Hoka Clifton 9 vs Stinson 7: Which One Should You Choose?

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Stinson 7: Regarding max cushioning and comfort, Hoka One One is a brand that needs no introduction.

With their signature oversized midsoles and generous stack heights, Hoka shoes have become a staple for runners seeking a soft, smooth ride in the running community.

Two of their most popular models, the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7, are often compared by runners looking for the ultimate comfort shoe.

Hoka Clifton 9 vs Stinson 7: A Quick Overview

Hoka Clifton 9:

• Neutral shoe: Suitable for runners with neutral foot pronation
• Cushioning: Maximum cushioning for a soft and comfortable ride
• Weight: 10.2 oz (289g) for men’s size 9
• Stack height: 33mm heel, 29mm forefoot
• Drop: 4mm heel-to-toe drop
• Upper material: Engineered mesh with a comfortable, breathable design
• Outsole: Rubberized EVA for durability and traction
• Intended use: Long runs, recovery runs, and daily training
• Ride: Soft, smooth, and comfortable with a hint of responsiveness

Hoka Stinson 7:

• Max cushioning shoe: Designed for ultra-marathon and long-distance running
• Cushioning: Maximum cushioning for ultra-marathon and long-distance running
• Weight: 11.2 oz (318g) for men’s size 9
• Stack height: 37mm heel, 32mm forefoot
• Drop: 5mm heel-to-toe drop
• Upper material: Breathable, lightweight mesh with a comfortable fit
• Outsole: Rubberized EVA for durability and traction
• Intended use: Ultra-marathon, long-distance running, and recovery runs
• Ride: Soft, comfortable, and protective with a more substantial feel than the Clifton 9

Key differences:

• The Stinson 7 has more cushioning and a higher stack height than the Clifton 9
• The Clifton 9 has a more responsive ride than the Stinson 7
• The Stinson 7 is designed for ultra-marathon and long-distance running, while the Clifton 9 is suitable for daily training and long runs

Design and Fit: Key Differences Between the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7

Here are the key differences in design and fit between the Hoka Clifton 9 and Stinson 7:

Upper Design

• Clifton 9:
  • Engineered mesh upper with a more minimalist design
  • Less material and a more stripped-back approach
  • More breathable and lightweight
• Stinson 7:
  • More substantial and more material used in the upper
  • Additional support features, such as a more prominent heel counter
  • Less breathable and heavier than the Clifton 9

Fit

• Clifton 9:
  • More snug and secure fit through the midfoot
  • Narrower toe box and a more tapered toe shape
  • Suitable for runners with narrower feet
• Stinson 7:
  • Roomier fit through the midfoot and toe box
  • Wider toe box and a more relaxed fit
  • Suitable for runners with wider feet or those who prefer a more comfortable fit

Heel and Collar

• Clifton 9:
  • Lower heel collar and a more minimalist design
  • Less material and a more stripped-back approach
• Stinson 7:
  • Higher heel collar and more material used
  • Additional support features, such as a more prominent heel counter

Lacing System

• Clifton 9:
  • Standard lacing system with a more minimalist approach
• Stinson 7:
  • More substantial lacing system with additional eyelets
  • More secure and customizable fit

Weight and Stack Height

• Clifton 9:
  • Lighter weight (10.2 oz / 289g) and lower stack height (33mm heel, 29mm forefoot)
• Stinson 7:
  • Heavier weight (11.2 oz / 318g) and higher stack height (37mm heel, 32mm forefoot)

Cushioning and Ride: How the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7 Compare

Cushioning

• Clifton 9:
  • Maximum cushioning for a soft and comfortable ride
  • Midsole features a combination of EVA and rubber for durability and responsiveness
  • Cushioning is more evenly distributed throughout the midsole
• Stinson 7:
  • Even more cushioning than the Clifton 9 for an ultra-soft ride
  • Midsole features a thicker and more substantial EVA material for maximum cushioning
  • Cushioning is more pronounced in the heel and midfoot areas

Ride

• Clifton 9:
  • Soft and smooth ride with a hint of responsiveness
  • More responsive than the Stinson 7, making it suitable for faster paced runs
  • Ride is more evenly balanced between the heel and forefoot
• Stinson 7:
  • Ultra-soft and comfortable ride with a more substantial feel
  • Less responsive than the Clifton 9, making it more suitable for long, slow runs
  • Ride is more biased towards the heel, with a more pronounced heel-to-toe transition

Key differences

• The Stinson 7 has more cushioning and a softer ride than the Clifton 9
• The Clifton 9 has a more responsive ride than the Stinson 7
• The Stinson 7 is more suitable for ultra-marathon and long-distance running, while the Clifton 9 is suitable for daily training and long runs

Running Experience

• Clifton 9:
  • Suitable for runners who need a balance of cushioning and responsiveness
  • Ideal for daily training, long runs, and recovery runs
• Stinson 7:
  • Suitable for runners who need maximum cushioning and comfort
  • Ideal for ultra-marathon and long-distance running, as well as recovery runs

Trail vs Road: Which Shoe is Best Suited for Your Running Style

Trail Running

• Clifton 9:
  • Not ideal for trail running due to its more minimalist design and less aggressive outsole
  • May not provide sufficient traction and protection on technical trails
• Stinson 7:
  • Can handle some trail running, but not ideal for technical or rugged trails
  • More substantial outsole provides better traction, but may not be aggressive enough for technical trails

