New Balance 1080s offer a more traditional balanced cushioning with a responsive feel and slightly firmer ride, while Hokas feature the brand’s signature maximalist cushioning with a distinctly plush, cloud-like experience.
Durability is comparable between the two, though New Balance tends to hold up better for heavier runners.
Price-wise, they’re similarly positioned in the $150-165 range. Stylistically, New Balance offers a sleeker, more versatile aesthetic suitable for casual wear, whereas Hokas feature a chunkier, more technical appearance with their oversized midsoles.
New Balance excels in responsiveness and versatility, while Hoka dominates in cushioning and impact protection.
Contents
- 1 New Balance 1080 vs Hoka Clifton Shoes
- 2 The History of New Balance 1080 and Hoka Clifton
- 3 Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
- 4 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk and Run
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
- 8 Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
- 9 Quality: How Well They’re Made
- 10 Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
- 11 Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
- 12 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
- 16 Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
- 17 User Reviews and Ratings
- 18 Pros and Cons
- 19 Conclusion
- 20 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance 1080 vs Hoka Clifton Shoes
New Balance 1080 and Hoka Clifton shoes is their cushioning style. New Balance offers responsive cushioning with a natural feel, while Hokas have thick, cloud-like cushioning. New Balance looks sleeker for everyday wear, but Hokas provide more comfort for long runs.
Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of New Balance 1080 vs Hoka Clifton Shoes:
| Feature | New Balance 1080 | Hoka Clifton |
| Cushioning | Moderate, responsive | Maximum, soft |
| Weight | Medium (9-10 oz) | Light (8-9 oz) |
| Fit | Regular, true to size | Roomy toe box, snug heel |
| Price | $150-165 | $140-160 |
| Best for | Everyday running, versatility | Long distances, comfort |
| Style | Sleeker, more fashionable | Chunky, sporty look |
| Durability | Good, especially for heavier runners | Good for average runners |
In summary: Both shoes are great running shoes, but they feel different when you run in them. If you want a shoe that feels bouncy and looks nice for school too, pick New Balance.
If you want super soft cushioning that feels like walking on clouds, pick Hoka. Hokas are better for comfort, while New Balance is better for style and everyday use.
The History of New Balance 1080 and Hoka Clifton
New Balance 1080 History
The New Balance 1080 is part of New Balance’s premium cushioned running shoe line. The 1080 has been around for several years, but it gets updated almost every year with new technology and improvements. The latest version is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 (v13 means it’s the 13th version).
New Balance designed the 1080 to be their top-of-the-line cushioned running shoe. They wanted to create a shoe that would feel super soft and comfortable but still work well for running long distances. Each new version tries to make the shoe even better than before!
Hoka Clifton History
The Hoka Clifton has a really interesting history! Hoka (pronounced “Hoe-kah”) is a newer company that started in 2009, and they became famous for making shoes with extremely thick cushioning. The first Clifton was released in 2014 and quickly became popular because it was both lightweight and super cushioned – something that was hard to find before.
The name “Clifton” comes from a beach in California, which gives you an idea of the relaxed, comfortable feeling they were going for. The Clifton is now on its 9th version (Clifton 9), and it’s one of Hoka’s most popular shoes for both runners and people who just want comfortable shoes for everyday wear.
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance 1080 Durability
The New Balance 1080 is built to be durable for a running shoe. It uses strong rubber on the bottom in high-wear areas, and the midsole foam is designed to keep its cushioning even after many miles of running.
Most runners find that a pair of 1080s will last between 300-500 miles of running, which is pretty good for running shoes! The upper part (the fabric that covers your foot) is strong but lightweight, and it usually holds up well over time.
Hoka Clifton Durability
The Hoka Clifton is also designed to be durable, though in a slightly different way. The Clifton has a thick layer of cushioning that helps it last a long time without losing its soft feel. The outsole (bottom of the shoe) uses rubber in key areas, with exposed foam in other parts to keep the weight down.
Most Clifton wearers report getting around 300-450 miles out of their shoes before the cushioning starts to break down. The upper material of the Clifton is typically lightweight but well-made to withstand regular use.
