Welcome to the comparison of the Hoka Clifton 9 and Rincon 4! If you’re trying to decide between these two popular running shoes, you’ve come to the right place. Both shoes are known for their comfort and performance, but they have some key differences.
In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about each shoe’s cushioning, fit, and overall feel. Let’s dive in and find out which one might be the best fit for your running needs!
Comparison of Specs: Hoka Clifton 9 VS Rincon 4
| Spec | Hoka Clifton 9 | Hoka Rincon 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Released Date | February 2023 | July 2024 |
| Best For | Daily Training, Long Runs, Casual Wear, Recovery Runs, Beginner Runners | Beginner Runners, Speed Work, Warm Weather Running, Versatile Training, |
| Not Best For | Speed Work, Narrow Feet, Warm Weather | Long Distances, Wide Feet, Casual Wear |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Balanced |
| Plate Technology | NO | NO |
| Heel drop | 5.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size | True to size |
| Weight(Men’s) | 8.70 oz | 8.04 oz |
| Weight(Women’s) | 7.30 oz | 6.81 oz |
| Price | $145 | $125 |
| Width Options | Regular, Wide | Regular, Wide |
| Waterproof | NO | NO |
| Customer Rating | 4.5 out of 5 | 2.8 out of 5 |
Durability
Upper:
The Clifton 9 features a breathable engineered knit upper that is lightweight and designed for daily comfort. It includes a gusseted tongue and a reflective heel panel for added functionality and visibility.
The upper is crafted to be plush and comfortable, but it might wear out quicker with heavy use compared to more robust designs.
The Rincon 4 has a more foot-hugging fit with a durable mesh upper. It’s designed to handle long runs with its upgraded foam and rubberized EVA that contribute to a soft and lasting feel.
This upper is engineered for durability, helping the shoe last longer through frequent use.
Outsole
The Clifton 9 uses a Durabrasion rubber outsole that extends the shoe’s longevity. This outsole provides good traction and durability across different surfaces, making it a reliable choice for various runs.
The Rincon 4 features a popular outsole design with rubberized EVA. This setup offers excellent cushioning and durability while maintaining a lightweight feel. It’s designed to handle long distances and provide consistent performance.
Comfort: Hoka Clifton 9 vs Rincon 4
Cushioning
The midsole is key in a running shoe. Hoka Clifton 9 Known for its balanced cushioning, the Clifton 9 uses compression-molded EVA foam combined with Early Stage MetaRocker™. This setup provides a plush, protective feel while ensuring a responsive toe-off, making it great for both daily runs and faster workouts.
The Rincon 4 is renowned for its cloud-weight cushioning, thanks to its upgraded injected EVA midsole. The increased stack height and smooth MetaRocker™ design offer exceptional softness and support for long runs while ensuring efficient turnover with each step.
Arch Support
- Hoka Clifton 9: The Clifton 9 offers neutral support with a symmetrical cushion design. It’s built to provide balanced support without additional corrective technologies, suitable for a variety of foot types.
- Hoka Rincon 4: The Rincon 4 also features neutral support with a symmetrical cushion setup. It delivers consistent support and comfort without over-correcting, making it a good choice for runners who prefer a natural feel.
Fit and Sizing: Hoka Clifton 9 vs. Rincon 4
- Hoka Clifton 9: The Clifton 9 fits true to size with a snug heel and midfoot, and a roomy toe box. It’s designed to offer a secure yet comfortable fit, perfect for daily runs and walks.
- Hoka Rincon 4: The Rincon 4 also fits true to size, with a more foot-hugging design that provides a secure fit. The shoe’s design ensures comfort for longer runs, with a slightly more accommodating fit compared to the Clifton 9.
Style and Design
Hoka Clifton 9: The Plush Comfort King
The Hoka Clifton 9 is known for its super soft cushioning. It looks a bit bulkier because it has a thicker midsole, which means more foam to cushion your feet. This makes it really comfy for long runs or walks.
The upper part of the shoe is made from a breathable mesh, which helps keep your feet cool. Plus, it has a semi-gusseted tongue that helps the shoe fit snugly without slipping around in terms of colors.
