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When it comes to finding the best running shoes, your gait and your foot’s anatomical structure are two important factors that determine which type of shoe you need. Unless your feet and ankles roll excessively inward (meaning you overpronate) or outward (meaning you underpronate), a neutral shoe will likely work well for you.
The Clifton 9, a daily trainer from HOKA (formerly HOKA One One), is one of the most popular neutral running shoes. Runners, people who are on their feet all day, and even podiatrists love its cushioning and support. But is it worth the hype? In this HOKA Clifton 9 review, we’ll help you decide whether or not you should pick up this shoe to train for your next race.
We’ve Tested More Than 20 Running Shoes
The GGR staff includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and Olympic-level athletes. Many of us incorporate running workouts into our training programs, whether we’re preparing for a half-marathon or just enjoy the feeling of our feet hitting the pavement.
Our product testers have tried over 20 running shoes and accumulated dozens of miles in them. Using our fitness equipment testing methodology, we score them on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories such as:
- Appearance and design
- Construction and durability
- Stability and performance
- Adjustments and comfort
- Price and value
- Customer experience
- Ordering process
- Customer reviews
HOKA Clifton 9
Hoka Clifton 9
Product Highlights
- Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and everyday running
- 4 grams lighter than the Clifton 8
- Increased stack height 3 mm
- Made with vegan and recycled materials
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in both regular and wide
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
- Available with GORE-TEX for weather resistance in GTX and GTX TS models
- Love it or return it: 30-day guarantee
- Generally positive reviews
Cons
- Less colorways available in women’s sizes
- Limited colorways in wide
- Some longtime Clifton users dislike the updates
Bottom Line
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the newest model of Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and running. This model is 4 grams lighter and has added 3 millimeters of stack height. The shoe is vegan and utilizes a variety of recycled materials. Most of the reviews were positive and found the shoe comfortable, however, some longtime Clifton users disliked the changes and preferred previous models.
A Quick Look at the HOKA Clifton 9
One of HOKA’s latest shoe iterations, the Clifton 9 is designed for runners with a neutral gait. It boasts a bouncy, compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam midsole and an early-stage meta rocker. Together, these features provide excellent responsiveness as you transition from heel to toe. The Clifton 9 also has a breathable, engineered mesh upper and a durabrasion rubber outsole for traction in any type of road condition.
RELATED: Treadmill vs Outdoor Running
The stack height (the amount of material between your foot and the ground) is 29/24 millimeters in the women’s shoes and 32/27 millimeters in the men’s. The 5-millimeter heel-to-toe-drop is lower than many other road running shoes. The men’s shoe weighs 8.7 ounces and the women’s shoe weighs 7.3 ounces, which is impressively lightweight for the amount of cushioning it has.
The Clifton 9 improves upon the previous model, the Clifton 8, in several ways. For one, there are 3 more millimeters of stack height, resulting in a more cushioned ride. The Clifton 9 also has a roomier midfoot, though the toebox is narrow. While it’s available in wide widths, some runners with wide feet still struggle with the fit.
Before You Buy
- The HOKA Clifton 9 is a neutral shoe, meaning it’s ideal for runners with normal arches whose feet and ankles don’t roll excessively inward or outward.
- These shoes are best for recovery runs or other runs at easy paces. They’re also great for walking or standing on your feet all day.
- As this is strictly a running shoe, it’s not the best choice for weightlifting. It won’t provide the stability you need for heavy lifting.
Is the HOKA Clifton 9 Worth It?
The HOKA Clifton 9 costs about $145. The price may be steep, but it’s in line with the cost of running shoes from other brands like Brooks, New Balance, and Saucony. Plus, in my experience, cheap running shoes don’t last as long or offer an adequate amount of cushioning and support when you’re racking up the miles. Spending more on the best shoes for long-distance running can help ensure your feet and joints remain pain-free.
That said, because everyone’s feet are different, not every shoe will work for every runner. If possible, I recommend visiting a running store for a gait analysis to help you choose the right running shoe for you. Then you can determine whether or not the HOKA Clifton 9 will suit your needs.
Great for:
- Runners who have a neutral gait
- Folks looking for a daily trainer for easy runs and building mileage
- People wanting a shoe they can also wear for walks or standing all day
Not recommended for:
- Trail running
- Severe overpronators or underpronators
- Athletes looking for the best cross-training shoe
HOKA Clifton 9 Specs
| Price | $145 |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | Men’s – 8.7 oz; Women’s – 7.3 oz |
| Stack height | Men’s – 32/27 mm; Women’s – 29/24 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm |
| Upper | Breathable, engineered knit |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) |
| Outsole | Durabrasion rubber outsole |
| Size range | Men’s sizes 7-16; Women’s sizes 5-12 |
| Available colors | Men’s – 27; Women’s – 23 |
Wearing the HOKA Clifton 9
For our HOKA Clifton 9 review, we tasked Erin Chancer, NASM-CNC, ISSA-CPT, a senior editor at GGR, with testing these well-loved road running shoes. She wore them for several workouts over a couple of weeks, paying close attention to how supported her feet felt, how comfortable the shoes were, and how versatile they were for various activities.
