The Hoka Clifton 9 are comfortable right out of the box. Its new ride is much more versatile while still being super light. What the shoe loses in responsiveness it makes up for in softness for relaxed runs. But weve really been digging the Mafate Speed 4 for its responsiveness, lightness, and performance on technical and loose terrain. However, this weight difference is negligible since these are not race shoes. Hoka Clifton 8 Review (2021 Release) - DOCTORS OF RUNNING In terms of running experience besides the "pop," it operates on a balanced rocker that doesn't have a propulsive nature. RECOMMENDATIONSDavid:The Hoka in some ways has always been the poster child of a The We tested a womens standard fit and a mens wide so we could see how they stacked up for various foot types. Neutral shoes also still work well for slight pronation or supination and for those who use corrective orthotic inserts. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. Since the price of the Cliftons went up, the Endorphin Shift 3 is also comparable in cost. Close-up on the Hoka Clifton 9 running shoes. Its not available in additional widths. But theyre also incredibly comfy thanks to the articulated heel collar and creel jacquard engineered mesh upper. The EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) midsole is compression molded for comfort and give, reducing the impact with each step. Heel to toe drop. Nice balanced transitions that you can just focus on getting your miles in. The Hoka Clifton offers plenty of cushioning and support to help runners stay comfortable and supported over long distances. Additionally, these shoes are best suited for roads. Choose from a range of shoe models with features built for a variety of gaits. Personally, the fit of the 8s suits me better because they are properly snug on my more narrow feet. The Mach 5 is becoming more and more popular. Hoka Clifton 9 Review (2023) - DOCTORS OF RUNNING The Meta-Rocker adds versatility to the Hoka Clifton 9s since they are responsive enough to work as regular training shoes. And the Speedgoat is a solid trail running shoe, to be sure. Heel counters theoretically are meant to stabilize the heel (calcaneus) and set the foot up for a centered transition at heel strike. Heel landings and forefoot transitions are very smooth given the soft midsole, healthy amount of toe spring and heel bevel. Much like with the Clifton 8s, the Clifton 9s are fairly standard regarding how long the shoes last. While this shoe works best on the roads, I have taken it on some dirt trails and gravel roads around my house and found it performs well enough on those surfaces. The Mach 5 is not as stable but its the lighter, more versatile trainer. This drop reduces the impact of heel striking (landing on the heel first). PERFORMANCEMatt: The Hoka Clifton 8 features a soft and cushioned ride throughout the length of the shoe. This increases the durability of the Clifton 9. Stability. The original could handle racing and fast running. The retrocalcaneal region however seems to be too roomy. The lightweight EVA foam midsole provides ample cushioning, while the RMAT midsole provides a more responsive ride. Soft, easy running for those who like to be on their mid to forefootSkechers GoRun Ride 9 - Very soft hyperburst provides comfort on everyday runsPuma Velocity Nitro - Puma's daily trainer offers a protective ride at any pace/distanceOn Cloudswift 2.0 But Hoka has reimagined and rebuilt the 7s, and it works. Now, 9 years later, Clifton is even more loved and more popular. It also features an engineered mesh upper for breathability, and a wide toe box for toe splay. Hoka added 3 millimeters to the stack height while boosting the comfort around the heel and improving the foam and outsole design. There is far more volume that I am used to in a Hoka. And now, hundreds of miles, multiple races, runs of up to 22 miles, and a few Strava CRs later, I can confidently recommend these to anyone looking for a trail racing shoe. Those that like a neutral shoe with decent cushioning and a rocker It also has a bucket seat setup where your feet sit . Our mens and womens shoe testers agreed that mileage seemed accurate. and traction. The shoe is lightweight but not as lightweight as some other running shoes, so it may not be the best choice for longer runs. I tend to prefer to external heel counters being seen more frequently on models like the Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 and certain Adidas models. Here's what they mean: Generally, gusseted tongues are a common feature in trail running shoes to help keep out debris. The shoes neutral support, more responsive cushioning, low weight, and Meta-Rocker technology come together to provide a smooth ride ideal for everyday training or active recovery days. responsive and so this shoe leans itself towards that daily workhorse. The next version is due out soon; we hope wide sizes will be available then. pressure to the lateral heel and midfoot with lockdown), Great The Hoka Clifton is a great choice for runners looking for a neutral running shoe. We test. The bright colorways and massive soles typically found on Hokas are simultaneously intriguing and a turn-off for many people. 