The Clifton 9 comes in a variety of stylish options, so you can pick one that matches your vibe. Its design is a bit more luxurious, making it suitable for both running and casual wear.
Hoka Rincon 4: The Lightweight Speedster
On the other hand, the Hoka Rincon 4 is all about being light and fast. It has a thinner midsole, which means it feels more responsive when you run. This shoe is perfect for shorter, quicker runs because it helps you feel the ground more.
The upper is also lighter and more minimal, which allows for better breathability but might not be as cushy for long distances.
The Rincon 4 has a sleek design and comes in fun colors too, but it has a more sporty look compared to the Clifton 9. It’s great if you want something that feels speedy and agile.
Waterproofing and Non-Slip Grip
Waterproofing
The Clifton 9 does not feature waterproofing. It is designed for breathable, everyday wear, making it suitable for dry conditions. If you need a shoe for wet or rainy weather, you might want to consider a model with waterproof technology.
Similar to the Clifton 9, the Rincon 4 does not offer waterproofing. It is crafted for lightweight cushioning and breathability, so it’s best used in dry conditions or with additional waterproofing measures if you expect wet weather.
Non-Slip Grip
The Clifton 9 features a Durabrasion rubber outsole designed to provide reliable grip and durability. This outsole helps prevent slipping on various surfaces, making it suitable for a range of conditions, though it is not specifically designed as a non-slip shoe.
The Rincon 4 has a popular outsole design with rubberized EVA, offering good traction and grip. While it is not marketed as a non-slip shoe, the outsole provides adequate performance on most surfaces, helping to reduce the risk of slipping.
Value
Popularity
Hoka Clifton 9
- The Hoka Clifton 9 became very popular after it came out on February 15, 2023. People love it for its comfort and cushioning. It’s a hit with runners and walkers.
- It’s been all over social media, especially TikTok. Videos about Hoka have gotten over 335 million views. The Clifton 8 was also a big hit, helping Hoka become well-known online and boosting sales.
- People like the Clifton 9 for its light feel and smooth moves. It’s perfect for daily training. But, some say it’s not the best for speed work, which might make it less popular with competitive runners.
Hoka Rincon 4
- The Rincon 4 is liked for its sleek look and light feel. But, some say it doesn’t have enough cushioning for long runs. This might make it less appealing than the Clifton 9.
- The Hoka Rincon 4 came out in July 2024 and is popular for speed and short distances. It’s a lightweight shoe.
- It might not be as viral as the Clifton 9, but it has fans. They like its responsive midsole and breathable design. It’s great for speed workouts and running in warm weather.
Return Policy and Warranty
The Hoka Clifton 9 and Hoka Mach 6 have a 30-day return policy. This means you can try them out and return them if they don’t fit. Hoka also offers a one-year warranty for defects in material and workmanship.
Make sure you have your proof of purchase to be eligible for the warranty. Without it, the product will be checked by its manufacturing date. The warranty doesn’t cover normal wear, misuse, or products from unauthorized sellers.
If a defect is found, Hoka will replace or exchange the product or give you website credit. Replacements are sent for free via UPS Ground. Before buying, make sure to check these details.
Hoka is known for great customer service. They offer quick support and easy returns for shoes. You can expect a smooth experience when buying and solving any issues with your Hoka Clifton 9 vs Rincon 4.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Hoka Clifton 9 Reviews
What People Like:
- Comfortable Cushioning: Many runners love the Clifton 9 for its soft and plush cushioning, making it feel great during long runs. The new CMEVA foam gives it a bouncy feel that keeps your feet happy.
- Lightweight Design: Reviewers appreciate how light the Clifton 9 feels on their feet, which helps them run faster without feeling weighed down.
- Smooth Transitions: The shoe’s Meta-Rocker design allows for smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making each step feel natural and easy.
- Stylish Look: The Clifton 9 comes in a variety of fun colors, and many users enjoy its modern and stylish appearance, making it suitable for casual wear too.
