Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 41% of 145 ASICS Novablast 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

ASICS Novablast 5

41%of 145 owners recommend
41% recommend · 26% neutral · 33% don't
Owners praise
  • Soft, bouncy ride when fresh
  • Comfortable, well-cushioned feel
  • Versatile daily trainer across paces
Owners complain about
  • Bounce and midsole die early (durability)
  • Forefoot pod, arch, and foot pain
  • Slippery grip on wet pavement
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 ASICS Novablast 5 if
  • ✓Neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer
  • ✓Easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage
  • ✓Runners with wider feet who want a roomy toebox
  • ✓Value seekers wanting an all-rounder that won't break the bank
Skip it if
  • High-mileage runners needing foam that lasts past ~250km
  • Forefoot strikers prone to arch or forefoot pain
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 ASICS Novablast 5 owners say

“Look at that Nova Blast, Bouncy yet Stable. And the comfort level.”
— @andrewmcallister3903 on YouTube
“I just bought novablast 5. So far, its good for me. Bounce and good energy return. Satisfied”
— @alihafiz13 on YouTube
“novablast has way too much cushion for me. too soft for my taste.”
— @MrJoshbono5 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

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the ASICS Novablast 5 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 41% of 145 ASICS Novablast 5 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the ASICS Novablast 5?

Owners point the ASICS Novablast 5 at neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer, and easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage.

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 ASICS Novablast 5 is bounce and midsole die early (durability). For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.