HOKA Clifton 9

Believe in the Run praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a reliably plush, improved daily trainer that preserves the classic Clifton character while delivering a noticeably livelier ride thanks to a new CMEVA midsole and 3mm more stack. The reviewer expresses clear affection—calling it perhaps one of the best iterations—while remaining measured, noting it’s not revolutionary, not ideal for fast workouts, and only mildly altered visually; they highlight better wide-fit accommodations, improved outsole traction, lighter weight versus previous models, and strong durability and value despite a price bump. Unique insights include long-term familiarity with every Clifton model, real-world weight checks and wide-fit testing, comparisons to rivals (New Balance, Asics, On), and a candid, conversational tone that frames the Clifton 9 as a dependable, forgiving daily trainer rather than a speed-focused showpiece.

Amanda Furrer from Runner’s World praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a welcome refinement: lighter than the Clifton 8 yet plusher, it delivers a cushioned, comfortable daily trainer that many testers found versatile enough for long runs and recovery days. The reviewer's tone is upbeat and fond—she describes warming to the shoe after an initial "marshmallow" break-in and highlights concrete changes (3mm added stack, compression-molded EVA, pared-back jacquard upper, improved heel collar and tongue) that explain the improved ride. Testers largely loved the smooth, supportive feel and all-day comfort, though a minority found the ride sluggish for faster workouts or the upper too thick/bulky, with one runner reporting shin tightness. Overall the piece conveys genuine enthusiasm tempered by fair, specific critiques about responsiveness and occasional outsole abrasion.

Nathaniel Bailey of OutdoorGearLab/GearLab praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a comfortable, well-cushioned daily trainer that keeps miles feeling easy thanks to a relatively lightweight package, stable platform, and plush, breathable upper. He highlights measured stack heights (38 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot), a gentle rocker, and a firmer midsole that gives a smooth, secure ride—making it especially good for long runs, walking, and runners who want cushioning without bulk. Criticisms center on limited responsiveness at threshold and faster paces, some durability worries after ~150 miles (rock strikes, perceived cushioning loss), and an average traction profile. Bailey situates the Clifton 9 as a solid option for high-volume runners who prioritize comfort and mild stability, while suggesting more responsive alternatives (On Cloudsurfer, Saucony Triumph 22) for those chasing speed.

RTINGS praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a dependable, no-nonsense daily trainer that prioritizes stable, predictable comfort over flashy performance. The reviewers commend its updated ProFly+ midsole for delivering reliable cushioning, good lateral stability from a wide outsole, and a secure platform that suits easy mileage, recovery runs, and runners who need support as fatigue sets in. However, they criticize its very poor energy return, firm forefoot, and only moderate weight—faults that make it ill-suited for racing or fast sessions and limit responsiveness at higher speeds. Notable insights include detailed comparisons to HOKA’s own lineup (Clifton 10, Mach 6, Bondi 9) and competitors (ASICS Novablast 5, Saucony Triumph 22), plus measured stack heights and objective testing methods; collectively these paint the Clifton 9 as a solid everyday workhorse for stability-first runners, but not for those seeking bounce, speed, or long-distance racing performance.

Women’s Running’s Holly Taylor assesses the HOKA Clifton 9 as a mostly comfortable, everyday road shoe that leans toward plush cushioning rather than snappy responsiveness. She’s enthusiastic—calling it lightweight (205g), soft-lined, and ideal for 10K to half-marathon training—while noting it feels slightly longer and narrower than other HOKA models and currently lacks a wide-option. Taylor highlights the maintained CMEVA midsole, a sleeker, slightly lower-profile stack, and an unchanged £130 price, praising its cloud-like landings on long runs but admitting it’s less springy than the Kawana or Rincon 3 and not as cushioned as the Bondi 8 for recovery days. Overall, she’d reach for the Clifton 9 for long, comfortable training miles but tempers excitement around its limited responsiveness and fit options.

Solereview editors praise the HOKA Clifton 9 as a familiar, reliably comfortable everyday trainer that refines rather than reinvents the Clifton line. The review sounds measured and mildly disappointed — pleased with breathable, lightweight construction, versatile EVA cushioning, improved reflectivity and true-to-size fit, but critical of slimmer “step-in” softness, reduced outsole grip on damp surfaces, marginally lower stability versus the Clifton 8, and a price hike to $145 with little new tech. Unique insights note a 3 mm taller midsole, a new fabric lasting and footbed that trade immediate plushness for deeper cushioning, and how outsole lug texture and a shifted transition groove favor outer-side compression. Verdict: a crowd-pleasing, low-risk daily trainer and half-marathon option that’s easy to recommend if you value comfort and familiarity — but not an exciting or best-value pick compared with higher-tech rivals.

