If you’re shopping for a dependable running shoe that balances comfort, mileage and versatility, the Hoka Clifton 9 is worth your attention. From the first step, you can tell something’s changed,yet familiar. The Hoka Clifton 9 brings upgrades and refinements that make it both uplifting and practical. In this review I’ll walk you through what’s improved, where it might fall short, and how it performs in real-world use.
You’ll discover how the Clifton 9 stacks up in terms of cushioning, fit, durability, and overall performance. Whether you’re a casual walker, everyday runner, or someone logging higher mileage, we’ll look at how this shoe holds up. By the end you should have a clearer idea if the Hoka Clifton 9 is the right fit for you (and your feet).
What’s New & Core Features
Updated Midsole & Stack Height
One of the headline changes in the Hoka Clifton 9 is the increased stack height compared with its predecessor. According to some lab tests, the heel stack is around 38-40 mm and the forefoot around 31 mm in the men’s version.
Hoka also revised the foam compound. Although still EVA-based (CMEVA blend in certain markets), the feel is refined.
What this means for you: more cushioning underfoot and a smoother rocker feel that helps roll your stride. If you appreciate a plush ride, this will appeal.
Upper & Fit Refinements
The Clifton 9’s upper features engineered knit mesh with fewer overlays and hot-melt reinforcements—intended to reduce weight and improve comfort.
Fit-wise: many reviewers found it true to size but narrower in the forefoot compared to some competitors.
From personal experience: I found the lockdown excellent around the heel and midfoot, though if you have wide forefeet you might want to try the wide version or size up slightly.
Outsole & Durability
Hoka increased Durabrasion rubber coverage in high-wear areas of the outsole for improved durability.
However, some reviewers still flagged exposed foam in the midsole/outsole interface as a potential durability weakness.
Ride Feel & Intended Use
- The Hoka Clifton 9 is designed as a neutral daily trainer,great for easy runs, longer miles, walking, and general training.
- It isn’t marketed as a high-speed racer or a specialized tempo shoe. Many testers note it lacks the “bounce” or snap of performance-specific models.
- The gentle rocker and high stack enhance comfort and encourage a smooth transition from heel-strike to toe-off.
Pros Why You Might Love It
Here are the highlights of what makes the Clifton 9 a strong option.
- Plush cushioning with light weight: Despite the generous midsole stack, the Clifton 9 remains relatively light for its category.
- Smooth ride: The rocker geometry and cushioning combine for a comfortable stride,especially for longer efforts.
- Versatility: Whether you’re walking, doing easy runs, or logging weekly mileage, it works well. One reviewer noted “even walking in them feels luxurious.
- Improved durability (relatively): Thanks to more rubber coverage and a refined upper, the Clifton 9 holds up reasonably well.
- Wide availability: Standard and wide widths are available, along with a range of color options.
- Neutral yet stable feel: While a neutral trainer, many users feel comfortable because of the wide base and well-contained feel.
Cons What to Be Aware Of
No shoe is perfect; here are the trade-offs for the Clifton 9.
- Fit may feel snug in forefoot: If you have wide forefeet or prefer a roomy toe box, the standard width on the Clifton 9 may feel a bit narrow. One Reddit user noted needing a wider size for comfort.
- Less responsiveness for faster runs: If you’re seeking a snappy, race-day shoe with aggressive bounce, this might not be your best pick. Reviewers found it “fine for easy miles” but lacking in uptempo speed feel.
- Durability of exposed foam areas: Though rubber coverage was improved, some testers flagged the exposed foam as susceptible to wear,especially after 150+ miles.
- Price increases: The Clifton 9 retails higher than earlier versions despite minimal radical changes. Some reviewers suggest value is less compelling than previous models.
- Ground feel is less: The high stack and plush ride mean you lose some connection to the road surface,some runners prefer more feedback, especially for tempo or interval workouts.
Fit, Sizing & Comfort Notes
- True to size: Most users find the Clifton 9 true to their normal running size.
- Width matters: If your forefoot is broad, consider the wide (2E) version or potentially up-half size. One runner on Reddit noted: “They feel so nice underfoot… very little room in the forefoot for splay.”
- Break-in time: Not much required; many users find them comfortable out of the box. Some minor bedding-in period (~20 miles) may apply due to the curved midsole edge.
- Feel on foot: The upper offers good heel lockdown and midfoot hold. The toe box is comfortable though some may find it narrower than they’d like.
- Walking performance: Many reviewers highlight that the Clifton 9 works great for walking or stand-all-day tasks thanks to the cushioning and smooth ride.
How to Use the Clifton 9: Best Scenarios
Here are scenarios where the Hoka Clifton 9 shines, and where you might want a different shoe.
Ideal Use Cases
- Daily training and mileage accumulation: If you’re logging 30-60+ miles/week, want a reliable trainer that smooths out your easy/long runs, this shoe is a strong option.
- Recovery runs / easy days: After a hard session, the plush ride makes it feel forgiving.
- Walkers / mixed activity: Because of the cushioning and comfort, it’s great for people who alternate running with walking or who spend a lot of time on their feet.
- Neutral runners: If you don’t over-pronate severely, the Clifton 9 offers enough support. If you need stability features (for significant over-pronation), you may look elsewhere.
When You Might Choose Another Shoe
- Tempo/Interval/Speed workouts: If you spend a lot of time at faster paces and need snappy responsiveness, consider a lighter, more performance-oriented model.
