Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Ultraboost 5 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 35% of 34 Adidas Ultraboost 5 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 Ultraboost 5

35%of 34 owners recommend

35% recommend · 21% neutral · 44% don't

Owners praise

Many owners call them among the most comfortable shoes they've owned, day to day and out of the box
Durability holds up well for years of regular wear when the pair isn't defective
Well suited to distance running, including high weekly mileage and marathon training

Owners complain about

Sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase
Comfort and cushioning have declined across generations, with older versions (1.0, 3.0, 4.0) feeling comfier than the newer 19/5
Divisive looks, especially the caged design and redesigned heel cup, which some owners find ugly

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 Ultraboost 5 if

✓Casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage
✓Distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness
✓Buyers who want an all-around comfortable everyday sneaker for gym or casual wear
✓Shoppers grabbing them on sale who value fashion and comfort over ultimate durability

Skip it if

High-mileage runners doing serious weekly distance or fast sprint training
Anyone wanting a shoe to double as regular walking or travel footwear

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 Ultraboost 5 owners say

“Say what you want about the design, these are insanely comfortable shoes. IMO look better in person.”
— ridukosennin on Reddit

“I have Allbirds and UB 3.0s and I can say definitively my UBs are far more comfortable for me. It’s a treat to wear them haha”
— SunriseMoon on Reddit

“Anyone have the issue of the footbed moving around in their Ultraboost 19s? It makes mine nearly unwearable. (It slides back constantly. No matter how tight or loose they are.)”
— Easy-Lucky-Free on Reddit

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 Ultraboost 5 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Ultraboost 5 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 35% of 34 Adidas Ultraboost 5 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the Adidas Ultraboost 5?

Owners point the Adidas Ultraboost 5 at casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage, and distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness.

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 Ultraboost 5 is sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase. For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.