The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 running shoe is designed for everyday runners seeking a balance of lightness and exceptional cushioning. This ninth iteration offers a significantly revitalized underfoot experience, making daily miles more comfortable and efficient. While optimized for general road running, its plush design prioritizes comfort over aggressive speed work or technical trail conditions.
Lighter Weight: Engineered to be noticeably lighter than previous versions, reducing fatigue over long distances.
Enhanced Cushioning: Features an additional 3mm in stack height for increased plushness and impact absorption.
Responsive New Foam: Incorporates a new foam compound that provides a more energetic and responsive feel underfoot.
Improved Outsole Design: Reworked outsole for better durability and traction on road surfaces.
Stripped-Back Upper: Designed without unnecessary overlays and hotmelts for a cleaner, more adaptable fit.
Plusher Heel: An intentionally crafted heel section offers superior comfort and reduces irritation.
Reflective Heel Panel: Enhances visibility during low-light conditions for increased safety.
Streamlined Tongue with Medial Gusset: Provides a secure, comfortable fit that resists shifting during runs.
Exceptional cushioning for superior comfort on daily runs.
Lighter design enhances efficiency and reduces overall shoe weight.
Responsive foam provides a lively, energetic ride.
Streamlined upper offers a comfortable, adaptable, and secure fit.
Improved outsole design suggests enhanced durability and grip.
Reflective elements boost safety for early morning or late evening runs.
Info needed: May not be ideal for runners who prefer a firm, minimalist ground feel.
Info needed: While versatile, specialized trail running shoes may offer better grip on technical terrain.
The plush cushioning, while a benefit, might feel less 'fast' for speed-focused workouts for some users.
Exceptional cushioning for superior comfort on daily runs.
Lighter design enhances efficiency and reduces overall shoe weight.
Responsive foam provides a lively, energetic ride.
Streamlined upper offers a comfortable, adaptable, and secure fit.
Improved outsole design suggests enhanced durability and grip.
Reflective elements boost safety for early morning or late evening runs.
Info needed: May not be ideal for runners who prefer a firm, minimalist ground feel.
Info needed: While versatile, specialized trail running shoes may offer better grip on technical terrain.
The plush cushioning, while a benefit, might feel less 'fast' for speed-focused workouts for some users.
The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 shines as a daily trainer, excelling in providing comfort and support for a wide range of running activities. Its combination of increased stack height and a responsive new foam makes it an excellent choice for:
Everyday Training: For your regular runs, whether short or medium distance, the Clifton 9 provides consistent cushioning to absorb impact and keep your legs feeling fresh.
Long Runs: The enhanced plushness helps to mitigate fatigue over longer distances, allowing you to maintain comfort and form.
Recovery Runs: When your legs are tired, the soft ride of the Clifton 9 offers a gentle experience, aiding in recovery by reducing stress on joints and muscles.
Walking and Casual Wear: Beyond running, the superior comfort makes these shoes a great option for extended periods of walking or general daily wear.
Expect a smooth, fluid ride with noticeable bounce. The lighter construction contributes to a less clunky feel, allowing for a more natural stride. The stripped-back upper conforms well to the foot, minimizing pressure points, while the plusher heel ensures a locked-in, comfortable sensation throughout your run. The improved outsole provides reliable traction on paved roads and sidewalks, making it a dependable choice in various weather conditions.
Using your HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 shoes is straightforward. Simply lace them up to achieve a comfortable, snug fit that doesn't feel overly tight. Pay attention to how the streamlined tongue and medial gusset conform to your foot for optimal security.
Unpack: Remove the shoes from their packaging.
Lace Up: Adjust the laces evenly from toe to ankle, ensuring no pressure points.
Check Fit: Stand up and walk a few steps to ensure adequate toe room and heel security.
Go Run: You're ready to enjoy your run!
The Clifton 9 is primarily designed for road running and neutral pronators. Its balanced cushioning system also makes it suitable for many runners who require moderate support without excessive motion control. It's compatible with a variety of foot strikes, benefiting both heel and midfoot strikers due to its generous cushioning.
Best Use: Daily training, long runs, recovery runs on pavement, roads, and track.
Surface: Paved roads, sidewalks, light gravel paths.
Proper care extends the life and performance of your running shoes.
Cleaning: Gently remove dirt and debris with a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) and cold water. For stubborn stains, use a mild soap or shoe cleaner. Do not machine wash or machine dry your shoes, as this can damage materials and adhesives.
Drying: Allow shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause materials to shrink or warp. You can stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Rotation: If you run frequently, consider rotating your Clifton 9s with another pair of running shoes. This allows the cushioning to fully decompress and extends the lifespan of both pairs.