Overall, both shoes offer good durability for cushioned running shoes, with the 1080 possibly having a slight edge in terms of longevity for heavy use.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance 1080 Breathability
The New Balance 1080 uses an engineered knit upper that’s designed to let air flow through. This knit material has areas with larger holes where your feet tend to get hottest, like the toe box and midfoot. This helps heat and moisture escape while letting fresh air in.
The latest versions of the 1080 have improved breathability compared to older models. Your feet should stay relatively cool and dry even on hot days or during long runs.
Hoka Clifton Breathability
The Hoka Clifton also focuses on breathability with its engineered mesh upper. The mesh is designed to be lightweight and allow good airflow to keep your feet cool. Recent versions of the Clifton have improved in this area compared to earlier models.
The Clifton’s upper tends to be a bit more structured than the 1080’s knit upper, which can make it slightly less breathable in very hot conditions. However, for most weather conditions, both shoes provide good ventilation to keep your feet from getting too sweaty.
Cushioning: How They Feel When You Walk and Run
New Balance 1080 Cushioning
The New Balance 1080 uses Fresh Foam X cushioning, which is a soft but responsive foam that runs the full length of the shoe. This foam feels plush under your foot but still gives you some energy return when you push off.
The 1080 has more cushioning in the heel and a bit less in the forefoot, which works well for heel strikers (people who land on their heel first when running). The cushioning feels soft and comfortable but not mushy – you don’t sink in too much.
Hoka Clifton Cushioning
The Hoka Clifton is famous for its maximum cushioning! Hoka pioneered the “max cushion” category of running shoes, and the Clifton has a much thicker layer of foam than most other running shoes, including the 1080.
The Clifton uses Hoka’s lightweight foam cushioning throughout the sole, creating a soft, pillowy feel. Despite all this cushioning, the Clifton is surprisingly lightweight. The cushioning is designed to absorb impact very well, which many people find helps reduce pain in their feet, knees, and hips.
The cushioning style is one of the biggest differences between these shoes. The 1080 feels plush but more traditional, while the Clifton has that distinctive Hoka super-cushioned feel that some people describe as like “walking on clouds” or “feeling like you’re wearing pillows on your feet.”
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance 1080 Fit
The New Balance 1080 tends to have a roomier fit in the toe box (the front part where your toes go), which many runners appreciate. It provides a secure fit in the midfoot and heel while giving your toes room to spread out naturally.
One great thing about New Balance is that they offer multiple width options. The 1080 comes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide widths, so almost anyone can find a good fit. This is super helpful if you have wider or narrower feet than average.
Hoka Clifton Fit
The Hoka Clifton typically has a medium-width toe box that works well for many people but might feel a bit snug if you have wider feet. The midfoot and heel are designed to lock your foot in place securely.
The Clifton comes in regular and wide widths, but not as many options as the 1080. Some people find they need to go up a half-size in the Clifton for the best fit, especially if they have wider feet or like more room in the toe box.
If having width options or a roomier toe box is important to you, the New Balance 1080 might be the better choice. If you have narrow to medium-width feet, either shoe could work well for you.
Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet
New Balance 1080 Stability
The New Balance 1080 is classified as a neutral running shoe, which means it doesn’t have special features to correct your running form. However, it still provides good stability through its secure fitting upper and a relatively wide base that gives you a stable platform.
The 1080 isn’t designed for runners who overpronate (when your foot rolls inward too much), but it offers enough stability for most neutral runners. The shoe provides a good balance between cushioning and stability.
Hoka Clifton Stability
The Hoka Clifton has a unique approach to stability. Despite its very thick cushioning (which you might think would make it wobbly), the Clifton actually provides good stability for a neutral shoe. This is because of Hoka’s “Meta-Rocker” design, which creates a rounded shape on the bottom of the shoe to help roll your foot forward smoothly.
The Clifton also has a wide base, especially in the forefoot, which helps create a stable platform. Some people who need more stability are surprised to find that the Clifton works well for them despite being a neutral shoe.
For basic stability, both shoes perform well, though they do it in different ways. The 1080 uses a more traditional approach, while the Clifton uses its unique design to create stability despite its thick cushioning.
Comfort: How They Feel All Day Long
New Balance 1080 Comfort
The New Balance 1080 is designed with all-day comfort in mind. The plush Fresh Foam X cushioning provides a soft yet supportive feel that works well for both running and walking. The stretchy knit upper moves with your foot and rarely causes blisters or hot spots.
