Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes vs Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (12,400 owners)

Boost midsole, Primeknit+ upper, Linear Energy Push, 11mm drop. Energy-return road runner.

Full Review

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes	Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (12,400)	4.5★ (8,400)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Reviews	12,400 at 4.5★	8,400 at 4.5★

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes: Boost midsole, Primeknit+ upper, Linear Energy Push, 11mm drop. Energy-return road runner. Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes

Boost midsole is the original energy-return foam that influenced every subsequent running shoe foam
Primeknit+ upper is breathable and adapts to foot shape without pressure points
Linear Energy Push plate guides the foot through efficient toe-off geometry
12,400 Amazon reviews at 4.5★ from runners who've tested Ultraboost over multiple generations
Adidas's running shoe engineering applied to the lifestyle-to-performance crossover shoe

Less maximal cushioning than Hoka Clifton — not ideal for high-mileage easy running
SPEEDROLL alternatives like Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are faster for tempo work
Premium pricing at £150+ for a shoe that sells as much on style as performance

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Maximal cushioning stack absorbs impact for long-distance daily training and recovery runs
Wide base provides exceptional stability during fatigue at late-race or high-mileage stages
Lightweight at 244g for the amount of foam — Hoka's engineering achieves cushion without weight
Meta-Rocker geometry promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions reducing leg fatigue
8,400 Amazon reviews at 4.5★ from marathon runners, physio patients and everyday walkers

Cushioning height looks chunky — aesthetics divide opinion
Wide base limits feel for technical trail running — Salomon XA Pro is better on technical terrain
Premium pricing at £130+ for a daily trainer

FAQ

Which is better, Adidas Ultraboost 23 or Hoka Clifton 9 Running?

Is the Adidas Ultraboost 23 worth the extra cost?

The Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Adidas Ultraboost 23 best suited to?

Boost midsole, Primeknit+ upper, Linear Energy Push, 11mm drop. Energy-return road runner.

Who is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running best suited to?

Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe.

What are the main downsides of each?

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes: Less maximal cushioning than Hoka Clifton — not ideal for high-mileage easy running; SPEEDROLL alternatives like Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are faster for tempo work. Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Cushioning height looks chunky — aesthetics divide opinion; Wide base limits feel for technical trail running — Salomon XA Pro is better on technical terrain.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes sits at 4.5★ from 12,400 verified Amazon owners, and Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes at 4.5★ from 8,400.

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