Hoka
Clifton 9 Running Shoe - Men's
$119.95
$144.99Free shipping
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The Grivet Take
The Clifton 9 is Hoka's iconic daily trainer, the do-it-all neutral cruiser that defined the brand. 32/27 stack with a 5mm drop, the signature Hoka rocker geometry, and a wide platform that reads steady underfoot. Best for daily easy miles, long runs, walkers, and runners new to the Hoka feel. Skip it for speed work; the Clifton is built for cruise pace, not pace changes. One of the most reliable daily-trainer picks at the $145 price point.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.4 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.4 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Fits true to size with the standard Hoka last. Toe box runs standard width with normal vertical room. Midfoot is normal volume; heel hold is good. Available in Standard (D) and Wide (2E) for men's, which is wider availability than many Hoka models.
How it feels
Cushion is high; compression-molded EVA reads moderately soft and protective. The pronounced forefoot rocker carries the foot smoothly through toe-off — Hoka's signature ride character. Energy return is moderate. Wide platform underfoot reads steady. Best at easy and steady-state pace.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 32.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 27.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 5.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 8.7 oz · 247 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 4 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- compression-molded EVA
- Outsole
- Durabrasion rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D · 2E
Tech, translated
Compression-molded EVA is Hoka's tuned daily-trainer foam, used in the Clifton for a balance of cushion and durability.
Meta-Rocker is Hoka's forefoot rocker geometry, the brand's signature feature that drives smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Durabrasion rubber outsole is Hoka's road-rubber compound, durable across high-mileage use.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Compared with the Hoka Bondi 9, the Clifton has less stack and weighs less; the Bondi is the max-cushion premium pick. Compared with the Hoka Mach 6, the Clifton is more cushioned; the Mach is lighter and more pace-leaning. Compared with the Brooks Ghost 17, the Clifton has Hoka's rockered feel; the Ghost has more traditional foam character. Compared with the Saucony Ride 19, the Clifton has lower drop (5mm vs 8mm) and the rockered geometry.