8.60 oz. There is a relatively stiff heel counter present, You can see this in the images below. Not even a half mile in I audibly said to my running partner, "this Clifton feels different." The shoe still uses a Learn more. The mesh material itself is nice and the upper is breathable. As described in the Ride section, Hoka still uses its early-stage Meta-Rocker in this model of the Clifton to guide the foot through a smooth landing. The Hoka Clifton 9s offer neutral support like the Clifton 8s, ideal for folks with a standard (or "correct") stride. The Mach 5 doesnt have the Meta-Rocker that the Clifton 9 has. PERFORMANCEDavid:The (Example: It's the one shoe my 60-something-year-old father and I are currently running in.). The shoe also has an internal heel counter which helps to keep the foot secure in the shoe, as well as an external heel counter which helps to provide stability. Pro 2 | Video ReviewHoka Clifton 8 Review | What's New, Who It Will Work For BestInov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max ReviewNew Balance Rebel 2 ReviewPuma Liberate Nitro ReviewThanks for reading!Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. It wasnt a big deal in the overall shoe experience, though, just a factsome running shoes dont need to be laced in every eyelet to have a more locked-in feel. The Clifton 9 is also more stable than the Mach 5. Comparison of the Hoka Clifton 8 (top) vs. the Hoka Clifton 9 (bottom). padded well and had no slippage. Nice counter but too stiff and does retro curve) Performance: B+(Super smooth and soft ride. Neutral. Sizes: 7 to 16, wide, and extra-wide | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Plush, An excellent all-around runner that has been improved with each version, Add comfort with new foam and plusher heel. Pavement. With its great design and features, its an excellent choice for anyone. This geometry helps to roll you through transitions which improves efficiency over long distances. The differences are slight; some users found a more comfortable, lighter, and cushioned fit, whereas others had a harder time finding the appropriate size. Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. Most of these tend to be hard plastic or another firmer material (some new ones are using different more flexible materials). The Hoka Clifton 8 is a shoe with maximum cushioning, and its main innovations are in some strategic points of the model, such as the upper and the inter -tank. for logging daily mileage, a little more bounce noted, though still not The shoe does have some stability components though however. The Hoka Clifton series started out legendary as THE cushioned lightweight trainer. The newest version of Hokas classic running shoe, the Clifton, might be its best. There is an age old saying that the best thing about running is that you just need a pair of shoes. Those with sensitive calcaneus bones (heel bones) tend to not do well with these because the stiffness can be irritating. Hoka mainly makes shoes focused on running and trail running. The upper of the Mach 5 is also made of engineered mesh but its upper is not as padded as the upper of the Clifton 9 so its more breathable. Not only is the Mach 5s midsole thinner so your foot sits closer to the ground, but there is also no outsole rubber on it so you have a better feel of the surfaces below your feet. The Clifton 9 features two updates to tongue. This cushioned shoe is ideal for avid walking, joggers, as a daily trainer, and for recovery runs and activities. As explained in the Clifton 8 review, the heel-to-toe drop of a shoe is the height difference between the midsole and forefoot. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! I've learned a lot in my research and experiences with plus size outdoor clothing, and it's important to spread that knowledge so that others don't have to have to struggle. Repetitive pressure will occur here every time the runners moves into the toe off or terminal stance phase of gait.Those with tendinopathy, irritations of the Achilles tendon and other injuries/pathologies in this area would do well to avoid this design. This systematic process is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of conditions to provide expansive and thorough reviews for the public and for companies. And we hiked on trails of varying terrain and steepness and walked through airports, restaurants, and neighborhoods with dogs. FURTHER READINGCompare Easy Day ShoesAsics Novablast 2 - A 2020 favorite returns with a refined heel that provides a touch more structure. This mid-drop offers some stability without too much motion control. One issue I noticed testing the regular womens shoe was that the fit is now longer. RECOMMENDATIONSMatt: My biggest recommendation is to redo the heel counter. Becca then joined the IUPUI womens distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021. The ride is more pillowy and cushy with less bounce. One purpose of the Meta-Rocker is to reduce hard, flat-footed pounding on the pavement that could cause pain or injury. fitting Clifton so far. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). The Hoka Clifton 9s are made of recycled materials, and the upper mesh is vegan. Men's Neutral Running Shoes | HOKA I will say that though it is slight, there a noticeable change in feeling. The Transport is a true travel and commuter shoe, blending some toned-down colorways, Vibram outsole, and a quick lace system. I also noticed that the upper mesh of the 9swhile still made of vegan materialsfeels a little thinner than the 8s, creating a slightly less snug feel. pressure to the lateral heel and midfoot with lockdown)Performance:A-(Great As with many HOKA shoes, it has a wider platform to the ground, some side walls, sole flaring, and a balanced rocker. If it doesnt feel right, you can adjust easily from that midpoint. The outsole also features strategically placed rubber pods to increase durability and traction. The Mach 5 doesnt have any outsole rubber on its outsole: it only has rubberised EVA foam which wears down much faster than traditional rubber lugs. The brand launched with a maximalist approach, offering maximum cushioning in their running shoes. Enter the Hoka Tecton X. At the top, you'll find the latest version of the Bondi, one of Hoka's longest-running (lame pun intended) and classic shoes. At $145, the shoes are about on par for neutral, balanced, and cushioned running shoes. The author ran road and gravel in the Hoka Clifton 9. It all goes. The Meta-Rocker structure Hoka uses is a curved sole that prevents the foot from landing flat and hard while offering extra propulsion in the stride. Our one complaint is Hoka doesnt offer wide sizing in these shoes, which are narrow. If youre looking for a training shoe to propel you through speed workouts, the Hoka Clifton 9 is not for you. The current model is a trainer and is too soft to handle uptempo running, let alone racing. These are also excellent. The fit overall is fairly normal, with a bit more room in the heel and very slight snugness in the forefoot. And the rugged Cordura abrasion-resistant upper doesnt sacrifice comfort for its toughness. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Both of the . This is definitely a more protective shoe for those wanting a soft max cushion shoe. pressure to the lateral midfoot. Stability is pretty good for a neutral shoe, and one I'd put in the stable neutral category.Nathan: The Hoka Clifton 9 sits in the stable neutral category for me. If youre like me, you might often run or hike on all sorts of terrain. While on the lighter side for a trainer, the softer ride makes this shoe best for easy days and long runs. I felt foot security was better This seems to firm up the ride a tad and make the quite enough to reach for if there is any speed requirements)Stability:A(Stable throughout for a neutral shoe. like a well-cushioned neutral shoe without any major bells or whistles. The Bondis will work. fitting Clifton so far. Or, to put it another way, it has more pop than the Speedgoat. And it handled varied terrain, up to 15-mile long runs, and speed workouts that dipped to around a 5-minute per mile pace. RUNNING SHOE SUMMARYThe And Im pleased to report that these trail running shoes somehow surpassed my lofty expectations. Though there have been some pretty big changes inside of the shoe for a In this article, we'll be taking an in-depth look at the Hoka Clifton and whether it is a neutral shoe or not. Other than that this is a solid shoe to The Hoka Clifton is designed to be a neutral running shoe, meaning that it is designed to provide cushioning and support for runners who dont need extra support or pronation control. The fit of the Clifton is true to size but it has a narrow fit. Knowing what is best for your feet can be difficult, especially if youre new to running, and it may take some trial and error. As with many HOKA shoes, it has a wider platform to the ground, some side walls, sole flaring, and a balanced rocker. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If anything, the more breathable and light upper mesh will make this shoe even less suited for cold temps, so youll want to pair this shoe with some merino wool running socks if youll be running in freezing temperatures. It has a soft ride but without the feeling of sinking into the foam. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews. Our mens and womens testers found they worked fine on non-technical trails and are best for all runs and walks on the roads. RUNNING SHOE SUMMARYMatt: The Hoka One One Clifton 8 returns with a smooth, slightly softer ride and a very comfortable, slightly more voluminous upper. The Hoka Clifton 9s offer neutral support like the Clifton 8s, ideal for folks with a standard (or correct) stride. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). Coach Dave Ames: Holistic Running, Tapering Mistakes, and More | Podcast, Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs. This is a neutral daily training option that will work as a workhorse. If youre looking to sell your Dr Martens, there are a few different options available to you. Wanting a walking shoe? notice that the heel gets a little more pressure when the shoe is laced This was only exacerbated by the loose heel and "elf" design which made my heel slip. Nathan regularly rotates the Tecton Xs, Mafate Speed 4s, Challenger 7s, and Clifton 9s. The 9 Best Womens Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed. Width in the heel, midfoot, and forefoot I would classify as After checking out the tech sheet, this pop comes from the update to the EVA midsole to improve some resilience of the foam. The Mach 5 fits true to size and is not as narrow as the Clifton 9. Pro 2 | Video Review, Hoka Clifton 8 Review | What's New, Who It Will Work For Best. The shoe does have 2 more millimeters of foam Learn more. A greatly improved upper, a softer sole and a continued smooth ride make the Clifton 8 a better fitting and cushioned easy day and daily training shoe. The 9s are also a little more responsive than the 8s in that the midsole is a little more firm and reactive to give runners a little more pep in their step. The only thing I would When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. I'd personally like to see the toe box opened up even more while keeping midfoot security strong, making it more versatile in terms of types of feet that will fit well. By this I mean overall more narrow in the forefoot and maintaining that narrow-leaning fit back to the heel. Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. Midfoot much more accommodating, though some )Personal:A-(Boring in a good way. This works well for some people and not so well for others. A memory foam collar and rear crash pad only boost the comfort and plushness of this shoe. If not, some work needs to go into making this shoe more responsive. The Vibram outsole makes it ideal for hiking and walking around the city. While the Clifton has seen some updates in the latest iteration, the shoes purpose remains unchanged. You decide. These also might be the only running shoe my 60-something-year-old father and I both love. surfaces, and there is a decent amount of width throughout. Hoka Clifton 9 is a neutral daily training shoe for the runner that wants David: The HOKA Clifton 8 has an interesting contribution to the performance category. Due to the plushness of the midsole, these shoes are also great for heavier runners. And it redesigned the outsoles to mimic gravel bike tires. down. These shoes rip. I have personally been sensitive to narrow shoes in the last 6 months, and I did not have any problems with this shoe. Regardless of your needs, from a mild midsole to full stability and plush cushioning, there's a HOKA shoe built with you in mind. In such a case, I recommend alternating wearing each pair every other run for a week or two. The Clifton has The Clifton is available in both mens and womens models, making it a great choice for neutral runners. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Each shoe weighs just about a pound and boasts an extremely high bed of soft cushioning. ), Boring in a good way. There is a heel counter present that is semi rigid and does a decent job of stabilizing at the heel. This is mostly in the posterior-lateral heel, which is quite normal for me. And this is surprising considering I wasnt that smitten with the Challenger 6s. Hoka Clifton 8's neutral support, maximum cushioning with responsiveness at the forefoot, light weight, and Meta-Rocker technology in the sole all provide a soft, smooth fit. By John Thompson and Talene Appleton Published: Mar 14, 2023 Save Article. Slipping the Hoka Clifton 9 on after a