The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 GORE-TEX is designed for runners who seek a highly cushioned and waterproof experience on the road, regardless of weather conditions. This guide will help you understand its key features, optimal use, and care, ensuring you get the most out of its weather-ready performance and signature HOKA comfort, though its waterproof nature might mean a slightly different feel than standard road shoes.
GORE-TEX Invisible Fit: Integrated waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry without compromising the shoe's fit or flexibility, perfect for rainy runs.
Weather-Ready Traction Pods: Enhanced outsole design provides improved grip and stability on wet or slippery road surfaces.
360-Degree Reflectivity: Strategic reflective elements ensure increased visibility to others during low-light conditions, enhancing safety for early morning or late evening runs.
Closed Mesh Construction: The upper features a tighter weave to offer additional protection against splashes, debris, and elements.
Cushioned Ride: Built upon the Clifton's renowned plush cushioning, providing a soft and comfortable experience mile after mile.
Road-Specific Design: Engineered for optimal performance on paved surfaces, offering the right balance of cushioning and responsiveness for road running.
Keeps feet dry in wet weather conditions due to GORE-TEX
Offers enhanced traction on slippery roads
Increases safety with 360-degree reflectivity in low light
Provides HOKA's signature soft and cushioned ride
Durable construction designed to withstand varied weather
Versatile for daily training runs
May feel less breathable than non-waterproof versions in warm, dry climates
Potentially slightly heavier than the standard Clifton 9
Upper might feel marginally less flexible due to GORE-TEX integration
Not intended for technical trail running or extremely muddy conditions
May retain more heat compared to non-waterproof models
Keeps feet dry in wet weather conditions due to GORE-TEX
Offers enhanced traction on slippery roads
Increases safety with 360-degree reflectivity in low light
Provides HOKA's signature soft and cushioned ride
Durable construction designed to withstand varied weather
Versatile for daily training runs
May feel less breathable than non-waterproof versions in warm, dry climates
Potentially slightly heavier than the standard Clifton 9
Upper might feel marginally less flexible due to GORE-TEX integration
Not intended for technical trail running or extremely muddy conditions
May retain more heat compared to non-waterproof models
The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 GORE-TEX is your reliable partner for logging miles when the weather turns foul. Its primary strength lies in its waterproof protection, courtesy of the GORE-TEX Invisible Fit. This means you can confidently run through puddles or light rain showers without worrying about wet feet, which is crucial for comfort and preventing blisters on longer runs.
The weather-ready traction pods on the outsole provide a noticeable grip improvement on wet asphalt or concrete. While it's not a trail shoe, it handles slippery road conditions much better than a standard road running shoe, offering stability and confidence.
360-degree reflectivity is a vital safety feature for anyone running in low light. Whether it's dawn, dusk, or overcast days, the shoe helps make you more visible to motorists and cyclists, enhancing your personal safety.
Like all Clifton models, this shoe delivers a highly cushioned ride, absorbing impact effectively and making it ideal for daily training, recovery runs, and even longer distances. The closed mesh construction also plays a role by preventing small debris and splashes from entering the shoe, maintaining comfort throughout your run. This shoe excels in providing a comfortable, protected experience for road runners who don't want to be deterred by the forecast.
Getting started with your HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 GORE-TEX is straightforward:
Sizing: Ensure you have selected the correct size. HOKA shoes generally fit true to size, but consider trying them on with your usual running socks. For this model, you have chosen a UK size 12.
Lacing: Lace them up comfortably, ensuring they are snug but not too tight. Use the lacing system to achieve a secure midfoot lockdown without restricting circulation.
Running Surface: Designed primarily for road running, including asphalt, concrete, and paved paths. Its weather-ready traction provides confidence on wet road surfaces.
Conditions: Ideal for wet, damp, and low-light conditions thanks to its GORE-TEX waterproofing and reflectivity. Can also be worn in dry conditions, though breathability might be slightly reduced compared to non-waterproof shoes.
Activity: Best suited for daily training runs, recovery runs, and casual wear where cushioning and weather protection are desired. Not recommended for technical trail running or extreme off-road conditions.
Proper care will extend the life and performance of your shoes:
Cleaning: After a muddy or dirty run, gently brush off loose dirt. Use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and cold water to clean the upper and outsole. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
Drying: Allow your shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as this can damage materials, especially the GORE-TEX membrane. 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.
Avoid Chemicals: Do not use harsh detergents, bleaches, or solvents, as these can degrade the shoe's materials and waterproof properties.