6mm heel-to-toe drop
10.1 oz (men's) / 8.8 oz (women's)
34mm heel / 28mm forefoot stack height
Hypoknit upper

Best For:

Runners prioritizing plush cushioning
Those who need wide or narrow fit options
Long runs and easy miles
Traditional cushioning enthusiasts

Pros:

Plush, comfortable cushioning
Excellent fit options (narrow to extra-wide)
Comfortable upper construction
High durability

Cons:

Heavy for a premium trainer
Less responsive than modern alternatives
Traditional feel may seem dated to some

HOKA Clifton 9 Overview

The Clifton is HOKA's most popular shoe—the gateway to their max-cushion lineup. It delivers substantial cushioning at surprisingly light weight with signature rocker geometry.

Key Features:

Compression-molded EVA foam
5mm heel-to-toe drop
9.1 oz (men's) / 7.8 oz (women's)
36mm heel / 31mm forefoot stack height
Engineered mesh upper

Best For:

Runners wanting cushioning without weight
Those who like HOKA's rocker geometry
Daily training and long runs
Runners seeking a lighter cushioned feel

Pros:

Light for the cushion level
Smooth rocker transitions
Comfortable daily trainer
Versatile for multiple paces

Cons:

Outsole durability concerns
Narrower toe box than competitors
Limited width options

Head-to-Head Comparison

Cushioning

Both shoes offer substantial cushioning but deliver it differently. The 1080's Fresh Foam X feels traditionally soft—it compresses under impact and provides a plush landing.

The Clifton's foam is engineered to feel light despite high volume. It cushions through geometry (the rocker) as much as material softness. The ride feels springy rather than plush.

Winner: Tie — 1080 for soft plush; Clifton for light cushioning.

Weight

The Clifton weighs 9.1 oz for men and 7.8 oz for women. The 1080 comes in at 10.1 oz for men and 8.8 oz for women. That's a full ounce difference—significant in cushioned shoes.

The Clifton's lighter weight makes it feel more agile despite having a higher stack height. This is HOKA's signature achievement.

Winner: HOKA Clifton — An ounce lighter is meaningful.

Durability

The 1080 has better durability due to New Balance's denser foam formulation and more extensive outsole rubber coverage. Expect 400-500 miles.

The Clifton's outsole is a known weak point. Many runners report exposed foam and reduced traction around 250-300 miles. The shoe remains cushioned but loses grip.

Winner: New Balance 1080 — Longer-lasting construction.

Responsiveness

Neither shoe is designed for speed, but both can handle varied paces. The Clifton's lighter weight and rocker geometry make it feel more responsive for uptempo running.

The 1080 feels more consistent across paces but doesn't have the same snap when you want to speed up.

Winner: HOKA Clifton — Rocker and weight advantage.

Price/Value

The 1080 costs MSRP: $165; the Clifton costs MSRP: $145. The MSRP: $20 difference is notable, with the Clifton offering better value if its fit works for you.

The 1080's superior durability somewhat offsets its higher price over time.

Winner: HOKA Clifton — Better price for most runners.

Fit

The 1080 crushes the Clifton in fit options. Available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide, it accommodates virtually any foot shape. New Balance also tends to run wider overall.

The Clifton only comes in standard and wide, and HOKA's toe boxes are known to run narrow. Runners with wider feet often struggle with Clifton fit.

Winner: New Balance 1080 — Far better fit options.

Comparison Table

Feature	New Balance 1080 v14	HOKA Clifton 9
Price	MSRP: $165	MSRP: $145
Weight (men's)	10.1 oz	9.1 oz
Weight (women's)	8.8 oz	7.8 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	6mm	5mm
Stack height (heel)	34mm	36mm
Stack height (forefoot)	28mm	31mm
Cushion level	High	High
Best for	Plush comfort	Light cushioning
Durability	High	Moderate
Width options	Narrow to Extra-Wide	Standard, Wide

Choose the New Balance 1080 If...

You have wide, narrow, or hard-to-fit feet
Traditional, plush cushioning appeals to you
Durability is important for high-mileage training
You prefer a more conventional running shoe feel
You want a proven, reliable daily trainer
HOKA's rocker geometry doesn't appeal to you

Choose the HOKA Clifton If...

You want cushioning without weight
HOKA's rocker geometry sounds appealing
Your feet fit standard or wide widths comfortably
You prefer a lighter, more nimble feel
Budget matters and MSRP: $145 is preferable to MSRP: $165
You want to try the shoe that defines modern cushioned running

Final Verdict

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 and HOKA Clifton are both excellent cushioned trainers that approach comfort differently. The 1080 is traditional and accommodating; the Clifton is innovative and light.

The 1080 is the better choice for runners who need excellent fit options or prefer traditional cushioning. Its width range is unmatched, and its durability makes it a smart long-term investment. If you have wider feet or have struggled with HOKA's fit, the 1080 is the obvious choice.

The Clifton is the better choice for runners who prioritize light weight and like HOKA's unique ride feel. It delivers remarkable cushioning at a weight that lets you forget you're in a max-cushion shoe. If the fit works for you, it's an exceptional daily trainer at a slightly better price.

Try both if possible. The ride differences are significant enough that preference varies dramatically between runners. Both are excellent—your feet will tell you which is right.

Looking for more detailed information? Check out our individual reviews: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Review and HOKA Clifton 9 Review.

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New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 vs HOKA Clifton: Which Running Shoe Is Right for You?

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