Hoka Clifton 9 vs Speedgoat 5: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Speedgoat 5: The Hoka Clifton 9 and Speedgoat 5 are two of the most popular trail running shoes on the market, each boasting its own unique features and benefits.

The Clifton 9 is known for its exceptional cushioning and comfort, making it a favorite among ultrarunners and those who tackle long distances.

The Speedgoat 5, on the other hand, is revered for its aggressive tread pattern and responsive ride, making it a top choice for runners who tackle technical trails.

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Speedgoat 5: A Quick Overview

Hoka Clifton 9:

• Maximal Cushioning: Soft and comfortable ride with exceptional shock absorption
• Softer Ride: Ideal for runners with high arches or those who need more support
• Better for Road-to-Trail: Smooth transition from road to trail running
• More Cushioning: Slightly more cushioned midsole than the Speedgoat 5
• Breathable Upper: Lightweight and breathable upper material for a comfortable fit

Hoka Speedgoat 5:

• Aggressive Tread: More aggressive tread pattern for better grip and traction on technical trails
• Faster and More Responsive: Springy and agile ride for faster trail running
• Better for Technical Trails: Designed for rugged, rocky, and steep trails
• Lighter and More Agile: Ideal for runners who want a faster, more agile ride
• Secure Fit: Gusseted tongue and comfortable upper material for a secure fit

Key Differences:

• Cushioning: Clifton 9 has slightly more cushioning than the Speedgoat 5
• Tread Pattern: Speedgoat 5 has a more aggressive tread pattern for technical trails
• Ride: Clifton 9 has a softer ride, while the Speedgoat 5 has a more responsive ride

Design and Fit: How Do These Trail Runners Stack Up?

Upper Material

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
  • Seamless construction for reduced irritation
  • Comfortable and soft against the skin
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Breathable and lightweight upper material
  • Gusseted tongue for debris protection
  • More substantial and durable upper material than the Clifton 9

Fit

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Comfortable and roomy toe box
  • Soft and padded tongue and collar
  • Secure heel fit with minimal slipping
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Snug and secure fit through the midfoot
  • Comfortable and breathable upper material
  • Slightly more substantial and supportive heel counter

Other Design Features

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Early stage Meta-Rocker for smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Active Foot Frame for a comfortable and stable ride
  • Generous toe spring for a comfortable stride
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More aggressive outsole tread pattern for better grip
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole for improved traction
  • Protective toe cap for added durability

Weight and Stack Height

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Weight: 10.6 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
  • Stack height: 33mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot)
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s), 9.5 oz (women’s)
  • Stack height: 34mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)

Cushioning and Comfort: A Deep Dive into Midsole Technology

Midsole Technology

• Maximally Cushioned Midsoles: Both shoes feature Hoka’s signature maximally cushioned midsoles, designed to provide exceptional comfort and shock absorption.
• EVA and Rubber Blend: The midsoles are made from a combination of EVA and rubber, which provides a soft and responsive ride.

Cushioning and Comfort Comparison

Hoka Clifton 9:

• Softer and More Cushioned: Slightly softer and more cushioned midsole than the Speedgoat 5
• Early Stage Meta-Rocker: Encourages a smooth heel-to-toe transition and provides a comfortable ride
• Comfortable and Supportive: Ideal for runners who need extra comfort and support

Hoka Speedgoat 5

• Firmer and More Responsive: Slightly firmer and more responsive midsole than the Clifton 9
• Active Foot Frame: Provides a comfortable and stable ride by cradling the foot and encouraging a natural stride
• Agile and Fast: Better suited for runners who want a faster and more agile ride

Key Differences

• Cushioning Level: Clifton 9 has a softer and more cushioned midsole, while the Speedgoat 5 has a firmer and more responsive midsole
• Ride Character: Clifton 9 has a more comfortable and supportive ride, while the Speedgoat 5 has a more agile and fast ride

Traction and Grip: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme on Technical Trails?

