The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 is designed for road runners seeking a highly cushioned yet responsive experience. Its advanced midsole and unique rocker geometry provide a smooth, efficient ride, making it ideal for daily training and long distances. While excelling on pavement, its specialized design means it is primarily suited for road surfaces.
Upstream Mesh Upper: Engineered for lightweight breathability, providing a comfortable and secure fit that adapts to your foot.
Compression-Molded EVA Foam Midsole: Delivers signature HOKA cushioning, offering exceptional shock absorption for a soft landing and a responsive feel for energized take-offs.
Meta-Rocker Geometry: An early stage rocker design promotes a smooth and efficient transition from heel strike to toe-off, enhancing your natural running gait.
Optimized Cushioning-to-Weight Ratio: Provides significant comfort without unnecessary bulk, making it a versatile option for various running paces.
Road Running Specific Design: Constructed and tuned to perform best on hard, even surfaces like asphalt and concrete, offering optimal grip and durability for road conditions.
Responsive Ride: Balances soft cushioning with enough energy return to keep you feeling fresh and propelled forward during your runs.
Exceptional cushioning for superior comfort on long runs
Smooth and efficient transitions due to meta-rocker design
Lightweight and breathable upper material
Responsive feel despite high cushioning
Ideal for daily training and road races
Primarily designed for road use, less suitable for trails
May feel too soft or 'squishy' for some runners preferring a firmer ride
Not intended for technical terrain or speed work on tracks
Exceptional cushioning for superior comfort on long runs
Smooth and efficient transitions due to meta-rocker design
Lightweight and breathable upper material
Responsive feel despite high cushioning
Ideal for daily training and road races
Primarily designed for road use, less suitable for trails
May feel too soft or 'squishy' for some runners preferring a firmer ride
Not intended for technical terrain or speed work on tracks
The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 truly shines on the road, offering a consistent and comfortable experience whether you're logging daily miles or tackling a marathon. The compression-molded EVA foam midsole is the star, delivering a soft, protective feel underfoot without completely muting ground feedback. This makes it a great choice for runners who prioritize joint protection and comfort.
The meta-rocker geometry is noticeable from the first stride, facilitating a fluid roll through your gait cycle. This design helps reduce the energy required for propulsion, contributing to a feeling of effortless motion, especially over longer distances. For example, during a 10k run, you'll likely notice less fatigue in your legs thanks to the shoe's shock absorption and propulsive shape.
The Upstream mesh upper provides excellent breathability, keeping your feet cool even on warmer days. Its secure fit ensures your foot stays locked in place, preventing unwanted movement that can lead to blisters. This shoe performs best at easy to moderate paces, offering reliable cushioning and a smooth ride that encourages consistent effort. While it can handle some quicker efforts, its strength lies in providing a comfortable, resilient platform for the majority of your road running miles.
Sizing: The HOKA Clifton 9 generally runs true to size. We recommend trying them on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure the best fit. There should be a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Lacing: Ensure laces are snug but not overtightened. Utilize all eyelets for a secure fit, especially if you experience heel slippage.
Break-In: While many runners find HOKAs comfortable out of the box, a short break-in period of 20-30 miles is recommended. Start with shorter runs to allow your feet and the shoes to adapt to each other.
These shoes are designed for road running on asphalt, concrete, and paved paths. They are suitable for various foot types due to their neutral stability. While they can be worn for casual walking, their design is optimized for the biomechanics of running. They pair well with technical running socks for optimal moisture wicking and comfort.
Proper care extends the life and performance of your Clifton 9s:
Cleaning: Gently brush off loose dirt with a soft brush. For deeper cleaning, hand wash with mild soap and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing.
Drying: Always air dry your shoes away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Remove insoles to aid drying and maintain freshness.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Rotation: If you run frequently, consider rotating your Clifton 9s with another pair of running shoes. This allows the cushioning to decompress and can extend the lifespan of both pairs.