Nice job on this video and an honest review. I'm not even a runner, but I bought my very first pair of HOKA Clifton 9's in black not quite six months ago. I'd been a long-time SKETCHERS fan but had suffered some plantar fascitis, so I switched based on the shoe salesman's recommendation to HOKA. I have to say I'm disappointed that they are falling apart already! All of the soles have worn off, and I'm really just a walker, not a runner! I called customer service and was issued a return authorization and I sent them back to their warehouse in California. Waiting now for their offer, and if they'll provide a new pair? Yes, I'll buy another pair if that's what they recommend with some kind of adjustment.
I got maybe 50 miles on mine and am absolutely shocked by how much I like them. I'm usually a stability guy and have strayed far away from the Cliftons of the past, but this years version is so stable that it's completely replaced the Hoka Arahi in my lineup. It's slotted in as my best recovery shoe and has held up very well for the miles I've put on it. Can't imagine not getting at least 300 out of it.
I don’t see why not… I always use my hokas once I’ve retired them from running for my every day walking and normal routine and they are great. I last did that with the Mach 4 and they went on ages after I stopped running in them 👍
I use the Mach 5 (620 km and still got a bunch to give) for the roads, and the Mafate speed 4 on the trails. Unboxed the Mach X today. I really enjoy Hoka shoes so far. Might get these for the easy days.
Recently purchased clifton 9 as work shoe - love love it! Today have bought a 2nd pair for casual wear. Unbelievably comfortable! I suffer with plantar fasciitis - these like walking on a cloud!
Got blisters on my arch and the tip of a couple of my toes initially after original use. Once they settled, I gave it a chance and they work really well now
I used to be a big fan of the Clifton. Running in multiple pairs of the 5, 6, and 7 got to the 8's and the shape no longer worked for my feet. I always found the clifton a good all round trainer, suitable for easy to tempo work. Managed a 2:08 20 mile race in them. Found they are best for steady long runs and used them in a 100 mile race. A mate has them as his go to road ultra trainer and managed a sub 15 hour 100 miler. All the best for your race Andy 👍
The Clifton has been my go to daily shoe for the last few years and I think the 9 is probably my favourite. Recently got some Nimbus 25’s which feel more cushioned than the Clifton, so the Nimbus will now be my daily shoe. I generally retired my Clifton’s at about 400 miles.
My experience with Hoka eva midsoles is that they can feel great for a period of time then they suddenly don't. I've been satisfied with a lot of Hoka shoes over the years (Clifton, Napali, Rincon, Bondi, Mach 5, Rocket X) initially but I've come to realize there are a lot of other brands that offer a whole lot more for less and last a whole lot longer.
@@itsgussy Saucony, Puma, Asics, New Balance, Adidas ... as for a daily trainer my current pick would be the Saucony Triumph 20 which you could pick up here in Australia at Running Warehouse Aust for only $120 which is approx. 63 pounds, 73 Euro or USD$77. An 8mm drop, super cheap, excellent durability and upper. Good outsole (not the best but good enough) Midsole with PWRRUN+ is comfortable and facilitates faster runs too. Sorry it took so long for the reply. I only logged back on to my account today.
Have to say - first month mine were ok but the sole heal area then became strangely spongy - unlike my Clifton 8s which were never like that. Now tried Saucony and so far they’re great - 75km in…
Thanks for the great review. I have more than 400 miles on my Clifton 8s now with 85kg. They still feel fine. I will have a look at the 9s tomorrow. Not too worried about durability but I enjoy having a reason to buy new running shoes anyway ;-)
A fantastic show from Hoka, use it for my easy and long runs even tempo runs and got to say that it is a comfortable shoe to wear. 45 years of running and got to be one of the best shoes i have worn 😊
I had the blisters on the arch from the Clifton 7. Put me off Hoka for a few years. However I have the rocket x 2 and the Mach x 2 and they are amazing. Hoka are on a roll lately.. glad you enjoyed the new Clifton 👍
Ah that’s good they’ve address that, maybe the change is universal in the newer models and hopefully others can get back in them if they suffered from blisters before!
@@emiliefournier2971 glad to hear it 👍☺️ I had to give my Clifton 7 away. So pleased with the rocket x 2 and Mach x. Should give the rocket x 2 ago if you need a race shoe 😎
Hey Andy! First off, I have to ask how you've managed to not own a Clifton til now? Wow! I'm really eager to try the v9 with its poppier midsole. How do they compare to the NB More? Thanks!
These shoes make me feel like I’m walking on the outside of my feet. I never feel like I need inner arch support but I feel like these shoes make my foot naturally buckle inwards unless I’m conscientious about each step and then it feels like I feel this weird pressure on the outside of my foot like I’m balancing on that part of my foot only .
Hi Andy. I do think we find a shoe that we like using for the kind of bulk recovery type runs and then other shoes have to slot in straight away or we simple except we got it wrong. When I got a pair of Clifton 8's to have a rotation option they simply didn't work for me, I just didn't take to them. On the other hand for me the mach 4's (which i was already using) were so comfy out of the box by comparison and I happily used them on easy recovery or where the pace might increase even with the tread seemingly lasting no time at all ! . Didn't try the mach 5's but I Bet they were lovely to run in. Ian
I had the Clifton 8 and put 400 miles in with no issue. In retirement they went on to casual wear and I've probably put as many miles in without any issues!
I believe I've run in all of them except V8 but this might be the best of all of them..the rocket x2 is 1 of my favorite long distance race shoe and this makes a great long distance training shoe..I will stock up on some..shoes this good only come along every couple years..
Just bought pair because the Arahi 7 sucks and Asics Gel Kayano just feels weird. I am hopeful for this shoe. It feels natural when I walk and run. I wear the Gaviota for walking and plan on wearing the Clifotn 9 for running and working out.
I have Clifton 8 since they came out. I'm a big guy, 197cm/105kg US 14 size, ive get ~750km of running from them, and still wearing them casualy. Upper is still almost as new, midsole is little bit squished, and for a suprise, rubber is still there a lot. Curently i have Rocket X, old model, ive manage to salvage it for 98euros, we will see for how long they will live up to, for now i like that lightness and speed, and you almost dont feel the plate how smooth ride is, belive me im looking maybe to get another pair for reserve. Cant wait for Clifton 9 to get in rotation, waiting for novablast to wear off.
Clifton doesn’t normally work for me. Too stiff but heard the 9 is much better. Just picked up a pair of Rincon 3 feels great for all runs. Better then version 1.
Loved the Clifton 1 and have been disappointed by the updates. Clifton 7 gave me arch blisters, which sounds like it is a common issue. But perhaps I'll give the 9 a try.
I have had all the Clifton iterations including the 9. I’m quite biased but I love the shoe (the 4 was a bit rubbish).. I can clunk around all day in them 👍
Im really loving the Mach 5. A decent improvement over the Mach 4. As a lighter runner, The Mach 5 for me is a better bet than the Clifton, can pretty much do everything the clifton can do but is lighter and better for speedy stuff. For tha reason ill give the clifton a miss.
No question the Mach 4 and 5 are FAR more versatile than the Clifton but in my experience the Mach lost its magic in under 200km, though for those who enjoy more road feel, still better than many shoes at their prime! Even fresh I couldn’t use them for anything over 21km and that quickly dropped to about 12-15km!! The Clifton on the other hand can just go and go and go and never let’s me down AND works well on any surface so is awesome for big adventures!! After about 700-750km I limit them to runs under 20km, but have taken many Cliftons to over 1500km!!!
Well Andy you FINALLY got yourself a Clifton!! I must say Hoka did pick the best one to finally send your way!!! I’ve been a dedicated Clifton girl since the 5, not out of fidelity but simply because nothing else has ever rivaled them as a reliable staple for getting big volumes under the belt!! Other shoes are definitely more “exciting” but none as comfortably reliable!! My big thing is heading out on “adventures”, exploring new multi-day routes I find on the map and when in doubt, I almost always go for my Clifton!! They get relegated to under 20km after about 700-750km, but all I’ve taken to over 1500km and am looking forward to doing the same with the lovely 9!! I do admit that I seem to be far kinder to my shoes than most runners however!!!
The best version of the Clifton in many years, as the version 8 was one of the worst! I have to go up half a EU size, and I use the Wide version. A favorite shoe for almost any kind of running.
Hoka might be a decent fit purpose shoe brand, but their whole range looks like it was designed in North Korea. Brutalist functionality, yet not shy to have a big name splashed on the side of most pairs.
Nice job on this video and an honest review. I'm not even a runner, but I bought my very first pair of HOKA Clifton 9's in black not quite six months ago. I'd been a long-time SKETCHERS fan but had suffered some plantar fascitis, so I switched based on the shoe salesman's recommendation to HOKA. I have to say I'm disappointed that they are falling apart already! All of the soles have worn off, and I'm really just a walker, not a runner! I called customer service and was issued a return authorization and I sent them back to their warehouse in California. Waiting now for their offer, and if they'll provide a new pair? Yes, I'll buy another pair if that's what they recommend with some kind of adjustment.
I got maybe 50 miles on mine and am absolutely shocked by how much I like them. I'm usually a stability guy and have strayed far away from the Cliftons of the past, but this years version is so stable that it's completely replaced the Hoka Arahi in my lineup. It's slotted in as my best recovery shoe and has held up very well for the miles I've put on it. Can't imagine not getting at least 300 out of it.
Awesome stuff 👏 they’ve really blown me away too!
@@TheFODRunner question for you? Do you recommend these shoes for walking and standing for long period of time please comment thanks ?
I don’t see why not… I always use my hokas once I’ve retired them from running for my every day walking and normal routine and they are great. I last did that with the Mach 4 and they went on ages after I stopped running in them 👍
Good to hear becasue I have been wearing Hoka stabiligy shoes for 3 years. Hoka ruined the Arahi line with the 7.
I use the Mach 5 (620 km and still got a bunch to give) for the roads, and the Mafate speed 4 on the trails. Unboxed the Mach X today. I really enjoy Hoka shoes so far. Might get these for the easy days.
Recently purchased clifton 9 as work shoe - love love it! Today have bought a 2nd pair for casual wear. Unbelievably comfortable! I suffer with plantar fasciitis - these like walking on a cloud!
Got blisters on my arch and the tip of a couple of my toes initially after original use. Once they settled, I gave it a chance and they work really well now
Great review. Have you tested the Bondi? I have plantar fasciitis. I have the Clifton 9 and really like it but I read the Bondi is more cushioned.
I used to be a big fan of the Clifton. Running in multiple pairs of the 5, 6, and 7 got to the 8's and the shape no longer worked for my feet. I always found the clifton a good all round trainer, suitable for easy to tempo work. Managed a 2:08 20 mile race in them. Found they are best for steady long runs and used them in a 100 mile race. A mate has them as his go to road ultra trainer and managed a sub 15 hour 100 miler.
All the best for your race Andy 👍
Great to hear your feedback! Sad to hear they stopped working for you after the 8…. But that’s an amazing 20 miler time in them!
The Clifton has been my go to daily shoe for the last few years and I think the 9 is probably my favourite. Recently got some Nimbus 25’s which feel more cushioned than the Clifton, so the Nimbus will now be my daily shoe. I generally retired my Clifton’s at about 400 miles.
400 is great! Good to hear the feedback on the nimbus as well!
Good morning. Excellent description about the new clifton 9. Like to Andy. For my weight(65kgs) i like hoka rincon v3. A nice day for everyone. 🌞🏃🌞
My experience with Hoka eva midsoles is that they can feel great for a period of time then they suddenly don't. I've been satisfied with a lot of Hoka shoes over the years (Clifton, Napali, Rincon, Bondi, Mach 5, Rocket X) initially but I've come to realize there are a lot of other brands that offer a whole lot more for less and last a whole lot longer.
Which other brands? Im searching for a new pair
Like? Help us out
@@itsgussy Saucony, Puma, Asics, New Balance, Adidas ... as for a daily trainer my current pick would be the Saucony Triumph 20 which you could pick up here in Australia at Running Warehouse Aust for only $120 which is approx. 63 pounds, 73 Euro or USD$77. An 8mm drop, super cheap, excellent durability and upper. Good outsole (not the best but good enough) Midsole with PWRRUN+ is comfortable and facilitates faster runs too. Sorry it took so long for the reply. I only logged back on to my account today.
Adidas ultraboost 1.0
Have to say - first month mine were ok but the sole heal area then became strangely spongy - unlike my Clifton 8s which were never like that. Now tried Saucony and so far they’re great - 75km in…
Thanks for the great review. I have more than 400 miles on my Clifton 8s now with 85kg. They still feel fine. I will have a look at the 9s tomorrow. Not too worried about durability but I enjoy having a reason to buy new running shoes anyway ;-)
A fantastic show from Hoka, use it for my easy and long runs even tempo runs and got to say that it is a comfortable shoe to wear. 45 years of running and got to be one of the best shoes i have worn 😊
I can’t lie, they feel great and I also can’t wait to put a load more miles in!
