I don’t consider myself a masochist. Or a barefoot runner. However, I am dubious of any running product that guarantees extreme comfort. In my view, part of the running experience is about enduring discomfort. That’s why physical exercise is beneficial — aside from the obvious physical advantages, a bit of intentional discomfort goes a long way in today’s modern world.
So, I was slow to embrace the maximum cushioning trend, grumbling about the bulky-looking running shoes dotting marathon tracks and running trails. “Where’s the foot feel? Where’s the connection to the ground? They can’t possibly last long!” I would complain to my increasingly exasperated wife, who herself wore HOKAs.
But during a summer landscaping job in between grad school semesters, when I was walking up to 15 miles a day in sturdy work boots, my feet needed a break while my mental health still needed the clarity that only running can provide. So I bought my first pair of HOKAs (Speedgoats at the time), with mild self-criticism of my own hypocrisy, and discovered that I had been completely mistaken.
In summary: The HOKA Clifton 9 ($145) is the most recent update from the brand that popularized the max cushioning movement. The Clifton 8 was already impressive, but this new version goes beyond just a makeover: the design team delved deep into the Clifton’s DNA and produced a model that makes tangible enhancements over its predecessor while remaining true to the brand’s commitment to comfort above all else.
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Weight
8.70 oz. (men’s) / 7.30 oz. (women’s) -
Stack height
27 mm / 33 mm -
Drop
5 mm
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Very comfortable -
Relatively lightweight for amount of cushioning -
Excellent recovery run shoe
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Not designed for speedwork -
Less long-lasting than competitors
Review of the HOKA Clifton 9 Running Shoes
What’s New?
As mentioned earlier, the most significant changes with the Clifton 9 are in weight and stack height. The HOKA team reduced the weight by 4 grams in the newest edition of their flagship product while adding 3 mm of stack height. They achieved this through a redesigned midsole and upper.
The midsole features a new design of the brand’s compression-molded EVA foam. Additionally, the upper has been stripped of any unnecessary overlays or hot melts, resulting in a simple, lightweight, and comfortable knit upper. This allowed for a plusher heel and an additional reflective heel panel for low-light conditions. Furthermore, HOKA introduced a redesigned outsole with more durable rubber to resist abrasion and prolong the shoe’s lifespan.