Road Running

• Clifton 9:
  • Excellent choice for road running due to its responsive and smooth ride
  • Suitable for daily training, long runs, and recovery runs on roads
• Stinson 7:
  • Also suitable for road running, but may feel too soft and less responsive for some runners
  • Ideal for long, slow runs or recovery runs on roads

Key differences

• The Clifton 9 is more suitable for road running, while the Stinson 7 can handle some trail running
• The Stinson 7 is more protective and cushioned, making it suitable for ultra-marathon and long-distance running on roads
• The Clifton 9 is more responsive and suitable for faster paced runs on roads

Running Style

• Clifton 9:
  • Suitable for runners with a more efficient stride and a focus on speed and responsiveness
  • Ideal for runners who need a balance of cushioning and responsiveness
• Stinson 7:
  • Suitable for runners who need maximum cushioning and comfort
  • Ideal for runners who prioritize comfort and protection over speed and responsiveness

Weight and Durability: A Closer Look at the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7

Weight

• Clifton 9:
  • Men’s size 9: 10.2 oz (289g)
  • Women’s size 7: 8.9 oz (252g)
• Stinson 7:
  • Men’s size 9: 11.2 oz (318g)
  • Women’s size 7: 9.9 oz (281g)

Durability

• Clifton 9:
  • Upper material: Engineered mesh with a more minimalist design
  • Outsole: Rubberized EVA for durability and traction
  • Midsole: Combination of EVA and rubber for durability and responsiveness
• Stinson 7:
  • Upper material: Breathable, lightweight mesh with a more substantial design
  • Outsole: Rubberized EVA for durability and traction
  • Midsole: Thicker and more substantial EVA material for maximum cushioning

Key differences

• The Clifton 9 is lighter than the Stinson 7 due to its more minimalist design
• The Stinson 7 has a more substantial design and more material used, making it heavier
• Both shoes have durable outsoles and midsoles, but the Stinson 7’s thicker midsole may be more prone to compression over time

Durability Expectations

• Clifton 9:
  • Expected to last around 300-400 miles (480-640 km) with proper care
  • Suitable for high-mileage runners who need a durable and responsive shoe
• Stinson 7:
  • Expected to last around 400-500 miles (640-800 km) with proper care
  • Suitable for ultra-marathon and long-distance runners who need maximum cushioning and comfort

Support and Stability: Which Shoe Offers More

Support

• Clifton 9:
  • Neutral support shoe with a more minimalist design
  • Suitable for runners with neutral foot pronation
  • Less supportive than the Stinson 7, but still provides adequate support for most runners
• Stinson 7:
  • More supportive shoe with a more substantial design
  • Suitable for runners with mild to moderate overpronation or supination
  • Features a more prominent heel counter and a more supportive midfoot section

Stability

• Clifton 9:
  • Less stable than the Stinson 7 due to its more minimalist design
  • Suitable for runners who need a more responsive and flexible ride
  • May not provide enough stability for runners with severe overpronation or supination
• Stinson 7:
  • More stable than the Clifton 9 due to its more substantial design
  • Features a more substantial midfoot section and a more prominent heel counter
  • Suitable for runners who need a more stable and supportive ride

Key differences

• The Stinson 7 offers more support and stability than the Clifton 9
• The Clifton 9 is more suitable for runners with neutral foot pronation, while the Stinson 7 is suitable for runners with mild to moderate overpronation or supination
• The Stinson 7 is more substantial and heavier than the Clifton 9, which may affect its responsiveness and flexibility

Running Style

• Clifton 9:
  • Suitable for runners with a more efficient stride and a focus on speed and responsiveness
  • Ideal for runners who need a balance of cushioning and responsiveness
• Stinson 7:
  • Suitable for runners who need more support and stability
  • Ideal for runners who prioritize comfort and support over speed and responsiveness

The Verdict: Choosing Between the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7 for Your Next Run

Choose the Clifton 9 if

• You’re a neutral runner with a more efficient stride
• You prioritize speed and responsiveness in your runs
• You need a shoe with a more minimalist design and a lower weight
• You’re looking for a shoe with a more balanced ride and a softer heel-to-toe transition

Choose the Stinson 7 if

• You need more support and stability in your runs
• You have mild to moderate overpronation or supination
• You prioritize comfort and cushioning in your runs
• You’re looking for a shoe with a more substantial design and a heavier weight

Ultimately, the decision comes down to

• Your personal running style and preferences
• Your foot type and pronation
• The terrain and distance of your runs
• Your priorities in a running shoe (speed, comfort, support, etc.)

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7?

A: The Clifton 9 is a more minimalist shoe with a lower weight and a more responsive ride, while the Stinson 7 is a more substantial shoe with more cushioning and support.

Q: Which shoe is better for long runs?

A: The Stinson 7 is better suited for long runs due to its more substantial design and increased cushioning.

Q: Which shoe is better for faster runs?

A: The Clifton 9 is better suited for faster runs due to its more responsive ride and lower weight.

Q: Can I wear the Clifton 9 for trail running?

A: While the Clifton 9 can handle some trail running, it’s not ideal for technical or rugged trails. The Stinson 7 may be a better option for trail running due to its more aggressive outsole.

Q: How do I choose between the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7?

A: Consider your running style, foot type, and personal preferences. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Clifton 9 may be the better choice. If you prioritize comfort and support, the Stinson 7 may be the better choice.

Q: Are the Clifton 9 and Stinson 7 suitable for beginners?

A: Both shoes can be suitable for beginners, but it’s essential to consider your running style and foot type before making a decision. If you’re new to running, it’s recommended to consult with a running specialist or try on both shoes before making a purchase.