As a runner, I am always looking for the best running shoe to help me run more efficiently and with less impact on my joints. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the new Hoka Clifton 9, and I have to say, I was impressed.
At first glance, the Clifton 9 looks almost identical to the Clifton 8, but don't be fooled. The Clifton 9 is a very different shoe with some key upgrades that make it a standout in the crowded market of daily trainers.
One of the most significant changes to the Clifton 9 is the new midsole foam. Hoka has used a new compression molded EVA that is lighter and springier than the previous version. This has allowed Hoka to add a few millimeters of stack height to the shoe while still coming in at a lighter overall weight. The shoe weighs 8.7 ounces or 246 grams, which is about 0.2 ounces lighter than last year.
Another change is to the outsole. While the pattern is similar to the Clifton 8, Hoka has tinkered with the outsole powder to enhance durability and provide better traction. On top, the engineering mesh looks very similar to last year, but the tongue is slightly less puffy, which is a good decision in my opinion. The padding from the tongue has moved straight back to the already big and weird Achilles flare heel tab pull tab kind of thing that they've got going.
When it comes to the midsole, the Clifton 9 has that early stage meta rocker that helps pick up the back of the heel and get your foot rolling into the next stride. The shoe has a gusseted tongue, but only on the medial side, and they've removed the gusset from the outer part or the lateral side of the shoe. It's still a comfortable shoe, and the new foam adds an extra springiness and lightness to it, making it fun to run at faster paces.
I got the chance to run in the Clifton 9. The new foam in the Clifton 9 made me forget that I was running in a Clifton. The compression molded EVA gave the shoe a bounciness that made running at faster paces a joy.
In conclusion, I have to say that I'm impressed with the Hoka Clifton 9. The changes Hoka has made to the shoe have resulted in a daily trainer that is lighter, springier, and more fun to run in than the previous version. While it may look similar to the Clifton 8, make no mistake, this is a very different shoe.
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