Hoka and Nike each have a relatively lightweight “cushioned” entry into the road shoe category, the Clifton 3 and the Air Zoom Span respectively. The Hoka comes in at about 9.1 ounces in a size 9.5 D, and the Nike at roughly 9.3 ounces, so virtually identical there. Both are from premier shoe companies that know what they’re doing as far as the basics. They get the size right. They have a smooth sock liner with no ridges that chafe the foot. They have a nice heel cup that grasps the foot and keeps the shoe from sliding up and down on the back of the ankle.

They both have a cushioned insole and a nice outsole. A padded tongue and a smooth collar. Giving “the edge” to one over the other in something as subjective as a shoe is largely personal. These 2 entries are about as light as you will find while still providing what is considered a “plush” (soft) ride. You can go lighter like with the Hoka Tracer (7.0 ounces) or the Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit (7.5 ounces), but their ride will be categorized as “responsive” (read firmer), not cushioned.

Having worn both now long enough to have an opinion, I can’t help but feel the Clifton is a cushier ride. Your feet almost feel rejuvenated after a run with them. The forefoot protects the foot from getting that “slapping” feeling from a shoe with too soft a sole. The Nike is supposed to have an “air unit” in the forefoot like the Pegasus 33 to cushion there, but I swear your foot does not feel as cushioned as with the Hoka.

I suppose it should in a way, I got the Nike’s for about half the price of the Clifton’s! $83 vs $158 by the time I got out the door. Hoka might be the new kid on the block compared to Nike, but they win the matchup in this round. For those with wider feet, both have a roomy toe box. Both have a kind heel strike, though I would say once again the edge goes to Hoka! Its a shame shoe reviews are not a ‘one size fits all’ scenario (we end up with a closet full of shoes that don’t always measure up). Oh well, if we buy last years model on closeout we can generally get them deeply discounted.

And as I just read in Runners World, runners with 2 or more pairs of shoes suffer fewer injuries as the foot is forced to respond to each set of weaknesses and strengths!

[5/29/17 update. I’ve noticed that after just 6 months running in the Clifton 3, and those were over the less frequent running winter months, they are nearly worn out! I’ve noticed after looking at my New Balance that even though a year old, they are hardly worn! Same with the Nike. Hoka while making a very nice shoe, does not make a durable shoe. Its even less of a bargain when you consider their higher initial price.]