Running Shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 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

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 →

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

75%of 134 owners recommend

75% recommend · 6% neutral · 19% don't

Owners praise

Versatile do-it-all daily and tempo shoe
Great for uptempo, tempo and race-pace runs
Nice bounce, pop and protective cushioning

Owners complain about

Narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe
Firm, dead-feeling midsole with little bounce
Toe numbness or circulation issues mid-run

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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

Get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 if

✓Runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe
✓Those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts
✓Runners with narrow to medium-width feet
✓Runners wanting one versatile do-everything trainer

Skip it if

Wide-footed runners (narrow, pointed toe box)
Runners wanting soft, bouncy cushioning

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

What Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 owners say

“Endo Speed 4 being great”
— @dhgpan on YouTube

“i love them so much i decided to run the marathon i was preparing with”
— @jeremybmxfr on YouTube

“Speed 4 is by far my least favourite version. I loved version 1-3 but this one just doesn't feel right on my foot.”
— @nickskier1 on YouTube

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: frequently asked questions

Is the Hoka Clifton 9 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 better?

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

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.

Who should get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

Owners point the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 at runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe, and those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Hoka Clifton 9 is not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace. For the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, it's narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe.