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.

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?

I was so impressed with the look of the shoes and the amount of cushioning which supported my shoe as I ran but not so much so that it was difficult or impeding. The only complaint is that the HOKA symbol on the tongue creaked as I ran, which could be a bit annoying. The price at out local running store was great as well.

Highly protective and soft. Makes the miles fly by. It's good for an under pronator, as it slightly encourages you to roll inward. The half gusseted tongue just works and is fantastic. The toebox is roomy but not too roomy. The rubber on the outside is relatively durable. I'm on pace to get about 400-450 miles from them. My only complaint is it's basically impossible to get up on your toes doing strides or hill sprints in these because of how wide the landing platform is. Still, my favorite shoes in a long time. 

I have been running for nearly 50 years with many, many miles on my legs. I look for a good cushioned shoe that I can wear on both trails and roads. This Cliffton 9 has more than met my expectations. 

I use this as a trainer for my easy runs. The feel rather 'slow' and bulky to use them on long runs, for that I prefer Mach 5 or X. Even some of the older Rincons got a 'quicker' feel in them.

Went from the On Cloudsurfers to these as trainers, 300 miles later I'm still running on pillows.