Overall, Erin enjoyed wearing the HOKA Clifton 9 and felt like they helped with her running form. She was even happy to report that she didn’t get any blisters when wearing them—though finding a good pair of running socks can also help with that.
Appearance and Design
Erin gave the HOKA Clifton 9 a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for their design. They do look bulky, especially if you’re on the shorter side. “I’m petite, and they look like they’re wearing me!” Erin quipped.
Still, she liked that she had 23 colorways to choose from. She opted for the Black/Rose Gold colorway for a more classic look, but the shoes also come in flashier colors for those who like to add extra flare to their workout apparel. For instance, the women’s sizes come in bright colors like Lettuce/Solar Flare or Amber Haze/Sherbert.
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Construction and Durability
According to Erin, the HOKA Clifton 9 looks and feels like a high-quality shoe. “These are my first pair of HOKAs, and after testing them, I can see why they’re so popular,” she said.
It has a breathable, engineered knit upper and features the brand’s signature durabrasion rubber outsole for durability. However, some customers have noted that the outsoles start losing traction and the foam midsoles start feeling flat after about 100 miles. Erin hasn’t had the shoes long enough to accumulate that amount of mileage, but we’ll report back once she’s tested them for several more months to see how they hold up.
HOKA also added reflective details along the heel for added visibility when running in the dark. In an effort to promote sustainability, the company used 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester in the laces. The EVA foam feels responsive and springy underfoot.
That said, Erin offered a word of caution about wearing these shoes: “Be prepared for some loud squishing noises!”
Ultimately, she rated the HOKA Clifton 9 a 4.6 out of 5 for construction and durability.
RELATED: Anatomy of a Running Shoe
Stability and Performance
For stability and performance, Erin scored the HOKA Clifton 9 a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I have very narrow feet and thought I would be swimming in them, but they kind of molded to my feet,” she noted.
“I feel like I sometimes struggle with my running form, but the structure of the HOKA Clifton 9 is a game-changer. It really does feel like it helped me maintain good form,” she added.
However, while Erin said her feet felt supported in the HOKA Clifton 9, it’s important to note that this isn’t a true stability running shoe. If you’re an overpronator—meaning your feet and ankles roll inward as you land—you may need a shoe that offers more motion control. The Nike Air Zoom Structure or Brooks Adrenaline GTS may be a good choice.
Adjustments and Comfort
The HOKA Clifton 9 is available in regular and wide widths and comes in half sizes, so you should be able to find an ideal fit. Erin noted that the laces were easy to tighten or loosen as needed and rated the shoes 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category.
“I’ve taken my hyperactive Goldendoodle for several walks in these, and I haven’t gotten any blisters or hotspots,” she added.
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Price and Value
At around $145, the HOKA Clifton 9 is priced competitively. It costs about the same as other neutral road running shoes, like the ASICS Novablast 4, Nike Pegasus 41, and New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14.
Erin rated the price and value 4 out of 5 stars since the shoe is well-made and many runners seem to love it. However, we’ve seen some customer complaints about the outsole losing traction and the EVA foam breaking down after about 100 miles. How long running shoes last varies, but 300 to 500 miles is the general rule of thumb. The HOKA Clifton 9 may not make it anywhere near that mark. Whether you think the price is worth it depends on how comfortable you are with possibly replacing the shoes after a short time.
HOKA Clifton 9 vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26
Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26
Product Highlights
- Maximum cushioning through the midsole
- Additional shock-absorbing heel support
- Plenty of traction from the rubber outsole
- Available in wide and extra wide size options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Maximum cushioning and heel support
- Specifically designed for shock-absorption
- 18 colorways
- Available in wide and extra wide sizes
Cons
- Expensive
- Foam compresses on long runs
Bottom Line
The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 is designed for maximum comfort, with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam cushioning in the midsole, and additional heel support for shock absorptions. These running shoes are great for shorter runs or recovery runs.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is another neutral road running shoe. Its PureGEL™ technology and FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam allow for softer landings and smoother transitions. The outsole is a hybrid of ASICS®GRIP™ and AHAR®PLUS™ rubber, designed to provide a good grip in various weather conditions.
Both shoes feature an engineered knit upper for comfort and breathability and have reflective details for safety when running in the dark. The HOKA Clifton 9 has a 5-millimeter heel drop compared to the GEL-Nimbus 26’s 8-millimeter heel drop. It’s nearly 2 ounces lighter and available in more colors, but has more limited sizing. However, it’s also cheaper.
Ultimately, if you want a lighter shoe with a lower heel-to-toe drop, go for the HOKA Clifton 9. If weight doesn’t matter to you as much and you have some extra cash, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is a fine choice.
| HOKA Clifton 9 | ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 | |
| Price | $145 | $160 |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Weight | Men’s – 8.7 oz; Women’s – 7.3 oz | Men’s – 10.8 oz; Women’s – 9.2 oz |
| Stack height | Men’s – 32/27 mm; Women’s – 29/24 mm | Men’s – 42/34 mm; Women’s – 41/33 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 8 mm |
| Upper | Breathable, engineered knit | Engineered knit |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) | FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam and PureGEL™ technology |
| Outsole | Durabrasion rubber outsole | ASICS®GRIP™, AHAR®PLUS™ |
| Size range | Men’s sizes 7-16; Women’s sizes 5-12 | Men’s sizes 6-16; Women’s sizes 5-13 |
| Available colors | Men’s – 27; Women’s – 23 | Men’s – 18; Women’s – 19 |
Customer Experience
Erin rated the customer experience a 4 out of 5. HOKA’s FLY for 30 Guarantee allows you to try shoes and apparel for 30 days. If you’re unsatisfied, you can return the product for a full refund or exchange. The guarantee is a bit misleading, though. You must return the product within 30 days of the original purchase date. If it takes a week for your item to arrive, you really only have three weeks to test it.
However, HOKA members get up to 60 days to try new products. Becoming a member is free, so we recommend signing up to take advantage of the longer trial period.
HOKA also offers a 1-year warranty against material defects, workmanship defects, and damage caused before the item was purchased.
Ordering the HOKA Clifton 9
You can buy the HOKA Clifton 9 on HOKA’s website, Amazon, or Zappos. You’ll also find them in specialty running stores like Road Runner Sports and Fleet Feet. If you buy the shoes directly from HOKA and are a HOKA member, you’ll get free shipping. Otherwise, you’ll pay $8 for standard shipping.
Erin had no issues ordering the HOKA Clifton 9 on the company’s website and gave the ordering process a perfect 5 out of 5.
Customer Reviews
On the HOKA website, the Clifton 9 has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2,595 reviews. Most customers find the shoes comfortable. Satisfied buyers also appreciate the shoes’ lightweight construction and the wide range of colorways available. However, some unhappy customers report durability issues and have experienced calf or foot pain when wearing the shoes for walks.
The HOKA Clifton 9 running shoe also has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Running Warehouse’s website. There, most reviewers say the shoes are cushiony while still being supportive. However, reviews are mixed on sizing. Some buyers say the shoes fit true to size, while others recommend ordering a half size up.
Final Verdict of Our HOKA Clifton 9 Review
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a cushioned road running shoe that feels bouncy and responsive with each step. Our tester was pleased with their performance, but some customers have reported durability issues. They’re ideal for runners with a neutral gait, so if you under or overpronate, you may need a different type of shoe.
Before you decide to pick up the HOKA Clifton 9, here are a few more things to remember:
- You don’t have to be a runner to wear the HOKA Clifton 9. It’s also a good shoe for people who walk lots of miles or have jobs that require a lot of standing.
- With over 20 colorways available, the HOKA Clifton 9 fits a wide range of personal styles.
- If you’re an overpronator or need a shoe for cross-training purposes, you’ll want to consider a shoe that better suits your needs.
Full Rating
HOKA Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the newest model of Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and running. This model is 4 grams lighter and has added 3 millimeters of stack height. The shoe is vegan and utilizes a variety of recycled materials. Most of the reviews were positive and found the shoe comfortable, however, some longtime Clifton users disliked the changes and preferred previous models.
Product Brand: HOKA
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 145
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.43
HOKA Clifton 9: FAQs
What are HOKA Clifton 9s best for?
The HOKA Clifton 9s are designed for runners with neutral pronation. These road running shoes are best suited for daily runs at easy paces. They also work well for people who do a lot of walking or stand on their feet all day.
How many miles is the HOKA Clifton 9 good for?
Running shoes typically last for about 300 to 500 miles. Some customers have reported that the cushioning on the HOKA Clifton 9 starts to wear down and the outsole begins losing traction after about 100 miles. How long your shoes will last will depend on how often you run, the duration of your runs, what kind of surface you run on, and your body weight.
Do podiatrists recommend HOKAs?
Many podiatrists recommend HOKA shoes because the shoes offer an ideal combination of cushioning, support, and stability. Models like the Clifton 9, Bondi 8, and Gaviota 5 have even earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. The certification is awarded to shoes that promote foot health.
Is the HOKA Clifton 9 a rocker shoe?
Yes, the HOKA Clifton 9 is a rocker shoe. It has an early-stage meta rocker, meaning the rocker starts near the midsole and allows for fast, smooth transitions from the heel to the forefoot.
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