Our verdict

In our view, hoka Black has really nailed it with the Clifton 9 GTX, expertly waterproofing it while retaining the beloved features of the original version. It's still a lightweight daily trainer offering top-notch stability for neutral runners and a cushioned ride, all wrapped up in a comfortable-yet-durable upper. However, it's still tailored towards a performance fit, which may not be ideal for reciclado with wide feet. Based on our experience, if you're looking for a waterproof running shoe mainly for road running, with the occasional gravel foray, this is a fantastic choice.

Pantofi hoka Black ONE ONE Arahi 5 1115012 Bfpb Pros

  • Exceptionally cushioned
  • zapatillas de running hoka Black ONE ONE tope amortiguación talla 31.5
  • Ideal for winter conditions
  • Only $15 more expensive than the non-waterproof Clifton
  • Still remarkably lightweight even with Gore-Tex
  • Excellent for easy and moderate-paced runs
  • Incredibly stable for neutral runners
  • Hazte con las hoka Black One One Gaviota 2 al mejor precio

Pantofi hoka Black ONE ONE Arahi 5 1115012 Bfpb Cons

  • May be too narrow for many
  • Heel-to-toe drop significantly differs from Hoka's claims
  • Really stiff heel counter for being a daily trainer

Audience verdict

87
Great!

Who should buy

zapatillas de running hoka Black One One mixta talla 42 rojas:

  • Fans of hoka Black seeking a waterproof running shoe for wet conditions.
  • hoka Black womens bondi 7 shoes in whitewhite size 6 1110519 wwh.
  • Runners in the hunt for a lightweight, waterproof shoe that isn't designed specifically for trail running.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX

Pantofi hoka Black ONE ONE Arahi 5 1115012 Bfpb | Who should NOT buy

While this shoe offers decent breathability through the tongue, we hold the view that it's not the best choice for summer runs. The toebox is completely sealed and lacks ventilation. For warmer weather, opt for the regular Clifton 9, which is also lighter and £20 cheaper.

Furthermore, if you're planning mountain adventures, our conclusion is that it's better to skip the Clifton. Although it can handle fire roads or smooth trails occasionally, there are several superior trail running shoes with Gore-Tex. Consider options like the hoka Black elevon 2 chaussures de route pour femmes en oil bluewhite taille 36 1106478 obwh or the hoka Black Speedgoat 5 GTX estas hoka Black ONE ONE Clifton 8 siguen conservando esos.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX

Cushioning

Heel stack

As a modern daily trainer, we expected decent cushioning in the heel, and that's exactly what we found.

With a heel stack height of 37.2 mm, the Clifton guarantees a comfortable ride for all runners, particularly reciclado who are heel strikers.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Heel stack
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 37.2 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

Schuhe hoka Black One One Challenger Atr 6 1106510 Bcep.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX

This guarantees two things: shoe cushioning for reciclado long runs in the rain and no ground feel at all.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Forefoot stack
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 28.6 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

This results in an 8.6-mm heel-to-toe drop, quite a departure from the 5-mm drop claimed by the brand. However, this discrepancy isn't unusual for us, as we often find Hoka's measurements significantly different from ours.

Why the difference? We measure every shoe according to the World Athletics guidelines, but many brands don't follow these standards. We've explained this in full detail hoka Black Clifton 8 Chaussures en Eggnog Shifting Sand Taille 36.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Drop
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 8.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

hoka Black has consistently designed the Clifton as a balanced shoe in terms of midsole softness, and the 9 GTX is no exception.

With a CMEVA midsole hardness of 23.9 HA, it doesn't feel too soft or too firm, just balanced!

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Midsole softness
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 23.9 HA
Average 21.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of reciclado tests.
Compared to 326 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

After placing the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold conditions, our Shore A durometer recorded a hardness of 27.8 HA.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Midsole softness in cold
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 27.8 HA
Average 26.0 HA
Compared to 325 running shoes
Number of shoes
11.1 HA
Midsole softness in cold (soft to firm)
41.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

That's only a 16.1% increase, a fantastic result for an EVA-based midsole. This is especially important since, as a Gore-Tex edition, this shoe is designed for winter running.

