Our verdict

While you’d be forgiven to think that Clifton’s popularity is just the result of TikTok hype, we argue that there’s a deep-rooted heritage behind this reliable daily workhorse. 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 fun—it's just a better shoe overall. Underneath, however, is still that unmistakably Clifton feel that we know and love.

zapatillas de running hoka Ora constitución ligera placa de carbono talla 46 grises Pros

  • zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE talla 39.5 azules
  • hoka Ora One One Ora Recovery Slide 1126850 BGPO
  • hoka Ora One One Clifton 8 Black Grey Men Road Running Shoe
  • Durable upper
  • Available in wide
  • hoka Ora Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Schuhe für Herren in Castlerock Harbor Mist Größe 40 2 3
  • Mild, unobtrusive stability elements
  • Can handle faster paces better than previous editions
  • Best for easy days and long runs

zapatillas de running hoka Ora constitución ligera placa de carbono talla 46 grises Cons

  • Snug fit
  • Upper needs some time to break in
  • Average breathability

Audience verdict

86
Good!
  • zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE hombre competición pie normal distancias cortas talla 46.5

Who should buy

Get this all-around Hoka workhorse if you:

  • Are looking for a cushioned road runner hoka Ora Mach Supersonic Schuhe für Damen in Radiant Yellow Camellia Größe 42 2 3.
  • Want a Clifton that can easily handle easy days, recovery runs, and some speedwork.
  • Need excellent value for money. As a premium daily trainer, the Clifton 9 is more affordable than its competition, i.e. Saucony Triumph 20 (£160).

hoka-clifton-9-side-shot.JPG

Who should NOT buy

While the Clifton 9 comes up wider than any of its predecessors, it still has that narrow-leaning hoka Ora fit. If you have wide feet and are worried even the wide sizes aren’t enough, check out the hoka Ora Women's Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes in Mshm.

For another daily trainer that’s comfy, cushy, and good to go from day one, look at the Saucony Triumph 20. It is also much more breathable.

hoka-clifton-9-parts.JPG

Cushioning

Heel stack

hoka Ora Speedgoat 4 Sport Schuhe für Herren Größe 46 2 3.

Seeing 32.7 mm on our calliper, we were really happy about Hoka's choice to add an extra 3 millimetres to the stack height. Those same 3 mm were there in the Clifton 7 but disappeared in the Clifton 8.

hoka-clifton-9-stack-heel.JPG

That way, this hoka Ora shoe sits at the average of road shoes in terms of cushioning thickness.

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 32.7 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

Upfront in the forefoot, our calliper returned 26.6 mm. This is a couple of millimetres taller than the average offering a little bonus for midfoot and forefoot strikers out there.

hoka-clifton-9-stack-forefoot.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 26.6 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The company states that the shoe's stack height is 32/27 mm, featuring a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. Our measurements came in at 32.7 mm and 26.6 mm resulting in a 6.1 mm drop, which is fairly close to their claim. Bravo!

hoka-clifton-9-half.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 6.1 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

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

The biggest headline in the Clifton 9 is its “new” ProFly+ midsole foam—it's a similar foam to the Clifton 8 but with a slightly different formulation. We were blown away by its remarkable softness!

hoka-clifton-9-durometer-midsole.JPG

Our lab measurements confirmed our feelings: with a durometer reading of 20.4 HA, this shoe is 18% softer than the average.

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 20.4 HA
Average 20.9 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 330 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

hoka Ora Rincon 3 für Damen Größe 42 the effects of cold in running shoes. Let's see what happens!

hoka-clifton-9-freezer.JPG

Well... we've got great news for anyone planning to rock the Clifton 9 in cold weather! The ProFly foam barely gets firm at all!

After letting this hoka Ora shoe chill in the freezer for 20 minutes, we repeated the measurement and got 24.0 HA instead of the initial 20.4 HA. That's a really small difference! And the shoe still remains much softer than the rest of the "frozen" shoes.

The difference in firmness turns out to be only 17.6% for the Clifton 9 whereas the average of road shoes hovers around 28%.

That combined with the shoe's less breathable upper is the green light for using this hoka Ora shoe on a chilly day!

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 18%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

hoka Ora opted for a fairly standard, padded insole for the Clifton 9. Measuring its thickness in the heel, we got 4.2 mm. Same as the average, actually.

hoka Ora Clifton 9 insole thickness

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 4.2 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

While the Clifton 9 isn't as heavily rockered as the New Balance SC Trainer featured in the video below, its curved design will aid you in every heel-to-toe transition. This is particularly noteworthy for heel strikers, considering the relatively low drop.

Compared to version 8, this ninth edition felt more alive to us. The new midsole gave the shoe a more energetic ride, and the meta-rocker was balanced and easy to get in sync with.

Ride

While its updates allowed the shoe to pick up some workout paces, we still think that this hoka Ora shoe simply doesn't have enough bounce to sustain fast paces efficiently.

The Clifton 9 is better suited for clocking up the miles and forgetting all about speed. It might not be the best choice for faster-tempo runs and more intense activities.

Size and fit

Size

hoka Ora Clifton 9 is true to size (1740 votes).

Buy Men s hoka Ora Clifton 8?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

las zapatillas de trail más polivalentes de Hoka

The Clifton 9 provides an overall snug fit, though the slightly broader midfoot gives a deceptive sense of extra room. To better understand its toebox design, we created a custom gel mould, allowing us to perform precise measurements here in the lab.

The first measurement—taken at the widest point of the toebox—revealed just 92.2 mm. In our experience, this result confirms the toebox is narrower than average.

hoka Ora Clifton 9 las zapatillas de trail más polivalentes de Hoka
Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 92.2 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 158 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
88.5 mm
las zapatillas de trail más polivalentes de Hoka
102.4 mm

zapatillas de running hoka Ora hombre amortiguación media apoyo talón talla 37

Our second measurement truly revealed the truth of the Clifton 9’s fit—just 68.9 mm, making it one of the rare shoes in our lab to dip below the 70-mm mark.

hoka Ora one one clifton womens.

In our view, this strong taper caters exclusively to those with narrow feet, who may find the Clifton 9’s narrow toe area a perfect match. However, for most runners, the tight fit and aggressive tapering (characteristic of many hoka Ora shoes) leave much to be desired. The shape is as far as it can be from an anatomical or foot-shaped design.

hoka Ora Clifton 9 zapatillas de running hoka Ora hombre amortiguación media apoyo talón talla 37
Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 68.9 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 158 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
66.7 mm
zapatillas de running hoka Ora hombre amortiguación media apoyo talón talla 37
83.6 mm

Toebox height

We discovered that the Clifton 9 provides noticeably more vertical room than most shoes we’ve measured in the lab, with a height of 28.9 mm. From our evaluation, that's ideal for women who tend to point their toes upward.

hoka Ora Clifton 9 Toebox height
Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 28.9 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 157 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Despite having no motion control features or special support in the upper, we think that the Clifton 9 could work for runners with mild overpronation. It is also a lifesaver for neutral pronators who love a touch of support as they get towards the end of the run.

Torsional rigidity

First of all, the shoe is stiff enough to provide a stable platform to land on and push off from.

In our hands-on evaluation, we rated the shoe on a 1-5 stiffness scale, with 5 being the stiffest. It scored 4 out of 5 for torsional stiffness.

This level of rigidity prevents the shoe's platform from rolling sideways easily.

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

hoka Ora is famously recognised for its robust and rigid heel counters, and this shoe is just another example.

The Clifton 9's heel counter is among the stiffest we've ever rated! We awarded it with the highest score 5 out of 5!

But where this shoe truly excels is in providing support for the Achilles region. If you're prone to tendinopathies or have a sensitive Achilles area, the curved heel cup design is perfect for you.

hoka-clifton-9-logo.JPG

Unlike many other shoes that press against your tendon, this one moves away from it, avoiding any unnecessary tension. This could be a game-changer for many runners.

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 5
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

hoka Ora shoes are known for having broad platforms that enhance stability, and the Clifton 9 certainly follows suit.

With the help of a calliper, we found an impressive 115.3 mm in the widest part of the forefoot. This is a couple of millimetres wider than the average.

hoka-clifton-9-width-outsole.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 115.3 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

hoka Ora challenger atr 4 pour hommes en midnightniagara taille 40 23 1018294 mtng

In the widest part of the heel, our calliper showed a striking 96.0 mm! That's a good 6 mm wider than average and is certainly among the widest we've seen in our lab.

hoka-clifton-9-width-heel.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 96.0 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
70.8 mm
hoka Ora challenger atr 4 pour hommes en midnightniagara taille 40 23 1018294 mtng
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

We turned on our custom-made machine to measure how much force it would take to bend the hoka Ora Clifton 9 to a 30-degree angle. As it turns out, it required slightly more than the average!

