Hoka Clifton 9 Review (2024)
Hoka
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
While Hokas may have first become known for their outlandish design and vibrant colors, the brand has since made itself into a household name. How? One word—cushion. Hoka has become synonymous with massive, pillowy outsoles that provide mega comfort for runners and walkers. Among the brand's models, the Clifton has risen as one of the most popular Hokas for its versatility and comfort. You will be hard-pressed to find a running shoe from any major running brand that has more cushion, a smoother ride and a lighter weight than the Clifton 9. And while other shoes certainly have features to offer, many have found the Clifton hard to beat. Whether you're looking for the best shoes for treadmill workouts or running shoes for high arches, the Clifton 9s could be the answer.
If you have been considering jumping on the Hoka train but aren’t sure where to start, the Clifton 9 could be a great entry into this marshmallow world. But to make sure it’s exactly what you are looking for, we have gathered up all the information that you need to know. Keep reading to see our full review on the Clifton 9, and all the features that you should look out for.
Hoka Clifton 9 Features At A Glance
- Heel-to-toe drop: Five millimeters
- Upper/midsole/outsole: Mesh, EVA, Rubber
- Sizing: 7-16 mens, 5-12 womens
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
- Price: $145
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a lightweight, mid-high cushion neutral shoe that is great for road runners, walkers or just those looking for a comfortable shoe to wear everyday. Because of the thick EVA foam midsole, it offers an incredibly comfortable ride while also feeling light on the feet. If you are thinking about investing in a pair of Hokas, the Clifton 9 is a great place to start—check out some of the top features below for a quick intro to the shoe.
Hoka Clifton 9 Features:
Cushion: Despite being categorized as a mid-cushion shoe by Hoka, this shoe is highly cushioned by just about any other brand’s standards. The midsole is made from one large piece of molded EVA foam which gives it its signature plush feel, making it a great choice for running long distances.
Stability: Though it is technically a neutral shoe, the Clifton actually has a decent amount of stability to it. It has a slightly flared midsole in the forefoot and heel which helps to give you a wider, more stable base, and while the midsole appears tall, you actually sit down in the foam a bit so it hugs your heel and arch, providing some slight motion control.
Ride: One of the main features of the Clifton and almost all Hokas really, is the Meta-Rocker built into the sole. This feature forces you to roll through your foot with every step, giving you a super smooth ride, decreasing stress from ground contact and helping your legs feel fresher for longer.
Value: Most high-cushion shoes will run you upwards of $160, so to get the Clifton for $150 with about as much cushioning as a standard high-cushion model is a pretty good deal. Plus, because the sole is so thick, this is truly a shoe that you can get your miles out of. While I myself usually max out my running shoes at 200-250 miles, the Clifton still feels great at almost double that.
Standout Features of the Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka
Hokas truly are different from your traditional running shoe, and a lot of it comes down to their basic design. While many shoes will opt for a slimmer, higher density foam, Hoka’s signature EVA foam gives them a bulky look, but it also allows for them to have a high cushion feel with much less weight.
This most recent Clifton added even more cushion to the heel, which is great for heel strikers and those that may suffer from foot problems like heel spurs. It also added three millimeters to the stack height while simultaneously managing to drop some weight (four grams, to be precise).
Recent models have also added a bit more rubber outsole to the bottom which has given it better grip, and helps the shoe last longer—particularly if you are someone that tends to drag their feet a bit while they run.
Hoka also stripped back the upper, removing overlays from previous versions that could cause hot spots and discomfort, and replaced it with a pared back, mesh upper that is breathable and light.
Hoka Clifton 9 Construction and Design
The Hoka Clifton at its core is really a pretty basic design—it doesn’t have a bunch of different foams, gels and air pockets. Instead, it uses a basic but effective molded EVA foam midsole with a lightweight mesh upper. This keeps the shoe light while having a super cushiony, comfortable ride. Since the sole is so thick, it also has great durability and can last easily into the 400-mile range.
