HOKA Clifton 9 Shoe Review
Updated: May 30, 2023
New Midsole Foam and Stack Give New Life to Classic HOKA Clifton
Likes
- Updated midsole is livelier than the previous models
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions with increased protection
- Light on-foot feel
- Modern aesthetic with fun colorways
Dislikes
- Price for performance
- Experienced minor arch issues
- Lacking responsiveness for more versatility
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 3mm 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 Clifton'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 yet maintains a familiar softness underfoot. On the run, the improved energy return helps make daily training runs livelier and fun, but the Clifton is still very much a daily trainer that operates best when moving at sub-tempo paces. The additional 3mm of stack height was just as impactful as the updated foam, contributing to a protective ride better suited to endure 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 was appreciated by our testers 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. However, our testers noted that the midsole seemed to lose some of its new pop as testing miles began to increase, inducing some worry that the some of the added bounciness may not last the test of time.
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, but 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 these popular trainers still need further development before they catch up to other top-performing trainers on the market. 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.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Sizing | True to size |
| Heel Width | Average |
| Midfoot Volume | Average |
| Toe Box | Average |
| Arch Height | Average |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "The Clifton 9’s mesh upper feels light and comfortable with a signature Clifton feel. HOKA has removed some overlay and hot melts, making the Clifton feel lighter than previous models, which is always appreciated. Criticized for being narrow in the past, HOKA has widened the Clifton through the midfoot, which I am sure wider-footed runners will appreciate. Though, I thought the Clifton 9 felt very similar through the heel, midfoot, and forefoot to previous models. Finally, the gusseted tongue helped me feel super secure."
Risa: "I thought the Clifton 9's upper was comfortable and felt like it would suit a variety of foot types. That said, my feet are relatively narrow, and I love a shoe that provides a more secure lockdown. I also really enjoyed the lightweight feel."
Midsole
Kaleb: "Though still EVA based, the Clifton 9’s CMEVA is an upgrade from version 8, providing a noticeably bouncier feel and increased protection with the extra 3mm of midsole stack. Compared to other daily trainers like the Novablast and Adizero SL, the Clifton’s midsole is still not geared towards speedier runs, but I do appreciate the additional liveliness in version 9's midsole for longer daily training runs. I think Clifton lovers will really appreciate the midsole update, and I have enjoyed version 9 of the Clifton more than previous models. I seem to be always left wanting a little more from the Clifton, but this is a step in the right direction."
Risa: "Overall, the Clifton is on the softer side. I would not describe it as plush, but the midsole is far from firm. I put a lot of miles on the Clifton 8, and I was eager to test version 9, especially with the knowledge that the midsole was supposed to be more responsive and more protective. While I did not notice a huge difference underfoot compared with the previous model, this is not necessarily a bad thing."
Outsole
Kaleb: "The Clifton has also received an outsole update in version 9, featuring more outsole coverage along the medial side of the shoe. I have never had any issues with a Clifton’s outsole traction or its durability, and version 9 offers much of the same. I think the new outsole configuration helps add a level of stability that helps make me feel more confident cornering in the new Clifton 9."
Risa: "Again, I did not notice a big change in the Clifton 9's outsole compared to version 8. I had no issues with grip as I ran on paved roads and asphalt. Surprisingly, I also completed a couple of runs in the rain and had no issues."
Comparable Shoes
Kaleb: "The Clifton 9 falls into the same category as the ASICS Novablast and Nike Pegasus, as well as other daily trainers like the Brooks Ghost and Saucony Ride. Out of the shoes listed above, I think the Clifton 9 is most similar to the Pegasus. Both shoes are reliable daily trainers that are more comfort-minded shoes with solid protection for daily training runs.
The Clifton 9, though slightly improved in nearly every way, still does not provide quite enough responsiveness to cross over to my faster runs, and I would personally favor a more dynamic shoe like the ASICS Novablast if I was looking for a shoe for uptempo workouts as well as daily training. That said, the Clifton is a better choice for those solely looking for a comfortable cruiser. Overall, it is a highly popular and reliable shoe, and I am sure those familiar with the Clifton will love the update and improved performance."
Risa: "Compared to the HOKA Bondi, the Clifton is a lot less shoe that still offers more than enough protection for most runners. The HOKA Mach and Rincon models are going to be more performance-focused and less comfortable than the Clifton or Bondi.
It is on the lighter side compared with its competitors, which is a plus, and I think the Clifton 9 has a more exciting aesthetic than many daily trainers. That said, I would prefer a shoe more like the ASICS Novablast for faster runs."
HOKA Men's Clifton
Offering an unbeatable blend of maximum cushioning and ultra-lightweight materials, the HOKA Clifton checks most boxes for runners looking for an outstanding neutral everyday running shoe. The Clifton is HOKA's most popular running shoe.
HOKA Women's Clifton
Offering an unbeatable blend of maximum cushioning and ultra-lightweight materials, the HOKA Clifton checks most boxes for runners looking for an outstanding neutral everyday running shoe. The Clifton is HOKA's most popular running shoe.
Individual Thoughts
KalebOverall Score: 8.5/10
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.
Sadly, I just do not think the Clifton is keeping pace with other modern daily trainers, which continue to feature more and more, supercritical foam midsoles that can cover a broad range of different training runs. This is especially true given the Clifton’s price point.
A couple of months ago, I wrapped up testing the Brooks Ghost 14. It was a decent shoe that was reliable for daily training runs, but the shoe lacked flare. 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, but like the Ghost, it lacks some of the pizazz that other daily trainers, like the ASICS Novablast, offer at a similar price point.
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.
RisaOverall Score: 8/10
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 positive things. Sadly, I did not notice a difference in the underfoot experience compared to the 8.
For reference, I usually do 15-20 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 as the arch support hits my foot in a weird spot and causes discomfort. Admittedly, I usually have better luck with ASICS and Brooks shoes, 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.