Traction and Grip

• Outsole Pattern: Both shoes feature an aggressive outsole pattern with deep lugs for excellent grip and traction on various trail surfaces.

Hoka Clifton 9:

• Moderate Traction: The Clifton 9 has a moderate level of traction, suitable for smooth to moderately technical trails.
• Softer Outsole Compound: The outsole compound is softer and more flexible, providing a comfortable ride on smoother trails.

Hoka Speedgoat 5:

• Aggressive Traction: The Speedgoat 5 has a more aggressive outsole pattern with deeper lugs, providing exceptional grip and traction on technical and rugged trails.
• Firmer Outsole Compound: The outsole compound is firmer and more durable, providing better grip and traction on rocky and technical trails.

Key Differences

• Traction Level: Speedgoat 5 has a more aggressive outsole pattern and firmer outsole compound, providing better grip and traction on technical trails.
• Trail Surface: Clifton 9 is better suited for smoother trails, while the Speedgoat 5 is better suited for technical and rugged trails.

Ultimate Verdict

• Speedgoat 5: Reigns supreme on technical trails, providing exceptional grip and traction on rugged and rocky terrain.
• Clifton 9: Suitable for smoother trails and runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning over aggressive traction.

Weight and Responsiveness: How Do the Clifton 9 and Speedgoat 5 Compare?

Weight

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Men’s: 10.6 oz (300g)
  • Women’s: 9.2 oz (260g)
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Men’s: 10.9 oz (310g)
  • Women’s: 9.5 oz (270g)

Responsiveness

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Softer and more cushioned midsole for a comfortable ride
  • Less responsive and less agile than the Speedgoat 5
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Firmer and more responsive midsole for a faster ride
  • More agile and responsive than the Clifton 9

Key Differences

• Weight: The Clifton 9 is slightly lighter than the Speedgoat 5.
• Responsiveness: The Speedgoat 5 is more responsive and agile than the Clifton 9.

Ultimate Verdict

• Hoka Clifton 9: Suitable for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning over responsiveness and agility.
• Hoka Speedgoat 5: Ideal for runners who want a faster and more responsive ride, with a focus on agility and responsiveness.

Upper Materials and Breathability: A Closer Look at Durability

Upper Materials

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Lightweight and breathable mesh upper
  • Seamless construction for reduced irritation
  • Comfortable and soft against the skin
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More substantial and durable upper material
  • Gusseted tongue for debris protection
  • Protective toe cap for added durability

Breathability

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Highly breathable mesh upper for excellent airflow
  • Allows for quick drying and moisture management
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Breathable upper material for airflow and moisture management
  • Not as breathable as the Clifton 9, but still provides good airflow

Durability

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Less durable upper material than the Speedgoat 5
  • May not withstand rough trail conditions as well
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More durable upper material for withstanding rough trail conditions
  • Protective features like the toe cap add to its durability

Key Differences

• Upper Material: The Speedgoat 5 has a more substantial and durable upper material than the Clifton 9.
• Breathability: The Clifton 9 has a more breathable upper material than the Speedgoat 5.
• Durability: The Speedgoat 5 is more durable and better suited for rough trail conditions than the Clifton 9.

Drop and Offset: Understanding the Impact on Your Running Form

Drop

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • 5mm heel-to-toe drop
  • Encourages a more natural stride and foot strike
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • 4mm heel-to-toe drop
  • Provides a more aggressive and responsive ride

Offset

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Offset is more pronounced, with a greater difference between the heel and toe height
  • Encourages a more midfoot or forefoot strike
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Offset is less pronounced, with a smaller difference between the heel and toe height
  • Allows for a more natural heel-to-toe transition

Impact on Running Form

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Encourages a more upright posture and midfoot or forefoot strike
  • May be beneficial for runners who tend to overstride or have issues with their Achilles tendon
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Allows for a more natural heel-to-toe transition and a more aggressive stride
  • May be beneficial for runners who want a more responsive and fast ride

Key Differences

• Drop: The Clifton 9 has a slightly higher heel-to-toe drop than the Speedgoat 5.
• Offset: The Clifton 9 has a more pronounced offset than the Speedgoat 5.
• Running Form: The Clifton 9 encourages a more upright posture and midfoot or forefoot strike, while the Speedgoat 5 allows for a more natural heel-to-toe transition and a more aggressive stride.