Matthew Medendorp at GearJunkie praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a thoughtful, comfort-first evolution of a beloved flagship—lighter by 4 g with 3 mm more stack and a redesigned compression-molded EVA midsole and stripped-down knit upper that deliver noticeably plush, breathable cushioning. He writes with warm approval, saying the shoe made him look forward to runs and helped him nurse an underfoot injury while still enabling occasional faster efforts; the Clifton 9 excels for Zone 2 training, recovery runs, and long days on tired feet. Criticisms are measured: it isn’t a dedicated speedwork shoe and HOKA’s EVA-heavy constructions historically show earlier wear (250–300 miles) versus some rivals, though the reviewer is hopeful the new molding improves durability. Overall the tone is clearly positive and mildly enthusiastic.

Tom's Guide praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a familiar yet noticeably improved everyday running shoe — lighter, snappier, and more responsive than the Clifton 8. The reviewer, Jane McGuire, reports real-world testing over easy miles and tempo sessions and highlights a bouncier EVA midsole, increased stack height with reduced weight, and a supportive, streamlined engineered-mesh upper. Criticisms are measured: the fit runs a bit narrow (potential rubbing early on) and the foam isn’t as plush or sink-in as max-cushion rivals like the Nike Invincible 3 or Asics Gel Nimbus 25. Overall the tone is positive and converted — fans get a tasteful evolution rather than a reinvention, and newcomers get a versatile, durable neutral trainer that balances cushioning and responsiveness for everyday runs.

Ana Suarez praises the HOKA Clifton 9 for delivering the plush, supportive ride HOKA promises, calling them unexpectedly comfortable and durable after multiple long walks (30k and 25k steps) around New York without pain despite chronic knee, hip, and foot issues. Enthusiastic and personal in tone, she highlights the increased stack height, lighter weight versus the Clifton 8, quick break-in, vegan/recycled materials, and attractive color options, while noting minor drawbacks: the $145 price and an initially fussy heel tab. She compares the Clifton 9 favorably to the Bondi 8 for everyday walking and short runs, cautions that marathon runners might prefer other HOKA models, and emphasizes HOKA’s 30-day return policy—concluding with a strong, sincere recommendation rooted in real-world, long-duration use.

Wirecutter praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as a remarkably comfortable, confidence-inspiring daily trainer that helped the reviewer run a PR marathon and complete nearly 400 miles with no blisters or joint pain. The tone is exuberant and highly positive—calling the shoes “magical” and saying they felt like an extension of the body—while still noting realistic wear from rainy, cobblestone conditions and that the outsole will eventually wear down. Unique insights include that the Clifton 9 adds 3 mm more foam than the Clifton 8 while shaving a few grams, fits true to size (roomy for wider feet), offers a balanced cushion (neither overly plush nor overly responsive), and provides reliable stability for overpronators. Overall, the reviewer enthusiastically recommends the Clifton 9 for long-distance runners and everyday use, praising fit, cushioning, and durability while acknowledging normal lifespan and cosmetic wear.

Carleigh Ferrante from mindbodygreen reports that the HOKA Clifton 9 delivers plush, propulsive comfort with a light, well-cushioned ride that makes long runs, walks, and standing days noticeably easier. She emphasizes the MetaRocker design, generous cushioning, roomy toe box, APMA Seal of Acceptance, and surprisingly low weight—calling the fit “like running in a cloud” while still feeling the ground. Ferrante praises its usefulness for runners and those with knee pain or wide feet and notes the brand’s sustainability steps. Criticisms are measured: the Clifton 9 runs large and wide (recommend sizing down), lacks the stability needed for most gym lifting or HIIT, and long-term durability remains debated. Overall the tone is favorably enthusiastic but practical—excited about comfort and everyday wearability while candid about fit and gym-use limitations.

Prevention’s Emily Goldman praises the HOKA Clifton 9 as an ultra-plush, reliably cushioned everyday sneaker that won her over after six months and 100+ miles of real-world use. She highlights the refreshed foam, slightly taller stack (3mm), breathable upper, improved outsole, and comfortable tongue—calling the ride bouncy, supportive, and propulsive (a rocker feel she learned to love). Practical notes include good size/color options and a wide width offering, plus durability through travel and festivals. Criticisms are mild but specific: the rocker may not suit some foot issues or weightlifting, there’s no heel tab, and light colors show dirt; price is relatively high but justified by longevity. Overall the tone is enthusiastic and personal—an emphatic recommendation from a seasoned footwear tester who still flags clear use-case limitations.

Brady Langmann assess the HOKA Clifton 9 with effusive enthusiasm, calling them the most-loved running shoe he's owned while balancing playful self-deprecating humor with concrete impressions. He praises the Clifton 9’s plush yet surprisingly light EVA midsole, increased stack ( +3mm ), durable durabrasion outsole, and versatile “everyday-jogger” feel—reporting 100 miles with minimal wear, sustained bounce, and a personal half‑marathon PR improvement of about 10 minutes. Criticisms are mild and mainly caveated (uncertainty about longevity to 300–500 miles and that serious racers might prefer dedicated racing flats), but overall his tone is rapturous and convincing for casual to serious recreational runners. Unique insights include comparisons to other Hoka models (Gaviota and Arahi), candid real‑world mileage notes, and a vivid sense of how the shoe performs for walking, long runs, and city pavement.