| Weight | 205g (W), 248g (M) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | Men's: 33mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot). Women's: 29mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Road, neutral |
The shoe
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the latest iteration of Hoka’s popular Clifton line of running shoes, designed for everyday miles and – spoiler – it doesn't disappoint. Once a high-stack trailblazer, Hoka’s Clifton 9 now sits in a well-populated category of max-cushioned running shoes and this latest version has seen some work put in under the chassis to ensure it’s not superseded by the competition.
While the Clifton 9 feels familiar – it features the same maximalist cushioning Hoka is known for – it also introduces a couple of new updates to improve both performance and comfort.
Hoka Clifton 9 vs Hoka Clifton 8: Key updates
Packing in an extra 3mm of stack height while also boasting a claimed marginal weight shaving (on the men’s shoe, that is), the Clifton 9 offers runners a very easygoing and supremely comfortable ride.
One of the most notable updates to the Clifton 9 is the new midsole foam. It’s a compression moulded EVA foam (as the name suggests, EVA foam is compressed in a mould, with heat and pressure applied to the mould to achieve a specific composition) and Hoka say it’s designed to be lighter and more responsive than previous versions. We certainly found it felt plush and responsive underfoot.
The upper of the Clifton 9 has also been tweaked and updated to provide a more secure and comfortable fit. The engineered mesh material is soft and flexible, and, with the help of the swoop-back heel counter, it wraps around the foot to provide a snug fit without any hot spots or points of irritation. The tongue has also been redesigned to be thinner and more breathable, which helps to reduce any discomfort.
Clifton 8 vs Clifton 9
Weight: 252g (M) / 204g (W) vs 248g (M) / 205g (W)
Drop: 5mm vs 5mm
Midsole material: Lighter EVA midsole vs Moulded EVA midsole
Upper: Knit vs Engineered mesh
What is the Hoka Clifton 9 like to run in?
Our testers wore the Hoka Clifton 9 over a real mix of sessions, including; 16km Sunday long runs on dry trails, fast 5k tempo runs, commutes into the office and 18 x 200m intervals. We found the maximalist cushioning helped to absorb impact and reduce fatigue during longer runs, while the rocker profile encouraged us gently forward even on easy days. But that’s not to say they felt slow or sluggish when we needed to pick up speed. In fact, even though the Clifton 9 is definitely not an out-and-out race shoe, it felt lively rather than cumbersome when the pace went up a notch or two.
How does the Hoka Clifton 9 fit?
The shoe doesn’t feel too narrow in a regular width and fits truer to size on all testers (though going up half a size from your normal size is still recommended).
RW verdict
The Clifton 9 offers all runners a comfy, cushioned and versatile ride and at £130, it’s still sitting pretty amongst its closest (and more expensive) rivals. An ideal daily shoe for daily miles, the shoe’s lightweight design and maximalist cushioning make it a great option for long-distance runners – or those currently training for a marathon – who want to prioritise comfort above all else.
Hoka Clifton 9: Alternatives
Saucony Ride 17
Asics Novablast 4
Not sure the Hoka Clifton 9 is for you? The Saucony Ride 17 is another great value daily trainer at £135. Our testers found the midsole foam successfully treads the ground between offering enough cushioning for those slower, easy runs, while still retaining a liveliness that lends itself well to some faster running. Transitioning from the midfoot to the forefoot feels extremely smooth too, and Saucony has added a hint of rocker geometry to the forefoot of the latest iteration which makes it easy to move forward.
The Asics Novablast 4 also offers a thick wad of FF Blast Plus Eco foam underfoot, delivering a superbly bouncy – yet snappy – ride. They don't feel like an easy-going daily trailer as the midsole cushioning is a little stiff – as though there may even be a carbon plate sandwiched in there – and their bouncy stiffness really encourages you to push the pace. As well as the propulsive cushioning, you also get a rocker profile and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off.