- Durable Outsole: The Durabrasion rubber outsole is praised for its durability, allowing runners to put in many miles without worrying about wear and tear.
What People Don’t Like:
- Narrow Fit: Some runners find the toe box a bit too narrow, which can cause discomfort, especially during longer runs.
- Pricey: A few users feel that the price of the Clifton 9 is too high compared to other shoes that offer similar performance.
- Less Responsive: Some reviewers mention that the shoe lacks the responsiveness they expected, which can make it feel less energetic during faster runs.
Average Customer Rating: 4.5/5
Hoka Rincon 4 Reviews
What People Like:
- Lightweight Feel: Runners love how light the Rincon 4 is, making it feel fast and easy to run in, especially for speed workouts.
- Responsive Midsole: The shoe features a lively and energetic midsole that provides a great bounce, helping runners feel more engaged with each step.
- Breathable Upper: Many users appreciate the breathable upper, which keeps their feet cool and comfortable during runs.
- Sleek Design: The Rincon 4 has a stylish and sporty look, with a variety of color options that appeal to different tastes.
- Good Traction: Reviewers find that the outsole provides good grip on various surfaces, making it reliable for different weather conditions.
What People Don’t Like:
- Less Cushioning: Some runners feel that the Rincon 4 does not have enough cushioning for longer runs, which can lead to discomfort over time.
- Snug Fit: A few users mention that the shoe can feel a bit snug, especially for those with wider feet, making it less comfortable for some.
- Limited Versatility: Some reviewers think the Rincon 4 is mainly designed for speed and may not be as versatile for casual wear or longer distances.
- I’ve worn size 10.5 in the Cliftons and Mach 5/6; Wanted to give the Rincon 4 a try, but the size 10.5 was too tight in the toe. I was afraid jumping to a size 11 would have been too much. So returned and got another pair of Mach 6.
- I wore these for a 5-mile walk. It’s been over two weeks now and my feet are still in pain ended up at the chiropractor also after wearing Rincon 4. I owned an older model Rincon that was very comfortable so figured there would be no issues.
- Why HOKA felt the need to take the perfect shoe, Rincon 3, and change it is beyond me. I have purchased over 55 HOKA shoes. The majority were Rincon 3. Gave them as gifts to family members and acquaintances, kept 25 pairs for myself. I loved Rincon 3. These replacements are shameful. They have done nothing but ruin the perfect shoe.
Average Customer Rating: 2.8/5
Pros and Cons
Hoka Clifton 9
Pros:
- Plush cushioning for a comfortable run.
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition with MetaRocker™.
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool.
- Durable outsole for reliable grip.
Cons:
- Not waterproof, so not ideal for rain.
- Grip may be less effective on very slick surfaces.
Hoka Rincon 4
Pros:
- Cloud-like cushioning for a soft feel.
- Smooth MetaRocker™ for easy strides.
- Lightweight yet supportive.
- Durable outsole with good traction.
Cons:
- No waterproofing for wet weather.
- Less structured upper may lack support.
Conclusion
The difference between the Hoka Clifton 9 and Rincon 4, both shoes offer fantastic features but cater to different needs.
The Hoka Clifton 9 is ideal if you’re looking for plush cushioning and a smooth-running experience. Its breathable upper and durable outsole make it great for daily runs and varied surfaces. However, it lacks waterproofing and may not perform as well on very slick surfaces. If you value comfort and a stylish look, the Clifton 9 is a solid choice.
On the other hand, the Hoka Rincon 4 shines with its lightweight feel and responsive cushioning, making it perfect for speed and shorter runs. Its sleek design and good traction make it a great option for those who prioritize agility. But keep in mind that it’s less cushioned for long distances and doesn’t have waterproofing.
Which shoe is the right fit for you? If you prioritize plush comfort and a reliable daily trainer, the Clifton 9 is your pick. If you’re after lightweight speed and responsive performance, the Rincon 4 will serve you well.
Before buying the Rincon 4, read reviews carefully. It’s lightweight and fast. But, think if it fits what you need and like.
Have you tried the Clifton 9 or Rincon 4? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let us know which shoe you prefer and why!