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- Table of Contents
- Top
- Main Differences
- Design
- Performance
- Comments
HOKA Clifton 9 vs HOKA Skyward X
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
HOKA Clifton 9
HOKA Skyward X
Tested using Methodology v0.8
Updated Apr 15, 2025 04:45 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v0.8
Updated Apr 23, 2025 05:04 PM
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Amazon.com
Weight257.5 g (9.08 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop8.3 mm
PlateNone
Weight306.9 g (10.82 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop6.8 mm
PlateCarbon Fiber
Variants
- Clifton 9 (Black/Black - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Black/Rose Gold - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Evening Sky Coral - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Frost/Gold - (Men - US 9))
- Clifton 9 (Lettuce/Solar Flare - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Nimbuscloud/Steel Wool - (Men - US 9))
- Clifton 9 (Oat Milk/Barley - (Men - US 9))
- Clifton 9 (Olive Haze/Mercury - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Sandstone/Cream - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Solar Flare/Lettuce - (Men - US 9))
- Clifton 9 (Stardust/Electric Cobalt - (Men - US 9))
- Clifton 9 (Sunlit Ocean/Lilac Mist - (Women - US 7))
- Clifton 9 (Vanilla/Astral - (Women - US 7))
- Skyward X (Black/Electric Aqua - (Men - US 9))
- Skyward X (Blanc De Blanc/Swim Day - (Women - US 7))
- Skyward X (Blanc De Blanc/Virtual Blue - (Men - US 9))
- Skyward X (Cosmic Grey/Rose Gold - (Women - US 7))
- Skyward X (Cosmic Grey/Silver - (Men - US 9))
- Skyward X (Frost/Lupine - (Men - US 9))
- Skyward X (Frost/Lupine - (Women - US 7))
- Skyward X (Lettuce/Cloudless - (Men - US 9))
- Skyward X (Lettuce/Cloudless - (Women - US 7))
- Skyward X (Luna Moth/Black - (Men - US 9))
- Skyward X (Mint Fluorite /Blue Spark - (Women - US 7))
Our Verdict
HOKA Clifton 9
HOKA Skyward X
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.
Main Differences forMarathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
4.5
6.8
Forefoot Energy Return
2.1
7.5
Plate
None
Carbon Fiber
Heel Energy Return
1.8
7.1
Weight
6.1
4.0
Forefoot Cushioning
5.9
8.7
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.1
4.0
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Weight
257.5 g (9.08 oz)
306.9 g (10.82 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Heel Stack Height
39.2 mm
50.4 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
30.9 mm
43.6 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.3 mm
6.8 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.0 mm
5.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
89 mm (3.5")
95 mm (3.7")
Outsole Arch Width
84 mm (3.3")
82 mm (3.2")
Outsole Forefoot Width
107 mm (4.2")
119 mm (4.7")
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
274 mm (10.8")
274 mm (10.8")
Internal Heel Width
58 mm (2.3")
60 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
87 mm (3.4")
91 mm (3.6")
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
None
Carbon Fiber
Performance
Heel Energy Return
1.8
7.1
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
73.0%
81.5%
Forefoot Energy Return
2.1
7.5
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
73.5%
82.9%
Heel Cushioning
6.6
7.9
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 300N
1.01 J
1.10 J
Energy Absorbed At 600N
3.23 J
3.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 900N
6.17 J
7.63 J
Forefoot Cushioning
5.9
8.7
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 300N
0.82 J
1.08 J
Energy Absorbed At 600N
2.42 J
3.68 J
Energy Absorbed At 900N
4.43 J
6.88 J
Heel Firmness
7.0
5.2
Heel Firmness
Average Firmness 0 To 300N
42.4 N/mm
39.0 N/mm
Average Firmness 300 To 600N
60.1 N/mm
46.6 N/mm
Average Firmness 600 To 900N
77.0 N/mm
61.3 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.9
5.9
Forefoot Firmness
Average Firmness 0 To 300N
51.9 N/mm
39.9 N/mm
Average Firmness 300 To 600N
83.3 N/mm
51.6 N/mm
Average Firmness 600 To 900N
113.1 N/mm
70.4 N/mm
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HOKA Clifton 9
HOKA Skyward X
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HOKA Clifton 9 vs HOKA Skyward X: Main Discussion
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