I picked up a pair a couple days ago after getting my feet scanned. My husband also chose those exact all black Clifton 9s because they were so comfortable and he wasn’t necessarily looking to buy a pair of shoes that day. I have pain in the ball of my right foot right now and those shoes help me so much. They are so comfortable on my feet. I’ve never worn Hokas before and I know there is a lot of hype about them but after trying on 5 other pairs of shoes from other brands, these were the best and felt the most comfortable with my sore foot. I would definitely rec. getting your feet scanned if it’s available near you so you can see which shoes would work best with your foot shape. What feels good for me might not work for someone else. According to my scan. My left foot is a (US size) 9.3A and my right is a 9.7B and I picked up a size 10 shoe and they fit nicely. So I would say they run fairly true to size.
I REALLY like your no nonsense shoe reviews. You sir are the "everyman" of running shoe reviews, and that's a good thing. I'll pass on the Clifton and probably pickup the next Hoka MACH or Asics Novablast after I've burned through my current supply of shoes... which to be honest is ridiculously large. If you didn't know me, you'd think I was a survival nutter. Except instead of a bunker packed to the gills with beans, gasoline & bullets, I'm hoarding running shoes.
Love Hoka, but what I initially ran into is (similarly) just a hair thin, with the normal or medium width. I could feel the rise on the outside where the foam molding comes up (theoretically) along the outer edge of your pinky toe. On me, it was a but under that edge of the foot instead of beside it. It did relax a bit, but life is just much better starting out in the "wide" category of hoka sizes. Bummer about the fewer color options, though.
I'm totally with you 👍 Cliftons do not excite me anymore, so for me to return to buying them, they must surpass what ASICS or Saucony are doing nowadays with products like the Novablast or the Endorphin Speed.
Hi Fordy, I had the 7`s and didn`t like them, felt like dead weight at the end of my legs...got nothing back from them. Can`t see why people would buy the Clifton over the Mach range which is far more comfortable, responsive, and versatile.
In my opinion, and based on comments here, I hope you compare it to other Hoka shoes. The Mach 5 and Bondi would be interesting. It looks like the Bondi and Clifton are pretty close in stack now. Novblast and 880 would be good comparisons too.
My Clifton 9’s arrived today, size 10 the left shoe is a little bit too snug, I hope it expands out a bit because i feel going half a size up with make them too loose. Shame cos I really like the shoe
I'm surprised you don't give Hoka a hard time like you do Brooks. They both do have some great shoes but most are just blah if you ask me. But people do love them so good for them
Could these work as trail shoe? For the summer when it’s dry? I just find ‘trail’ shoes too hard in sole and slow. What it a faster thicker softer stack shoe you could use in the trials?
@@annekafrench7120 I've taken my Cliftons on heaps of trails!! The outsole looks like it wears badly but in fact it's only cosmetic and it actually lasts really really well. If you want a road shoe that can do trails, try the Puma Velocity Nitro or another of the Puma shoes with those same little lugs in the PumaGrip rubber. If you want a cushioned light trail shoe that also feels good on roads try the New Balance More Trail V2 or V3 or the North Face Vectiv Eminus. Happy running!!
Out of my 13 pairs of shoes in my rotation....yes I said 13 (race shoes included). Not a single pair have I ever worn to work or casually. Except....my Hoka Clifton 8s. After 100 miles I turned them into casual and work shoes. They are currently covered in resin, grease and random trash from my job. They are still comfortable for daily use in the workplace but I can say with total confidence that I will never buy another pair of Hoka road shoes. I do love my Speedgoats 4s though. Those are pretty good shoes
I have 13 in my rotation too haha. And I use them all, albeit not all of them very often. 7 road shoes (5 of them are workout/race shoes) 5 trail, and 1 pair of spikes. This doesn't include the shoes that I've retired and considered casual shoes.
@@curiosityredpill7030 recommendation are hard as what works for one is not the best for the other. And of course everyone knows that. But here are some that I recommend and what roll they serve: 1.Recovery runs when the legs are feeling like trash/long runs when pace is easy. That award goes to the Nike invincible 2. 2. Steady runs where I may pick the pace up a bit or I may just be cruising around town. Super stable and very light. This is my Daily trainer choice. That award goes to the Asics Noosa Tri 14. 3. Tempo days and speed work. This may be a straight up tempo run, a fartlek or hard progressive, hill repeats you name it. That award goes to the Saucony endorphin speed 2. The speed 3 can do it but the speed 2 just feels quicker. 4. Intervals on the track. This is a two part answer because I can't just pick one. Nike zoom x streakfly and the Saucony endorphin pro 2. When it's all out on intervals it's the streakfly because it is so light and nimble, when it's a longer intervals session it's the carbon plated endorphin pro2. The pro2 is a firmer plated shoe on the road. But on the track it's just right. 5. Race day, 5k races with a lot of turns and elevation changes it's the streakfly, 5k races with a lot of smooth road surface and long straights it's the Nike vaporflys. The vaporfly is still to this day in a class of its own. 10k races is vaporflys, half marathons is vaporflys. Full marathon......haven't raced one one. I have run the distance many a times but never raced it. So that one is not one I have experience with. These are all shoes I have a lot of miles in and consider them near perfect for ME. Im 44 years old, run avg. 35 miles a week, mid and forefoot striker, 5ft 10, 155 pounds, run sub 19 5ks, sub 40 10k and am closing in on that 90 minute mark on the half. I figured that data is good to throw in there just to understand about me a bit.
Can't run in them Got a callus on the outside of the big toe. But are good for walking. I now use the Gaiota 5 for running. The changes made by Hoka on Arhai and Gaviota are a big thumbs down. Been a Hoka buyer for 5 years and have owned 3 Arahi 6's but cannot wear the Arahi 7 because the fit even for a 2E is too tight.
I find Hoka outsoles misleading in a good way! They look rubbish with exposed form.. But I went hundreds of miles in my Mach4s yet the sole visually look done after 50/60 miles .. that said this shoe looks ‘vanilla’ as you say
@@duncanpowell5322 exactly. Think ultimately it’s a good weight save as for me exposed midsole that’s durable makes for a lighter outsole (if that makes sense)
Hoka’s are great for 125 or so miles, but the midsole absolutely dies from there to 150 miles, making me relegate them to casual wear. Horrible value for a running shoe, but they are fantastic walking shoes.
Watch more of our award winning inspiring videos 👉 youtube.com/@FordyRuns
Got these the other day, I love them. Very comfy, ideal for long, easy runs
Glad you like them!
I loved the Clifton 7. Clifton 8 narrowed the toe box so wasn’t for me. I just bought the Clifton 9 and have been impressed with them
I picked up a pair a couple days ago after getting my feet scanned. My husband also chose those exact all black Clifton 9s because they were so comfortable and he wasn’t necessarily looking to buy a pair of shoes that day. I have pain in the ball of my right foot right now and those shoes help me so much. They are so comfortable on my feet. I’ve never worn Hokas before and I know there is a lot of hype about them but after trying on 5 other pairs of shoes from other brands, these were the best and felt the most comfortable with my sore foot. I would definitely rec. getting your feet scanned if it’s available near you so you can see which shoes would work best with your foot shape. What feels good for me might not work for someone else.
According to my scan. My left foot is a (US size) 9.3A and my right is a 9.7B and I picked up a size 10 shoe and they fit nicely. So I would say they run fairly true to size.
Great review as always Chris. Saucony Pro 3 or Sketchers max Road 5 undecided
I REALLY like your no nonsense shoe reviews. You sir are the "everyman" of running shoe reviews, and that's a good thing. I'll pass on the Clifton and probably pickup the next Hoka MACH or Asics Novablast after I've burned through my current supply of shoes... which to be honest is ridiculously large. If you didn't know me, you'd think I was a survival nutter. Except instead of a bunker packed to the gills with beans, gasoline & bullets, I'm hoarding running shoes.
Thank you for the lovely feedback I really appreciate it
Love Hoka, but what I initially ran into is (similarly) just a hair thin, with the normal or medium width. I could feel the rise on the outside where the foam molding comes up (theoretically) along the outer edge of your pinky toe. On me, it was a but under that edge of the foot instead of beside it. It did relax a bit, but life is just much better starting out in the "wide" category of hoka sizes. Bummer about the fewer color options, though.
The Clifton 9s are insanely comfortable and light, especially the wide option. My feet thanks me every time I walk in these.
Good morning for all the runners from 🇪🇸. Like to Fordy. Interesting information about the clifton 9. A nice day for everyone. 🌞🏃🌤️
Thank you!
I'm totally with you 👍 Cliftons do not excite me anymore, so for me to return to buying them, they must surpass what ASICS or Saucony are doing nowadays with products like the Novablast or the Endorphin Speed.
hi! Which one is better? Clifton 9 or GT 2000 12... still hard for me to choose 😅 thanks for the answer
Hi Fordy, I had the 7`s and didn`t like them, felt like dead weight at the end of my legs...got nothing back from them. Can`t see why people would buy the Clifton over the Mach range which is far more comfortable, responsive, and versatile.
Absolutely fair comment re the Mach
Quite hard to pull the trigger on these Hoka 9’s if the NB1080v12 or Asics Novablast 2’s are heavily discounted already.🥴
NB1080 v12 all day
is Uk9.5 same with US10.5? That's my size
Need a comparison vid to the More 3-4, and Nimbus 25.
buy the nimbus 25
@@FordyRuns Why is the Nimbus 25 better than the Clifton 8-9 and More v3-4?
@fordyruns How are these compared to the Mach 5 responsiveness and distance thanks
I’ve not run the Mach 5 sorry
In my opinion, and based on comments here, I hope you compare it to other Hoka shoes. The Mach 5 and Bondi would be interesting. It looks like the Bondi and Clifton are pretty close in stack now. Novblast and 880 would be good comparisons too.
I’ll look to do this thank you
I think Mach 5 and Bondi have always been firmer than the Cliffy.
Bondi even worst than Clifton
Anyone know if a new Hoka Arahi is on the way?
Yep it is
My Clifton 9’s arrived today, size 10 the left shoe is a little bit too snug, I hope it expands out a bit because i feel going half a size up with make them too loose. Shame cos I really like the shoe
has it expended at the end ?
@@francoisgdt8087no, I decided to get half a size up and I’m glad I did
I'm surprised you don't give Hoka a hard time like you do Brooks. They both do have some great shoes but most are just blah if you ask me. But people do love them so good for them
I give brooks a hard time for being stuck in 1987 where at least Hoka do try and look a little bit awesome 🤣🤣🤣
@@FordyRuns true that
Could these work as trail shoe? For the summer when it’s dry? I just find ‘trail’ shoes too hard in sole and slow. What it a faster thicker softer stack shoe you could use in the trials?
No I wouldn’t the outsole is useless
@@FordyRuns Why don’t you do a video on trail shoes? Not for the shitty muddy winter trails 😂 But maybe a road shoe that is good for both?
@@annekafrench7120 I've taken my Cliftons on heaps of trails!! The outsole looks like it wears badly but in fact it's only cosmetic and it actually lasts really really well. If you want a road shoe that can do trails, try the Puma Velocity Nitro or another of the Puma shoes with those same little lugs in the PumaGrip rubber. If you want a cushioned light trail shoe that also feels good on roads try the New Balance More Trail V2 or V3 or the North Face Vectiv Eminus. Happy running!!
