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New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 vs HOKA Clifton: Which Daily Trainer?
Compare the New Balance 1080v15 and HOKA Clifton 11 on cushioning, weight, width, fit, recovery use, and long-run comfort.
Quick Hits
- •Both weigh 9.2oz for men and offer narrow through extra-wide options, removing two old comparison gaps.
- •The 1080v15 has a 40/34mm stack and 6mm drop; Clifton 11 is taller at 43/35mm with an 8mm drop.
- •Choose 1080 for a lighter-feeling Infinion update and Clifton for controlled max-cushion cruising at a $15 lower MSRP.
Head-to-head breakdown using our audited shoe database.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 vs HOKA Clifton
Quick Verdict
The current comparison is New Balance 1080v15 versus HOKA Clifton 11. Both are neutral road shoes for daily, long, and recovery runs. Both list a 9.2-ounce men's weight and narrow through extra-wide sizing, so old claims that Clifton is lighter or New Balance uniquely offers more widths are obsolete.
Choose the New Balance 1080v15 for Infinion cushioning, a 6mm drop, and a more responsive independent-review profile. Choose the HOKA Clifton 11 for a taller 43/35mm platform, 8mm drop, controlled ride, and MSRP: $15 lower MSRP.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | New Balance 1080v15 | HOKA Clifton 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Categories | Daily, long run, recovery | Daily, long run, recovery |
| Cushion | High | Maximum |
| Drop | 6mm | 8mm |
| Weight (men/women) | 9.2oz / 7.8oz | 9.2oz / 8.0oz |
| Stack | 40mm / 34mm | 43mm / 35mm |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Widths | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra-Wide | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra-Wide |
| MSRP | MSRP: $170 | MSRP: $155 |
Key Differences
The 1080v15 replaces Fresh Foam X with Infinion. Tom's Guide and OutdoorGearLab coverage support a lighter, more versatile update than v14, with strong easy and long-run comfort. OutdoorGearLab found possible midfoot looseness, showing that extensive width choice does not guarantee lockdown.
Clifton 11 retains compression-molded EVA and moves to an 8mm drop. RTINGS found excellent heel cushioning and improved forefoot protection but little bounce. It is the calmer choice, and its maximum-cushion label should not be translated into a more energetic ride.
The Clifton has 3mm more heel and 1mm more forefoot stack. The 1080 has the lower offset and slightly lighter women's catalog weight.
Fit and Sizing
Both models offer four widths. New Balance reviews report normal length with an accommodating interior, but some testers found midfoot hold loose. RTINGS found the Clifton 11 true to size, and HOKA's broad catalog widths make the current generation far more accessible than older comparisons suggest.
Start with normal length and choose width according to full-foot volume. Test heel and midfoot security while jogging; adding width can solve compression but may worsen movement for low-volume feet.
Ride and Best Uses
The 1080v15 is suited to easy runs, steady daily mileage, recovery days, and long runs. Its lower weight than v14 and more responsive foam broaden its range, but it remains a comfort-first trainer. Our best cushioned running shoes explains the category.
Clifton 11 favors smooth easy-to-steady mileage and long-run protection. Its taller stack and limited bounce make it less obvious for faster workouts. Runners wanting pace range can compare best lightweight running shoes.
Who Should Choose the New Balance 1080v15
- Runners preferring a 6mm drop and somewhat livelier cushioning.
- Athletes who need four widths but can verify midfoot lockdown.
- Buyers willing to pay MSRP: $15 more for the Infinion update.
Who Should Choose the HOKA Clifton 11
- Runners who prefer an 8mm drop and taller heel.
- Athletes seeking a controlled, less bouncy max-cushion ride.
- Buyers wanting the lower MSRP: $155 catalog MSRP.
Tradeoffs
The 1080 costs more and can feel loose through the midfoot for some feet. Clifton provides less energy return in independent testing and may feel too controlled for tempo work. Both are neutral shoes; neither should be described as a treatment or injury-prevention device.
For broader choices, see our best daily trainers and best long-run shoes.
Value and Rotation Context
Both can anchor the easy side of a rotation alongside a lighter workout shoe. The 1080's somewhat broader pace range may reduce the need for a separate steady-day trainer, while Clifton's controlled character makes its role easier to define: daily, long, and recovery mileage.
Clifton saves MSRP: $15 at catalog MSRP without conceding men's weight or width choice. The 1080 premium is justified only when its lower drop, Infinion ride, or fit is preferable. Buying both would create substantial overlap for most runners.
Final Verdict
This is now a close matchup. The 1080v15 offers a more responsive 6mm-drop character; the Clifton 11 offers taller, controlled cushioning at lower cost. Weight and width no longer separate them, so fit and ride preference should.
Key Takeaway
The 1080v15 and Clifton 11 now share weight and width breadth; choose New Balance for the more responsive 6mm-drop package or HOKA for taller, controlled cushioning at a lower MSRP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is softer, the New Balance 1080v15 or HOKA Clifton 11?
Which shoe has better width options?
Which is better for long runs?
References
- https://www.newbalance.com/pd/1080v15/M10803S0-D-075.html
- https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/shoes-and-boots/running-shoes-men/new-balance-1080v15
- https://au.hoka.com/products/clifton-11-1176572-gctc-gctc
- https://www.rtings.com/running-shoes/reviews/hoka/clifton-11