Hoka Clifton 9 vs New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13

Both of these are max-cushion daily trainers with loyal followings, and they cost within twenty dollars of each other. Here is how they actually differ on the road.

	Best Value Hoka Clifton 9 $144 Check Price	Editor’s Pick New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13 $165 Check Price

Pros & Cons

Pick the Clifton 9 if you want the lighter, more nimble of the two. Pick the 1080v13 if you want the softer heel and more room up front — it is the better option for wider feet.

What to Look For in a Daily Trainer

For most runners, a daily trainer should feel unremarkable — no hot spots, no dead cushioning, no fighting the shoe on turns. Pay attention to heel-to-toe drop (8–10mm suits most people transitioning from older shoes, lower drops reward a more midfoot strike) and weight, since anything under 10oz starts to feel noticeably quicker on tempo days. Plan to replace a daily trainer every 300–500 miles; the upper often still looks fine long after the midsole cushioning has quietly flattened out.

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