Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

56%of 230 owners recommend
56% recommend · 14% neutral · 30% don't
Owners praise
  • Excels at tempo and speed work
  • Extremely durable, high mileage
  • Firm, stable, responsive ride
Owners complain about
  • Stiff, unforgiving upper
  • Laces won't stay tied
  • Narrow forefoot causes blisters
Full owner report →

Hoka Clifton 9

38%of 24 owners recommend
38% recommend · 33% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Very comfortable with plush cushioning
  • Great for long runs and easy daily miles
  • Comfortable for walking and all-day wear
Owners complain about
  • Not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace
  • Cushioning wears out and feels dead quickly
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 if
  • ✓Runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts
  • ✓Those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer
  • ✓Runners who prefer a firm, low-stack ride
  • ✓Bargain hunters buying at sale prices
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting soft cushioning for easy or long runs
  • Narrow or blister-prone forefeet
Get the Hoka Clifton 9 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles
  • ✓Walkers and retail workers on their feet all day
  • ✓Long-distance runners valuing stability and rocker feel
  • ✓Wide-foot runners who benefit from the wide option
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting a fast, responsive shoe
  • Those bothered by a high heel collar rubbing the Achilles

What Adidas Adizero Boston 12 owners say

“la recomiendo ampliamente”
— @King_Therion on YouTube
“ya puedo decir que disfruto con la 12”
— @juanluiscalvo6838 on YouTube
“Adidas parece que sigue sin darse cuenta de las grandes mejoras y evoluciones que el resto de marcas hace”
— @davidbelmonte2305 on YouTube

What Hoka Clifton 9 owners say

“Hoka Clifton 9 are so good I have 2 pairs in different colors.”
— @agendasurf8604 on YouTube
“I just got some and LOVE THE CLIFTON!”
— @danielsiminski5878 on YouTube
“These are a absolute nightmare if you have flat feet and unwearable”
— @LAdogg4545 on YouTube

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 at runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts, and those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer.

Who should get the Hoka Clifton 9?

Owners point the Hoka Clifton 9 at runners wanting a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles, and walkers and retail workers on their feet all day.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is stiff, unforgiving upper. For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.