Products
HOKA Clifton 9
HOKA Skyward X
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2
Updated Oct 20, 2025 08:04 PM
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Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 29, 2025 06:55 PM
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Hoka.com
Weight
257.5 g (9.08 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.3 mm
Plate
None
Weight
306.9 g (10.82 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.8 mm
Plate
Carbon Fiber
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.
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))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
5.9
7.3
Forefoot Energy Return
2.4
7.7
Heel Energy Return
2.2
7.5
Plate
None
Carbon Fiber
Weight
6.1
4.1
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.1
4.1
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")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.27
1.88
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.47
2.73
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")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
No
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
None
Carbon Fiber
Performance
Heel Energy Return
2.2
7.5
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
68.1%
78.1%
Forefoot Energy Return
2.4
7.7
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
68.6%
79.2%
Heel Cushioning
7.6
8.8
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.11 J
3.56 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
9.51 J
11.41 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
16.72 J
21.08 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.9
9.6
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.51 J
6.19 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.58 J
11.79 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
13.19 J
18.34 J
Heel Firmness
5.2
3.7
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
51.9 N/mm
42.8 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
104.0 N/mm
79.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
214.1 N/mm
169.4 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.1
5.3
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
92.3 N/mm
66.2 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
178.8 N/mm
128.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
334.6 N/mm
250.9 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
9.0
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 10km
10.59 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
10.34 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
10.19 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
10.08 J
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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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