The HOKA Clifton 9 is the latest update to the brand's popular daily trainer lineup. This version brings an updated ProFly+ midsole that offers the cushioning comfort Clifton fans love while still providing good stability. This iteration of this shoe is ideal for those seeking a reliable, cushioned trainer that handles easy mileage and recovery runs well.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Clifton 9 struggles as a marathon racing shoe, primarily due to its very poor energy return. Its moderate cushioning and average weight contribute little to enhancing marathon performance. However, its good lateral stability provides reliable footing for runners prioritizing a stable, supportive ride over pure speed and bounce in long-distance events.
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Very stable ride.
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Midsole is awful at returning energy.
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A tad heavy for racing.
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a poor choice for shorter-distance racing, like 5K and 10K runs. Its highly firm forefoot provides a strong, stable platform suitable for efficient transfers, but this advantage is undermined by the shoe's low energy return and heavy weight. This limits its appeal for competitive runners looking for explosive performance.
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Midsole is awful at returning energy.
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A tad heavy for racing.
Energy return is a notable weakness of the HOKA Clifton 9, making it unsuitable for runners seeking a responsive, energetic ride. Both the heel and forefoot energy return are particularly terrible, resulting in a dull experience underfoot that doesn't feel efficient, especially at higher speeds or during demanding sessions.
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Midsole is awful at returning energy.
The HOKA Clifton 9 offers acceptable cushioning overall, offering a moderately protective feel underfoot. Heel cushioning is marginally better than the forefoot, providing a comfortable landing for heel strikers, though forefoot runners might find cushioning lacking for extended runs or intense training.
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Heel cushioning is adequate.
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Forefoot cushioning is disappointing.
The standout feature of the HOKA Clifton 9 is its good lateral stability, which provides support and steadiness during runs. With a notably wide outsole and a firmer midsole, this shoe effectively prevents instability. This makes it a great option for runners needing extra support, particularly when fatigue starts to compromise running form.
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Wide base makes for a stable ride.
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Midsole is quite firm.
- 4.5 Marathon Racing
- 5.9 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 2.0 Energy Return
- 6.3 Cushioning
- 7.7 Lateral Stability
Changelog
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Clifton 9 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label. The color shown here is Solar Flare/Lettuce, and the shoe is available in more than 20 additional colorways depending on the region. It also comes in a waterproof GORE-TEX version, a Movement Edition in collaboration with Free People, and a Kid's version with adapted sizes. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
HOKA also sells the similarly named Clifton L and Clifton LS, which, despite sharing a name and using a last adapted from the Clifton 3, are lifestyle shoes designed for casual all-day wear rather than running.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a dependable, straightforward daily trainer known for providing good stability and moderate cushioning, making it a popular choice for runners seeking simplicity and consistent performance. However, it falls short in versatility and energy return within the wider market compared to lighter, more responsive options like the highly cushioned and dynamic ASICS NOVABLAST 5 or the adidas Adizero Evo SL.
In HOKA's lineup, the Clifton 9 is positioned as their entry-level model, below more specialized shoes such as the lightweight trainer HOKA Mach 6 or the versatile super trainer HOKA Mach X 2 and dedicated racing models like the carbon-plated HOKA Cielo X 2.0. Ultimately, the Clifton 9 is a reliable everyday trainer ideal for runners prioritizing predictable comfort over responsiveness or advanced features.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
The HOKA Clifton 9 and the HOKA Mach 6 are both daily trainers, but each caters to slightly different preferences. The Clifton 9 is a more basic, reliable option, offering simplicity and stability for everyday mileage. The Mach 6, however, is more versatile thanks to its lighter weight, superior bounce, and more responsive cushioning. The Clifton is a good choice if you're looking for a straightforward workhorse. Still, for runners wanting more agility, responsiveness, and versatility in daily training, the Mach 6 will be the better pick.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 and the HOKA Clifton 9 are both popular, well-cushioned daily trainers, but each has its own advantages. The HOKA is lighter and offers better energy return, making it a bit more versatile. The ASICS, meanwhile, has a higher stack height and offers somewhat better cushioning, making it a bit more tailored to easy miles and recovery runs.
