Hoka Clifton 9 Product Review

It’s been a while since I tested road shoes. Trail running made me overlook them. Doing a Hoka Clifton 9 product review could change that.

I’d buy road shoes for treadmill or street running but not interested in researching different brands. I was happy with the Clifton 8 therefore I had no reason to research other shoes.

I was contacted by Outside PR about reviewing the Hoka Clifton 9. I was happy to review them for you the reader but I wasn’t excited about the shoe. I’ve been running and racing on trails almost exclusively for the past few years. A road shoe was needed but it didn’t get me excited. I thought of this as ”just another running shoe’ to be used when most needed.

Let’s see what the Hoka Clifton 9 could do.

 I’m going to break this review down into four categories: style, functionality, durability, and last words. 

Hoka Clifton 9 Product Review

Style 

If you have seen a pair of Hoka Cliftons in the past then you will not be surprised to learn that they are not different looking than their predecessors. The color scheme that I was offered was eye catching. I’m a Mets fan and the colors are Blue and Orange (for men). If there is anything that I believe in, it is being superstitious about the Mets. The Mets are projected to be a very good team this year therefore I projected the new Hoka Clifton 9 to be a good running shoe.

From a style standpoint, the color scheme is both ‘loud’ and neutral at the same time. Since it is based on colors you often see combined it made sense they would look good. With the new line out, you can see that the Women’s version has 12 colors and the Men’s version has 10.

There are other shoe brands that focus on the room in the toe box. I did not have issues with the toe box except for when I wore socks that were too tight. Initially, I thought it was the shoe but when I changed socks the issue went away. 

Functionality 

These shoes are easy and fuss free when it comes to the laces. I use a loop system in the top to make for a tighter fit around the area where my foot and leg connect. It is my preferred way of tying my shoes and having them feel snug.

The shoe, according to the Hoka website, is lighter and more cushioned ever before. I don’t know that I could tell that it was lighter than the previous versions but it most certainly did not feel heavy. When I ran in them they felt great under foot and I soon forgot about the shoe and was able to just run.

Durability 

Most of the Hoka versions I have worn have lasted me approximately 300 miles. On March 4th I raced at the Aravaipa Running Jackpot Ultras 50 miler and use the Hoka Clifton 9 for the entirety of the event.

The shoes were not a thought while I was racing. They didn’t give me any issues throughout the race. After that event was finished I have amassed nearly 65 miles on the shoes and they feel like they will last me the 300 miles without any issues.

Last Words

In conclusion, while I do not foresee myself heading back to the roads to run marathons these shoes are a good road running shoe for those that do. There is plenty of cushion along with style and value for the price.

When you combine the multiple variables and weight them against other shoes in this category, I believe you will find the Hoka Clifton 9 to be at the top of the list of choices.\