Saucony Zealot vs Hoka Clifton

The Clifton and the Huaca. I don’t think the model really matters, the “rocker” motion they induce and the incredibly inflexible sole are non-starters for me. The flexible sole is a biggie for me, I tried the New Balance fresh foam 980s after both the male and female winners at Kona wore them, even those were just ever slightly too stiff. I don’t want the sole to fight me, my foot is going to land how it is going to land regardless of the shoe I wear, it either moves with me like a tire or it doesn’t. The Saucony Kinvara, Newton Distance S III, Saucony Perregrine, and the Newton Sir Isaac are examples of shoes that give the type of compliance I am talking about. If I am using the wrong words, I apologize, I am not a shoe reviewer.

To the OP, I am about the same weight as you and I had the same idea that I needed to get a more built up shoe (hence trying the Hoka) but that endeavor was basically fruitless.