Hoka Clifton 9

Review Score
82%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Hoka Clifton 9: Review

“A cushioned, breathable running shoe for daily road running.”

Overview


The Hoka Clifton 9 is the latest evolution of the well-regarded Clifton series, offering a lighter and more cushioned experience than its predecessors. Despite a slight increase in stack height, efforts have been made to reduce weight, resulting in a revitalized underfoot feel. This shoe features a responsive new foam and an improved outsole design for a better overall running experience. The upper has been simplified by removing overlays and hotmelts, with attention given to comfort through a plusher heel, a reflective heel panel for visibility, and a streamlined tongue with a single side medial gusset.

In terms of performance, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a narrow-fitting maximalist daily trainer designed with a Meta-Rocker midsole to enhance energy-saving transitions. Its highly cushioned ride leans towards the softer side, making it best suited for slow and easy-paced runs. Notably, the Clifton 9 incorporates 3 mm more midsole foam than its predecessors, contributing to an even more cushioned feel. The reformulated CMEVA midsole material further enhances the shoe's soft and comfortable ride. If you're seeking a plush and cushioned daily trainer for your runs, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a noteworthy option.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 82%. This puts it rated just above the median rating of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Clifton 9


The Hoka Clifton 9 is a reliable daily trainer that offers a high level of cushioning and a comfortable fit. It's ideal for daily running and performs well on road terrain. The shoe's breathability and orthotic-friendly design make it a great choice for long-distance runs. However, the shoe's narrow fit may not be suitable for all runners. Overall, the Hoka Clifton 9 offers good value for its price, providing a comfortable and stable ride for daily runners.

Updates to Hoka Clifton 9


The Clifton 9 has several updates from its predecessor, the Hoka Clifton 8. It features a more cushioned midsole, a softer ride, and a narrower fit. The shoe also has a new knit upper for improved breathability.

Comparable Shoes


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Compared to the HokaClifton 8, the Clifton 9 offers a more cushioned ride and a softer feel. However, it has a narrower fit, which may not suit all runners.

6 Hoka Clifton 9 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

High level of cushioning
Breathable knit upper
Good for daily running

3 Cons

Narrow fit may not suit all runners
Not the best choice for trail running
Higher price point compared to other daily trainers

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Hoka Clifton 9 is made from a knit material that offers excellent breathability. It has a narrow to medium toe box, which may not suit runners with wider feet. The upper is also orthotic-friendly, allowing for the insertion of custom orthotics if needed.

Midsole

The midsole of the Clifton 9 features Hoka's PROFLY+ technology, providing a soft and cushioned ride. The shoe's Meta-Rocker geometry aids in smoother transitions, making it ideal for daily running.

Outsole

The outsole of the Clifton 9 provides decent grip on road surfaces. It's not the most aggressive outsole, but it performs well for its intended use of road running.

Size/fit

The Clifton 9 runs true to size, but has a narrower fit compared to some other running shoes. Runners with wider feet may want to consider trying the shoe on before purchasing.

Comfort

With its high level of cushioning and breathable upper, the Clifton 9 scores high on comfort.

Who should buy the Hoka Clifton 9?


The Hoka Clifton 9 is a great choice for runners who prefer a highly cushioned shoe for daily running. It's also a good option for those who run primarily on road surfaces. If you have a neutral gait and prefer a shoe with a medium to narrow fit, the Clifton 9 could be a good fit for you.

Who should not buy the Hoka Clifton 9?


Runners with wider feet may find the Clifton 9 too narrow. If you prefer a shoe with a lot of ground feel, the high stack height of the Clifton 9 may not suit you. It's also not the best choice for trail running due to its outsole design.

Hoka Clifton 9: What's it good for?


The Hoka Clifton 9 is good for daily running and long-distance runs on road surfaces. Its high level of cushioning provides comfort over long distances, and its breathable upper keeps your feet cool during your run.

3 Hoka Clifton 9 FAQs


Is the Hoka Clifton 9 good for long-distance running?

Yes, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a good choice for long-distance running. Its high level of cushioning provides comfort over long distances, and its breathable upper keeps your feet cool during your run.

Does the Hoka Clifton 9 fit true to size?

Yes, the Hoka Clifton 9 fits true to size. However, it has a narrower fit compared to some other running shoes, so runners with wider feet may want to try the shoe on before purchasing.

What is the main update in the Hoka Clifton 9 compared to the Clifton 8?

The main update in the Hoka Clifton 9 compared to the Clifton 8 is the more cushioned midsole. The Clifton 9 also offers a softer ride and has a new knit upper for improved breathability.

Hoka Clifton 9 alternatives

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Weight
Weight
M: 249 g
W: 207 g
M: 309 g
W: 252 g
315 g
M: 238 g
W: 204 g
249 g
292 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 27 mm
W: 24 mm
30 mm
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm
30 mm
31 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
8 mm
9 mm
4 mm
5 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 32 mm
W: 29 mm
39 mm
M: 32 mm
W: 30 mm
35 mm
37 mm
Brand
Brand
Hoka
OnNikeAltraHokaOn
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLightweight
ComfortableComfortableLightweightLow dropComfortableMaximalistMaximalist
Rocker
Rocker
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Hoka PROFLY+PROFLY+
On CloudTecOn HelionNike React
On Helion
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
SustainableSustainable
Sustainable
0

Hoka Clifton 9: what the experts say (7 reviews)

Hoka Clifton 9: 26 Expert video reviews

Hoka Clifton 9: 5 Manufacturer videos

Hoka Clifton 9 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainRoad (+1361)
UsagesDaily running (+1131)
BrandHoka (+107)
Support TypeNeutral (+1602)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1113)
Shoe TypeComfortable (+238)Lightweight (+409)
FitMedium toe box (+853)
FeaturesOrthotic friendly (+453)Removable insole (+436)Rocker (+177)
MaterialsKnit (+211)
TechsHoka PROFLY+PROFLY+
ColorwaysAiry Blue / Ice Water, Amber Haze / Sherbet, Bellwether Blue / Ceramic, Bellwether Blue / Dazzling Blue, Bellwether Blue / Evening Sky, Black / All Aboard, Black / Black, Black / Copper, Black / Grey, Black / White
Specificationsvs Average
Model
9
Released
Feb 2023
Measurements
Weight
M: 249 g
W: 207 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
M: 32 mm
W: 29 mm
Forefoot
M: 27 mm
W: 24 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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