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 decent lateral stability provides reliable footing for runners prioritizing a stable, supportive ride over pure speed and bounce in long-distance events.
Very stable ride.
Midsole is awful at returning energy.
A tad heavy for racing.
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a poor choice for shorter-distance racing, like 5K and 10K runs. Its 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.
Midsole is awful at returning energy.
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.
Midsole is awful at returning energy.
The HOKA Clifton 9 offers good cushioning overall. The heel stays soft and protective even as increasing force is applied, and the forefoot provides good impact protection as well, although it becomes less absorbent at higher force levels.
Heel cushioning is good.
Forefoot cushioning is disappointing.
The HOKA Clifton 9 has decent lateral stability, which provides satisfacfory support and steadiness during runs. This shoe limits instability with its notably wide outsole and a firmer midsole. This makes it a solid option for runners needing extra support, particularly when fatigue starts to compromise running form.
Wide base makes for a stable ride.
Midsole is quite firm.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Oct 20, 2025:
We've adjusted this review's writing to align with the new test bench, including updates to all usage scores, and test boxes for Cushioning, Firmness, and Energy Return.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Jul 30, 2025:
We revised the phrasing in the Lateral Stability, Cushioning, Heel Cushioning, Forefoot Cushioning, and Compared To Other Running Shoes boxes to better align with the latest test bench scores.
- Updated Jul 30, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
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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.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a dependable, straightforward daily trainer known for providing very good stability and some ground feel, 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 Clifton 10 share the same DNA, but the 10 refines the formula in ways that make it a better daily trainer for runners who prioritize softness and protection. The Clifton 10 has a higher stack height and is more cushioned. However, the added stack means it's less stable than the Clifton 9 despite its wider platform. It also runs longer and offers a softer underfoot feel, perfect for easy daily runs. In contrast, the Clifton 9 is lighter and a bit more compact, giving it a more nimble feel that may suit runners who prefer a firmer ride. While both shoes are fine at relaxed paces, the Clifton 10 feels like a clear upgrade for those seeking a plush, forgiving trainer with more protection for everyday mileage.
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 wider base and offers better lateral stability, making it a somewhat smoother ride for easy miles.
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.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
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 good, partially dampening the harshness of the road. It can be suited for heavier runners and heavy heel strikers. 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 very good at lower force levels, although steadily less absorbent as more force is applied. The cushioning is good for shorter runs, but tends to bottom out over longer distances.
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 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.