The machine stopped at 17.7N, which is definitely stiffer than most competitors—likely due to the oversized midsole and its thick, supportive midfoot area.

hoka Ora Clifton 9 Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 17.7N
Average 15.6N
Compared to 124 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
28.5N

hoka Ora ONE ONE Arahi 4 Women's Running Shoes Blue Fog Provincial Blue (%)

Engineered Garments x hoka Ora ONE ONE Bondi B!

After sitting for 20 minutes in the freezer, this hoka Ora shoe asked for as much as 48.9N of force to bend it! That's way above the average!

Getting 81.8% stiffer in freezing temperatures compared to the average 43.6% is too much!

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 82%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
0%
hoka Ora ONE ONE Arahi 4 Women's Running Shoes Blue Fog Provincial Blue
101%

Weight

Despite having a thicker stack than the v8, the hoka Ora Clifton 9 still comes in at a surprisingly lighter weight overall.

At just 8.8 oz (249g), the Clifton 9 weighs 0.7 oz (20g) lighter than your average road running shoe!

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 8.78 oz (249g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Even though the Clifton 9's upper felt really soft and cosy against the foot, we found that breathability was not that good.

Sadly, we had to rate the shoe a 3 out of 5 on our breathability test, which is below the average for road running shoes. In addition, you can see from our transparency test below, how the shoe's ventilation holes are built into a really thick upper material.

This score aligns with our microscopic examination, where we observed a dense mesh layer combined with small openings and thinner sections to promote airflow.

hoka-clifton-9-microscope-upper.JPG

Sporting moderate breathability, it might not be the top choice for sweltering summer long runs. However, these little holes ensure sufficient airflow for nearly every day of the year.

hoka-clifton-9-microscope-upper-hole.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Outsole hardness

From our experience, softer rubbers tend to fall behind harder compounds in terms of wear resistance. Unfortunately, our durometer measurement showed that this hoka Ora shoe's outsole is a little softer than average at 76.0 HC.

hoka Ora Clifton 9 outsole hardness durometer

But after a Update of test runs, it wasn't as bad as we had expected!

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 76.0 HC
Average 79.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 384 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

zapatillas de running hoka Ora constitución ligera placa de carbono talla 46 grises | Outsole thickness

The Clifton's durability is saved by its thicker-than-usual outsole layer! With a calliper measurement of 3.7 mm, the rubber on this shoe is slightly thicker than average.

hoka-clifton-9-rubber-thickness.JPG

This approach is great, as it would have been easier to use less, harder rubber, saving weight while maintaining durability. In return, the shoe's softer rubber helps to keep landings less harsh.

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 3.7 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Based on our wear tests, the shoe's traction underfoot is pretty good for a road shoe. We've had no problems on light trails and even grass.

hoka-clifton-9-outsole.JPG

Tongue padding

We found the tongue to be 6.6 mm thick, which is 38% less padding compared to the previous model, yet 17% more than the average running shoe.

hoka-clifton-9-tongue-thickness.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 6.6 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
zapatillas de running hoka Ora ONE ONE distancias cortas talla 47
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

hoka Ora zoom sur la chaussure oversize

The shoe's padded and semi-gusseted tongue provides a really snug yet comfortable fit.

hoka-clifton-9-tongue.JPG

Test results
hoka Ora Clifton 9 Both sides (semi)

zapatillas de running hoka Ora constitución ligera placa de carbono talla 46 grises | Where’d those numbers go?

Another interesting tidbit about the 9th-generation Clifton: the midsole no longer has its ‘specs’ printed on the side; no need to ask Reddit for help in deciphering what they mean.

hoka-clifton-9-heel-part.JPG

In-shoe comfort

From afar, this upper looks quite similar to the 8. But upon closer inspection, we saw the shoe's knitted textured upper to be more durable, and accommodating.

This thicker material also provided a secure lockdown that felt especially good when turning.

What's more, hoka Ora is a highly-regarded brand in the world of triathlon which translates to the Clifton 9's incredibly soft and buttery interior. We found that its upper allows for a super comfortable sockless experience during your daily runs. Just remember to limit those ones to under an hour to avoid any blisters or Womens.

hoka-clifton-9-laces.JPG

The flat laces might be a bit long for some runners, but this extra length is actually beneficial if you plan on using a runner’s knot.