This newest model opted for a much simpler upper that uses an engineered mesh layer to allow for maximum airflow and reduce the risk of hot spots. It also has a plusher heel, reflective heel panel and streamlined tongue.
It also features a flared heel—something that can be seen in other brands as well like New Balance—that prevents the heel from slipping out without putting pressure on the Achilles.
This shoe is also made with 100 percent vegan materials and uses recycled materials in the upper, laces and insole.
What Customers Say About the Hoka Clifton 9
Overall, customers really love the Clifton 9. On Hoka’s website, the shoe received an overall 4.3/5 star rating from over 1,600 reviews. Countless reviewers stated that these were the only running and walking shoes that they would ever buy, and one even described them as “the holy grail.”
Some common complaints were that they were too narrow, and others found that they felt weird to walk in. (In personal experience, the rocker may feel funky at first, but after a walk or two you will forget it’s even there.)
One of our on-staff editors bought a pair of Clifton 9s to train for a race in and attests to the soft and springy ride the shoes provide. She also noted that the Clifton 9s felt comfortable out of the box, and the once-common knee twinge she experienced during long runs diminished significantly with these shoes.
Hoka Clifton 9 Pros
You can’t talk about the Clifton shoe without mentioning the cushioning. This shoe is incredibly comfortable for walking, running and standing, which makes it an ideal shoe for a lot of different uses. Since it uses a lightweight foam, it also feels light and airy on the feet which helps prevent leg fatigue over long hours of wearing them. Because it’s so versatile, it’s great as a daily trainer or for recovery runs if you usually prefer a more minimalist shoe.
The shoe also features a breathable mesh outsole that is decently water-resistant in light rain, but also allows the feet to breathe, keeping your feet cool, dry and blister-free.
Hoka Clifton 9 Cons
While this shoe may work for a lot of people, it won’t be the right fit for everyone. The biggest complaint with the Clifton is how it feels in the arch. While there isn’t necessarily an arch in the shoe, you do sit down decently deep in the foam. Because of the way that the foam arches up, it can sometimes hit the inside of the foot in an uncomfortable way. This is more common if you have flatter arches or tend to overpronate, but it can be quite a pain for some people, causing discomfort, hot spots or blisters.
The Clifton 9 also tends to run a bit on the narrow side, which is a change from the earliest models. Those who have a wider foot can opt for a wide model, but just be aware that the regular width can fit a bit snug in the arch through the toe box.
Who the Hoka Clifton 9s Are Best For
The Clifton is one of those shoes that is a fit for almost anyone. It works for nurses that stand all day, amateur athletes looking for a distance trainer or someone looking for a comfy shoe to walk the dog or run errands in.
Because of the early stage meta-rocker, it can also be a great option for those with foot issues like neuromas, plantar fasciitis and diabetic feet. This is because the design allows you to walk without as much toe and arch flex as you would get in a traditional shoe.
A flared design in the toe and heel of the shoe and the hugging feel offered by the foam midsole makes this is about as stable of a neutral shoe as you can get, so even if you are someone that has some slight overpronation, there’s a good chance that it could work for you.
Related Post: The Best Shoes for Standing All Day
Who the Hoka Clifton 9 Will Not Work For
While the Clifton is certainly a very versatile shoe that can work for many people and activities, there are a couple circumstances where you may want to opt for something different.
Now, I’m not going to tell you to forgo wearing your Cliftons to the gym, but if you want to get any longevity out of them it’s highly recommended to avoid lifting weights in them. The EVA foam that makes the shoe so pillowy and light that it is not going to withstand heavy lifting. It also just isn't a good pick for heavy lifting because it doesn't allow you to have the firm, stable contact with the ground that you need. While you can certainly do some light upper body workouts, avoid your heaviest weight exercises like bar squats, weighted lunges or any Olympic lifts.
The Clifton also tends to run a bit narrow, and while it does come in a wide width, that will also widen the heel. This can be an issue for some that need more room in the front of the shoe but not necessarily the back. Sometimes this can be fixed by a lace-lock tie, but if it’s not the right fit for your foot, it’s probably best to try a different model.
