Written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
The Clifton is Hoka’s plush, neutral daily trainer; the Rincon is Hoka’s light, fast trainer. Here we will be comparing these two trainers.
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The Clifton, now in its 9th iteration, is the shoe that put Hoka on the map. It is known for its plush, cloud-like cushioning.

The Rincon is in its 3rd iteration and is a lightweight, versatile trainer which has taken the running world by storm. It is cheaper than the Clifton and is much lighter.

Which of these Hoka trainers is the right one for you?

Similarity and differences: Clifton 9 vs Rincon 3

Expert score
Expert score
8/10
Expert score
8/10
Weight
8.7 oz
7.4 oz
Heel Drop
5 mm
5 mm
Verdict
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a narrow-fitting maximalist daily trainer with a Meta-Rocker midsole for energy-saving transitions. It has a highly cushioned ride which is on the soft side and it’s best suited to slow, easy paced runs. The 9th version of the Clifton has a 3 mm more midsole foam so it feels more cushioned. It also has a reformulated CMEVA midsole which provides a softer ride than previous versions.
The Hoka One One Rincon 3 is a multipurpose trainer that can handle almost any pace and any distance. Its strength is its lightweight build but its weakness is its lower than average durability.

Version 3 is a big improvement over previous versions. It has a smoother ride, a more resilient midsole and a more durable outsole.
Recommended for
Daily training, long distance racing
Speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
flexible
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$144.95
US$115

Sole unit: Clifton 9 vs Rincon 3

The midsoles of both the Clifton and the Rincon are made of highly compressible EVA foam. The main difference between the two midsoles is that the Clifton’s is much thicker which results in a softer, more cushioned ride.

The Clifton is better suited to longer, slower runs because it has more long-distance comfort and more cushioning depth.

Conversely, the Rincon is better suited to shorter, faster runs because its midsole is more responsive and it has a lighter weight compared to the Clifton.

The Rincon is more flexible than the Clifton and this translates to a snappier forefoot and a faster feeling shoe than the sluggish feel of the Clifton.

Ride transitions are smoother in the Clifton than the Rincon because it has a thicker, Ortholite insole which gives it a plush, underfoot, sinking-in feeling.

The Clifton has better stability than the Rincon because it has midsole sidewalls which are raised and act as guide rails to keep your foot centred. The Clifton also has a prominent arch area which is better for flat footed runners who need extra arch support.

On the outsoles, the big difference is that the Clifton has a lot more rubber on its outsole for extra durability and grip.

The Rincon has a lot more exposed midsole foam which shreds over time as it scrapes surfaces.

The Clifton with the added outsole rubber is much more durable than the Rincon but both their midsoles are made of EVA and will lose cushioning over time.

Upper unit: Clifton 9 vs Rincon 3

The upper of the Clifton is more padded and plusher than the Rincon. It has a semi gusseted tongue for a better fit and it feels more luxurious than the upper of the Rincon.

The upper of the Rincon is more minimal and more breathable than the Clifton’s upper. It is better for shorter distances but doesn’t have the long-distance comfort that the Clifton upper has.

Both trainers fit true to size but have the signature Hoka narrow fit so you will need the wide version if you have wide feet.

Which one to buy: Clifton 9 vs Rincon 3

If you’re a runner looking for a highly cushioned daily trainer for mostly easy or recovery runs, the Clifton is the right shoe for you. It has deep cushioning, a comfortable, plush upper and a durable outsole.

If you’re a runner looking for a more versatile trainer which is lightweight and responsive, the Rincon is the shoe for you. It can handle short, tempo runs as well as long runs. The Rincon is cheaper than the Clifton but it is less stable and not as durable.

This expert review is written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.