Hoka Kawana 2 vs Clifton 9: A Detailed Comparison Guide

Hoka Kawana 2 vs Clifton 9: When it comes to max cushioning and comfort, Hoka One One is a brand that needs no introduction.

Their shoes have gained a cult following among runners who crave a soft, smooth ride that can tackle even the toughest of training sessions.

Two of their most popular models, the Kawana 2 and Clifton 9, are often pitted against each other by runners looking for the perfect blend of comfort, support, and performance.

Hoka Kawana 2 vs Clifton 9: A Quick Overview

Hoka Kawana 2:

• Designed for: Long-distance running, recovery runs, and daily training
• Cushioning: Maximum cushioning with a 32mm heel and 28mm forefoot stack height
• Weight: 10.2 oz (289g) for men’s size 9
• Drop: 4mm heel-to-toe offset
• Upper: Breathable, lightweight mesh with a comfortable, roomy toe box
• Outsole: Grippy, durable rubber with a unique tread pattern for traction

Hoka Clifton 9:

• Designed for: High-mileage training, long runs, and racing
• Cushioning: Maximum cushioning with a 29mm heel and 24mm forefoot stack height
• Weight: 9.4 oz (266g) for men’s size 9
• Drop: 5mm heel-to-toe offset
• Upper: Lightweight, breathable mesh with a more snug, secure fit
• Outsole: Durable, grippy rubber with a zonal traction pattern for responsive running

Cushioning and Comfort: How Do Kawana 2 and Clifton 9 Stack Up?

Cushioning

• Kawana 2:
  • Maximum cushioning with a 32mm heel and 28mm forefoot stack height
  • Early-stage Meta-Rocker design for smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Soft, responsive midsole material for a comfortable ride
• Clifton 9:
  • Maximum cushioning with a 29mm heel and 24mm forefoot stack height
  • Later-stage Meta-Rocker design for a more efficient stride
  • Slightly firmer midsole material for a more responsive feel

Comfort

• Kawana 2:
  • Roomy, comfortable toe box with a soft, breathable mesh upper
  • Generous heel collar and tongue for a secure, comfortable fit
  • Soft, padded collar and heel counter for added comfort
• Clifton 9:
  • Snug, secure fit with a more substantial heel counter and tongue
  • Breathable, lightweight mesh upper with a comfortable, seamless construction
  • Slightly more supportive and stable ride due to its more substantial midfoot and heel design

Weight and Responsiveness: A Key Difference Between Kawana 2 and Clifton 9

Weight

• Kawana 2:
  • Men’s size 9: 10.2 oz (289g)
  • Women’s size 8: 8.9 oz (252g)
• Clifton 9:
  • Men’s size 9: 9.4 oz (266g)
  • Women’s size 8: 8.1 oz (230g)

Responsiveness

• Kawana 2:
  • Softer, more cushioned midsole material for a more comfortable ride
  • Less responsive and less springy due to its softer midsole
  • Better suited for long, slow runs and recovery runs
• Clifton 9:
  • Slightly firmer, more responsive midsole material for a more energetic feel
  • More springy and responsive due to its firmer midsole
  • Better suited for faster paced runs, tempo runs, and racing

Traction and Grip: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme on Various Terrains?

Traction

• Kawana 2:
  • Unique tread pattern with deeper grooves for improved traction on various terrains
  • More aggressive outsole design for better grip on trails and uneven surfaces
  • Suitable for running on trails, roads, and tracks
• Clifton 9:
  • Zonal traction pattern with strategically placed lugs for improved grip on roads and tracks
  • Smoother outsole design for faster and more efficient running on smooth surfaces
  • Suitable for running on roads, tracks, and treadmill

Grip

• Kawana 2:
  • Excellent grip on wet and slippery surfaces due to its unique tread pattern
  • Confident grip on uneven and technical trails
  • Good grip on dry and dusty trails
• Clifton 9:
  • Excellent grip on dry and smooth surfaces due to its zonal traction pattern
  • Good grip on wet and slippery surfaces, but not as confident as the Kawana 2
  • Fair grip on uneven and technical trails

Upper Material and Breathability: A Comparison of Kawana 2 and Clifton 9

Upper Material

• Kawana 2:
  • Lightweight, breathable mesh upper with a comfortable, roomy fit
  • Soft, seamless construction for reduced irritation and blisters
  • Engineered mesh for improved ventilation and airflow
• Clifton 9:
  • Lightweight, breathable mesh upper with a snug, secure fit
  • Soft, seamless construction for reduced irritation and blisters
  • Strategically placed overlays for added support and stability

Breathability

• Kawana 2:
  • Excellent breathability due to its lightweight, airy mesh upper
  • Engineered mesh provides improved ventilation and airflow
  • Quick drying and moisture-wicking properties for a dry, comfortable ride
• Clifton 9:
  • Good breathability due to its lightweight, breathable mesh upper
  • Strategically placed ventilation zones for improved airflow
  • Quick drying and moisture-wicking properties for a dry, comfortable ride

