Hoka Clifton 9 Review: Is It Worth the Price?
The Clifton is the shoe that built Hoka. From its origins as a niche ultra-running brand to its current position as the most-talked-about cushioned trainer in the world, the Clifton line has been the gateway shoe for almost every Hoka convert. The Clifton 9 is the latest iteration, and after 600 km of testing across road, gravel, and treadmill, here is the honest review.
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The short verdict
The Hoka Clifton 9 is one of the best cushioned daily trainers on the market in 2025. It is light, plush, and forgiving, with a rocker geometry that makes long runs feel easier than they should. It is not perfect — the outsole wears faster than premium-priced shoes should, and the low heel drop is not for everyone — but for the right runner, it is exceptional.
Rating: 9/10. Recommended for anyone who wants serious cushioning without the weight penalty.
What is new in the Clifton 9
If you have run in the Clifton 7 or 8, the 9 is a meaningful evolution rather than a complete rebuild:
- More foam underfoot. The midsole is 3 mm taller in the heel and forefoot compared to the Clifton 8. The shoe genuinely has more cushion now.
- Reworked upper. The mesh is more accommodating, the toebox is roomier, and the heel collar has been padded out. Fit complaints from previous versions have been largely addressed.
- New rocker geometry. The MetaRocker has been slightly recalibrated for a smoother forward roll, especially noticeable on long runs at easy pace.
- Lighter weight. Despite more foam, the Clifton 9 has come in lighter than the 8, around 248 g in a men's size 9.
The outsole and lacing are largely unchanged. The price has crept up slightly, but it remains one of the more reasonably priced shoes in its category.
First impressions
Out of the box, the Clifton 9 feels lighter than it looks. The shoe has a substantial visual profile — that signature thick Hoka midsole — but the in-hand weight is well below average for a cushioned trainer.
Step into them and the first thing you notice is the rocker. There is a slight forward tilt that wants to move you. Stand still and you can feel it. Walk and it becomes natural. Run and it disappears into a smooth rolling motion that, after twenty minutes, you stop noticing.
The upper is one of the best Hoka has produced. The midfoot wrap is secure without being tight, the heel hold is excellent, and the toebox is genuinely roomy. Wide-footed runners will appreciate that the 2E and 4E versions exist, but most people will find the standard width fits well.
On the run
This is where the Clifton 9 earns its reputation.
At easy pace — anywhere between 5:30 and 6:30 per kilometre for most runners — the shoe is exceptional. The CMEVA midsole is firm enough to feel responsive but cushioned enough to take the edge off every step. The rocker rolls you forward without you having to push off as aggressively. On a 20 km long run, the difference between the Clifton 9 and a less rockered shoe is significant: your calves and forefoot work measurably less.
At moderate pace — say 4:45 to 5:30 per kilometre — the Clifton holds up well. It is not a tempo shoe and you would not race in it, but it does not feel sluggish either. The rocker actually helps a slightly faster turnover.
At fast pace — under 4:30 per kilometre — the Clifton starts to feel underspec. The foam compresses, the rocker becomes less efficient, and you start to wish you had a plated shoe. For interval work, look elsewhere.
The shoe is at its best on long, easy efforts. Marathon training plan long runs, recovery runs the day after a hard workout, weekend miles where you are just trying to be on your feet — this is what the Clifton is for.
Pros
- Outstanding cushioning for the weight
- Rocker geometry that genuinely reduces effort on long runs
- Comfortable, accommodating upper
- Available in multiple widths
- One of the easier-feeling shoes for newer runners
- Works well for walking, hiking, and standing — multi-use value
Cons
- Outsole rubber wears faster than competitors at the same price point
- 5 mm heel drop is too low for some runners, especially those with tight calves
- Not responsive enough for tempo or interval work
- The rocker can feel unstable on uneven trails or technical terrain
- Heel collar can rub on the Achilles for some foot shapes — try them on first
Durability
After 600 km of testing on mostly paved roads with some gravel paths, the outsole shows clear wear at the heel strike zone and moderate wear under the forefoot. The midsole still feels close to new — Hoka foam holds up better than many competitors — but the exposed foam at the outsole has worn through in a couple of spots.
Expect 500-700 km of useful life. That is at the lower end of premium-trainer expectations, and at this price point you would hope for more. It is the main thing keeping the Clifton 9 from a perfect score.
Sizing
True to size for most people. If you are between sizes, go up rather than down — the toebox is generous and a half size up gives more room for swelling on long runs without the heel slipping.
Wide-footed runners should look at the 2E or 4E versions rather than sizing up.
Who should buy the Clifton 9
This shoe is a great fit for:
- Recreational runners doing mostly easy mileage
- Marathon trainees looking for a long-run shoe
- Walkers and hikers wanting maximum cushioning in a light package
- Runners with knee or hip issues who benefit from rocker geometry
- Anyone transitioning to higher mileage who needs the foot protection
Who should skip it
The Clifton 9 is not the right shoe for:
- Runners who do most of their training at faster paces
- Anyone with calf or Achilles issues who needs a higher heel drop
- Heavier runners who would benefit more from the Hoka Bondi 8 for max cushion
- Trail runners (look at the Speedgoat instead)
- Runners who want a traditional, grounded ride (look at the Brooks Ghost 16)
How it compares
Against the Hoka Bondi 8, the Clifton is lighter and faster but less cushioned. If you do mostly easy running and want a long-run option, Clifton. If you need maximum impact protection and you are heavier, Bondi.
Against the Brooks Ghost 16, the Clifton is lighter, more rockered, and softer. The Ghost is more traditional, more grounded, and has a higher drop. Different shoes for different feelings.
Against the Nike Pegasus 41, the Clifton is more cushioned and less responsive. The Pegasus is more versatile across paces; the Clifton is better for pure easy mileage.
Final verdict
The Hoka Clifton 9 deserves its reputation. It is not the most cushioned shoe (the Bondi is), it is not the most responsive (the Pegasus is), and it is not the most accommodating (the Ghost is), but it is the best balance of weight, cushion, and ride for the largest number of runners.
If you do mostly easy running and you want a daily trainer that you will look forward to lacing up, this is the shoe.
The durability issue keeps it from being a 10/10. Everything else is just about as good as a daily trainer gets.