HOKA Clifton 9

The Clifton 9 is a reflection of the exponential growth of Hoka, a brand that has managed to combine comfort, softness, and maximalist design with surprisingly low weight. These shoes, which stand out for their excellent cushioning and a soft feel that provides comfort with every step of your run, are positioned as one of 2023's best options for runners of medium to long distances. Weighing only 275 grams in size 95 US, their success seems guaranteed.

What kind of runners are the Hoka Clifton 9 for?

The Hoka Clifton 9 are extremely versatile, ideal for medium to long distance runs at gentle to medium paces. They are perfect for light to medium-weight runners (up to approximately 85 kg), preferably with decent running technique. With a 5mm drop and considerable midsole height, these shoes ensure a soft and pleasant feel, especially with their additional 3mm of height compared to the Clifton 8.

What I liked most about the Hoka Clifton 9

• Lightweight: With a surprisingly low weight for a shoe in its category, the Clifton 9 offer an excellent feel.
• Softness and running comfort: These shoes stand out for the extremely comfortable and soft sensation they provide, making them a real pleasure for the feet and joints.
• Cushioning and design: The EVA foam used in these shoes provides a perfect balance between softness, reactivity and lightness, possibly one of the best compounds on the market today. In addition, the two-tone design and Hoka branding overprint add a distinctive and attractive touch.
• Additional comfort: The wide and soft tongue and Achilles protection provide extra comfort, while the well-ventilated upper enhances the overall experience.

Possible improvements for the Hoka Clifton 10

Lack of Support and Structure: Although the Clifton 9 have improved in support over their previous version, they could still benefit from a bit more structure. The soft cushioning and increased height might not be ideal for heavier runners.

Verdict

The Hoka Clifton 9 won't let you down. For runners who value softness and lightness, these are some of the most versatile shoes of the year. Their balance of comfort, performance and a reasonable price point makes them a safe choice for runners looking for a versatile shoe for just about every type of training and racing.

The Hoka Clifton 9 hits the market with the promise of maintaining the legacy of one of the most iconic series in the running world. With an evolution that seeks to balance comfort, performance and durability, these shoes promise to be a game changer for runners of all levels. Let's take a look at whether they live up to high expectations.

Design and aesthetics

The Clifton 9 maintain the signature Hoka aesthetic, with a bulky profile that belies a surprisingly lightweight feel. The color palette is varied, offering both sober and vibrant options, suitable for different personal tastes. The design is modern and attractive, without straying too far from the brand's visual identity.

Comfort and fit

Improved upper: The upper of the Clifton 9 has been redesigned to offer a better fit and breathability. It adapts well to the foot, providing support without unnecessary restrictions.
Cushioning: Cushioning is, as you would expect from Hoka, exceptional. The Clifton 9 offer a smooth and pleasant ride, ideal for long distances.

Surprisingly lightweight: Despite their rugged appearance, these shoes are surprisingly lightweight, making them suitable for a variety of workouts.

Versatility: The Clifton 9 perform well in different types of workouts. From long, slow runs to faster sessions, they provide an ideal balance of cushioning and responsiveness.

Transitions: The heel-to-toe transition is seamless, contributing to a more natural and efficient running experience.

Durability: Durability maybe the Clifton 9's weakest aspect. Their foam is a delight but it is also the part that suffers the most in this review. Its durability, in my case, was around 700 km. That's not bad, but it's far from the 900km I did with the Nike Pegasus 40.

Technology

EVA Midsole: The EVA midsole offers not only superior cushioning, but also good energy return. This balance is key for a shoe that adapts to both light workouts and more intense sessions.

Outsole: The outsole offers adequate traction on different surfaces, although it might not be the best choice for very technical or slippery terrain.

Opinion

The Hoka Clifton 9 represent a respectable evolution of an already impressive line. They offer a near perfect balance between comfort, performance and lightness. They are ideal for runners looking for a versatile shoe capable of handling different types of workouts and distances. While they might not be the number one choice for runners looking for a shoe specifically for fast competitions, in the realm of daily workouts and long distance races, the Clifton 9 is undoubtedly one of the best options on the market. The only area for improvement is durability.

Hoka is growing by leaps and bounds thanks to a formula that seems quite logical: to create very comfortable shoes with very soft cushioning, with a maximalist concept and very low weights. This is undoubtedly the great success of the Hoka Clifton 9, a shoe with excellent cushioning, with a very soft feel that provides comfort in every stride. If we add to that that in a size 95 US its weight is only 275 grams, its success seems assured.

What kind of runners are the Hoka Clifton 9 for?

The Hoka Clifton 9 is a very versatile running shoe for all types of distances, but mainly medium and long distance running at easy and medium paces. For light to medium weight runners up to 80-85 kg and preferably with a decent running technique. They have a 5 mm drop but with a midsole of considerable height. With 3 millimeters more height than in the Hoka Clifton 8 (29 millimeters in the heel and 24 in the forefoot in the women's model, and 32 and 27 millimeters in the men's model) we are assured a very pleasant running sensation thanks to its soft feel. And even though it is not a shoe for high paces, if you do pick up the pace, the model keeps up.

Hoka has achieved an EVA foam with an excellent balance between softness, reactivity and lightness. Perhaps one of the best compounds on the market right now.

• Medium and long distance runs
• Medium paces 4:20 m/km and slower
• For runners up to 85 kg
• Neutral stride

What we liked most about the Hoka Clifton 9

Undoubtedly the very pleasant sensations of comfort and softness in running. It is a very comfortable shoe, a pleasure for your feet and joints. To go out for a run with these Hoka Clifton 9 is to ensure a day to enjoy running.

It is also a model that slightly expands the width of its last in search of greater stability (although this is probably its weak point). Now the toes will be more free when running.

Its weight is another point in its favor, it is very light.

Very cushioned areas and protection of the achilles' heel. We find a wide and soft tongue. A mouth that wraps around the ankle protecting it even disproportionately if we see the height that reaches the shoe in the area of the achilles'.

Its upper has good ventilation and a two-tone design where the overprint of the Hoka brand on the back side of the shoe stands out.

Possible points for improvement

The point of improvement that we perceive in the Hoka Clifton 9 is that we miss some more support and structure. It is true that it has been improved in this aspect compared to the previous version and that adding support elements may penalize in some way the weight and comfort in running, but we would get an even more versatile shoe, although it is true that having a wide last, we will be able to incorporate an insole to help overpronation. Such a soft cushioning, and now with a higher height, may penalize heavier runners.

Conclusion

Hoka Clifton does not fail. For all those runners who appreciate soft running sensations and lightness, this is a top shoe. A treat for your feet and joints. And that makes it one of the best shoes of the year without a doubt. A brand that has the approval of runners. It is very popular on the street and this is noticeable with each new release. It is not strange that it is one of the most visited shoes in RUNNEA. And it does not have a disproportionate price. That balance makes it a safe bet for runners looking for a versatile shoe for almost everything. And I've loved them too.

The rivals of the Hoka Clifton 9

We are in one of the most competitive shoes ranges. And here the Hoka is going to find great rivals. We highlight the following:

• Nike Pegasus 40
• New Balance 880 v13
• Brooks Ghost 15
• Mizuno Wave Rider 26