For those looking to slowly push up their distances and/or volume, definitely the Clifton, no question! Novablast is a great fun shoe for under 21km, where you can throw in some strides!!
Clifton 9’s we’re great right out the box for me. I’ve run 25km in my Novablast 4’s and not liking them at all, I’m going to do a few more runs and see if they “break in “ a bit more, finding they are dull, less cushioned and less responsive compared to the Clifton 9’s. Quite honestly the 4’s feel like I have blocks of wood on my feet, hoping this will improve after a few more runs.
From my testing the Nov4 feels so much better. They definitely improved the foam in the Clifton compared to the 8, but it's still not a versatile shoe. If someone likes Hoka and want something truly versatile, Mach 5 (and probably Mach 6) can do anything and has enough cushion.
I tried on a Mach 5 just the other day at the store. They currently retail around $200~ at my local Foot Locker, but it was in such a lovely dark shade of green that I was willing to splurge money on it right then and there. Unfortunately, when I was fitting the Mach 5, the upper was so uncomfortable I couldn't make myself buy the shoe at all. I borrowed a Clifton 9 they had on display to see if it was just my imagination, but the Mach 5 really was uncomfortable for me no matter what I did. Tried loosening the laces, knotting different ways, etc... I just couldn't get the upper to "fit" comfortably. I don't know if there's something wrong with my feet or if I'm just too used to wearing "soft" and "cushy" shoes now 😂 Just going to wait for the Mach 6 and give that one a try when it becomes available later this year. Hopefully, I won't have the same issues with it haha 😂
I’ve used both the Mach and the Cliftons for many versions now and certainly the Machs are far more versatile for workouts , however not only the Cliftons last much much longer than the Machs who quickly lose their magic feel (before 200km for me), but the Cliftons are far better for truly long long runs as the Machs bottom out around 21km and Cliftons I’ve taken to over 50km without problems! However OF COURSE we are each of us very different!! Did you see that Strava released that Cliftons were the most used shoes of 2023 , and by a long way!!!
Im not a runner but have plantar fasciitis. The Clifton 9's felt better than the Bondi 8. The Clifton shoes allow me to play pickleball without pain. They also come in wide widths. Id like to give the Novablast a try too.
I felt the same thing!, also have plantar fasciitis and it is killing me, I haven't found the right shoe, I'm using the new balance and they are very good, but still I feel pain when I walk. at the store they told me the Bondi 8 had more cushion but when I tried the Clifton's I felt them softer and more comfortable
@megaskywalker I bought a pair of 4E in the Bondi 8 last week. I changed the insoles and have been wearing them to see if I want to keep them for Disney. They are breaking in nicely, but the jury is still out.i will say the toebox is very generous, and the tongue has more padding than the Clifton.
Went for Clifton 9 GTX in the Winter 🥶 times. Absolutely epic so far. Much better than Clifton 8 and to my surprise they are actually pretty fast. I am UK 12 and always go for 1/2 size UP with Hokas.
I really didn't think the Novablast 4 was anything particularly special. After all the positive feedback i'd seen online, i was really expecting more. I would definitely pick the Clifton 9 in comparison, as it feels supportive yet much more comfortable and spacious.
I was into getting a pair of NB4 until I found a bargain price for the cliftons at a local store for only 69euros... so it was too low to ignore that price
I have a Ghost 15. Wanting to add to the shoe rotation. Debating between Clifton 9, Cloudmonster 2 or Novablast 4. Any opinions would be really helpful!
The Clifton9 for me is not a narrow shoe as described by these reviewers. I currently run in Clifton 9 mostly for my easier runs and they are really comfortable. I use the narrower Saucony speed for tempo runs which works well for me
Have you checked out the Run Repeat reviews? Hey cut through the shoe and take precise measurements of length, width, stack height, weight etc...very useful! Anyway, according to them, the Clifton has a width in midfoot of 95.8mm and width in toebox 74.5mm. NB4 measures 98.3 and 78.9. So a 2.5mm difference. Not much but noticeable I would say. For comparison Saucony Triumph 21 measures 102mm and 81.6mm! So both NB4 and C9 could be viewed as narrow! Adidas also seems to have wider shoes. Everything is relative I suppose!
What about the ON brand? Look interesting - trying to keep under $120, or hopefully under $140. Saucony (owned by Wolverine, makers of Chacos). Wearing Brooks for width, but miss my Asics for support and cushion fore and aft!
I have the NB4, and while it is comfy, you will 100% notice the "trampoline" effect of the shoe so it can be a bit odd during regular walking. You'll also wear out the foam faster
For those looking to slowly push up their distances and/or volume, definitely the Clifton, no question! Novablast is a great fun shoe for under 21km, where you can throw in some strides!!
may i know why?
I now have both. And I totally agree with the verdict: the Novablast 4 wins this round.
It's really what your feet think not a reviewer. Our feet and gait are all different. Your feet will always let you know.
But still…looking at the way this guy is running🤣 he might not be the best to hear opinions on running shoes
Clifton 9’s we’re great right out the box for me. I’ve run 25km in my Novablast 4’s and not liking them at all, I’m going to do a few more runs and see if they “break in “ a bit more, finding they are dull, less cushioned and less responsive compared to the Clifton 9’s. Quite honestly the 4’s feel like I have blocks of wood on my feet, hoping this will improve after a few more runs.
Did they end up breaking in for you?
@@Frichilsasta08 unfortunately no. I gave up on trying to like them.
