Hoka Clifton 9
Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s); 7 to 16 (men’s) | Weight: 7.3 ounces| Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 millimeters | Width: Regular and wide
Best for:
- Anyone who wants a walking shoe that they can wear out and about, too
- Runners who want an everyday training shoe for easy and tempo runs
- People who are on their feet all day
Skip if:
- You want a race day shoe
- You prefer more minimalist cushioning
While these are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve tried, I quickly realized it takes a few hours of wear to break them in. At first, they feel a bit awkward to walk in—the back of the ankle has a depression in the foam that cradles the Achilles tendon. This feature can feel intrusive if you’re not used to it, but after a few minutes of wear, I completely forgot about it. Ultimately, the design provides a more secure fit and prevents the dreaded heel slippage. Right after lacing up, I took these shoes on a 40-minute walk in 85 degree heat. My feet got a bit toasty because the upper is thick and padded, but I didn’t get any hot spots or blisters. And they felt more comfortable with each subsequent use as the insole formed to my foot.
Performance
The true test of any versatile shoe is how well it performs across different activities. With this in mind, I wore the Hoka Clifton 9 in a few different scenarios to see how it fared:
I usually struggle with shin splints and hip pain after running, but the Clifton 9 provided welcomed relief. On my first run, a 5k treadmill jog, the soft cushioning was immediately noticeable, with a plush underfoot feeling. A few days later, I picked up the pace on a very hot sprint workout that involved 30 seconds of hard sprinting with one-minute rest periods in between each set. I expected the Clifton 9 to be sluggish because of the soft foam, but I found it pleasantly responsive and springy. When I rounded a corner, I maintained stability and didn’t feel wobbly at all. Overall, these sneakers are the type that you forget about when you’re wearing them—which is exactly the goal when running. The Clifton 9 isn’t the fastest race day shoe, as the cushioning is relatively soft, but it’s an excellent daily trainer with a balance of comfort and performance.
For long walks and everyday wear, the Clifton 9 shines. It’s a very lightweight shoe and the cushioning makes going long distances enjoyable; the padding under the heel is thick, which is particularly important because people tend to strike with their heel first when walking. I wore my pair for a full day of errands and events, and my feet even felt great after hours of standing around. The one downside is the Clifton 9 are sufficiently breathable in normal temperatures but did feel relatively stuffy when days reached 95 degrees during my testing period.
I used the Hoka Cliftons for an upper body workout that included a cardio finisher.
I typically avoid maximum-cushion shoes for strength training because I prefer being closer to the ground for stability. However, I decided to test the Clifton 9 during an upper-body workout with a cardio finisher. The shoes performed surprisingly well. During bodyweight exercises like drop squats and mountain climbers, which require speed and agility, they provided enough support. The cushioning was responsive but not overly soft (which can make balance tricky), so I felt stable enough for light strength exercises like push presses. While the Clifton 9 wouldn’t be my first choice for training workouts in the gym, I love that I can still wear these on days that I don’t feel like bringing an extra pair of trainers along.
Design And Features
The Hoka Clifton 9 is designed as a running shoe, but it has a lot of features that emphasize overall comfort and versatility.
The bread and butter of the Clifton 9 is its high-quality EVA foam midsole. This foam compresses well, reducing stress on the joints while creating a bouncy sensation when you run fast. But the balance of softness and responsiveness in the Clifton 9’s cushioning also ensure that the shoes feel lively and not overly mushy, maintaining a good level of energy return with each step.
Compared to the ultra-popular Hoka Bondi 8, which can feel excessively firm, the Clifton 9 offers a softer, more forgiving ride. This makes it an excellent choice for runners, as the shock-absorption helps mitigate the repetitive impact that can lead to joint discomfort or injury over time. The Bondi is still a great option for walking or standing all day, because the foam is stiffer and provides more support.
These shoes are surprisingly stable for how much cushion they have.
The Clifton 9’s breathable mesh is relatively thick, making this a durable sneaker for everyday wear. It feels soft and plush, and the tongue is gusseted so it forms well to your foot. Venting along the sides and top of the shoe helps to keep your feet cool, except during extreme temperatures. Additionally, for environmentally-conscious shoppers, Hoka has incorporated recycled materials into the design.
The fit of these shoes is snug yet comfortable, providing the right amount of support without feeling restrictive. I have a pretty wide forefoot, but I tested these in a regular width and found it to be perfectly accommodating. If you have a larger volume foot, you may want to opt for the wide version for extra room, though.
Final Thoughts
After testing out the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers for a couple of weeks, I know they’ll become part of my weekly rotation since they’re so versatile. They perform well while running, walking and working out. The thick cushioning, supportive design and stylish appearance make this a shoe I’ll reach for again and again. And at $145, the price is actually very reasonable for the quality and performance it delivers whether you’re a runner, city dweller or someone who likes to stay active without missing a beat.