technical trail run, a quick track workout, or the day after a hard effort is slipping into comfort. Hoka and some retailers call this a "single side medial gusset tongue." Hoka shoes are generally on the more expensive side of the shoe price spectrum. There are no formal stability elements and does not have a strongly built-up arch, which I appreciate. profile will find this fits the bill.Nathan: Before running in this shoe for the first time I did not have any of the specs or information about the update, so I just went out "blind". While thats similar to the Speedgoat, a significant difference is the PROFLY+ midsole, which employs a firmer material designed for more explosive and efficient toe push-off. This update, while subtle, helps keep the shoe from feeling too tight while still helping protect your feet from debris. Follow myself and the select few who contribute on our journey to help you understand your body and the shoes you wear. It also has a reformulated CMEVA midsole which provides a softer ride than previous versions. The mesh material Nice counter but too stiff and does retro curve), (Super smooth and soft ride. The Clifton 9s work well for all but high-intensity training. The midsole and upper do have some sidewalls integrated medially and laterally which help stabilize the foot and keep it linear throughout the gait cycle. The second update is a move from a fully gusseted tongue (attached to the inside shoe on both sides) to a tongue gusset only on the inside. Fitness The Best HOKA Running Shoes for Men in 2023, Tested by Fitness Experts Step further into the HOKA universe. Notice how the toe box shape and length is different on the Hoka Clifton 9. One of our favorite things about Hoka shoes is many often come in wide and extra-wide versions. This systematic process is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of conditions to provide expansive and thorough reviews for the public and for companies. You could try selling them online through websites, Stretching out a pair of Dr Martens can be a challenging but rewarding task. Another option would be creating a lacing system that wraps medially a little better to lock the foot on the platform better as well. The shoe features a nice rockered ride throughout with moderately high cushioning. It isn't a very responsive ride, which makes this shoe best for easy and long runs. It also has a bucket seat setup where your feet sit inside the midsole and not on top of it so there is a distinct cupping of the foot. HOKA Arahi vs Clifton. You could manage non-technical trails (and we certainly took them there), but they are not designed for trail running. A neutral running shoe is designed to offer a balance of cushioning and stability while helping to reduce strain on the joints. David: The HOKA Clifton 8 is very much a neutral daily training shoe. The upper has more volume and width thanks to a stretchy mesh. The thick heel counter does keep the foot centered and extends almost into the midfoot. However, some runners find gusseted tongues uncomfortable. Fast forward almost a decade later (we can almost guarantee that work has started on the Clifton 10) and the Clifton 8 retains some of the elements but has certainly changed. Is Hoka Clifton a Neutral Shoe? - Shoe Effect Lets take a closer look. You can find Hokas goals and reports on clean energy, carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste here. Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse Weight: 8.8 oz (men's size 9) 7.6 oz (women's size 8) Stack Height: 29 mm / 24 mm (likely does not include insole) Drop: 5 mm Classification: Daily Trainer Hoka Clifton 8 from the rear. The heel-to-toe drop is typically 10mm or less, which helps to promote a natural stride and encourages a more efficient running form. There are a lot of different opinionsfrom pro runners to podiatrists to everyday runners in customer reviewson whether thats a beneficial way to strike the foot (seriously, if you search is heel striking bad you will not run out of reading material for awhile). The mesh upper prevents excessive sweat buildup and blisters. A retro curve refers to the top part of the counter curving in toward the Achilles tendon. First, its thinner than the tongue on the 8s, which makes the fit a little less snug at the top of the foot. balanced rocker profile throughout. Upper Hoka One One Clifton 9. The Hoka Arahi is a Stability running shoe. Recreational runners who want a cushioned, soft, protective trainer trainer may be able to use these for marathons, but people wanting to run fast will need to look elsewhere. Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. The level of responsiveness also helps propel the body through runs without having to work as hard. This allows us to create reader-supported objective gear reviews. For anyone new to running or more experienced runners looking for an everyday walking or jogging shoe or a mid-drop daily trainer, the Hoka Clifton is a good place to start. You can read more of Becca's work at her blog or on her author page. HOKA Clifton 8 Review | Fleet Feet It feels like the heel counter portion that extends through that The shoes are meant to last 300-500 miles. Yes, the Hoka Clifton is a neutral running shoe. The overall feel is similar to the previous foam underfoot to give consideration for maximum cushioning, though the One of the updates to the 9 includes the design of the outsole. This makes it a good fit for comfortable, longer outings. Balanced rocker with some good sidewalls. The outsole typically features durable rubber and flex grooves to help provide traction and flexibility. There is plenty of The meta-rocker profile helps to promote a natural running gait and encourages a smooth transition from heel to toe. Like many Hoka shoes, the Clifton 8 can translate to light trail well with the outsole design. The Rundown Best Overall : Hoka Bondi 8 at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Running: Hoka Clifton 9 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Running, Runner-Up: Hoka Mach 5 at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Travel: Hoka Transport at Hoka.com Jump to Review Best for Trail Running: Hoka Mafate Speed 4 at Nordstrom Jump to Review throughout the gait cycle without the usage of posting. So if youre primarily a road runner and want a shoe thats a tad lighter and much more responsive than the Clifton 9s, opt for the Mach 5s. log daily miles in. A jacquard-engineered mesh upper helps boost the comfort. Given the density of them, it would not be advisable to have them dip into the foot. As far as numbers go, the volume of the mens shoe is 655.00 cm3, and the womens is 502.00 cm3. The heel is a little softer than the forefoot, which is also fairly soft. Version 5 has a softer, supercritical layer of midsole foam, an improved fit and a lighter weight which makes it a great update. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes. Carbon Plated Running Shoe Resource Page The current trend in racing shoes has been toward super foams and carbon fiber plates. The sole is on the stiffer end but the rocker does great with transitions. The Clifton 9 is a good If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations. The main difference is hiking and trail running shoes will have tougher outsoles and lugs for boosted traction. More importantly he is a runner and shoe geek trying to make sense of this world. To find the best hiking sandals, we researched 43 shoes and field-tested seven models hiking, backpacking, climbing, and on the river from Wyoming's Wind River Range to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and La Sal of Utah. The Clifton 9 has a single density CMEVA midsole with a thick stack height. This shoe is not designed to keep feet warm and dry and is not ideal for frigid conditions. As a consistently middle-of-the-road shoe in most metrics, it is generally people-pleasing. Loses responsiveness, so best for easy and long days)Stability:B(Good components, including great rocker, bucket seat, thick heel counter offset by softer, less stable midsole)DPT/Footwear Science:B(Good and interesting points for lateral bias flex grooves. When it first came out, there was nothing on the market as cushioned and as efficient as the Clifton with its Meta-Rocker geometry. Sizes: 7 to 14 | Weight: 10.4 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Responsive, One of the best trail racing shoes weve used. We ran hundreds of miles on trails, gravel roads, and paved surfaces. new arrival. 10 of the Best HOKA Running Shoes for Every Runner In any case, if you are working on injury, be sure to check with your medical professional for guidance on your specific needs in a shoe. The midfoot was more The Hoka Clifton 9 is a narrow-fitting maximalist daily trainer with a Meta-Rocker midsole for energy-saving transitions. much stretch as previous models. The outsole also features strategically placed rubber pods to increase durability and traction. The shoe is comfy, thanks to the EVA midsole. The Clifton has a lightweight EVA foam midsole that provides cushioning and shock absorption, as well as an RMAT midsole that gives the shoe a more responsive ride. When I tried the 8 on my left foot and the 9 on my right foot, I first noticed the roomier toe box in the 9s. The regular price of a pair of Hoka Clifton 9 shoes is $5 more than the previous iteration. Be on the lookout for that, which usually happens earlier in the calendar year.