Hoka
Clifton 9 Running Shoe - Women's
$119.95
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The Grivet Take
The Clifton 9 is the best Clifton Hoka has made, and the line's biggest seller for good reason. Compression-molded EVA delivers Hoka's signature pillowy cushion, the Meta-Rocker rolls the foot through toe-off smoothly, and the v9's added 2mm of stack adds protection for long runs. APMA Seal of Acceptance underscores the shoe's all-day-on-feet pedigree. Best for high-mileage daily training, long easy runs, recovery miles, walking, and customers who want lightweight max-cushion in a package under 9 oz. Skip it for race-pace work, runners who need wide forefoot fit (Clifton 9 runs narrow), and anyone wanting modern responsive foam. Customers with wider feet should go up half a size or pick the 2E width. v10 is the current model with iterative updates.
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.2 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.2 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.4 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 for most runners, but the Clifton 9 runs narrower through the midfoot than older Cliftons. Customers with average-to-wide feet often need to size up half a size or pick the 2E width to find the right fit. Standard (D) and Wide (2E) widths are both available. The upper is more accommodating than v8 but still narrower than the v10 successor.
How it feels
Pillowy, rolling, lightweight. Compression-molded EVA reads as Hoka's signature soft cushion. Meta-Rocker geometry rolls the foot through toe-off; flexibility is moderate. The 5mm drop is approachable. The v9's added 2mm stack and slightly more elastic foam vs v8 makes the ride more versatile and pleasant for long miles. Best at easy-to-moderate paces; the foam doesn't return energy at race 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 (women's 8)
- 7.3 oz · 207 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.
- B · D
Tech, translated
Compression-molded EVA midsole: Hoka's signature midsole compound. v9 introduces a slightly softer and more elastic tuning vs v8, which improves cushion over long miles without sacrificing the Hoka pillowy feel.
Meta-Rocker geometry: Hoka's signature rocker shape that rolls the foot forward through toe-off, reducing the work the calf does to drive each stride. Combined with the high stack, the result is a smooth, fatigue-resistant feel on long efforts.
Durabrasion rubber outsole: Hoka's high-durability rubber compound, optimized for longevity on pavement.
APMA Seal of Acceptance: the American Podiatric Medical Association certification for shoes that promote foot health. The Clifton 9 earned this designation for the line's combination of cushion, rocker geometry, and stable platform.
What changed from the previous version
The Clifton 9 brings a softer midsole foam, 2mm of added stack height, and a more accommodating upper vs the Clifton 8. The Meta-Rocker geometry, 5mm drop, and Hoka's signature daily-trainer character carry over. v8 fans should find v9 a clear upgrade in cushion and upper fit. Note: v9 still runs narrow through the midfoot for many customers, so sizing up half a size or selecting the 2E wide is the documented workaround.
Frequently asked
Does the Hoka Clifton 9 run true to size?
True to size for most runners on length, but the Clifton 9 runs narrow through the midfoot. Customers with average-to-wide feet often need to size up half a size or pick the 2E (Wide) version to find the right fit. Available in D (Standard) and 2E (Wide); customers with notably wide feet should go straight to the 2E. The narrower fit is the most common Clifton 9 complaint.
What changed from the Hoka Clifton 8?
Three meaningful updates: a softer and more elastic midsole foam, 2mm of added stack height, and a more accommodating upper. The Meta-Rocker geometry and 5mm drop carry over. v8 fans should find v9 a clear upgrade in cushion versatility and upper fit, though some customers still find the v9 narrower through the midfoot than they prefer.
How does the Hoka Clifton 9 compare to the Hoka Clifton 10?
Both are Hoka's iconic lightweight daily trainer with compression-molded EVA and Meta-Rocker geometry. The Clifton 10 is the current model with iterative updates, including a slightly higher stack and 8mm drop. The Clifton 9 has the 5mm drop and the v9 tuning that's widely regarded as the best Clifton Hoka has made. Choose v10 for the current model and the higher drop. Choose v9 if it's at closeout pricing or you've worn v9 successfully and want the same tuning.
Is the Hoka Clifton 9 firm or soft underfoot?
Soft and pillowy with notable bounce. The v9 midsole tuning is softer and more elastic than v8, delivering Hoka's signature pillowy feel with slightly more energy return at slow paces. The Meta-Rocker rolls the foot through toe-off so the soft foam doesn't feel mushy underfoot. Customers wanting firmer cushion should look at the standard Brooks Ghost line; customers wanting plusher max cushion should look at the Hoka Bondi.
Is the Hoka Clifton 9 good for walking?
Yes, this is one of the best walking shoes in the running category. The pillowy compression-molded EVA cushion, Meta-Rocker geometry, and lightweight feel make it excellent for all-day-on-feet wear, walking workouts, and travel. The APMA Seal of Acceptance underscores the foot-health pedigree. The narrower midfoot fit is the main caveat for walkers; the 2E width is widely recommended for sustained walking miles where wider fit matters more.
Is the Hoka Clifton 9 good for treadmill running?
Yes, the Durabrasion rubber outsole holds up well to belt wear and the soft compression-molded EVA cushion handles repeated foot strikes comfortably. The Meta-Rocker geometry keeps the stride smooth at the steady-state pace typical of treadmill running. Strong choice for runners doing daily training on a treadmill, especially long indoor sessions where pillowy cushion makes a real difference in leg fatigue.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Hoka Clifton 10
Choose the Clifton 9 if you want closeout pricing and the proven older-gen ride. Choose the Clifton 10 if you want the current model with iterative refinements and 8mm drop.
Compare Hoka Clifton 10 →
Brooks Ghost 17
Choose the Clifton 9 if you want Hoka's pillowy cushion and aggressive Meta-Rocker. Choose the Ghost 17 if you want Brooks's traditional daily-trainer fit at 10mm drop.
Compare Brooks Ghost 17 →
Saucony Ride 17
Choose the Clifton 9 if you want Hoka's Meta-Rocker and pillowy CMEVA cushion. Choose the Ride 17 if you want Saucony's PWRRUN+ daily-trainer character at 8mm drop.
Compare Saucony Ride 17 →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the Clifton 9 if you want the lighter weight and more versatile daily-trainer character. Choose the Bondi 9 if you want max cushion and a more pronounced Hoka pillowy feel.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
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