Trail Performance: How Do These Shoes Handle Different Terrain?

Smooth Trails

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Excellent on smooth trails, providing a comfortable and cushioned ride
  • Softer midsole and more substantial heel-to-toe drop make it well-suited for smooth trails
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Also performs well on smooth trails, but with a more responsive and agile ride
  • Firmer midsole and lower heel-to-toe drop make it better suited for more technical trails

Technical Trails

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • May struggle on technical trails, with a softer midsole that can make it difficult to navigate rough terrain
  • Less aggressive tread pattern and softer midsole make it less suitable for technical trails
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent on technical trails, with a more aggressive tread pattern and firmer midsole
  • Better suited for navigating rough terrain and providing a more responsive ride

Uphill and Downhill Performance

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Performs well on uphill climbs, with a comfortable and cushioned ride
  • May struggle on downhill descents, with a softer midsole that can make it difficult to control
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent on both uphill and downhill terrain, with a more responsive and agile ride
  • Better suited for navigating steep and technical terrain

Key Differences

• Trail Type: The Clifton 9 is better suited for smooth trails, while the Speedgoat 5 is better suited for technical trails.
• Midsole: The Clifton 9 has a softer midsole, while the Speedgoat 5 has a firmer midsole.
• Tread Pattern: The Speedgoat 5 has a more aggressive tread pattern than the Clifton 9.

Value for Money: Which Shoe Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Price

• Hoka Clifton 9: $130
• Hoka Speedgoat 5: $140

Performance

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Excellent cushioning and comfort
  • Good for smooth trails and daily training
  • Not ideal for technical trails or racing
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent traction and grip
  • Good for technical trails and racing
  • Not ideal for smooth trails or daily training

Value for Money

• Hoka Clifton 9:
  • Good value for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning
  • Not the best value for runners who need a shoe for technical trails or racing
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent value for runners who need a shoe for technical trails or racing
  • Not the best value for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning

Key Differences

• Price: The Clifton 9 is $10 cheaper than the Speedgoat 5.
• Performance: The Clifton 9 is better suited for smooth trails and daily training, while the Speedgoat 5 is better suited for technical trails and racing.
• Value for Money: The Clifton 9 is a good value for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning, while the Speedgoat 5 is an excellent value for runners who need a shoe for technical trails or racing.

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the Hoka Clifton 9 and Speedgoat 5?

A: The main difference is the level of cushioning and support. The Clifton 9 has a softer and more cushioned midsole, while the Speedgoat 5 has a firmer and more responsive midsole.

Q: Which shoe is better for trail running?

A: The Speedgoat 5 is better suited for trail running, especially on technical trails, due to its more aggressive tread pattern and firmer midsole.

Q: Which shoe is better for daily training?

A: The Clifton 9 is better suited for daily training, especially on smooth trails or roads, due to its softer and more cushioned midsole.

Q: How do the shoes compare in terms of weight?

A: The Clifton 9 is slightly lighter than the Speedgoat 5.

Q: Are the shoes waterproof?

A: No, neither shoe is fully waterproof, but they do have breathable and water-resistant materials to help keep your feet dry.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for hiking?

A: Yes, both shoes can be worn for hiking, but the Speedgoat 5 is better suited for more rugged and technical terrain.

Q: How long do the shoes last?

A: The lifespan of the shoes depends on several factors, including usage, terrain, and maintenance. On average, the shoes can last for around 300-500 miles or 3-6 months.

Q: Can I return or exchange the shoes if they don’t fit?

A: Yes, most retailers offer a return or exchange policy for shoes that don’t fit. Be sure to check the retailer’s return policy before making a purchase.