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Hoka Clifton 9 Review
The Hoka Clifton 8, the last version, went viral on TikTok. It has over 8 million total video views. Hoka Clifton 9 is better than Hoka Clifton 8. Videos with the Hoka hashtag now reach more than 335 million views, so now I wanted to check what is special about this brand and to see if these shoes are the “best” sneakers.
The Hoka Clifton 9’s more responsive cushioning, lower weight, Meta-Rocker technology, & neutral support provide a smooth ride perfect for everyday training or active recovery days. It is designed for avid walkers, joggers, or heavy runners seeking a comfortable & stylish running shoe. I have been running in Hoka Clifton 9 for the last few weeks, & the result is-I have been converted to Hoka Clifton 9.
If you are seeking a stylish and comfortable running shoe, read the ‘Hoka Clifton 9 review’ and get a new one for you.
For those prioritizing comfort and an effortless walk or run, the Hoka Clifton 9 is very comfortable, durable, and completely void of the lethargic feeling thanks to its immense lightweight. Major drawbacks have to include narrowing down its width, which may be a problem for someone whose leg’s width is less. The high price is also mentionable, but that’s a common Hoka problem that quite a few customers complain about.
HOKA Clifton 9 vs Clifton 8
There were not many changes to Hoka Clifton 9. The main updates to the Clifton 9 are the slightly lighter weight (0.1 ounces for the men’s model & 0.3 ounces for the women’s), the improved outsole design, an additional 3 mm in stack height, & additional padding in the heel collar.
Some reviewers thought that the cushioning in the Clifton 9 was more energetic than previous versions.
The Clifton 9 offers the same gentle rocker shape and smooth cushioning as the previous version, with a few tweaks to improve comfort & fit.
| Features | Hoka Clifton 8 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
| Cushioning Type | Balanced | Balanced/Plush |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Upper | Mesh | Engineered Knit |
| Midsole | Hoka One One CMEVA | Hoka One One CMEVA |
| Heel Height | 29mm | 32mm |
| Forefoot Height | 24mm | 27mm |
| Offset/Drop | 5mm | 5mm |
| Weight (Men) | 250g / 8.8oz | 248g / 8.7oz |
| Weight (Women) | 224g / 7.9oz | 205g / 7.3oz |
| Width (Men) | D (standard), 2E (wide) | D (standard), 2E (wide) |
| Width (Women) | B (standard), D (wide) | B (standard), D (wide) |
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Detailed Review: Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton is an everyday running shoe. Now in its 9th iteration, it is lighter than Clifton 8, Clifton lovers will love this. If you are new to the world of jogging and want a comfortable running shoe for your next marathon training or that will help you in your first 5k, this one you can consider. The main difference between the Clifton 9 and other mid-range shoes is that it is softer, plusher, and more protective than its competitors.
Hoka Clifton 9 Shoe Specification:
- Available for both genders ( Male and Female)
- Men’s weight: 8.7oz; Women’s weight: 7.3oz
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4 to 5 mm.
- Cushioning types- are balanced and Plush.
- 2 types of width available (Regular and Wide)
Meta-Rocker Technology will give you an effortless transition
Rocker shaped design of the midsole provides a natural rolling motion from heel to toe. Hoka uses a curved sole that prevents the foot from landing flat & hard while offering extra propulsion in the stride. The Meta-Rocker adds versatility to the Hoka shoe, as they are responsive to work as regular training shoes. They decrease & redistribute the pressure on the soles of the feet when they land. It makes them good options for runners suffering from injuries like plantar fasciitis.
My running efficiency has significantly improved, & I can maintain a more consistent pace after using Hoka Clifton 9. If you are a professional runner or beginner, the meta-rocker technology of Clifton 9 will glide you along the road effortlessly. You can run with more agility & speed with Early-Stage Meta-Rocker technology.
Cushioning & Landing Comfort
This is the criterion where the Clifton 9 shines brightest. It is a great daily running shoe, but it earns the highest marks for its bouncy landing comfort. This shoe is prominently higher than your standard road shoe. Sliding your feet into the higher-than-ever Clifton feels a bit disorienting at first. But after a few quick spins around the block, our testers grew familiar with the height, which set the stage for long, pavement-laden testing runs.
The EVA foam midsole is thick as well as bouncy, whereas the Durabrasion rubber outsole offers an extra, grippy layer between your feet & the road. The construction of the insole generates a cradle-like sensation for your feet. It prevents feet from sliding about within the shoe’s body. The forefoot of the Clifton is somewhat flexible, which helps your feet and toes work with your gait.
During a run or walk, I cannot handle sweaty & uncomfortable feet. The open-engine mesh upper of Clinton 9 solves this problem. The breathability of the material is excellent. It allows air to circulate & keeps my feet cool while running. The mesh also maintains the shape of my feet, offering a comfortable feel that decreases any friction or blisters.
Durability: I want my sneakers to last longer
One of the significant upgrades in the Clifton 9 is the incorporation of a dermabrasion rubber outsole. This new feature aims to protect the sole from abrasions on the road, solving durability issues that were noted in the Clifton 8.
During a close 600-mile journey across Spain, the outsole’s durability was put to the test, and the shoes showed minimal wear. This improvement speaks to the Clifton 9’s ability to withstand the severities of long-distance walking or running, as highlighted in the 16 most comfortable shoes from 2024.
Stability-Clifton 9 kept my ankles stabler
The Clifton is advertised as a neutral daily trainer, and we feel that several features make it feel closer to a stable neutral trainer. The wider base and sidewalls keep your foot centered in the shoe. It has a midsole rim that cups your foot & guides it through the gait cycle.
The rocker is gentle enough to be non-invasive, but it keeps the feet rolling forward well. The firmer foam gives a secure and planted feeling to each stride. This neutral trainer is fine for even mild overpronators owing to its high stability level.
This is a higher stack shoe, meaning it is not the best on uneven terrain. But because of the wide base and firmer ride, it outperforms other equally cushioned trainers in this area. We think runners who seek a bit of support & a planted ride in a cushioned package will like the Clifton 9.
I used a variety of Hoka sneakers; among them, the Hoka Clifton 9 is outstanding, it protects my knees & enhances my runs. The midsole is made with HOKA’s CMEVA foam, which gives maximum comfort. Now I am more comfortable than ever before. I felt safe and secure through snow, rain, and sweat. With its high arches, the shoe provides exact support, it is neither too flat nor too bouncy.
Running sneakers with a stable platform & low heel-to-drop are very important for beginner runners as they can help promote running, and for this, the Cfton 9 is the best shoe for beginners. I felt less fatigue after my workout, & my recovery time is better than before. I felt like I was running on cloud no. 9. It treats your feet like royalty.
Breathability
The inner materials used in the Clifton 9 shoes ensure it do not get too warm and humid in the fingers and toes. Thus, due to this small detail, comfort is elevated immensely.
Apart from these, we may also mention the improvisation Hoka did by adding 2 width options for individuals with slightly bigger leg widths. This surely solved the width issue in Hoka shoes for quite a few of us.
Comfort Is The Only Criterion That I Look in My Shoes
During a run or walk, I cannot handle sweaty and uncomfortable feet. Clinton 9’s open-engine mesh upper solves this issue. The breathability of the material is outstanding. It allows air to circulate and keeps my feet cool while running. The mesh also keeps the shape of my feet, offering a comfortable feel that reduces any friction or blisters.
The shoe is for sure, a very pleasurable experience for runners, particularly those who prefer a casual daily run. The shoe is super comfortable, which is almost a natural experience for the user.
Durability- I want my sneakers to last longer
One of the significant upgrades in the Clifton 9 is the incorporation of a durabrasion rubber outsole. The objective of this new feature is to protect the sole from abrasions on the road, solving durability issues that were noted in the Clifton 8.
During a close 600-mile journey across Spain, the outsole’s durability was put to the test, the shoes showed minimal wear. This improvement speaks about the Clifton 9’s ability to withstand the severities of long-distance walking or running, as highlighted in the 16 Most Comfortable Shoes for Men 2024 article.
The high abrasion rubber zones in the outsole deliver robust protection. The Hoka Clifton 9 is a durable & long-lasting friend in your running journey
Stability: Clifton 9 kept my ankles stable and my knees healthy
The Clifton is advertised as a neutral daily trainer, we feel that several features make it feel closer to a stable neutral trainer. The wider base and sidewalls keep your foot centered in the shoe. It has a midsole rim that cups your foot & guides it through the gait cycle.
The rocker is gentle enough to be non-invasive however keeps the feet rolling forward well. The firmer foam gives a secure and planted feeling to each stride. This neutral trainer is fine for even mild overpronators owing to its high stability level.
This is a higher stack shoe, meaning it is not the best on uneven terrain. But because of the wide base and firmer ride, it outperforms other equally cushioned trainers in this area. We think runners who seek a bit of support & a planted ride in a cushioned package will like the Clifton 9.
I used a variety of Hoka Sneakers, among them Hoka Clifton 9 is outstanding, they protect my knees & enhance my runs. The midsole is made with HOKA’s CMEVA foam & it gives maximum comfort & now I am more comfortable than ever before. I felt safe and secure through snow, rain, and sweat. With High arches the shoe provides exact support, they are not too flat nor too bouncy.
Running sneakers with a stable platform & low heel-to-drop are very important for beginner runners as they can help to promote running, and for this, Cfton 9 is the best shoe for beginners. I felt less fatigue after my workout & my recovery time is better than before. I felt like I was running on cloud no. 9. It treats your feet like royalty.
Long Distance Issue
Hoka Clifton 9 is only preferred for casual daily running. It is not imperative to use it for longer purposes such as marathon-type long runs.
Area of Improvement
For speed workouts, Clifton 9 is not a good option. The extra cushion decreases pounding which makes it a good choice for recovery activities. Yet it will not offer the springiness that training shoes with less cushion do.
My experience with Hoka Clifton 9
HOka Clifton 9 is designed to feel best at slower-paced runs. It feels perfect for everyday miles when you just want to hold a consistent pace & forget about your feet. It is cushioned enough for the longer miles too.
From my 12 years of experience, running shoes with a rocker midsole is great for decreasing the stress on calf muscles. If you get tight calf muscles when you run, you should certainly consider the HOKA Clifton 9 running shoes. This is also applicable if you are using them for walking too.
HOKA running shoes are recommended by podiatrists. The rocker midsole is great for reducing the stress on both the lower leg & feet during walking and running. Many people find this kind of cushioning eases plantar fascia discomfort, Achilles tendon pain & tension in calf muscles.
Alternatives:
Here are some alternatives we may use as substitutes instead of Hoka Clifton 9-
- Brook’s Ghost 15
- Mizuno Wave Rider 27
- ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25
- Saucony Ride 17
- Altra Torin 7
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
- Karhu Ikoni 2.5
Most Asked Questions
Why would you choose Hoka Clifton 9 over other competitors?
Now, a lot of you may think that, owing to the extra price, it will be better to switch to a cheaper alternative. However, let us comprehend one thing before that. And that is simply the midsole, the cushioning of which makes the shoe very soft and makes it a pleasurable experience.
Is it better than Hoka Clifton 8?
Hoka Clifton fans must be yearning to know whether the latest arrival is better than the previous one, and we can confidently say it is largely because of the shredded weight due to someone preferring comfort who is inclined towards Hoka Clifton 9.
How can you buy a Hoka Clifton 9?
Well, there are two things you could do. Visit their store locally if available, or simply order from their website.
Is Hoka Clifton 9 the lightest edition in the Clifton series till now?
As Hoka stated, “Lighter and more cushioned than ever, they certainly did not lie. Hoka Clifton 9 is indeed the lightest one in the series yet and weighs less than the previous ones in the Clifton series.
Why is Hoka Clifton 9 called energy-saving?
Well, we have Hoka’s Meta-Rocker geometry to thank for this. Owing to Hoka’s midsole, the material midsole ensures the run is less sluggish and we feel natural and comfortable.
Who should buy this shoe?
The Hoka Clifton is suitable for every runner. It is a neutral shoe that has great cushioning, which suits both novice and professional runners. It is an outstanding shoe for anybody looking for walking shoes or a sneaker to use at work, mainly for those who spend most of their time standing or walking. People love these shoes as travel sneakers. Hoka Clifton 9 will be comfortable on long flights or road trips. It is excellent for sightseeing or walking around the city. It is also a good running shoe for marathon runners who want to improve base mileage during their training plan.
Conclusion
Despite its slightly higher price point, the Hoka Clifton 9 offers value through its advanced cushioning, durability, and supportive features. Whether embarking on a pilgrimage or training for a marathon, this shoe stands out as a reliable friend that prioritizes foot health & comfort. Its versatility and accolades, including the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about foot comfort and performance.