Many people who stand all day for work (like nurses and teachers) choose the 1080 because it stays comfortable for hours. The roomy toe box also helps prevent foot pain during long periods of wear.
Hoka Clifton Comfort
The Hoka Clifton is considered one of the most comfortable running shoes available! The thick cushioning provides exceptional impact absorption, which many people find reduces fatigue and pain when standing or walking all day.
The Clifton’s Meta-Rocker design also helps reduce stress on the ball of your foot and promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe. This can make walking and running feel easier and more comfortable, especially for longer distances.
Both shoes excel in the comfort category, though they feel different. The 1080 offers a more traditional plush comfort, while the Clifton provides a unique, super-cushioned experience that you have to try to fully understand.
Quality: How Well They’re Made
New Balance 1080 Quality
New Balance is known for making high-quality shoes, and the 1080 is one of their premium models. The materials are top-notch, and the construction is carefully done. You’ll rarely find loose stitching or gluing issues with a pair of 1080s.
New Balance tests their shoes thoroughly before releasing them, and the 1080 benefits from years of refinement across multiple versions. While they’re not the most expensive running shoes out there, they’re built to a high quality standard.
Hoka Clifton Quality
Hoka also makes high-quality shoes, though they’re a younger company than New Balance. The Clifton uses good materials and solid construction techniques. The unique midsole design requires precise manufacturing to get right, and Hoka does a good job with this.
Some earlier versions of the Clifton had occasional durability issues, but recent models have improved significantly in this area. Overall, the quality matches what you’d expect from a shoe in this price range.
Both shoes offer good quality that matches their premium price point, with perhaps a slight edge to New Balance due to their longer history of shoe manufacturing.
Style: Looking Cool While Staying Comfortable
New Balance 1080 Style
The New Balance 1080 has a modern, somewhat chunky look that’s become popular in recent years. The thick midsole gives it that cushioned appearance that many runners like. It comes in a variety of colors, from simple black and white to brighter options with colorful accents.
The 1080 has a sleek knit upper that looks current and stylish. While it’s primarily designed for performance, it looks good enough to wear casually too. The “N” logo on the side is recognizable but not too flashy.
Hoka Clifton Style
The Hoka Clifton has a very distinctive look with its extremely thick midsole! When Hokas first came out, some people thought they looked strange because they were so different from other running shoes. But now that chunky shoes are trendy, many people think Hokas look cool and unique.
The Clifton comes in many color options, from subtle to very bright and colorful. The thick midsole with its curved Meta-Rocker shape is instantly recognizable as a Hoka. Some people love this unique look, while others prefer more traditional looking shoes.
Style is very personal, but if you want to stand out and wear something distinctive, the Hoka Clifton definitely has a more unique appearance. If you prefer a more classic running shoe look with modern touches, you might prefer the 1080.
Size Range: Finding Shoes That Fit You
New Balance 1080 Size Range
The New Balance 1080 comes in a wide range of sizes for both men and women. Men’s sizes typically run from 7 to 15, while women’s sizes go from 5 to 12. As mentioned earlier, they also offer multiple widths (narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide).
New Balance is known for consistent sizing, so if you know your size in other New Balance shoes, the same size will likely work in the 1080. However, some people find they need to go down a half-size in the 1080 compared to other brands.
Hoka Clifton Size Range
The Hoka Clifton also offers a good size range, with men’s sizes from 7 to 16 and women’s sizes from 5 to 12. They offer regular and wide widths in most sizes.
Some runners find that Hoka shoes, including the Clifton, run a bit small or narrow. It’s not uncommon for people to go up a half-size in the Clifton compared to their usual size in other brands.
For the best range of sizes and widths, the New Balance 1080 has an advantage, especially for people with very wide or very narrow feet.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance 1080 Materials
The New Balance 1080 uses modern, high-tech materials throughout. The midsole is made of Fresh Foam X, which is a lightweight yet durable foam compound. The outsole (bottom of the shoe) uses blown rubber for grip and durability.
The upper is made of an engineered knit material that’s stretchy, breathable, and lightweight. Inside, there’s a soft fabric lining and a removable insole made of foam. All these materials are chosen to balance comfort, performance, and durability.