Hoka Clifton 9 vs. Hoka Clifton 8
While there weren’t a ton of changes made between the Hoka Clifton 8 to the 9, there were some small tweaks that made the shoe even better than before.
As previously mentioned, one of the biggest changes was an increased stack height. The Clifton 9 added three millimeters to the midsole, and opted for a slightly firmer foam. Overall it feels pretty similar on the foot, but it does give slightly more cushioning as well as a bit more responsiveness. In past models, I have noticed that the EVA can seem to soften a bit in hot temps, but with a firmer foam it tends to hold together a bit better.
Hoka also changed the grooves in the midsole from diagonal to horizontal. While this may seem like just an aesthetic change, it actually has a functional purpose—the horizontal grooves allow for the foam to compress slightly more, giving you a softer feel and more of a cushioned landing in the heel where you need it most.
Hoka also made adjustments to the upper, scaling it back to a simple mesh. This allows for optimal breathability and prevents any hot spots from plastic overlays. A slightly roomier toe box can be expected in the Clifton 9 versus the Clifton 8, though it isn’t a large enough size increase to reduce comfort or fit significantly.
Hoka Clifton 9 vs. Competitors
Hoka
If the Clifton 9 is in the area of what you are looking for but not quite hitting the mark, there are some other shoes to choose from that will give you a similar feel with tweaks that may fit your foot, gait and running style better.
Nike Invincible 3
If you love the cushioning of the Clifton but are looking for something a bit more supportive, the Nike Invincible 3 could be a great option for you. This shoe is super high in cushion and is also a stability shoe, so it will help correct overpronation.
Despite the high cushioning and somewhat high weight (10.9 ounces) it actually feels quite light on the foot thanks to the super responsive ZoomX foam midsole. Unlike most stability shoes, this won’t force the arch up. Instead, it gently guides the foot into place if it strays from natural running motion. Because of this, it works equally well for neutral and stability runners. It also has a flared midsole in the toe and heel of the shoe which gives you extra stability and support when running on slanted or uneven surfaces.
On Cloudnova
If you are more of a walker than runner and are looking for a shoe that can both hold up to a gym session or short run as well as everyday wear, the On Cloudnova could be a great fit for you.
This shoe has a similar feel to the Clifton thanks to a rocker and the signature On CloudTec cushioning, but it also allows for a bit more flex in the toe of the shoe. This can be a great option if you want something cushioned, but still prefer a bit more of a natural foot motion.
The Cloudnova is also—in my opinion—more attractive than the Clifton. It comes in 14 different color options and has a sleek design that looks just as great at the gym as it does with your favorite pair of jeans.
Hoka Clifton 9 FAQs
Are the Clifton 9s good for long runs?
The Clifton 9s are a great option for long runs. The combination of cushion and lightweight feel both protects your feet and also helps prevent you from getting too tired too quickly.
Do the Hoka Clifton 9s need to be broken in?
No, Hokas—and most running shoes now—should feel good to go on your first run. That being said, we still recommend not trying anything new on a race day.
Are the Hoka Clifton 9s good for bad knees?
Yes, the combination of high cushioning and the meta-rocker is excellent at shock absorption and helping you to roll through your foot. This is especially helpful if you are a heavy stepper or heel striker as it helps to disperse stress more evenly. If you want a max cushion option, check out the Hoka Bondi.
Are the Hoka Clifton 9s good for walking?
The Hoka Clifton 9s are excellent for walking. They are super comfortable, and the rocker helps move you through a smooth, comfortable walking motion.
The Takeaway: Are Hoka Clifton 9s Right for You?
If you still aren’t sure whether the Hoka Clifton 9s are right for you, the best way to find out is to test them yourself. Unless you are looking for a weightlifting shoe, or something super soft like memory foam, this could be a great option for you.
If you do decide to purchase, just be sure to get your proper length and width. With running shoes, it is always best to go up a half size from your street size to ensure you have enough toe room.
Still not sure if the Clifton 9s are the best fit for you? Check out our favorite cushioned running shoes for more options.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
