Hoka Clifton vs Saucony Endorphin Speed Shoes

Choosing the right running shoe can be challenging, especially when you’re deciding between two well-known brands like Hoka and Saucony. Two of the most popular models from these brands are the Hoka Clifton vs Saucony Endorphin Speed. Both shoes have earned a solid reputation, but they serve different purposes and cater to different types of runners.

In this detailed guide, we’ll compare the Hoka Clifton and Saucony Endorphin Speed across multiple aspects, such as comfort, design, durability, breathability, sizing, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which shoe is the best fit for your running needs.

Hoka Clifton vs Saucony Endorphin Speed

Feature	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Comfort	Soft, maximum cushioning for long runs	Responsive cushioning for speed and performance
Design	Bulkier, maximalist	Sleek, lightweight design
Weight	Slightly heavier	Lightweight
Breathability	Excellent mesh upper	Breathable, but snug fit
Durability	High-abrasion rubber outsole, long-lasting	Durable rubber, long-lasting PEBA midsole
Fit	Wide, true to size with roomy toe box	Snug, slightly narrow fit
Price Range	Mid-range	Slightly higher, performance-oriented
Customer Reviews	Praised for comfort and cushioning	Highly rated for speed and responsiveness

Comfort

Comfort is one of the top priorities when choosing running shoes. Let’s take a look at how the Hoka Clifton and Saucony Endorphin Speed perform in this area.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton series is well-known for its maximum cushioning. The shoe uses EVA foam, a lightweight material that provides a soft, plush feel underfoot. This cushioning helps reduce the impact on your feet and legs, making the Clifton ideal for long-distance runs or recovery runs where comfort is more important than speed.

The Clifton’s softness ensures your feet stay comfortable even after miles of running, which is one reason why many runners swear by it for marathon training or casual long-distance runs.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed, while still offering comfort, focuses more on responsiveness. The midsole is made from PEBA foam (PWRRUN PB), which is firmer than Hoka’s EVA foam. This material helps provide a bouncy, springy feel, making the Endorphin Speed a better choice for those looking to run fast. The shoe gives you a slight push forward with every step, thanks to the Speedroll technology embedded in the midsole.

While not as cushioned as the Clifton, the Saucony Endorphin Speed offers a balance of comfort and performance. It’s perfect for runners who want comfort without sacrificing speed.

Comfort Features	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Cushioning Material	EVA Foam	PEBA Foam (PWRRUN PB)
Softness Level	Very Soft	Medium Firmness
Best Suited For	Long-distance runs, Recovery runs	Speed training, Tempo runs

Style and Design

The design of a shoe can affect how it feels during your runs. Let’s explore the differences in style and design between the Hoka Clifton and Saucony Endorphin Speed.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton features a thick midsole, which is its most recognizable characteristic. While this gives the shoe a somewhat bulky appearance, it’s not just for show—the thick midsole is packed with soft cushioning that makes the Clifton one of the most comfortable shoes on the market. The design of the Clifton focuses on maximizing comfort, making it great for long runs.

Despite the thicker midsole, the Clifton is relatively lightweight. Hoka has made sure that the additional bulk doesn’t weigh the shoe down, so you can still enjoy a comfortable ride without feeling heavy.

Color options for the Clifton are plentiful, with bright, eye-catching designs available, but you can also opt for more neutral tones if you prefer.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

In contrast, the Saucony Endorphin Speed has a sleeker design. It is lightweight and more streamlined, making it ideal for speed work. The shoe’s low-profile design helps it feel fast and responsive, perfect for runners who prioritize performance.

The design of the Saucony Endorphin Speed also incorporates FORMFIT technology, which hugs your foot for a snug, custom fit. This adds to the shoe’s overall comfort and security, especially during fast-paced runs.

In terms of color, the Endorphin Speed comes in bold, bright designs, much like the Clifton, but with a more modern and aerodynamic aesthetic.

Design Features	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Appearance	Bulkier, Maximalist	Sleek, Streamlined
Weight	Slightly heavier	Lightweight
Color Options	Wide variety, bright and neutral tones	Bold, Modern designs

Durability

Durability is crucial when investing in a pair of running shoes, especially if you plan to log many miles.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton is designed for durability, particularly on roads and smooth trails. The shoe’s EVA foam midsole may compress slightly over time, but overall, the Clifton is built to last. The high-abrasion rubber outsole also helps increase its lifespan, even with heavy use on hard surfaces.

That said, the Clifton’s soft cushioning can show wear after hundreds of miles, especially if you regularly run on uneven or rough surfaces. If you mostly run on roads or well-groomed trails, the Clifton should last a long time without any major issues.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is known for its excellent durability despite its lighter weight. The shoe’s PEBA foam midsole is more resilient than EVA foam, meaning it doesn’t lose its shape as quickly over time. The carbon-fiber plate embedded in the shoe also adds to its longevity, as it helps maintain the shoe’s structure.

