HOKA’s Clifton lineup is arguably its most popular, and its latest iteration adds to its award-winning prowess. The performance brand’s Clifton 9 delivers more of the same we’ve grown to expect and appreciate from its race-ready silhouettes while weighing in at far less than its predecessor.
Although it’s hard to imagine adding 3mm in stack height could assist in having the new release weigh less, Hoka manages to pull it off with flying colors — seriously, there are over a handful of bright palettes to choose from. Still, performance-wise, the revamped Clifton also boasts a newly designed underfoot with more responsive foam and an improved outsole design, paving the way to enhanced comfort with every stride.
The 248-gram vegan-crafted shoes weigh precisely 4 grams less than the Clifton 8 and feature a 5mm heel-to-toe drop for good measure. Additionally, the Clifton 9 predominantly remains intact; its recycled mesh upper still promotes breathability, compression-molded EVA midsole guarantees all-day comfort, and a gusseted tongue continues to do away with unwanted dirt and debris. Of course, it wouldn’t be a pair of Hokas without the brand’s early-stage Meta-rocker tech, which helps prevent you from landing flat on your feet in the middle of your workout routine.
Hoka’s Clifton 9 road running shoes are available on the brand’s webshop in eight colors for £130 (~$157).