I had the blisters on the arch from the Clifton 7. Put me off Hoka for a few years. However I have the rocket x 2 and the Mach x 2 and they are amazing. Hoka are on a roll lately.. glad you enjoyed the new Clifton 👍
Ah that’s good they’ve address that, maybe the change is universal in the newer models and hopefully others can get back in them if they suffered from blisters before!
Same here ! Finally blister free and no more heel slippage. Got it in the W and could have gone done 0.5 size down but still a great fit.
@@emiliefournier2971 glad to hear it 👍☺️ I had to give my Clifton 7 away. So pleased with the rocket x 2 and Mach x. Should give the rocket x 2 ago if you need a race shoe 😎
Hey Andy! First off, I have to ask how you've managed to not own a Clifton til now? Wow! I'm really eager to try the v9 with its poppier midsole. How do they compare to the NB More? Thanks!
I gave this a try on but went with the Brooks Glycerin 20 as my latest "easy" shoe. Very much recommend this and can do "moderate" in it also
These shoes make me feel like I’m walking on the outside of my feet. I never feel like I need inner arch support but I feel like these shoes make my foot naturally buckle inwards unless I’m conscientious about each step and then it feels like I feel this weird pressure on the outside of my foot like I’m balancing on that part of my foot only .
Got these and love them. They're so comfortable. Oh and congrats on The Tiger Cup
Haha thanks… we are such a banter club 😂
Hi Andy. I do think we find a shoe that we like using for the kind of bulk recovery type runs and then other shoes have to slot in straight away or we simple except we got it wrong. When I got a pair of Clifton 8's to have a rotation option they simply didn't work for me, I just didn't take to them. On the other hand for me the mach 4's (which i was already using) were so comfy out of the box by comparison and I happily used them on easy recovery or where the pace might increase even with the tread seemingly lasting no time at all ! . Didn't try the mach 5's but I Bet they were lovely to run in. Ian
Funny isn’t it! And I totally get what you’re saying 👍 I can’t disagree with the Machs, they were fantastic for me… well v4 anyway!
I had the Clifton 8 and put 400 miles in with no issue. In retirement they went on to casual wear and I've probably put as many miles in without any issues!
Brilliant, 400 is super!
Mach 5 looking dodgy at 250 miles. Probably swap them out for Clifton 9.
It would be good for them to send you the Mach X… I’ve heard mixed reviews
I’d be keen to try that along with the rocket x2 👍
I love them, want more colors.
I believe I've run in all of them except V8 but this might be the best of all of them..the rocket x2 is 1 of my favorite long distance race shoe and this makes a great long distance training shoe..I will stock up on some..shoes this good only come along every couple years..
Great to hear!
Just bought pair because the Arahi 7 sucks and Asics Gel Kayano just feels weird. I am hopeful for this shoe. It feels natural when I walk and run. I wear the Gaviota for walking and plan on wearing the Clifotn 9 for running and working out.
I have Clifton 8 since they came out.
I'm a big guy, 197cm/105kg US 14 size, ive get ~750km of running from them, and still wearing them casualy. Upper is still almost as new, midsole is little bit squished, and for a suprise, rubber is still there a lot. Curently i have Rocket X, old model, ive manage to salvage it for 98euros, we will see for how long they will live up to, for now i like that lightness and speed, and you almost dont feel the plate how smooth ride is, belive me im looking maybe to get another pair for reserve. Cant wait for Clifton 9 to get in rotation, waiting for novablast to wear off.
Brilliant! 750km of running is great, I hope I can get the same from mine! You’re the same size as me 👍
Great video. I have the Clifton 9, Mach 5 and the carbon X2 in my rotation.
They are all great shoes but I'm not as impressed by the Mach 5s.
Hi, about the forefoot space the clifton 9 is wide (or wider than the mach5)? I had a mach 4 and found too narrow for my wide feet. thanks
@@r.cordis8251 yeah Clifton 9 has a much bigger toe box👍
Clifton doesn’t normally work for me. Too stiff but heard the 9 is much better. Just picked up a pair of Rincon 3 feels great for all runs. Better then version 1.