Additionally, the Endorphin Speed has a durable rubber outsole that provides good traction and resists wear. This makes it a great option for runners who plan to cover a lot of miles, particularly on roads or tracks.

Durability Factors	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Midsole Material	EVA Foam (less durable over time)	PEBA Foam (longer-lasting)
Outsole	High-abrasion rubber	Durable rubber
Best Surfaces	Roads, Smooth Trails	Roads, Tracks

Sizing Consistency

One of the most common concerns for runners is finding a shoe that fits just right. Here’s how the Hoka Clifton and Saucony Endorphin Speed measure up in terms of sizing.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton generally runs true to size, which is great for runners who don’t want to deal with the hassle of trying multiple sizes. The shoe’s roomy toe box makes it a comfortable option for runners with wider feet or those who prefer extra space up front. Hoka also offers a wide version of the Clifton, ensuring a good fit for everyone.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is known to have a slightly narrower fit, especially in the midfoot area. While this gives the shoe a snug feel, it can be too tight for runners with wider feet. If you have broader feet, you might need to go up a half size for a better fit. The snug fit, however, is great for performance runners who want their shoes to feel secure during fast runs.

Sizing Features	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Fit	True to size	Slightly narrow
Toe Box	Roomy, Comfortable	Snug, Secure
Wide Version Available	Yes	No

Breathability

Good breathability is essential for running shoes, especially for runners who often hit the road in warm weather.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton is designed with a mesh upper, which allows for plenty of air circulation. This keeps your feet cool and dry, even on hot days or during long runs. The lightweight material also helps with breathability without adding unnecessary bulk.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed also features a mesh upper, but its snugger fit can make it feel slightly less breathable compared to the Clifton. However, it still performs well in terms of ventilation and is perfectly suitable for warm-weather running.

Breathability Features	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Upper Material	Mesh	Mesh
Ventilation	High	Moderate

Fit and Support

The right fit and support can make or break your running experience. Here’s how the Hoka Clifton and Saucony Endorphin Speed perform in these areas.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton offers excellent support thanks to its wide base and generous cushioning. The shoe provides good arch support, which is particularly important for runners with high arches or those who need extra stability during long runs.

The Clifton’s roomy toe box allows your feet to spread naturally, reducing the risk of blisters or discomfort. This makes it a great choice for long-distance runners or those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is designed to feel snug and secure. The shoe features FORMFIT technology, which wraps around your foot to provide a customized fit. This snug fit is ideal for speed workouts or races, where a secure feel is essential for optimal performance.

However, some runners with wider feet might find the Endorphin Speed a bit too tight, especially during long runs.

Fit and Support Features	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Fit	Wide, Roomy	Snug, Secure
Support	High Arch Support	Moderate Arch Support

Pricing

Price is always a factor when deciding which running shoe to invest in.

Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Clifton is priced in the mid-range, making it a relatively affordable option for runners who prioritize comfort and durability. While it’s not the cheapest running shoe on the market, its excellent cushioning and longevity make it a great value for long-distance runners.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed is slightly more expensive than the Hoka Clifton. However, its high-performance features, such as the PEBA foam midsole and carbon-fiber plate, justify the price. If you’re looking for a shoe that will help improve your speed and performance, the extra cost is worth it.

Pricing	Hoka Clifton	Saucony Endorphin Speed
Price Range	Mid-range	Slightly higher
Value for Money	High	High for performance

Customer Reviews

The best way to understand how well a shoe performs is to look at what real runners are saying.

Hoka Clifton

Most customer reviews of the Hoka Clifton highlight its exceptional comfort. Runners praise the shoe for its soft cushioning, which makes it perfect for long-distance runs and recovery runs. However, some reviews mention that the shoe can feel bulky, especially for runners who prefer a more minimalist design.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

The Saucony Endorphin Speed consistently receives high marks for its responsiveness and speed. Runners love how the shoe helps them improve their tempo during fast workouts or races. However, a few reviews mention that the shoe’s snug fit can be too tight for runners with wider feet.

Conclusion

Both the Hoka Clifton and Saucony Endorphin Speed are excellent running shoes, but they cater to different types of runners. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

• Choose the Hoka Clifton if you:
  • Prioritize comfort above all else.
  • Are training for long-distance runs or marathons.
  • Need extra cushioning for joint protection.
• Choose the Saucony Endorphin Speed if you:
  • Are looking for a shoe that boosts your speed.
  • Want a responsive, performance-oriented shoe for races.
  • Prefer a snug, secure fit for faster workouts.

Both shoes are highly regarded in the running community, so it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions