Hoka Clifton 9 Review: A Kinder, Softer Daily Trainer

Introduction

The Clifton line has been one of Hoka’s most popular daily trainers for years, and the Clifton 9 arrives as a careful but genuinely noticeable update. Priced at £130 in the UK and $145 in the US, it keeps the same 5mm drop as the Clifton 8 while adding 3mm of stack height and an upgraded version of Hoka’s CMEVA midsole foam that is lighter and designed to feel better underfoot. There are changes in the upper too, with more knitted elements for a more accommodating fit, and the Durabrasion rubber outsole has been tweaked for grip and mileage.

In a UK size 8, the Clifton 9 weighed in lighter than the Clifton 8, which backs up Hoka’s claim. The question is whether these refinements are enough to win over runners who found earlier Cliftons a bit firm and dull.

Who the Clifton 9 Is For

This is a cushioned daily shoe that leans towards comfort over speed. It is built for easy runs, recovery miles and steady daily training where you want to tick off the miles without thinking about the shoe.

It also makes sense for runners who want one shoe to cover most of their week. Testers found it handled easy runs, long runs up to 16 miles and even moderate tempo sessions, so there is no reason you could not do all of your running in it. If you are chasing PBs, though, this is not the shoe for that job.

Main Strengths

The midsole is the headline change. It is still a CMEVA compound, but it feels noticeably softer and a little livelier than before. One long-time Clifton sceptic described it as the first version of the shoe with changes they could actually feel, with a slight sinking feeling and a more energetic ride than the firm, flat-feeling midsoles of earlier models.

The upper is another clear step forward. The added knit elements give it a snugger, more comfortable structure, with a nicely padded tongue and heel, good lockdown from the laces and a toe box most testers found accommodating. The signature Hoka rocker geometry works smoothly here, and the shoe disappears on the foot at easy paces. Combined with the reduced weight, the result is a shoe that feels lighter and more nimble than the Clifton 8 while keeping the smooth, consistent ride the line is known for.

Fit feedback was mostly true to size, with one tester calling the fit completely perfect at their normal size and praising the room up front. One caution: Hoka shoes tend to run narrow, and one tester experienced some rubbing around the midfoot and heel during the first few runs before the upper settled. If you have wider feet, consider the wide version.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The midsole is better, but it is still an EVA foam, and it will not give you much back at faster paces. It is not bouncy or particularly responsive, and multiple testers agreed it is not a shoe for hard efforts or race-day performances. At easier paces it is genuinely enjoyable; push beyond that and it feels fine rather than fun.

If you want a super soft, plush ride, shoes like the Nimbus 25 or Invincible 3 offer considerably more squish. Within Hoka’s own range, the Mach 5 is lighter, quicker and more fun at faster paces, while some runners prefer the Bondi for maximum cushioning. Against the wider market, options like the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 undercut it on price while remaining enjoyable daily trainers.

Buying Advice

If you already love the Clifton line, the Clifton 9 should make you happy. It does the same job as before, just a little better: softer, lighter, more comfortable and more enjoyable, without straying from what made the shoe popular.

If you are new to the line, it works as a durable everyday running shoe that can cover a lot of mileage with a smooth, consistent ride. It sits comfortably alongside shoes like the New Balance 1080, Brooks Ghost and Saucony Ride in that category of relatively cushioned, high-mileage daily trainers.

If maximum versatility matters more, the Nike Pegasus, Puma Velocity Nitro or Hoka Mach 5 are lighter and quicker alternatives. And if you want more cushion than the Clifton offers, pairing the Mach 5 with a plusher trainer may make a better two-shoe rotation. For comfortable, no-drama daily miles, though, the Clifton 9 is a solid pick.

Conclusion

The Clifton 9 is a good update rather than a dramatic redesign. A softer and livelier midsole, a more comfortable upper and a lighter build make it the most enjoyable Clifton in recent memory, while keeping the qualities fans expect from the line. It is not the most exciting daily trainer on the market, and it still lacks the bounce some runners crave, but as a comfortable, versatile and durable everyday shoe it does its job well and is a clear step forward for Hoka.