Clifton 9
Previous-generation HOKA Clifton daily trainer — light, rockered road cushioning still common on clearance versus Clifton 10.
Available in Men's and Women's sizing.
- Max Cushion
- Daily Trainer
- Neutral
- 5mm Drop
- 248g
- Best forLight for the stack.
- Runner typeNeutral gait
- SurfacesRoad
Overview
Previous-generation HOKA Clifton daily trainer — light, rockered road cushioning still common on clearance versus Clifton 10.
A prior-gen Clifton daily I’d still shortlist on sale for light, rockered easy miles. Skip it if you want the latest Clifton 10 updates or Bondi-level max cushion.
- Light for the stack
- Smooth rocker
Kitletics Review · 8.7 Very Good
HOKA Clifton 9 is a max-cushion daily trainer. Previous-generation HOKA Clifton daily trainer — light, rockered road cushioning still common on clearance versus Clifton 10. I'd shortlist it for light for the stack. The trade-off is superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks — ASICS Novablast 5 is the cleaner compare when that is most of your week. It fits buyers who actually need a max-cushion daily trainer, not a one-product rotation.
Read Kitletics Review →At a glance
- Weight
- 248 g
- Drop
- 5 mm
- Heel Stack
- 29 mm
- Cushioning
- Maximum
- Stability
- Neutral
- Terrain
- Road
- Plate
- No
- Category
- Running Shoes
- Best for
- Light for the stack
Pros & cons
Pros
- Light for the stack
- Smooth rocker
Cons
- Superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks
- Less max stack than Bondi
Key technologies
CMEV
CMEV
Rubber
Rubber
Kitletics Review
A buying decision based on structured product data and evidence — not invented star ratings or fake user reviews.
Kitletics Review
Verdict
HOKA Clifton 9 is a max-cushion daily trainer. Previous-generation HOKA Clifton daily trainer — light, rockered road cushioning still common on clearance versus Clifton 10. I'd shortlist it for light for the stack. The trade-off is superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks — ASICS Novablast 5 is the cleaner compare when that is most of your week. It fits buyers who actually need a max-cushion daily trainer, not a one-product rotation.
Pros
- maximum cushioning for the sessions it was built for
Cons / Trade-offs
- Fit can run short for some
- Not designed for technical trail terrain
- Superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks
- Less max stack than Bondi
Best for
- Light for the stack.
- Plush ride that still fits max-cushion daily trainer sessions.
- Neutral max-cushion daily trainer.
Not ideal for
- Those looking for superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks.
- Those looking for a lightweight race-day shoe.
- Those looking for ASICS Novablast 5 when a max-cushion daily trainer is not the weekly job.
- Those looking for Less max stack than Bondi.
How it performs
What it is
Lightweight max-cushion daily trainer. HOKA Clifton 9 is built for a specific job in the category — use that job as your first filter. I'd shortlist it when you want light for the stack or smooth rocker. Skip it if fit can run short for some is most of your week. Bottom line:.…
Key specs
Here are the numbers that matter for the HOKA Clifton 9: • Weight: 248 g • Drop: 5 mm • Heel Stack: 29 mm • Forefoot Stack: 24 mm • Cushion Level: maximum • Stability: neutral • Terrain: road • Plate: No • Plate Material: none • Cushion Feel: plush • Training Types: easy, long,.…
Fit & Comfort
If you already run in HOKA dailies, start with your usual length in the HOKA Clifton 9 and judge width and volume on an easy jog — not standing still in the shop. If you sit between sizes or need a wide last, try in store or buy somewhere returns are easy. This is a tall soft.…
Cushioning
Cushioning is the point of the HOKA Clifton 9: maximum and plush underfoot for easy, recovery and long road miles — not for tempo or race day. On the numbers: 29 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot, 5 mm drop. What you are buying: light for the stack. Compared with a firmer daily (Pegasus,.…
Key specs that matter
| Spec | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 248 g | Affects how lively or protective the shoe feels on easy miles. |
| Drop | 5 mm | Influences stance and load distribution — preference, not a quality score. |
| Heel Stack | 29 mm | Contributes to cushion depth under the heel on landings. |
| Forefoot Stack | 24 mm | Affects forefoot protection and how the toe-off feels. |
| Stability | Neutral | Indicates guidance geometry versus a pure neutral ride. |
| Terrain | Road | Defines primary surface suitability (road, trail, mixed). |
Should you buy it?
Buy if
- You're looking for light for the stack.
- You want a plush ride that still fits max-cushion daily trainer sessions.
- You prefer a neutral max-cushion daily trainer.
- You want light for the stack.
Skip if
- You need to avoid superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks.
- You're primarily looking for the lightest race-day option.
- You prefer ASICS Novablast 5 when a max-cushion daily trainer is not the weekly job.
- Superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks
Final verdict
HOKA Clifton 9 is a max-cushion daily trainer. Previous-generation HOKA Clifton daily trainer — light, rockered road cushioning still common on clearance versus Clifton 10. I'd shortlist it for light for the stack. The trade-off is superseded by Clifton 10 for current catalog picks — ASICS Novablast 5 is the cleaner compare when that is most of your week. It fits buyers who actually need a max-cushion daily trainer, not a one-product rotation.
Alternatives to consider
ASICSGEL-Nimbus 27Why choose this instead: Want better value?
8.6 · Very GoodFrom € 190Compare →
ASICSNovablast 5Why choose this instead: Want better value?
8.8 · Very GoodFrom € 130Compare →
HOKAClifton 10Why choose this instead: Want better value?
8.8 · Very GoodFrom € 144Compare →
Related guides
How we assessed it
How we assessed the HOKA Clifton 9: this is Expert Research. We used manufacturer specifications (248 weight, 5 mm drop, CMEV), the published role as a max-cushion daily trainer, and a comparison set (Novablast 5, Clifton 10, Invincible 3). We have not personally tested this product. Feel claims and scores are research-informed, not a wear diary.
Review type: Expert Research Review.
Read how we review products →
Specifications
- Weight
- 248g
- Drop
- 5mm
- Heel Stack
- 29mm
- Cushioning
- Maximum
- Stability
- Neutral
- Terrain
- Road
- Plate
- No
Geometry
| Weight | 248 g |
|---|---|
| Heel Stack | 29 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 24 mm |
| Drop | 5 mm |
Ride
| Cushioning | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Cushion Feel | Plush |
| Stability | Neutral |
Construction
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
|---|---|
| Midsole | CMEV |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Plate | No |
| Plate Material | None |
Use
| Terrain | Road |
|---|---|
| Training Types | Easy, Long, Recovery |
Other
| Fit / Sizing | Men, Women |
|---|
Clifton family
Newer: Clifton Pro →
Where to buy
Showing offers for Netherlands. Prices may change at the retailer.
Amazon.nl
in stockMarketplaceNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 110View on Amazon
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Sources & evidence
Transparency behind this Kitletics Review — not a substitute for the buying decision above.
Verified specification
Official product specifications
Used to verify identity, published measurements, materials and official features.
Verified 12 September 2026
Editorial research
Independent expert reviews & Kitletics editorial analysis
Used to cross-check ride, fit, category placement and buying trade-offs. Not a Kitletics personal wear-test.
Verified 12 September 2026
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Product data verified 12 September 2026. Prices checked 12 September 2026.
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