Hoka Clifton Materials
The Hoka Clifton uses lightweight materials to balance out its thick cushioning. The midsole is made of EVA foam, which is specially formulated to be lighter than traditional foams while still providing excellent cushioning.
The upper is made of engineered mesh that’s designed to be breathable and lightweight. The outsole uses rubber in strategic areas for durability, with exposed foam in other areas to reduce weight. Inside, there’s a comfortable lining and a molded foam insole.
Both shoes use quality materials appropriate for their price point, though they take different approaches to achieve comfort and performance.
Weight: How Heavy They Feel On Your Feet
New Balance 1080 Weight
The New Balance 1080 is moderately lightweight for a cushioned running shoe. The men’s version typically weighs around 9.3 ounces (264 grams) for a size 9, while the women’s version weighs about 8.1 ounces (230 grams) for a size 8.
This weight puts it in the middle range for premium cushioned shoes – not super lightweight like a racing shoe, but not heavy either. The 1080 feels reasonably light on your feet despite its substantial cushioning.
Hoka Clifton Weight
One of the most surprising things about the Hoka Clifton is how lightweight it is despite its maximum cushioning! The men’s version typically weighs around 8.9 ounces (252 grams) for a size 9, and the women’s weighs about 7.3 ounces (207 grams) for a size 8.
This makes the Clifton actually lighter than the 1080, which is impressive considering how much more cushioning it has. The lightweight design was one of the original selling points of the Clifton and remains a key feature today.
If you want the lightest possible cushioned shoe, the Hoka Clifton has an advantage in this category, which might be surprising given its much thicker appearance!
Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot
New Balance 1080 Flexibility
The New Balance 1080 offers good flexibility, especially in the forefoot (the front part where your foot bends when you push off). The Fresh Foam X material is naturally somewhat flexible, and the shoe has flex grooves on the bottom that help it bend in the right places.
The knit upper also moves and flexes with your foot rather than restricting it. The 1080 strikes a nice balance between cushioning (which can sometimes make a shoe stiff) and flexibility.
Hoka Clifton Flexibility
The Hoka Clifton has moderate flexibility despite its thick cushioning. The Meta-Rocker design actually reduces the need for the shoe to flex as much, since it helps roll your foot forward through each step.
The Clifton does have flex grooves in key areas to allow natural movement, but it’s generally less flexible than the 1080. Some people find this lack of flexibility helps the shoe feel more supportive, while others prefer a more flexible shoe.
For overall flexibility, especially in the forefoot where it matters most during running, the New Balance 1080 has an advantage.
Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
New Balance 1080 Water Resistance
The New Balance 1080 isn’t designed to be waterproof, but the knit upper does offer some light water resistance. It can handle a light drizzle or running through dewy grass without getting your feet soaked immediately.
However, in heavy rain or puddles, water will eventually seep through to your feet. This is actually by design – running shoes need to be breathable, and truly waterproof shoes would make your feet too hot and sweaty.
Hoka Clifton Water Resistance
The Hoka Clifton is also not waterproof. The engineered mesh upper provides minimal water resistance – enough to handle light moisture but not heavy rain or puddles.
Neither shoe has a significant advantage in water resistance; both will keep your feet reasonably dry in light moisture but aren’t meant for really wet conditions.
Sole: What’s On The Bottom Of The Shoe
New Balance 1080 Sole
The New Balance 1080 has a full-length Fresh Foam X midsole that provides cushioning throughout the shoe. The outsole (the very bottom part that touches the ground) uses blown rubber in a pattern designed for road running.
The outsole pattern includes flex grooves to help the shoe bend naturally and small lugs (raised rubber patterns) for traction. The rubber is strategically placed in high-wear areas like the heel and forefoot, with some exposed foam in other areas to reduce weight.
Hoka Clifton Sole
The Hoka Clifton has a distinctive sole design with its very thick midsole and Meta-Rocker shape. The midsole is made of lightweight EVA foam and is much thicker than most running shoes – sometimes almost twice as thick!
The Meta-Rocker design gives the sole a curved shape from heel to toe, which helps roll your foot forward smoothly through each step. The outsole uses rubber in high-wear areas, with exposed foam in other parts to keep the weight down.
