Hoka Clifton 9 Review: The Max-Cushion Running Shoe for Daily Comfort
Enjoy plush support and smooth transitions for effortless steps from dawn to dusk.
The Hoka Clifton 9 is renowned for its plush comfort, lightweight build, and supportive platform. As a repeated favorite among runners, walkers, and those who spend long days on their feet, the Clifton 9 presents notable updates while holding true to its legacy of cushioning and reliable ride. This review breaks down every aspect—design, feel, performance, durability, and who it’s best for.
What is the Hoka Clifton 9?
The Clifton 9 is the latest iteration of Hoka’s popular max-cushion daily trainer. Featuring a higher stack height, updated midsole foam, and a refined upper, it’s designed to deliver all-day comfort whether you’re running, walking, or on your feet at work. This version adds 3mm to the stack height, while making the shoe lighter than prior models by trimming weight from the upper and outsole.
Key Updates in the Clifton 9
- New Midsole Foam: CMEVA foam provides extra softness but is lighter, with improved rebound for a bouncier feel.
- Higher Stack Height: An additional 3mm for maximum cushioning without excess bulk.
- Lighter Weight: Clifton 9 weighs just 8.8 oz (249g) — lighter than most max-cushion trainers.
- Refined Upper: Engineered mesh offers better breathability, comfort, and fit while being easier to clean.
Design & Fit
The Clifton 9 retains Hoka’s signature oversized midsole, robust platform, and distinctive meta-rocker geometry that encourages smooth heel-to-toe transitions. The upper is made from a durable, mesh fabric with strategically placed overlays for support, resulting in a streamlined yet comfortable fit.
- Fit: True-to-size for most runners, but the Clifton 9 is slightly narrow in the toe box. Runners with wide feet may find the fit restrictive and prefer to seek out wide versions.
- Lacing & Heel: The heel and tongue are lightly padded to prevent slipping and rubbing. Lacing is traditional and secure.
- Widths Available: Clifton 9 comes in multiple widths, but standard width can still feel narrow.
Cushioning: Plush Without Excess
Cushioning is the Clifton 9’s defining feature. Using the new CMEVA midsole foam increases comfort, reduces impact, and slightly improves energy return. The shoe delivers a “cloud-like” ride from heel to toe, ideal for everyday miles but not designed for race-day responsiveness.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Heel Stack Height | Approx. 32.7mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | Approx. 26.6mm |
| Drop (Heel-to-Toe) | 5mm |
| Midsole Material | CMEVA + ProFly+ |
- Heel cushioning: Generous but stable, absorbs impact, prevents fatigue on longer runs.
- Forefoot cushioning: Substantial, providing protection for forefoot strikers.
- Energy return: Noticeable bounce, not overly springy—ideal for steady running and walking.
Ride and Stability
The Clifton 9 maintains a neutral platform, making it best for runners who do not need motion control or correction. Its wide base enhances stability, and the meta-rocker midsole supports smooth transitions and reduces shock.
- Meta-rocker geometry: Early stage meta-rocker encourages efficient forward motion, lowering injury risk for high-mileage runners.
- Neutral support: No intrusive arch or posting; suitable for neutral gait runners.
- Ride feel: Soft, supple, and consistent with minimal ground feel. Not ideal for runners seeking a “connected to the road” sensation.
Traction & Outsole Performance
The outsole of the Clifton 9 uses zonal Durabrasion rubber, positioned only in high-wear areas to minimize weight without sacrificing critical durability. The tread pattern offers good grip on flat pavement and adequate traction on mild uneven terrain.
- Traction score: 8/10 for road and mild trail running.
- Wet conditions: Tread remains effective and does not wear down quickly where exposed.
- Inclines and soft surface: Some loss of grip on steep (15°+) inclines; outsole softness may compromise performance on technical terrain.
- Durability: Rubber holds up well over hundreds of miles; midsole foam takes longer to pack down than in previous Cliftons.
Weight & Breathability
Surprisingly, despite the added midsole thickness, the Clifton 9 is lighter than many of its competitors.
- Men’s Clifton 9: Approximately 8.8 oz (249g)
- Average in class: Approximately 9.3 oz (265g)
Breathability is moderate. While the upper is soft and cozy, the mesh material is thick and less ventilated, receiving lower-than-average scores in breathability tests. Still, it’s suitable for most climates outside of hot summer runs.