@@waynehadley1999 are you heel striker?
@@danieltay1052 I’m more of a mid-foot striker.
Novablast 4 are just amazing, love them!
Got them recently, love them
From my testing the Nov4 feels so much better. They definitely improved the foam in the Clifton compared to the 8, but it's still not a versatile shoe. If someone likes Hoka and want something truly versatile, Mach 5 (and probably Mach 6) can do anything and has enough cushion.
I tried on a Mach 5 just the other day at the store. They currently retail around $200~ at my local Foot Locker, but it was in such a lovely dark shade of green that I was willing to splurge money on it right then and there.
Unfortunately, when I was fitting the Mach 5, the upper was so uncomfortable I couldn't make myself buy the shoe at all. I borrowed a Clifton 9 they had on display to see if it was just my imagination, but the Mach 5 really was uncomfortable for me no matter what I did. Tried loosening the laces, knotting different ways, etc... I just couldn't get the upper to "fit" comfortably.
I don't know if there's something wrong with my feet or if I'm just too used to wearing "soft" and "cushy" shoes now 😂 Just going to wait for the Mach 6 and give that one a try when it becomes available later this year. Hopefully, I won't have the same issues with it haha 😂
I’ve used both the Mach and the Cliftons for many versions now and certainly the Machs are far more versatile for workouts , however not only the Cliftons last much much longer than the Machs who quickly lose their magic feel (before 200km for me), but the Cliftons are far better for truly long long runs as the Machs bottom out around 21km and Cliftons I’ve taken to over 50km without problems! However OF COURSE we are each of us very different!! Did you see that Strava released that Cliftons were the most used shoes of 2023 , and by a long way!!!
Clifton 9 all the way!
NAh
Im not a runner but have plantar fasciitis. The Clifton 9's felt better than the Bondi 8. The Clifton shoes allow me to play pickleball without pain. They also come in wide widths. Id like to give the Novablast a try too.
I felt the same thing!, also have plantar fasciitis and it is killing me, I haven't found the right shoe, I'm using the new balance and they are very good, but still I feel pain when I walk. at the store they told me the Bondi 8 had more cushion but when I tried the Clifton's I felt them softer and more comfortable
@megaskywalker I bought a pair of 4E in the Bondi 8 last week. I changed the insoles and have been wearing them to see if I want to keep them for Disney. They are breaking in nicely, but the jury is still out.i will say the toebox is very generous, and the tongue has more padding than the Clifton.
i have the clifton 9, love the wide landing platform feels stable around corners. most comfortable easy run shoe for me.
U haven't tried novablastz?
@@That_Ramdom i had the nb3, it felt too slappy on the pavement.
@@tehhalia903 ok. I have the cliftons rn. Idk if they making my knees hurt, but I'm using them. Want the NB3
Went for Clifton 9 GTX in the Winter 🥶 times. Absolutely epic so far. Much better than Clifton 8 and to my surprise they are actually pretty fast. I am UK 12 and always go for 1/2 size UP with Hokas.
I really didn't think the Novablast 4 was anything particularly special. After all the positive feedback i'd seen online, i was really expecting more. I would definitely pick the Clifton 9 in comparison, as it feels supportive yet much more comfortable and spacious.
Would be really interested to hear your review of the Clifton 9 GORE-TEX. I’ve found they have quite a different feel to the ‘normal’ Cliftons.
J’ai les Clifton 9 gore tex, et je les trouve beaucoup plus ferme que la version standard.
@@halmo68That’s good to know, thanks!!
Please compare 1080v13 to NB4
I was into getting a pair of NB4 until I found a bargain price for the cliftons at a local store for only 69euros... so it was too low to ignore that price
I have a Ghost 15. Wanting to add to the shoe rotation. Debating between Clifton 9, Cloudmonster 2 or Novablast 4. Any opinions would be really helpful!
The Clifton9 for me is not a narrow shoe as described by these reviewers. I currently run in Clifton 9 mostly for my easier runs and they are really comfortable. I use the narrower Saucony speed for tempo runs which works well for me
Have you checked out the Run Repeat reviews? Hey cut through the shoe and take precise measurements of length, width, stack height, weight etc...very useful! Anyway, according to them, the Clifton has a width in midfoot of 95.8mm and width in toebox 74.5mm. NB4 measures 98.3 and 78.9. So a 2.5mm difference. Not much but noticeable I would say. For comparison Saucony Triumph 21 measures 102mm and 81.6mm! So both NB4 and C9 could be viewed as narrow! Adidas also seems to have wider shoes. Everything is relative I suppose!
What about the ON brand? Look interesting - trying to keep under $120, or hopefully under $140. Saucony (owned by Wolverine, makers of Chacos). Wearing Brooks for width, but miss my Asics for support and cushion fore and aft!
Glideride 4?
Links don't work
Hoka Clifton all the way😊
Thank you Testers for the review.
Would you recommend NB 4 for all day wear besides running??
I have the NB4, and while it is comfy, you will 100% notice the "trampoline" effect of the shoe so it can be a bit odd during regular walking. You'll also wear out the foam faster
is the novablast 4 suitable for marathon distance? slow paced like 7 min/km
Yes
Are you going to take a week to finish a marathon?
Novablast has all that luscious foam but its so firm! Pointless!
❤️
Why are there thayso expensive
Novablast 3 much better thn NV
B 4
I am also quite surprised to hear that Nb4 is more versatile. Nb3 is so much fun I bought 4 pairs.