The sole design is one of the biggest differences between these shoes. The 1080 has a more traditional sole design with modern materials, while the Clifton has a unique, extra-thick sole with a rocker shape that changes how it feels to walk and run.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Overall Rating | Comfort | Durability | Style |
| New Balance 1080v13 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| New Balance 1080v12 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Hoka Clifton 8 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Model | Regular Price | Sale Price (Common) | Best For |
| New Balance 1080v13 | $160 | $120-$140 | Wide feet, traditional feel, flexibility |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | $145 | $110-$130 | Maximum cushioning, lightweight feel |
| New Balance 1080v12 | $150 | $100-$120 | Budget option, still great cushioning |
| Hoka Clifton 8 | $140 | $90-$110 | Budget option, very similar to newer model |
Pros and Cons
New Balance 1080 Shoes
| Pros | Cons |
| Come in many different widths for all foot types | Not as cushioned as the Clifton shoes |
| More room in the toe box for your toes to spread | Usually cost more money than Clifton |
| More flexible when you bend your foot | Not as good for people with knee pain |
| Look more like normal running shoes | Slightly heavier than Clifton shoes |
| Feel more stable for side-to-side movements | Less unique looking (if you want to stand out) |
| Usually last a bit longer for running | Not as much protection from hard ground |
| Better for people with very wide feet | Fewer cool color options sometimes |
| More familiar feeling if you’re used to regular shoes | Not as bouncy feeling when walking |
Hoka Clifton Shoes
| Pros | Cons |
| Super thick cushioning like walking on pillows | Only come in regular and wide widths |
| Surprisingly lightweight despite thick soles | Look unusual with very thick bottoms |
| Special rocking design helps you walk and run easier | Harder to feel the ground beneath you |
| Great for people with knee, foot, or leg pain | Less flexible when your foot bends |
| Unique look that stands out from other shoes | Not as good for quick side-to-side movements |
| Usually cost less money than 1080 | Can feel unstable for some people |
| Lighter weight so your feet don’t get tired | Not good if you need narrow or extra-wide shoes |
| Better protection from hard surfaces | Take time to get used to the different feeling |
Conclusion
After looking at all these features, which shoe is best for you? Here’s what I think:
Choose the New Balance 1080 if:
- You have wide or narrow feet and need specific width options
- You prefer a more traditional running shoe feel with modern cushioning
- You like a roomier toe box
- You want a more flexible shoe
- You prefer a more conventional looking running shoe
- You value having multiple width options
Choose the Hoka Clifton if:
- You want maximum cushioning for impact protection
- You prefer a surprisingly lightweight shoe despite thick cushioning
- You have knee, hip, or foot pain that needs extra cushioning
- You like the unique Meta-Rocker design that helps roll your foot forward
- You want to try something different from traditional running shoes
- You’re looking for a slightly lower price point
Both the New Balance 1080 and Hoka Clifton are excellent premium cushioned running shoes that many people love.
They have different approaches to cushioning and design, but both deliver outstanding comfort and performance. Your personal preferences and foot shape will determine which one works best for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these shoes good for beginners?
Yes! Both the New Balance 1080 and Hoka Clifton are excellent for beginning runners. Their cushioning helps protect your joints while you’re learning to run, and they’re both forgiving shoes that work well for many people.
Which shoe is better if I have foot pain?
Many people with foot pain prefer the Hoka Clifton because of its maximum cushioning and Meta-Rocker design, which can reduce pressure on painful areas. However, if your pain is related to needing a wider shoe, the New Balance 1080 might be better because it comes in more width options.
Can I use these shoes for walking too?
Absolutely! Both shoes are excellent for walking. The Hoka Clifton is especially popular with people who walk a lot or stand all day at work because of its exceptional cushioning. The 1080 is also great for walking, particularly if you need a wider shoe.
How long will these shoes last?
For running, both shoes typically last 300-500 miles before the cushioning breaks down significantly. For casual wear and walking, both will last much longer – often a year or more depending on how often you wear them.
Are these shoes good for heavier runners?
Yes, both shoes work well for heavier runners due to their excellent cushioning. The Hoka Clifton might have a slight edge due to its maximum cushioning design, which provides more impact absorption for heavier runners.