Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 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 13

55%of 309 owners recommend
55% recommend · 20% neutral · 25% don't
Owners praise
  • Much-improved upper over the 12
  • Versatile do-everything trainer
  • Great for tempo and faster paces
Owners complain about
  • Too firm for easy, slow long runs
  • Laces and lockdown are fiddly
  • Narrow, tapered toe box
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 13 if
  • ✓Runners doing tempo and faster workouts
  • ✓Those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer
  • ✓Runners who like a firm, stable ride
  • ✓Heavier runners needing stability and durability
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting soft cushioning for slow long runs
  • Wide feet or those needing a roomy toe box
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 13 owners say

“I love the 12 so much I will choose the 13 over EVO SL any time”
— @olsa2k on YouTube
“So i bought the Boston 13 and like it much more.”
— @marcojo111 on YouTube
“i found the 12’s. WAY too hard.”
— @neilhulme8426 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 13 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 at runners doing tempo and faster workouts, and those wanting one versatile do-it-all 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 13 is too firm for easy, slow long runs. For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.