Hoka Clifton 9 vs On Cloudsurfer 7: Which Daily Trainer Deserves Your Miles?

Introduction

The Hoka Clifton 9 and the On Cloudsurfer 7 are the latest iterations of two long-running daily trainer lines, and both have seen meaningful changes. The Clifton 9 gets a slightly softer midsole foam update, while the Cloudsurfer 7 receives one of the biggest overhauls On has ever made with its new CloudTec Phase midsole. Both are aimed at comfortable everyday miles, but they land in noticeably different places.

Quick numbers side by side: the On Cloudsurfer 7 costs £150 or $159.99, weighs 236g (8.3 oz) for men in a size 8, with a 10mm drop. The Hoka Clifton 9 costs £130 or $145, weighs 247g (8.7 oz) for men in a size 8, with a 5mm drop.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit completely true to size and are very comfortable out of the box. There is no need to size up or down in either one, and neither caused issues during testing. Around 60k of running has been logged in each.

Hoka Clifton 9: A Subtle Update That Changes the Feel

The Clifton 9 keeps its familiar recipe: a softer compression-molded EVA foam midsole, a breathable engineered knit upper, a gusseted tongue, an early-stage meta rocker for heel-to-toe transition, and a modest covering of outsole rubber for grip and durability. The geometry is designed to improve stability.

The midsole foam update is not massive, but it is noticeable. Where earlier Cliftons often felt dull, the extra softness gives the ride a touch of spring. It now works well as a solid mid-level shoe for ticking off daily miles at a consistent pace. It still skews toward the cushioned side, so it is not the shoe for faster training, and it is not the most versatile daily trainer available. If you want more from the Hoka range, the Mach 5 with its dual-density midsole is a leaner but more versatile alternative, though it leans more toward faster training, so the Clifton 9 still offers more cushioning and support.

On Cloudsurfer 7: A Complete Overhaul

The Cloudsurfer 7 is nearly a complete redesign. The headline change is On’s new CloudTec Phase midsole foam, a softer, bouncier design that improves heel-to-toe transition and comfort significantly. The speedboard that previously ran the length of most On shoes is gone, so the ride is far less rigid than earlier models. There is a soft mesh upper with generous padding around the heel collar and tongue, a modest covering of outsole rubber across the front and rear, and an interesting lacing system designed for a locked-down fit.

This is arguably the best shoe On has produced. The foam feels soft and cushioned, with just enough bounce to keep it enjoyable, and the heel-to-toe transition pops you along nicely. On a 16-mile run, legs felt great at the end, with the foam delivering throughout. It also handles slightly faster paces comfortably, which makes it more versatile than the Clifton 9. For easy days, longer slow runs, holidays with high weekly mileage, and even walking around, it is a genuinely comfortable all-rounder. Compared with the Cloudmonster, this is arguably the better cushioned shoe despite being positioned as a daily trainer.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Both are solid, comfortable daily trainers, but the Cloudsurfer 7 is the far superior shoe here. It is softer, more cushioned, and considerably more versatile, handling everything from slow easy runs to slightly faster efforts. If you want one shoe for mostly ticking off the miles, and occasionally picking up the pace, the Cloudsurfer 7 is the pick.

The Clifton 9 has genuinely improved, but it remains a fairly simple shoe that does one thing well: solid daily miles at a consistent pace. There is one open question on the Cloudsurfer side: durability. The CloudTec Phase foam feels soft and slightly delicate, and there is less outsole rubber than on the Clifton 9. With limited mileage so far, this remains unconfirmed, but it is the one potential drawback worth watching.

Conclusion

If you have the option between these two, go for the On Cloudsurfer 7 for comfort and versatility. The Hoka Clifton 9 is a real improvement over previous versions and a dependable choice for steady daily miles, but the Cloudsurfer 7 is the more complete package.