Pros and Cons
- Plush, soft cushioning ideal for daily training and recovery
- Stable, neutral platform with smooth transitions
- Lightweight for category
- Durable upper and outsole
- Excellent for walking, standing, and long easy miles
- Somewhat narrow fit limits suitability for wider feet
- Low ground feel; lacks snappy responsiveness for speed work
- Breatheability below average in hot climates
- Outsole traction on steep or highly technical surfaces can falter
Who Should Buy the Hoka Clifton 9?
The Clifton 9 is best suited for:
- Runners seeking high-cushion shoes for daily training, long runs, or marathons
- People who stand or walk all day at work
- Beginner and recreational runners prioritizing comfort over speed
- Those with neutral gaits (not requiring pronation/motion control)
- Anyone wanting a plush, lightweight, and reliable running shoe
Performance: Real-World Testing
Across hundreds of miles and varying terrain (road, sidewalk, light trails), the Clifton 9 performs as a reliable workhorse. Most testers report:
- Fresh-feeling feet even after long runs due to plush midsole
- No premature breakdown in the upper or foam in typical daily use scenarios
- Mild compression of midsole after 300+ miles, consistent with max-cushion shoes
- Best performance for easy runs, recovery, and marathon training
- Not ideal for interval workouts, racing, or those seeking speed-focused footwear
Clifton 9 vs Clifton 8: What’s New?
| Feature | Clifton 9 | Clifton 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Stack Height | +3mm (more cushioning) | Lower |
| Midsole Material | New CMEVA + ProFly+ | Older EVA foam base |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Upper | Improved mesh, easier to clean | Standard mesh |
The Clifton 9 refines the plush signature of the Clifton line while making subtle improvements where it matters most.
Style & Colors
The Clifton 9 is available in a broad range of colors, from neutral tones to bold new-season shades. The mesh upper not only increases comfort but also takes well to cleaning, reducing worries about light-colored variants.
Typical Use Cases
- Daily training: Easy miles, recovery runs, long slow distance
- Walking: For those on their feet all day in healthcare, education, retail
- Marathon build-up: Providing soft cushioning during weeks of high mileage
- Light hiking: Suitable for groomed trails, less so for technical terrain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Clifton 9 suitable for marathon training?
A: Yes, its plush cushioning protects legs over long distances, making it ideal for marathon and half marathon training and racing for most runners.
Q: How is the Clifton 9 for wide feet?
A: The shoe fits true to size but runs narrow; those with wide feet should consider the wide-width version or try before buying.
Q: Can I use the Clifton 9 for speed work or racing?
A: The Clifton 9 favors comfort over responsiveness—excellent for recovery and easy runs, less ideal for speed days.
Q: Is the shoe durable?
A: The combination of durable outsole rubber and resilient midsole foam supports hundreds of miles before significant wear, outlasting many competitors in the max-cushion space.
Q: What about breathability?
A: Clifton 9 offers moderate breathability due to the thicker mesh upper; not the best choice for hot summer runs, but suitable year-round for most climates.
Final Verdict
The Hoka Clifton 9 continues to set the standard for plush, max-cushion trainers. With meaningful updates to cushioning and weight, strong all-day comfort, and trusted durability, it remains a recommended choice for runners and walkers seeking reliable, soft sneakers. Users who prefer a narrow fit and prioritize cushioning over speed or ground feel will find it especially suitable.
- Best suited for daily miles, recovery runs, long-distance walks, and all-day comfort
- Not the top pick for speed training or hot weather running
- Quality and performance remain strong even as newer versions (Clifton 10) launch
Explore the Hoka Clifton 9 for yourself and see why it remains the go-to choice for runners prioritizing plushness and support every step of the way.
References
- https://mountaineerjourney.com/blog/hoka-clifton-9-review
- https://www.halfmarathons.net/hoka-clifton-9-review/
- https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/hoka-clifton-9-review/
- https://runrepeat.com/hoka-clifton-9
- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-everyday-running-shoes/clifton-9/1127895.html
- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/womens-everyday-running-shoes/clifton-9/1127896.html
- https://engearment.com/gear-review/hoka-clifton-9-running-shoes/
- https://findmyfootwear.com/hoka-clifton-9-review/
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