HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9

As a Run Specialty store employee over the past ten years, I've been fortunate enough to log miles in countless pairs of shoes. I remember when the first HOKA Clifton 1 came into the shop. I took it out for a 16 mile run in the heat, and despite it being sweat-logged half-way through, I knew HOKA had a bright future. Fast-forward nine models and I can confidently assert that this is HOKA's best Clifton yet. While one of the softest Clifton's to date, the model still maintains its lightweight, responsive ride. Most notably, the Clifton 9 improves upon its predecessors by improving its profile and width. Unlike the v7 and v8, the Clifton 9 widens out just enough in the forefoot to get rid of arch issues that I'd heard numerous runners (including myself) note wasn't quite right. At $140, the Clifton performs more like $170-$180 models seen across other brands (e.g. Nike, Saucony, Asics, and On). This currently fills the 'everyday', long run, and MLR fartlek roles within my rotation. 

I’ve tried lots of different shoes over the years and had lots of gait analyses but I have never found a shoe as comfortable and diverse as Hokas. At the minute I’m on Clifton 9s; they’re so comfortable and I always find I have less joint pain when I’m Hokas.

The Clifton has changed for the better. It has an additional 3mm of foam and a roomier, more comfortable upper. If you are looking for a good daily trainer, this is the shoe that can do it all. The Cliftons new CMEVA foam is perfect for going out for a recovery jog or picking up the pace on a long run.

Light weight and outstanding cushioning. Durability is the issue

Have loved the cliftons for years as a cushy daily trainer, but have since gravitated towards other shoes with pebax style bouncy foams.  but, the Clifton 9- not sure what they did, but they retained all the cush, and yet added some resilience.  you can actually take this shoe up to tempo, and even enjoy doing strides in it. No- not a race day shoe, but great for what it is.  

I am on my second pair and I have extremely flat feet. These have good support and last around 200 miles which is much more than my Asics. 

This shoe a great neutral daily trainer all sorts of people. Coming from the nike peagsus 38’s to these, i did have a bit of a shock but after a little bit of running it went away. Although this is a more all-rounder based shoe, my favorite use of these has always been on easy runs. The cushion present in these is just amazingly balanced and creates an exceptional (and very durable) ride! I have had a few minor problems with this shoe feeling a little bit clunky at times whenever i do faster tempo runs and/or speed work, it more than compensates in other aspects like affordability, cost, and everything else ive mentioned previously. When it comes to pronation, i do tend to overpronate a bit, but even with that fact into consideration i have not had any issues with the support provided by my pair of clifton 9’s, so don’t worry if you do happen to overpronate like me! All in all, this shoe preforms quite well across the board, and even with its few flaws, it still is a great option for newer and older runners that holds up extremely well, it may not be my favorite shoe, or the “best shoe”, but it is certainly well up there! 

another thing is you can't exceed easy pace in them

Clifton 9 is a great shoe. Lasted about 500 miles for me before showing some seam-tearing on the inner edges. Even after 500 miles the cushioning doesn't feel too dead, and I could probably wear a bit longer. Very light. 

Clifton 8 was a great successor to 7, 6, 5... which I happily wore through several successful marathon training cycles. Why did Hoka ruin a great thing?