Hoka Clifton 9 Complete Review

You know, in the world of running shoes, there are icons, and then there are icons. The Hoka Clifton series has basically earned its tenure as the latter—it’s the shoe that arguably started the whole maximalist revolution, convincing us that looking like you’re wearing marshmallows on your feet was actually a good idea. Now, we’ve got the Hoka Clifton 9, released back in February 2023, and honestly, it had some massive shoes to fill (pun intended) after the success of the Clifton 8.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best For: Daily training, recovery runs, long walks, standing all day, healthcare professionals.

Key Strengths: Exceptional weight-to-cushion ratio, smooth Meta-Rocker transition, plush step-in comfort.

Notable Limitations: Standard width runs narrow (especially in the toe box), midsole can feel "flat" for speed work, durability varies for heavier users.

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes The Hoka Clifton 9 Stand Out?

Here’s the thing: usually, when a shoe company adds more cushioning, the shoe gets heavier. It’s just physics, right? But Hoka kind of flipped the script here. The Clifton 9 stands out because they managed to add a whopping 3mm of stack height compared to the previous version, yet they actually made the shoe lighter. That is not easy to do.

They achieved this by reformulating the compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam. It’s responsive, sure, but mostly it’s just incredibly forgiving. It hits that "Goldilocks" zone—not so soft that you’re sinking into quicksand, but not firm enough to beat up your legs. RunRepeat lab tests showed the foam is about 18% softer than the average road shoe, which really tells you everything you need to know about the ride. It’s designed to be that reliable daily driver that protects your legs when you’re pounding out miles or just pounding the pavement on a long shift. As one reviewer put it, the shoe provides a ride that feels akin to "walking on clouds".

Real Customer Experiences

When you dig through the thousands of reviews—and believe me, there are a lot of them—a few clear patterns emerge. It’s rarely lukewarm; people either adore the comfort or they struggle with the fit.

• The "Cloud" Effect: The overwhelming majority of users talk about the immediate comfort. It’s that "ahhh" feeling when you slide your foot in.
• The Narrowness Struggle: A significant chunk of feedback, especially from long-time Hoka fans, points out that the toe box feels tighter than previous iterations.
• Workhorse Status: Nurses, doctors, and retail workers frequently cite this as the only shoe that saves their backs during 12-hour shifts.

Here is what real people are saying:

"It feels like a warm hug for your foot." — Women's Health Magazine

"The Clifton 9 feels softer and more energetic [than the 8]." — Runners World

Design and Build Quality

Let's pop the hood and see what this thing is actually made of. Hoka didn't just slap a new number on the box; they made some structural tweaks that matter.

The Upper

The upper is made from a breathable engineered knit mesh. Honestly, it feels a lot more premium than the mesh on the Clifton 8. They stripped away a lot of the overlays and hotmelts, giving it a cleaner, more streamlined look. One of the best updates, in my opinion, is the gusseted tongue. It’s attached on the medial side, which finally stops that annoying tongue migration—you know, when the tongue slides down the side of your foot mid-run? Yeah, that’s gone. The heel collar is also plushier, designed to lock your foot in without digging into your Achilles.

The Midsole

This is the main event. We are looking at a big slab of CMEVA foam. The stack heights are substantial—about 32mm in the heel for men and 29mm for women, with a 5mm drop. Hoka kept their signature Early Stage Meta-Rocker geometry. If you haven't experienced this, imagine the bottom of a rocking chair. It’s curved to help roll you from heel to toe, which really helps when your legs are tired. It makes the transition feel seamless, almost automatic.

The Outsole

They used Durabrasion rubber here, but they were smart about it. They didn't cover the whole bottom (which would add weight). Instead, they placed it strategically in high-wear areas like the heel and forefoot. The outsole pattern has changed a bit too; it’s got wider grooves and slightly more coverage than the Clifton 8 to help with stability.

Durability Issues

Now, I have to be real with you. While the build quality is generally good, there are reports of the exposed foam on the outsole wearing down a bit faster than some would like, especially if you drag your feet. Some users have seen the rubber peel or the mesh tear where it meets the sole, though this seems to be more of an exception than the rule.

Comfort and Fit

Okay, let's talk about how they actually feel, because stats on a page don't tell you if your toes are going to go numb at mile six.

The Sizing Paradox

Generally speaking, the Clifton 9 fits true to size length-wise. If you wear a size 10 in Brooks or Nike, you're probably a 10 here. However, and this is a big bold however, the width is a different story. The standard width (D for men, B for women) is undeniably narrow. The midfoot feels like a bucket seat—it cradles you, which is great for stability, but if you have even slightly wide feet, you might feel the squeeze.

The Break-in

The beauty of this shoe is the lack of a break-in period. Seriously. For most people, it’s good to go right out of the box. You don't need to walk around your house in them for three days hoping they stretch. That plush collar and the soft foam are ready when you are.

Width Profile

If you have wide feet, or even if you just like to splay your toes, I highly, highly recommend looking at the Wide (2E) option. The toe box measurement at the big toe is around 68.9mm, which lab tests show is narrower than average. Don't say I didn't warn you.

"The toe box is on the narrower side... definitely consider the wide version if you are on the fence." — Sole Review

Style and Versatility

You know what? The "dad shoe" aesthetic is essentially high fashion now, and Hoka is leading the parade. The Clifton 9 is chunky, unapologetic, and comes in a massive array of colors—from safe "Shifting Sand" neutrals to wild "Cyclamen" pinks.

It’s incredibly versatile. I see these just as often in the grocery store or the airport as I do on the running path. They have this athleisure appeal that pairs just as well with joggers and a coffee as they do with running shorts and a Garmin watch. Because they are so comfortable for standing, they've become the unofficial uniform for nurses and teachers. It’s a running shoe that moonlights as a lifestyle staple.

Quality and Durability

This is where things get a little nuanced. If you are a light-footed runner or a walker, these shoes will likely last you the standard 400 miles (approx. 640 km) without much fuss. The upper is durable, and the knit structure holds up well.

However, if you are a heavier runner or you have a heavy heel strike, you might find the midsole foam compresses or "bottoms out" a bit faster than stiffer foams. It’s the trade-off for that super soft feel; softer materials often compress quicker. Also, because there is exposed foam on the bottom (to save weight), gravel can chew it up a bit. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but don’t expect them to look pristine if you take them on gravel trails.

Decision Matrix

Let’s break this down by scenario. I've mapped this out to help you visualize where this shoe shines.

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor