Model comparison
Hoka Clifton vs. New Balance 1080
Pick Clifton for a lighter soft Hoka ride. Pick the 1080 if you want plush cushioning with broader width choices on many Amazon listings.
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Side-by-side comparison
| Spec | Hoka Clifton 9 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 |
|---|---|---|
| Exact model / version | Hoka Clifton 9 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 |
| Best suited for | Runners who want a lighter maximal cushion feel for easy miles | Runners prioritizing soft cushioning and multiple width options |
| Intended use | Cushioned daily road running | Cushioned daily road running and easy recovery miles |
| Typical fit | Roomy toe box relative to many traditional trainers; check width listings | Often available in multiple widths; roomy options for wider feet |
| Available widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra Wide, Narrow (select) |
| Manufacturer-published weight | Approx. 8–9 oz (men's 9) depending on version | Approx. 9–10 oz depending on version |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5–8 mm depending on version | 6–8 mm depending on version |
| Cushioning description | Soft, high-stack daily cushioning | Soft, plush daily cushioning |
| Surface | Road | Road |
| Notable strengths | Soft ride for long easy efforts; Popular beginner-friendly cushion profile; Often available in multiple widths | Excellent width coverage on many Amazon listings; Comfort-forward daily trainer; Strong fit alternative for wide or roomy preferences |
| Important tradeoffs | Tall stack and rockered feel may feel unfamiliar at first | Plush ride can feel less snappy for faster efforts |
| Amazon availability | Check Hoka availability | Check New Balance availability |
Specs are based on manufacturer-published information for the versions named above. Availability and listing details can change on Amazon.
Hoka Clifton 9
Runners who want a lighter maximal cushion feel for easy miles
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
Runners prioritizing soft cushioning and multiple width options
Advantages and tradeoffs
Hoka Clifton 9
Strengths: Soft ride for long easy efforts; Popular beginner-friendly cushion profile; Often available in multiple widths
Tradeoff: Tall stack and rockered feel may feel unfamiliar at first
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
Strengths: Excellent width coverage on many Amazon listings; Comfort-forward daily trainer; Strong fit alternative for wide or roomy preferences
Tradeoff: Plush ride can feel less snappy for faster efforts
Choose the Hoka Clifton 9 if you want:
- You want soft stack with a lighter daily feel
- You prefer Hoka’s rockered easy-mile ride
- Standard or wide Clifton listings fit you well
Tradeoff: Tall stack and rockered feel may feel unfamiliar at first
Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 if you want:
- You need extensive width options
- You want a very plush everyday trainer
- Fit assortment is as important as cushioning
Tradeoff: Plush ride can feel less snappy for faster efforts
Amazon availability
Confirm your size and preferred width on the live listing. Prices change and are not hardcoded on this page.
Research methodology and sources
Our comparisons are based on manufacturer specifications, available widths and sizes, intended use, current Amazon availability and other verifiable product information. We do not claim to have personally tested a shoe unless explicitly stated.
- Last reviewed
- Amazon availability checked
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for wide feet?
New Balance 1080 generally offers more width assortment. Always confirm the specific Amazon listing’s width codes before buying.
Bottom line
These are two of the best soft daily options for recreational runners. 1080 usually wins on width coverage; Clifton often feels lighter underfoot.
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Author: My Running Pair Editorial
Last reviewed: 2026-09-15
We may earn a commission from Amazon links. Disclosure