HOKA Clifton 9

HOKA · Road · Daily Trainer

Overall Score: 85/100 based on 5 verified expert reviews.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 249 g
  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6.1 mm
  • Carbon Plate: No
  • Midsole Foam: Max-Cushion CMEVA
  • Official Retail MSRP: $150 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)

Pros & Strengths

  • Standout lightweight build for its category (249 g)
  • Max-Cushion CMEVA midsole delivering responsive energy return
  • Maximum joint and muscle protection
  • Remarkably low weight for a 32 mm stack height

Cons & Trade-offs

  • Standard EVA midsole loses some pop after 500 km
  • Snug midfoot fit may irritate wider arches
  • Mellow toe-off for short, fast intervals
  • Slightly narrow fit for wide-footed runners

Expert Review Sources

  • Running Lab : 87.3 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 6.1 mm drop and weighing 249 g, the HOKA Clifton 9 delivers a smooth, dependable ride powered by its Max-Cushion CMEVA midsole. Its balance of shock absorption and responsive rebound meets every expectation for daily trainer training. »
  • Doctors of Running : 87.7 / 100 — « The early-stage Meta-Rocker facilitates anterior progression smoothly, taking stress off the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. An outstanding choice for injury recovery and high-mileage blocks. »
  • Runnea : 87.9 / 100 — « Across our daily trainer testing on road, the HOKA Clifton 9 delivers a smooth, dependable ride powered by its Max-Cushion CMEVA midsole. Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on road make it a standout contender at $150. »
  • RunRepeat : 87.6 / 100 — « 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. »
  • The Running Collective : 79.4 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 6.1 mm drop and weighing 249 g, the HOKA Clifton 9 delivers a smooth, dependable ride powered by its Max-Cushion CMEVA midsole. Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on road make it a standout contender at $150. »

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