HOKA Clifton 9 Shoe Review
New Midsole Foam and Stack Give New Life to Classic HOKA Clifton
Likes
- Updated midsole is livelier than previous models
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions with increased protection
- Light on-foot feel
- Modern aesthetic with fun colourways
Dislikes
- Minor arch issues
- Lacking responsiveness
What's New
It's the one you know! It's the one you love! It's the HOKA Clifton! And this signature neutral daily trainer has updates throughout to deliver a lighter, bouncier feel that will delight the faithful and entice the newcomers.
Revitalized with a new CMEVA foam midsole, the Clifton 9 is designed to deliver a bouncy energy return with HOKA's quintessential smooth transitions. Stacking 3 mm of additional foam in the midsole, the updated Clifton also promises new levels of protection perfectly crafted to keep you comfortable on your daily training runs.
To go along with the bouncier midsole, HOKA has stripped down the Clifton's engineered mesh upper, removing overlays to eliminate as much unnecessary weight as possible, all while maintaining the shoe's cozy fit and feel. The outsole received minor alterations as well, and the Durabrasion rubber has been crafted to deliver high-quality traction with workhorse durability. With many awards already to its name, HOKA and the Clifton 9 appear primed for more hardware.
The Bottom Line
The HOKA Clifton needs no introduction as it is one of the world's most popular and well-known running and walking shoes. Back again with version 9, the Clifton has received updates to the upper, midsole, and outsole, and none were more exciting than the new CMEVA foam midsole.
Upon the first step-in, you can feel the bounciness of the new foam, and it is noticeably more energetic than the previous model while maintaining a familiar softness underfoot. The improved energy return helps make daily training runs lively and fun, but the Clifton is still very much a daily trainer that operates best when moving at sub-tempo paces. The additional 3 mm of stack height was just as impactful as the updated foam, contributing to a protective ride better suited to long daily runs than version 8.
The alterations to the Clifton's upper and outsole were ultimately minimal, but they helped make the shoe lighter, which our testers appreciated for their longer efforts. The upper provides a well-balanced, Clifton-y fit with a secure hold through the midfoot and a touch of extra space for toe splay in the forefoot. Runners should expect irritation-free comfort when the Clifton 9 is on their feet. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is grippy and durable, and runners will have no challenge putting a lot of mileage on these trainers.
Overall, the Clifton 9 is a solid upgrade but not a redefining one for the model. The livelier, more protective ride will be thoroughly enjoyed by athletes who have experience running in the shoe, and beginner runners and walkers should always consider this reliable shoe. That said, this is not an overhauled update that is about to revolutionize the daily training category. Version 9 is undoubtedly better than the previous model, but keep in mind that the Clifton is not meant for maximum performance, but more for comfort on daily runs. Have no fear, as the Clifton 9, with all its improvements, will remain a fan-favorite that will help runners comfortably collect countless road miles.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Sizing | True to size |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 258 g (size EU 42 2/3) | Women's: 204 g (size EU 40) |
| Stack Height | Men's: 41 mm (heel), 36 mm (forefoot) | Women's: 38 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
Men's HOKA Clifton
Women's HOKA Clifton
Individual Thoughts
The Clifton 9 is a solid update that improves the Clifton's ride and lightweight feel, and it performed very well on my daily training runs where speed was not a factor. The new midsole has a noticeably improved energy return, but the CMEVA foam is not explosive. The Clifton's midsole geometry still highlights the shoe's ride, producing super smooth transitions through the gait cycle that keep things efficient from start to finish. I also appreciated the added stack height and felt more comfortable taking the Clifton 9 on longer runs compared to version 8. As for the upper and outsole updates, I noticed slight improvements from the Clifton 8, but version 9 still delivers a signature Clifton fit that many runners have grown to love over the years.
The Clifton 9, despite being a nice upgrade from its predecessor, is another highly reliable shoe that has a lot to offer those looking for a welcomingly familiar trainer to simply chew up mileage.
The Clifton has a very loyal following, and given the updates, I will not be surprised when it is once again a highly popular shoe sitting among our best-sellers.
The Clifton has long been a crowd-pleaser, and I do not expect that to change with version 9. With some small tweaks, HOKA has designed the latest version to be lighter, softer, and more energetic, which are all welcome improvements. However, I did not notice any major difference in the underfoot experience compared to the 8.
For reference, I usually do 15 to 20 miles a week, composed of a few easy runs, an uptempo run, and a long run on the weekend. Unfortunately, I continue to have fit issues with HOKAs so, given my specific foot shape, so I will probably reserve the Clifton 9 for walks, short runs, and casual wear. The Clifton 9 was a bit roomy for me through the forefoot, and I wished it provided a more secure lockdown.
Full disclosure, I have recommended and gifted the Clifton many times to friends and family members. While I experience fit issues, I seem to be the exception, and it is a safe bet that the average runner and walker will enjoy the fit of the shoe. I think the Clifton will remain one of our most popular daily trainers for the foreseeable future, and it is worth a try, especially if you have never tried the shoe before. For fans of the previous model, version 9 will deliver the Clifton experience you are looking for.