Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes vs Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack (2026)

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

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

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

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes	Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe. Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack: 45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

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

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

Ventilated back panel separates pack from spine for airflow on steep ascents
Large hipbelt pockets hold phone and snacks without removing the pack
Front U-opening allows full access to pack contents without unpacking from top
Integrated rain cover deployable without removing the pack
Thule's Scandinavian heritage in outdoor equipment design since 1942

45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions
Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days
Premium pricing over Osprey Talon alternatives at similar capacity

FAQ

Which is better, Hoka Clifton 9 Running or Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking?

Is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running worth the extra cost?

Yes — Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes scores higher at 9.0/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running best suited to?

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

Who is the Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking best suited to?

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

What are the main downsides of each?

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. Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack: 45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions; Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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