The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 is designed for everyday athletes seeking a comfortable and responsive experience for road running and walking. Its key win lies in offering a lighter feel with enhanced cushioning and a revitalized underfoot experience, thanks to new foam and an improved outsole. While exceptionally comfortable for its intended use, users should note its primary design is optimized for road surfaces.
Lighter, More Cushioned Design: Features a lighter build combined with an increased 3mm stack height for improved cushioning.
Responsive New Foam: Incorporates a new, responsive foam in the midsole for an energized underfoot feel.
Improved Outsole Design: Engineered for enhanced durability and traction on road surfaces.
Breathable Engineered Knit Upper: Ensures feet stay cool and fresh, even during longer runs.
Gusseted Tongue & Recycled Lace Closure: Provides a secure, snug, and comfortable fit, preventing tongue migration.
Compression-Moulded EVA Foam Midsole: Delivers consistent cushioning and shock absorption.
Early-Stage MetaRocker™: Promotes a smooth transition and efficient toe-off for a responsive stride.
Sustainable Construction: Vegan-friendly with significant use of recycled polyester in the upper mesh, collar/tongue lining, strobel board, and sockliner top cloth.
Enhanced cushioning with increased stack height
Significantly lighter than previous models
Responsive and smooth ride with new foam and MetaRocker
Excellent breathability for comfort
Durable outsole for daily road use
Constructed with sustainable, recycled materials
Optimized primarily for road running, not ideal for trails
The MetaRocker design might require a short adjustment period for new users
Info needed: Specific long-term durability metrics for very high mileage users
Limited suitability for speed work or racing due to comfort focus
Enhanced cushioning with increased stack height
Significantly lighter than previous models
Responsive and smooth ride with new foam and MetaRocker
Excellent breathability for comfort
Durable outsole for daily road use
Constructed with sustainable, recycled materials
Optimized primarily for road running, not ideal for trails
The MetaRocker design might require a short adjustment period for new users
Info needed: Specific long-term durability metrics for very high mileage users
Limited suitability for speed work or racing due to comfort focus
The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 excels as a daily trainer and for long-distance road running and walking. Its responsive new foam combined with an increased stack height provides a plush yet energetic feel, making it suitable for sustained efforts. The early-stage MetaRocker™ geometry facilitates a smooth, rolling transition from heel to toe, reducing impact and promoting an efficient stride. This translates to less fatigue over longer distances. For example, during a 10km run, you'll notice the consistent cushioning absorbing impact while the MetaRocker gently propels you forward. The breathable engineered knit upper ensures your feet remain comfortable and well-ventilated, preventing overheating on warm days or during intense sessions. The Durabrasion rubber outsole offers reliable grip and resilience on various paved surfaces, making it a dependable choice for your regular routes. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely walk or logging serious training miles, the Clifton 9 is engineered to deliver comfort and support.
Unboxing: Carefully remove your Clifton 9 shoes from their packaging.
Lacing: Loosen the recycled lace closure and slide your foot in. Adjust the laces to achieve a snug, comfortable fit across your midfoot, ensuring the gusseted tongue is centered. A proper lacing technique prevents pressure points and enhances stability.
First Wear: Wear your shoes for short periods initially to allow them to conform to your feet and for you to adapt to the early-stage MetaRocker™ feel.
Surfaces: Best suited for road running, pavements, and indoor track use. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is designed for these conditions.
Activities: Ideal for daily training runs, long-distance running, recovery runs, and walking.
Foot Type: Generally versatile for various foot types, offering balanced support and cushioning.
To maintain the longevity and performance of your HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9:
Cleaning: Refer to the manufacturer's care instructions for specific cleaning guidelines. Generally, clean dirt and debris off the upper and outsole using a soft brush or damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or machine washing.
Drying: Air dry your shoes at room temperature away from direct heat sources or sunlight, which can damage materials.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
Rotation: If you run frequently, consider rotating your Clifton 9 with another pair of running shoes to extend their lifespan.