Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 vs Hoka Clifton 9

In the world of daily running shoes, few matchups generate as much debate as the workhorses from Hoka and ASICS. Today, we're putting two titans head-to-head: the established icon of comfort, the Hoka Clifton 9 , against the newest iteration of a legendary lineage, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 . Both promise a cushioned, reliable ride for your daily miles, but they achieve it through different philosophies and designs.

The Clifton 9 champions maximalist cushioning and a lightweight feel, aiming to make every step feel like walking on air. The Gel-Cumulus 27, on the other hand, refines its classic formula, blending modern foams with a traditional, stable-neutral geometry to be the dependable go-to for any run. We've dug deep into the specs, scoured user reviews, and analyzed their performance to help you decide which shoe is the right investment for your feet and your running goals.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort is the main event for both these shoes, but they approach it differently, leading to a split decision depending on your foot shape and preferences.

Round Winner: Hoka Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9 wins this round for its sensational, out-of-the-box cushioning. The experience is defined by its reformulated CMEVA midsole, which delivers an incredibly soft, plush feel underfoot. There is virtually no break-in period required; you can lace them up and immediately enjoy that signature Hoka experience. As one user aptly put it, the feeling is like "Walking on air," a sentiment echoed across countless reviews praising its "Cloud-like, pillowy cushioning." This makes it an exceptional choice for recovery days or for those who simply want to coddle their joints.

However, the Clifton's comfort comes with a significant caveat: the fit is notoriously narrow. Many runners find the standard width too constricting in the midfoot and toe box. One of the most common negative remarks is that the "Toe box is too narrow (standard width)." While wide (2E) sizes are available, those with average-to-wide feet should approach the standard fit with caution.

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 offers a more traditional and accommodating comfort profile. Its dual-foam midsole, combining FF BLAST PLUS™ with a PureGEL™ insert in the heel, provides a plushness that is immediately noticeable and highly praised. One reviewer noted, "The most consistently praised aspect is the shoe's comfort, particularly the step-in feel and the plushness." Unlike the Hoka, the ASICS generally fits true to size with a roomier toe box than its predecessor, and it offers multiple width options up to 4E for men.

The trade-off is a slight stiffness out of the box. Some users found the shoe needed a couple of runs to lose its initial rigidity, with one commenting that it "felt stiff out of the box and required a break-in period." While it settles into a beautifully comfortable ride, it doesn't quite have the instant "wow" factor of the Clifton's plushness.