Battle: Hoka Clifton 9 vs Saucony Triumph 21

September 10, 2023

Do we need a max-cushion running shoe when we can opt for one of the most comfortable daily trainers that cost significantly less?

It’s time for another 10-comparison points battle, this time between a very versatile max-cushion shoe, the Saucony Triumph 21 (full review here), and a very comfortable daily trainer, the Hoka Clifton 9 (full review here).

Let the battle begin!

Comfort

Despite the Triumph 21 being considered a max-cushion shoe, both shoes have a great step in comfort, but the Clifton 9 has better foot-hugging comfort. The inner fabrics are smoother on the Triumph 21 and feel more luxurious, but this is not something that you’ll notice while running.

On the run, they are different. The bouncy and soft PWRRUN+ combined with the higher stack makes the Triumph 21 a better choice for long runs, where you need a shoe that's comfortable even after a very long run. But for daily easy runs, I lean towards the Clifton 9. Its softer foam is more comfortable for those runs.  

In the end, they are both very comfortable but serve different purposes.

Winner: Draw

Midsole

There’s no doubt that the Triumph 21 has a superior midsole. It has more stack, more cushioning, more bounce and it’s more disruptive. The Clifton 9 midsole it’s also great and it delivers on the promise, but I feel that Hoka could do better and bring some innovation to the Clifton line.

Triumph 21 seen from the side

Winner: Saucony Triumph 21

Outsole

Both outsoles have a good grip both on dry and wet pavement, but the Triumph 21 outsole did surprise me on wet pavement. I already knew the Triumph 21 outsole formula from another Saucony shoes, so I wasn’t expecting a very good grip on wet pavements, but I found the opposite, a very good grip, perhaps slitty better than the Clifton’s grip. Nevertheless, there’s not enough difference to declare a winner on grip alone.

Now, regarding durability, it’s a different story. With more than 100 km (60 mi) on each shoe, the Clifton 9 has obvious signs of wear, but the Triumph 21 has none! So, I can say for sure that the Triumph 21 outsole durability is much better than the Clifton 9. The Triumph 21 wins this one.

Triumph 21 Outsole

Winner: Saucony Triumph 21

Weight

The Triumph 21 is the lightest cushion shoe, but it’s still heavier than some great daily trainers and it’s heavier than the Clifton 9.

In size 42 EU (9 US), the Triumph 21 weighs 30g (1 oz) more than the Clifton 9. In my size 45 (11 US), the Triumph 21 weighs only 10g (0.4) more so it’s not that much. Still, the Clifton 9 wins this one.

Clifton 9 seen from the side

Winner: Hoka Clifton 9

Fit

The Clifton 8 fit was perfect for me, but I can’t say the same for the Clifton 9 fit. It’s still a great fit, it’s just not perfect. The heel isn’t perfectly locked as I like it to be, but nevertheless, I never had heel slippage.

On the other hand, the Triumph 21 fit is just how I want it to be. My entire foot is locked, and the heel is surrounded by a very comfortable padding that secures it in place. The overall slightly snug fit is also contributing to this perfect lockdown.

There’s no doubt. The Triumph 21 has the better fit.

Triumph 21 fit

Winner: Saucony Triumph 21

Cushioning

Both shoes have excellent cushioning and excellent protection, but it’s different.

Starting with the Clifton 9, it has a softer cushioning, but the foam does not compress as much as the Triumph 21 foam. So, because it’s softer, I prefer it for my easy daily runs, and because it’s not as bouncy as the Triumph 21, it doesn’t make me want to run faster.

The Triumph 21 foam, with its high stack and greater energy return, is perfect for long runs and even for progressive long runs. Because it’s not as soft (but don’t take me wrong, it’s a very soft foam) and has more bounce than the Clifton 9 foam, you don’t feel the foot sinking too much so you won’t feel as tired in the long runs as you would feel with a foam that's much softer and makes you work harder to raise your feet.

So, both foams are great considering different purposes. I will declare it a tie, but do you prefer a shoe for daily runs or long runs?

Winner: Draw

Energy Return

I already gave some hints in the cushioning point, and there’s not much to discuss here. The Triumph 21 foam has more energy return, period. The foam’s energy return makes the Triumph 21 a daily workhorse that you can use for any type of run. But for me, it’s all about the (very) long runs. After 30K (18 mi), the foam keeps bouncing and bouncing.

As for the Clifton 9, its foam also has some energy return that is enough for daily runs. But it doesn’t match the Triumph 21 energy return.

Running in the Triumph 21

Winner: Saucony Triumph 21

Stability

Both are neutral but very stable running shoes. They have a wide landing platform, despite the Clifton being wider, but because it also has a softer foam, we have a great balance between, softness and stability.

The Triumph 21 platform is not as wide, but the foam it’s not as soft so, again, a great balance. I couldn’t find any evidence of this, but I feel something firmer on the medial side that seems to be supporting my foot and this is something very helpful for those who pronate. But again, I couldn’t find any evidence of this on the Saucony website and I haven’t heard other reviewers stating the same.

So, both shoes are stable and you won’t have any issues with here.

Winner: Draw

Versatility

This one was not easy. Both running shoes are very versatile and you can do every run with both.

The Triumph 21 is less versatile for daily easy runs and the Clifton 9 is less versatile for longer runs, so they are pretty equivalent in versatility, but if I had to pick only one for all my runs, I would pick the Triumph 21. I enjoy doing all runs in the Triumph 21, but I don’t enjoy doing very long runs with the Clifton 9.

Triumph 21 seen from the side

Winner: Saucony Triumph 21

Price

Easy. The Clifton 9 is cheaper with a retail price of 155€ versus the Triumph 21 retail price of 190€ ($145 vs. $160).

If you don’t mind not having the latest version, consider the Triumph 20, because the updates in the 21th iteration are minimal.

Clifton 9 seen from the side

Winner: Hoka Clifton 9

Final score

With 3 points more, the Triumph 21 is the battle winner, proving that the extra we pay for a max-cushion shoe can be justified if we need something that only a max-cushion shoe delivers.

Triumph 21 winner photo

The Saucony Triumph 21 is the battle winner!

Keep in mind that these shoe battles are somewhat blind, so not all max-cushion shoes are worth it. In the end, it’s up to you to decide if the extra crash will bring extra benefits that you want.

If you only want a running shoe for easy and daily miles, I don’t see why you need to pay more for the Triumph 21. But if you do long runs, then go for it. Also, if money is not an issue and you can perfectly afford the Triumph 21 for your daily easy runs, then buy it. You won’t regret it.

What do you think about this result? Tell me about it in the comments below.

Also, drop me a line if you have any questions, and don't forget to follow the blog on social media and subscribe to receive a notification when I publish a new blog post.

If you're interested in buying one of these shoes, follow the links below.

Hoka Clifton 9:

Saucony Triumph 21:

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Portuguese-speaking readers, I have this same content in video format here (video below). Visit my YouTube channel.

Pedro C.

Posted by Pedro C.

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