The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 is designed for everyday runners seeking a balance of lightness and plush cushioning for their daily miles. This ninth iteration delivers a revitalized underfoot experience with enhanced responsiveness and a comfortable, stripped-back upper, offering a smooth and enjoyable ride for road running. While exceptionally cushioned, its design is optimized for consistent road use rather than aggressive trail conditions.
Lighter & More Cushioned: The Clifton 9 is engineered to be lighter than its predecessors while simultaneously increasing stack height by 3mm, providing a more substantial yet nimble feel underfoot.
Responsive New Foam: Features an updated midsole foam formulation that delivers an energetic and responsive ride, enhancing comfort and propulsion during your runs.
Improved Outsole Design: The revamped outsole offers better durability and traction for road surfaces, ensuring reliable performance stride after stride.
Stripped-Back Upper: A simplified upper construction eliminates unnecessary overlays and hotmelts, reducing weight and enhancing overall flexibility and breathability.
Plusher Heel: The heel area is consciously crafted to be softer and more accommodating, reducing irritation and providing a comfortable, secure fit.
Reflective Heel Panel: Includes a reflective panel on the heel for increased visibility during low-light conditions, adding a safety element to your early morning or late evening runs.
Streamlined Tongue with Single Side Medial Gusset: A sleek tongue design integrates a medial gusset to prevent slippage and create a seamless, snug fit around the midfoot.
Exceptional cushioning for comfortable long runs and daily training.
Lighter than previous models despite increased stack height.
Responsive foam provides an energetic feel.
Improved upper design offers enhanced comfort and breathability.
Reflective elements for added visibility in low light.
Suitable for a wide range of everyday road running distances.
Not optimized for technical trail running or aggressive off-road conditions.
The plush cushioning might feel less 'fast' for high-intensity speed workouts.
Some runners may find the stack height and cushioning profile less ground-feel oriented.
Exceptional cushioning for comfortable long runs and daily training.
Lighter than previous models despite increased stack height.
Responsive foam provides an energetic feel.
Improved upper design offers enhanced comfort and breathability.
Reflective elements for added visibility in low light.
Suitable for a wide range of everyday road running distances.
Not optimized for technical trail running or aggressive off-road conditions.
The plush cushioning might feel less 'fast' for high-intensity speed workouts.
Some runners may find the stack height and cushioning profile less ground-feel oriented.
The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 excels as a daily trainer, providing a consistently comfortable and smooth experience for a variety of road running activities. Its combination of a lightweight design and ample cushioning makes it ideal for:
Everyday Training Runs: Whether you're heading out for a quick 3-miler or a steady 10k, the Clifton 9 provides the comfort and protection needed to keep your legs feeling fresh.
Longer Efforts: The increased stack height and responsive foam absorb impact effectively, making it a reliable choice for sustained efforts over longer distances, helping to reduce fatigue.
Recovery Runs: The plush feel offers a gentle ride, perfect for easy-paced recovery runs after harder workouts.
Walking and Casual Wear: Its comfortable fit and cushioning also make it a great option for extended periods of walking or general casual wear, providing all-day comfort.
The improved outsole offers dependable grip on paved surfaces, while the streamlined upper ensures a breathable and irritation-free fit. Runners will appreciate the balance of softness and responsiveness, allowing for an enjoyable and efficient stride.
Lacing: Ensure your shoes are laced securely but not overly tight. Use all eyelets, and experiment with different lacing techniques (e.g., heel lock lacing) if you experience heel slip or pressure points.
Sock Choice: Pair with performance running socks that wick moisture to prevent blisters and enhance comfort.
Break-in Period: While HOKA shoes generally require minimal break-in, allow for a few easy runs to fully adapt to the shoe's cushioning and fit.
Terrain: Best suited for roads, sidewalks, paved paths, and light track use. Not recommended for rugged trails or highly technical terrain.
Runner Type: Ideal for neutral runners. Its stable platform and cushioning can also accommodate mild pronators looking for a softer ride.
Activity: Perfect for daily mileage, long runs, recovery runs, and general fitness walking.
Cleaning: Gently remove dirt and mud with a soft brush or damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, hand wash with mild soap and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing, as this can damage materials.
Drying: Allow shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or using a dryer, which can warp materials and degrade adhesives.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures. Do not store in direct sunlight.
Longevity: Rotate your running shoes to extend their lifespan, especially if you run frequently. Most running shoes, including the Clifton 9, are designed for 300-500 miles, depending on individual running style and weight.