Support and Stability: How Kawana 2 and Clifton 9 Cater to Different Runners

Support

• Kawana 2:
  • Maximum support for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
  • Softer, more cushioned midsole material for added support and comfort
  • Wider, more substantial heel counter for added stability
• Clifton 9:
  • Moderate support for runners with medium to high arches
  • Firmer, more responsive midsole material for added support and stability
  • Narrower, more streamlined heel counter for a more efficient stride

Stability

• Kawana 2:
  • More substantial, more supportive heel counter for added stability
  • Wider, more stable base for runners with heavier footstrikes or overpronation
  • Softer, more cushioned midsole material for added comfort and support
• Clifton 9:
  • Narrower, more streamlined heel counter for a more efficient stride
  • More substantial, more supportive midfoot and forefoot for added stability
  • Firmer, more responsive midsole material for added support and stability

Drop and Offset: Understanding the Impact on Your Running Form

Drop

• Kawana 2:
  • 4mm heel-to-toe offset for a more natural stride and reduced impact
  • Encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike for improved running form
  • Suitable for runners with a more efficient stride or those who land midfoot or forefoot
• Clifton 9:
  • 5mm heel-to-toe offset for a more traditional running shoe feel
  • Encourages a heel strike for runners who need more support and stability
  • Suitable for runners with a heavier footstrike or those who need more support and stability

Offset

• Kawana 2:
  • More substantial, more supportive heel counter for added stability
  • Wider, more stable base for runners with heavier footstrikes or overpronation
  • Softer, more cushioned midsole material for added comfort and support
• Clifton 9:
  • Narrower, more streamlined heel counter for a more efficient stride
  • More substantial, more supportive midfoot and forefoot for added stability
  • Firmer, more responsive midsole material for added support and stability

Durability and Longevity: Which Shoe Will Last Longer?

Outsole Durability

• Kawana 2:
  • High-quality, durable rubber outsole for long-lasting traction
  • Unique tread pattern designed for improved durability and grip
  • Outsole material is more resistant to wear and tear
• Clifton 9:
  • High-quality, durable rubber outsole for long-lasting traction
  • Zonal traction pattern designed for improved durability and grip
  • Outsole material is more prone to wear and tear due to its softer compound

Midsole Durability

• Kawana 2:
  • Softer, more cushioned midsole material for added comfort and support
  • Midsole material is more prone to compression and breakdown over time
  • May lose some cushioning and support after high mileage
• Clifton 9:
  • Firmer, more responsive midsole material for added support and stability
  • Midsole material is more durable and resistant to compression and breakdown
  • Retains its cushioning and support even after high mileage

Upper Durability

• Kawana 2:
  • Lightweight, breathable mesh upper for improved ventilation and airflow
  • Upper material is more prone to wear and tear, especially in high-wear areas
  • May show signs of wear and tear after high mileage
• Clifton 9:
  • Lightweight, breathable mesh upper for improved ventilation and airflow
  • Upper material is more durable and resistant to wear and tear
  • Less prone to showing signs of wear and tear after high mileage

Price and Value: Is the Kawana 2 or Clifton 9 the Better Investment for Runners?

Price

• Kawana 2:
  • Typically priced around $130-$150
  • More expensive than the Clifton 9
• Clifton 9:
  • Typically priced around $100-$130
  • Less expensive than the Kawana 2

Value

• Kawana 2:
  • Offers excellent cushioning and comfort for long runs and recovery runs
  • Provides a soft, smooth ride and excellent support for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
  • May be worth the investment for runners who prioritize comfort and support
• Clifton 9:
  • Offers a more responsive and springy ride for faster paced runs and racing
  • Provides excellent support and stability for runners with medium to high arches
  • May be a better value for runners who prioritize performance and responsiveness

FAQs

Q: What’s the main difference between the Kawana 2 and Clifton 9?

A: The Kawana 2 is a more aggressive, trail-specific shoe with a more substantial lug pattern and a slightly more substantial midsole. The Clifton 9 is a more versatile, everyday trainer with a slightly less aggressive lug pattern and a slightly softer midsole.

Q: Which shoe has more cushioning?

A: Both shoes have generous cushioning, but the Clifton 9 has a slightly thicker midsole (33mm heel, 29mm forefoot) compared to the Kawana 2 (32mm heel, 28mm forefoot).

Q: Which shoe is better for technical trails?

A: The Kawana 2 is the better choice for technical trails due to its more aggressive lug pattern, which provides better traction and grip on uneven terrain.

Q: Which shoe is better for long, smooth trails or roads?

A: The Clifton 9 is a better choice for long, smooth trails or roads due to its slightly softer midsole and more forgiving ride.

Q: How do the uppers compare?

A: Both shoes have breathable, comfortable uppers with similar materials and construction. However, the Kawana 2 has a slightly more substantial, protective upper to handle rougher trail conditions.

Q: Which shoe is more durable?

A: The Kawana 2 is likely to be more durable due to its more aggressive outsole and slightly more substantial upper.

Q: Which shoe is better for heavier runners?

A: The Clifton 9 is a better choice for heavier runners due to its slightly softer midsole, which will provide more cushioning and comfort under heavier loads.

Q: Which shoe is more expensive?

A: The Kawana 2 is slightly more expensive than the Clifton 9, likely due to its more aggressive outsole and slightly more substantial upper.