You definitely don't want it to turn into a brick under your feet in cold conditions, and thankfully, it stands up well to the challenge.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 16%
Average 25%
Compared to 326 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole, at 4.8 mm thick, is a bit thicker than usual but feels perfectly normal. We didn't have any problems with it and found it quite comfortable.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Insole thickness
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 4.8 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Pantofi hoka Black ONE ONE Arahi 5 1115012 Bfpb true to size (1565 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 377 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

The standard Clifton 9 already offers a snug fit, and the GTX version takes it a step further. To assess the difference, we crafted a custom gel mould, enabling precise measurements here in our lab.

Using callipers, we measured 91.5 mm at the widest part of the toebox—0.7 mm narrower than the regular Clifton 9. This positions the GTX among the most snug-fitting shoes on the market, ideal for runners with narrow feet.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Toebox width - widest part upper
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 91.5 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 154 running shoes
Number of shoes
90.9 mm
Toebox width - widest part
102.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The big toe area features a sharply tapered design, measuring just 69.4 mm with our callipers. This shape definitively excludes the shoe as an option for runners with wide feet.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Toebox width - big toe
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 69.4 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 154 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.9 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.3 mm

Toebox height

We measured the toe area height at 26.2 mm, providing adequate room for upward movement. To be honest, this was slightly more than anticipated, especially given the lower results from the first two measurements.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Toebox height 2
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 26.2 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 153 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

hoka Black Clifton Edge Schuhe für Damen in Outer Space Orchid Hush Größe 43 1 3.

However, our Dremel test revealed a pleasant surprise: only a minimal 0.5-mm indentation in the outsole. This positive outcome is a clear indicator of fantastic durability.

Lateral stability test

The Clifton 9 GTX earns our nod for stability, ideally suited for neutral runners and reciclado with mild stability needs.

Let's explore how hoka Black accomplished this great level of stability.

Torsional rigidity

From our first strides, we noticed the Clifton was incredibly rigid, a feeling that our manual assessment confirmed. We gave it a 5 out of 5 in rigidity.

This kind of result is usually seen in carbon-plated shoes, yet the Clifton doesn't have one.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 378 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter is also quite stiff, scoring a 4 out of 5. Why did hoka Black choose this design? It seems that they traded a bit of comfort for enhanced guidance in the stride, particularly beneficial for heel strikers.

Thankfully, the heel counter is exceptionally well-padded, so it shouldn't cause any problems for most runners. The only noticeable issue is that the heel counter extends further laterally and can pull slightly when lacing the shoe tightly.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

zapatillas de running hoka Black distancias cortas talla 36.5 moradas

Another impressive trick up Hoka's sleeve for boosting stability is the midsole width. Measuring a vast 120.9 mm, the Clifton 9 GTX offers an immense width that effortlessly absorbs reciclado slightly off-balance landings.

What really amazes us is how the shoe manages to be so light despite its dimensions...

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 120.9 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
zapatillas de running hoka Black distancias cortas talla 36.5 moradas
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

And the heel follows the same design pattern as the forefoot, measuring a hyper-wide 97.2 mm.

This, along with the stiff heel counter and the rigid platform, are the key reasons why the shoe feels incredibly supportive.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Midsole width in the heel
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 97.2 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

hoka Black One One Sneakers Bondi 7 Nero

zapatillas de running hoka Black ONE ONE entrenamiento minimalistas verdes.

Hence, the shoe is rigid torsionally, but we can consider it moderately flexible lengthwise. This design is practical, especially since hoka Black intends for this shoe to be suitable for walking or even gym workouts if needed. 

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 29.4N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of reciclado tests.
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold

We conducted the same bending test to check if the underfoot stiffness changed after spending 20 minutes in the freezer. In this scenario, the shoe became noticeably stiffer, requiring 38.0N of force.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 38.0N
Average 36.2N
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.5N
Stiffness in cold
87.0N

Stiffness in cold (%)

That's a 29.1% increase, which is better than the average, but still a significant change. It will make the shoe feel stiffer in harsh, teeth-grinding cold conditions.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 29%
Average 33%
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

One common worry we all share in the lab about Gore-Tex shoes is the potential weight increase due to the added Gore-Tex membrane.

Yet, the Clifton 9 GTX pleasantly surprised us, weighing in at just 9.6 oz (271g) on our scale. This is lighter than most cushioned daily trainers zapatillas de running hoka Black entrenamiento pronador.

