“Bulletproof daily workhorse that bores you into loving it”
7.1
Inside Scoop Score
Wait · 7.1 / 10
THE VERDICT
The Clifton 9 is a reliably cushioned, lightweight daily trainer that nails comfort and durability — but its old-school compressed EVA foam feels flat and uninspiring compared to peppier rivals at the same price. It's a shoe that does everything competently and nothing excitingly. With the Clifton 10 already out and widely available for similar or lower money, buying the 9 at full price is hard to justify.
Anchored by Ben Parkes's review
Reviewers consistently report zero break-in period, no hot spots, and no blisters — the soft heel collar and roomy toe box work from the first run.
At around 312g for a UK 12, the Clifton 9 is lighter than the previous version despite adding 3mm of stack height, which multiple reviewers say gives legs a noticeably quicker turnover.
The Jabrasion rubber outsole showed minimal wear after 50-60km of testing and is widely expected to last several hundred miles, making the per-mile cost competitive.
Verified owner data
Most owners are happy — only 5% of 1,900 Amazon ratings are 1–2★. These are the specific gripes worth weighing before you buy:
The compressed EVA midsole that makes the Clifton 9 so durable and long-lasting is the same thing that kills your energy return the moment you push beyond easy-run pace — something you only feel after a few weeks of varied training.
— from top reviewer Ben Parkes
lightbulb Keep this shoe strictly for recovery and easy days; use a more responsive shoe for tempo or speed work.
Buyers on Reddit noted the Clifton 9 dropped sharply in price precisely because the Clifton 10 is already out — meaning if you buy the 9 at near-retail, you are paying close to what the newer model costs on Amazon.
— from r/PHRunners, Amazon listings
lightbulb Check current pricing on the Clifton 10 before committing — at $123-$143 it is often cheaper or comparable to remaining Clifton 9 stock.
The tongue is only gusseted on one side, which is unusual and means it can still shift slightly during runs — something you would never notice doing a quick store try-on.
— from top reviewer Ben Parkes
lightbulb Use the runner's lace lock technique at the top eyelet to stabilize the tongue if you notice drift.
Runners who want a plush, durable, no-drama daily trainer for easy and recovery miles and prioritize long shoe life over exciting ride feel.
Runners who want energy return, a snappy ride at tempo pace, or anyone shopping at full price when the Clifton 10 is sitting on the same shelf for comparable money.
Ben Parkes • 239036
"Today we're reviewing the all new Hoka Clifton 9. I've run over 50k in these shoes now so follow along today to hear my thoughts."
Running Shoes Guru • 69540
"For the full review: https://www.runningshoesguru.com/reviews/road/hoka-clifton-9-review/ For more running shoes reviews: ..."
kofuzi • 150846
"This is the Clifton 9, and it looks a lot like the Clifton 8. But make no mistake, this is a very different shoe. 0:00 intro 0:41 ..."
Believe in the Run • 63348
"Meaghan and Thomas review the Hoka Clifton 9, which is– in their opinion– the best one yet. Featuring an updated midsole ..."
Seth James DeMoor • 76171
"CLIFTON 8 REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYfk9x0ABRg HOKA CLIFTON LINE FROM RUNNING WAREHOUSE: ..."
"2 years before this video I released my first video dubbing the Hoka CLIFTON 8 the number one shoes for healthcare workers due ..."
Ray Ray Reviews • 2321
"Featured Product: HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 Womens Shoes Check Price On Amazon: https://amzn.to/421DN9F #AmazonFinds ..."
Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews • 115516
"If you're deciding between the Hoka Clifton 10 and the Bondi 9, here are five key differences to help you choose. Check the Latest ..."
@binawansatriyo
"🚀 Review Hoka Clifton 9! 🚀 Kenyamanan maksimal & performa top dengan total rating 59 🌟 Penasaran? Tonton sampai habis! 👟🔥 @hoka Terima kasih buat temen saya, yang sudah minjemin sepatu Hokanya. #HokaClifton9 #ShoeReview #RunningShoes #TikTokRun #lari #hoka
favorite 109
@kaiser.fitness
Saturday 5k run. Testing out the Hoka Clifton 9s. Definitely a fan of these for daily runners. #runtok #Running #5k #relatable #fyp #runningmotivation #foru #gym #hoka #runningshoes
favorite 1.1K
@jonscon_
These will actually carry your legs in Japan… #shoes #run #Running #runtok #runcommunity #marathon #japan #walk #fyp #foryoupage
favorite 4.8K
@mikebrosas
Hoka Clifton 9 Review @hoka
favorite 66
@jeffhiro
Reviews de los HOKA clifton 9 🏃♂️👟 #corrida #run #Vlog #estilo #parati #fyp #hoka #correr #paraguayosporelmundo
favorite 189
@stevenatto
Trying the Hoka Clifton 9☁️
favorite 2.4K
@zalando
POV: you finally found the perfect running shoe for your summer runs 👏 The HOKA Clifton 9 is the ideal neutral daily sneaker thanks to its exceptional cushioning, lightweight design, and superior comfort #ZalandoSport #HOKA #SummerVibes #Running #10kmRun
favorite 33.3K
@andy_lobos
Replying to @hiraya definitely would have to be @HOKA #fypシ #clifton9 #hoka
favorite 9.0K
This updated ninth edition is a masterclass in how not to mess with success, and we think it's the right approach. It's now snappy, better fitting, and more ...
HOKA Clifton 9 has more stack height, less weight, and a new upper. It's an ultra-cushioned, soft, and stable ride, under 9 oz.
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a great combination of plush and a light agile ride. At 12 oz with a 32mm forefoot and 37mm heel stack, it's light for the amount of ...
The Hoka Clifton 9 is 100% the best Clifton ever. It's not particularly close either. The signature Clifton squish and plush upper are both still included.
Despite its 3 mm taller midsole, the Hoka Clifton 9 maintains status quo. It's a comfortable and versatile trainer for everyday runs and half-marathons.
"It's just not that much fun to be perfectly honest — it's fine, it's just Dependable, it's okay, it's just a bit boring to run in."
Ben Parkes, YouTube reviewer
"The Hoka Clifton 9 is 100% the best Clifton ever. It's not particularly close either."
WearTesters editorial
"Mura na talaga sya kasi may Clifton 10 na — it's cheap now because the Clifton 10 is already out."
r/PHRunners
Mens Clifton 10
$123.95
Amazon
The Clifton 9 is the best version of a shoe that was never meant to excite you — dependable, cushioned, and already one generation behind.
Buy on Amazon open_in_newScoped 16 days ago across 41 sources on 5 platforms.