- Very wide feet or bunions in forefoot: If you need ample width and toe box room, try the wide version or compare other brands that specialize in broad fits.
- Durability for very long-term use: If you expect ultra-long runs (100+ miles) or rugged terrain, durability may become a limiting factor; you might rotate shoes.
- Max-cushion category: If you want the ultimate thick cushioning (e.g., “max-cushion” shoes), there are other options that go even softer and higher stack.
Comparison Highlights: Clifton 9 vs Alternatives
- Clifton 9 vs Clifton 8: The Clifton 9 has a bit more stack height (+3 mm) and a slightly lighter weight, plus upper refinements. But the ride feel is very similar overall. Some reviewers argue value wise the Clifton 8 still holds up well.
- Clifton 9 vs Clifton 10: According to comparison reviews, the Clifton 10 adds more cushioning and roomier forefoot, but comes with a weight increase. If you’re buying now, the Clifton 9 may deliver most of the performance at a lower cost.
- Clifton 9 vs other brands: Some shoes like the ASICS Novablast 4 or Saucony Triumph models offer more energetic foams or different ride characters. So if you prioritise responsiveness over plushness, you may look beyond the Clifton 9.
Mileage, Durability & Practical Tips
- Reported lifespan: Many reviewers expect around 400 miles (≈ 640 km) for the Clifton 9 under road use.
- Grip and outsole: The Durabrasion rubber provides decent traction, but some users found less grip compared to more rugged models—especially when the foam is exposed.
- Rotation tip: If you have a rotation of two shoes, consider using the Clifton 9 for your easy and long runs, and reserve a more nimble shoe for faster sessions. That helps preserve the foam life.
- Breaking in: While minimal break-in is required, I found doing one moderate run (~5-8 km) before a longer session lets the shoe settle and feel more natural.
- Sock and lacing: Because the fit is a bit snug in forefoot, choosing a thinner running sock or loosening the top lace hole for more toe-box comfort can help.
- Terrain caution: The Clifton 9 is best on roads, paths or tracks. It isn’t built for heavy trail running or technical terrain; for trails you might pick a different model.
My Personal Take
I got a chance to run in the Clifton 9 over a variety of distances,from easy 5 km jogs to 20 km runs. What I found: the ride is reliably comfortable. On long runs it felt like my legs were a bit fresher at the end compared with a less-cushioned trainer. The rocker geometry makes transitions feel smooth and the upper holds nicely without fuss.
However, I did notice that when I tried a faster tempo segment, the Clifton 9 didn’t have quite the snap of more race-oriented shoes. It felt fine, but not sure I’d pick it for a race if I were going all out. Also, for my broader forefoot, I wished for a touch more room ahead of the toes.
In summary: If I were buying one shoe for easy/long runs and general use, the Clifton 9 would be high on my list. If I were chasing personal bests in a race or had very wide feet, I might complement it with another model.
Conclusion
So does the Hoka Clifton 9 deliver? Yes,it delivers a lot of what you want in a high-quality neutral daily trainer: generous cushioning, a smooth ride, good comfort, and versatility. The refinements over past versions are meaningful but not revolutionary. If your priority is easy-to–medium pace miles, long runs, walking or just all-day comfort, it’s an outstanding choice.
On the flip side, if you push for faster workouts, need ultra-snappy responsiveness, or have very wide feet needing maximum toe-box room, you should check fit carefully or look at complementary options. But for many runners (or walkers) the Clifton 9 hits a sweet spot.
I’d love to hear: after reading this, do you think the Clifton 9 is a good fit for your running goals? And if you pick it up, share your experience,how many miles did you get before it felt “worn out”?
FAQs
Q1: Is the Hoka Clifton 9 good for walking or standing all day?
Yes,many reviewers say its plush cushioning and smooth ride make it ideal for walking, errands, or jobs where you’re on your feet.
Q2: Can I use the Clifton 9 for a marathon or long-distance race?
Yes, you can. It works well for long runs, but if you’re aiming for a personal best race pace you might want a shoe with more responsiveness. Reviewers say the Clifton 9 is stronger on easy and long runs than on very fast intervals.
Q3: How does the fit compare to the Clifton 8?
Fit is mostly similar, but the Clifton 9 is slightly roomier in some upper areas thanks to mesh refinements. That said, the forefoot width remains a bit narrow for some compared to competitors.
Q4: What is the drop (heel-to-toe differential) on the Clifton 9?
The drop is about 5 mm, similar to the previous version.
Q5: How durable is the shoe? How many miles can I expect?
Expect around 400 miles (≈ 640 km) for road use under normal conditions, according to lab testing and user reports. Durability is good but not exceptional—exposed foam may compress over time.
Q6: Is the Clifton 9 suitable for wide feet?
There is a wide version available, but the standard fit may feel snug in the forefoot for very wide feet. If you fall into that category, trying the wide version or sizing up may help.
Q7: Is this shoe good for speed work or tempo runs?
It can be used for tempo runs, but it is not optimized for high-speed or interval work. If speed is a big focus, consider pairing the Clifton 9 with a more performance-oriented shoe for those sessions.
Q8: What’s the best way to decide between Clifton 9 and Clifton 10?
If budget is a factor and you’re happy with what the Clifton 9 offers, you’ll likely not miss much by choosing it. The Clifton 10 adds more cushioning and forefoot room, but also increases weight. Compare by trying both if possible.