The Nike Invincible 3 and the HOKA Clifton 9 are both popular daily trainers with a similar level of stiffness and stability, though the HOKA has a slight edge in stability. The HOKA is also lighter, making it feel a bit more effortless over longer distances. However, the Nike is a more premium daily trainer due to its bouncy ZoomX foam resulting in a plusher ride that feels more responsive underfoot. This added bounce makes the Nike more versatile, allowing it to handle some strides more easily. In contrast, the HOKA leans more toward consistent daily mileage with a balanced, reliable feel.
The Saucony Triumph 22 and the HOKA Clifton 9 are two popular daily trainers that share a similar level of stability, with the Saucony having a slight edge in this aspect. However, they differ significantly in other key areas. The Saucony offers far superior cushioning and energy return compared to the HOKA, making it a great option for runners prioritizing comfort and a more bouncy ride. On the other hand, the HOKA is considerably lighter—by approximately 35 grams—making a noticeable difference for those who prefer a more effortless, lightweight feel during their runs.
The HOKA Clifton 9 and On Cloudmonster 2 are popular daily trainers—perfect if you run mostly for Strava kudos. The On is more stable, noticeably bouncier, and provides more cushioning underfoot. The HOKA, however, is lighter and simpler, offering a smooth ride on casual daily runs. If you prioritize maximum comfort and bounce, choose the On; if weight matters most, the HOKA is your better bet.
The HOKA Clifton 9 and the adidas Supernova Rise are both well-rounded daily trainers. The HOKA is a bit more cushioned than the adidas, with a higher stack height and a softer feel underfoot. It's also lighter than the adidas. However, the adidas shoe delivers a bouncier experience with significantly better energy return, making it the better option for faster-paced workouts.
The HOKA Skyward X and HOKA Clifton 9 are both high-stack, cushioned running shoes, yet they cater to different preferences and training needs. The Clifton 9 is lighter and offers superior lateral stability, partly due to its substantial yet lower stack height compared to the Skyward X. This design provides a more grounded feel and makes it suitable for runners seeking a stable daily trainer. In contrast, the Skyward X delivers more cushioning and significantly higher energy return, making for a more dynamic running experience.
Test Results
The HOKA Clifton 9 has a moderate weight. It's neither exceptionally light nor overly heavy, making it suitable for everyday runs but not ideal for races or speed-focused sessions where shaving off ounces matters significantly.
Heel energy return is very bad, offering minimal rebound and responsiveness. This results in an energy-draining experience for heel strikers, especially noticeable during longer runs or faster-paced sessions.
Forefoot energy return is also very limited, providing little bounce or propulsion. While this is common for very basic daily trainers, it also negatively impacts efficiency, particularly at higher speeds.
The HOKA Clifton 9's heel cushioning is moderately comfortable, improving slightly as impact forces increase. Under heavier impacts, the foam compresses well, making it better suited for heavier runners or harder footstrikes. However, it may not fully satisfy runners seeking plush comfort because it tends to bottom out after a while.
The HOKA Clifton 9's forefoot cushioning is consistently disappointing across varying levels of impact. It maintains a relatively uniform feel, neither super harsh nor plush, suitable for short and easy runs but inadequate for anything more.
The heel foam of this model is on the firmer side. Initially, the heel feels distinctly firm, providing strong stability, but it can feel softer than other models like the HOKA Mach 6 under heavier loads, which makes it more comfortable but less stable at higher intensities.
The forefoot is very firm across all pressure levels, providing great support and a stable platform during toe-offs. This consistently firm feel benefits runners who prefer a solid, controlled sensation underfoot but might feel a bit too harsh for runners looking for a soft, pillowy feel.
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