@@bev9708 Thanks for this! I thought they’d be ok on trails to be honest, good to hear 👍👍
Out of my 13 pairs of shoes in my rotation....yes I said 13 (race shoes included). Not a single pair have I ever worn to work or casually. Except....my Hoka Clifton 8s. After 100 miles I turned them into casual and work shoes. They are currently covered in resin, grease and random trash from my job. They are still comfortable for daily use in the workplace but I can say with total confidence that I will never buy another pair of Hoka road shoes. I do love my Speedgoats 4s though. Those are pretty good shoes
Great feedback thank you!!!
I have 13 in my rotation too haha. And I use them all, albeit not all of them very often. 7 road shoes (5 of them are workout/race shoes) 5 trail, and 1 pair of spikes. This doesn't include the shoes that I've retired and considered casual shoes.
What you recommend?
@@curiosityredpill7030 recommendation are hard as what works for one is not the best for the other. And of course everyone knows that. But here are some that I recommend and what roll they serve:
1.Recovery runs when the legs are feeling like trash/long runs when pace is easy. That award goes to the Nike invincible 2.
2. Steady runs where I may pick the pace up a bit or I may just be cruising around town. Super stable and very light. This is my Daily trainer choice. That award goes to the Asics Noosa Tri 14.
3. Tempo days and speed work. This may be a straight up tempo run, a fartlek or hard progressive, hill repeats you name it. That award goes to the Saucony endorphin speed 2. The speed 3 can do it but the speed 2 just feels quicker.
4. Intervals on the track. This is a two part answer because I can't just pick one. Nike zoom x streakfly and the Saucony endorphin pro 2. When it's all out on intervals it's the streakfly because it is so light and nimble, when it's a longer intervals session it's the carbon plated endorphin pro2. The pro2 is a firmer plated shoe on the road. But on the track it's just right.
5. Race day, 5k races with a lot of turns and elevation changes it's the streakfly, 5k races with a lot of smooth road surface and long straights it's the Nike vaporflys. The vaporfly is still to this day in a class of its own. 10k races is vaporflys, half marathons is vaporflys. Full marathon......haven't raced one one. I have run the distance many a times but never raced it. So that one is not one I have experience with. These are all shoes I have a lot of miles in and consider them near perfect for ME. Im 44 years old, run avg. 35 miles a week, mid and forefoot striker, 5ft 10, 155 pounds, run sub 19 5ks, sub 40 10k and am closing in on that 90 minute mark on the half. I figured that data is good to throw in there just to understand about me a bit.
@@therangersinger im on my feet 8 to 12 hrs a day i of to wear all black shoes I just order gel numbious 25 hopefully it’s a good footwear
What's the shoe that excites you? 😁
How do they compare to the invinsible 3?:)
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Can't run in them Got a callus on the outside of the big toe. But are good for walking. I now use the Gaiota 5 for running. The changes made by Hoka on Arhai and Gaviota are a big thumbs down. Been a Hoka buyer for 5 years and have owned 3 Arahi 6's but cannot wear the Arahi 7 because the fit even for a 2E is too tight.
I find Hoka outsoles misleading in a good way! They look rubbish with exposed form.. But I went hundreds of miles in my Mach4s yet the sole visually look done after 50/60 miles .. that said this shoe looks ‘vanilla’ as you say
They looked stuffed early then it remains constant
@@duncanpowell5322 exactly. Think ultimately it’s a good weight save as for me exposed midsole that’s durable makes for a lighter outsole (if that makes sense)
Didn’t like it at all based on my experience because the previous version didn’t work with me,
Hoka’s are great for 125 or so miles, but the midsole absolutely dies from there to 150 miles, making me relegate them to casual wear. Horrible value for a running shoe, but they are fantastic walking shoes.
Yep that’s why I left them out of my outsole video
Agreed. Most of the 10 Hokas I have bought over the years feel worn out by 250 miles.
8 is a bit better than the 6/7. If this is better than 8, it'll be a dandy shoe. Not GREAT. Pretty good.
I dont know about this nursing home colorway lol
🤣🤣🤣
Is it black or purple and black or is that your lights?
It’s the lighting
Post man shoe. Nothing more.