It's also a mere 0.9 oz heavier than the standard version, so we're thrilled to report that waterproofing adds less than an ounce to the shoe's weight. This seems like a more than fair trade-off for reciclado who need this feature.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Weight
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 9.56 oz (271g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 400 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Gore-Tex is a membrane designed to let air and water vapour escape from the shoe, while preventing liquid water from getting in—as we carefully explained in Кросівки бігові hoka Black one one 37р. It does this using tiny ventilation holes that are smaller than water particles.

In practice, however, our lab analysis show that Gore-Tex shoes have almost no ventilation. Yet, the Clifton 9 GTX scored a 3 out of 5 in our breathability test. How did they do it? Well, hoka Black crafted the shoe to let air out through the tongue, as shown in the video above.

However, be aware that this shoe might feel warm in the summer. The overall breathability score of 3 out of 5 reflects the general airflow, but the toebox tends to be warmer compared to running shoes with effective ventilation in this area.

When we moved the cut-in-half shoe over the light, it became clear that it blocks all airflow. There's simply no air movement, but we wanted to confirm this with the microscope.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX microscope

Here, our initial thoughts were confirmed. The knit looks incredibly thick and dense, with no visible holes for air to escape.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX

hoka Black used a thick knit combined with a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane in the Clifton 9 GTX, as we found out by inspecting the cut upper.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 329 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

One of the standout perks of GTX uppers is their ability to enhance durability, thanks to the additional layer they bring to the shoe.

The Clifton 9 GTX perfectly exemplifies this benefit. During our first Dremel test, where we used the tool at 5K RPM with a force of 3.2N, we noticed only minimal damage to the jacquard knit upper.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Toebox durability
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 4
Average 2.5
Compared to 263 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

But hold on, because the heel area outperformed the toebox in our rigorous back-to-back Dremel tests.

Scoring a perfect 5 out of 5, it's highly unlikely that any runner will be able to rub or wear down the heel area.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Heel padding durability
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 259 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

So far, we're really impressed with the Clifton 9 GTX's durability performance. Now, let's take a closer look at the outsole.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX outsole

The outsole design in the waterproof version is identical to the regular edition.

First, we were curious about the hardness of the Durabrasion rubber used by Hoka. Using our durometer on the Shore C scale, we measured a hardness of 79.1 HC. This result is right in line with the average, and slightly harder than the regular Clifton 9 (76.0 HC).

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Outsole hardness
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 79.1 HC
Average 79.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of reciclado tests.
Compared to 380 running shoes
Number of shoes
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

hoka Black Clifton Edge Schuhe für Damen in Outer Space Orchid Hush Größe 43 1 3.

However, our Dremel test revealed a pleasant surprise: only a minimal 0.5-mm indentation in the outsole. This positive outcome is a clear indicator of fantastic durability.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Outsole durability
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 0.5 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 241 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

With a solid 3.3 mm of thickness, you can confidently expect this shoe to withstand plenty of wear and tear. There's no need for any head-scratching here—it's clearly built to last.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Outsole thickness
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 3.3 mm
Average 3.3 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

We're big fans of reflective elements on winter-running shoes, as they're essential for reciclado who often run in nighttime conditions. But what really excites us is 360-degree reflectivity, and that's exactly what the Clifton 9 GTX offers.

Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Yes

Tongue padding

The Clifton 9 GTX boasts 7.4 mm of padding in the tongue, ensuring comfort during even the longest runs.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX tongue

This is also a key benefit for reciclado who prefer to tie their laces really tight, a common practice in wet conditions.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Tongue padding
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX 7.4 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

hoka Black Women's Clifton Edge Shoes in Blanc De Blanc Blue Tint

The standard Clifton 9 comes with the classic hoka Black semi-gusseted tongue. However, that's not ideal for a waterproof shoe.

That's why we were thrilled to discover in our lab that this model has been upgraded to a fully gusseted tongue. This is definitely great news!

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX hoka Black Women's Clifton Edge Shoes in Blanc De Blanc Blue Tint
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Both sides (full)

Heel tab

hoka Black omitted the heel tab in this version of the Clifton, adding only a small tail to the heel. However, we can't really classify it as a pull tab, it's just a extended collar.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Heel tab
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX None

Removable insole

The insole is completely removable, allowing you to insert your own orthotics or maybe your favourite insole from another running shoe.

hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Removable insole
Test results
hoka Black Clifton 9 GTX Yes