Rincon 1 was a massive favourite of mine!
Which hoka shoe is supposidly the fastest right now??
Mach 5?
Mach x??
Rocket x??
Which is best for 3-5km racing ?
I’ve owned three Clifton’s, just a reliable predictable daily driver. I’m always torn between it and the Mach (5).
I can understand, the Mach 4 was one of my favourites!
I just bought my first Hoka shoes, the Clifton 9. But I bought them for walking, so do you think they would be ok for walking?
Loved the Clifton 1 and have been disappointed by the updates. Clifton 7 gave me arch blisters, which sounds like it is a common issue. But perhaps I'll give the 9 a try.
Might be worth a go, not sure of the updates from the 7 to the 9 but it might of sorted itself!
I got these a while back and never ran in them 😂Just walk as I knew straight away they were not going to be great
Oh really?! Haha fair enough!
@@TheFODRunner Well I didn’t really give them a chance 😂 Should have gone half a size up too
I have had all the Clifton iterations including the 9. I’m quite biased but I love the shoe (the 4 was a bit rubbish).. I can clunk around all day in them 👍
Are they much different from the 8? I love the 8.
No idea, never tried the 8!
Im really loving the Mach 5. A decent improvement over the Mach 4. As a lighter runner, The Mach 5 for me is a better bet than the Clifton, can pretty much do everything the clifton can do but is lighter and better for speedy stuff. For tha reason ill give the clifton a miss.
Yeah I found the Mach 4 a breath of fresh air so can imagine the 5 must be great!
No question the Mach 4 and 5 are FAR more versatile than the Clifton but in my experience the Mach lost its magic in under 200km, though for those who enjoy more road feel, still better than many shoes at their prime! Even fresh I couldn’t use them for anything over 21km and that quickly dropped to about 12-15km!! The Clifton on the other hand can just go and go and go and never let’s me down AND works well on any surface so is awesome for big adventures!! After about 700-750km I limit them to runs under 20km, but have taken many Cliftons to over 1500km!!!
Well Andy you FINALLY got yourself a Clifton!! I must say Hoka did pick the best one to finally send your way!!! I’ve been a dedicated Clifton girl since the 5, not out of fidelity but simply because nothing else has ever rivaled them as a reliable staple for getting big volumes under the belt!! Other shoes are definitely more “exciting” but none as comfortably reliable!! My big thing is heading out on “adventures”, exploring new multi-day routes I find on the map and when in doubt, I almost always go for my Clifton!! They get relegated to under 20km after about 700-750km, but all I’ve taken to over 1500km and am looking forward to doing the same with the lovely 9!! I do admit that I seem to be far kinder to my shoes than most runners however!!!
Tried a few Hokas and the midsole cushioning just never excited me. Lots of better options as daily trainers etc. out there.
This is exactly how I feel. Hoka isn’t horrible but it’s like the midsole is outdated.
I’m keen to get in the rocket x2 now they’ve released my size as that midsole foam is much more modernised!
I would Like to ask if it is still grippy on wet floor like it has a mossy floor?
Grip is OK in the wet… not great but not bad…
Mate you need to try the Mach 5! Awesome shoe.
The best I've tried.
I have wide foot, is it true to size or do you recommend me to go half size up
Half size up!
@@TheFODRunner Thanks a lot for your reply
The best version of the Clifton in many years, as the version 8 was one of the worst!
I have to go up half a EU size, and I use the Wide version.
A favorite shoe for almost any kind of running.
I have wide foot and I’m planning to buy the wide version, do you recommend me to go half size up and why?
@@MAAmer-dy7pw Yes go up half a size.
It a generel issue with HOKA.
@@iberiksoderblom thanks god I saw your comment before I place my order, thanks a lot
Hoka might be a decent fit purpose shoe brand, but their whole range looks like it was designed in North Korea. Brutalist functionality, yet not shy to have a big name splashed on the side of most pairs.
Interesting feedback!
They look quite snazzy!
Fair play, they’re really good!
I have 1000k on my Clifton 8s tread getting a bit worn everything else is fine.
Love the Clifton 9, the daily trainer that I’ve been looking for
Totally agree!
Nice shoe for 150 miles
Think I'll skip. Appreciate you're lineup is a bit bigger but if I only got 350 miles out of a pair of shoes I'd be bitterly disappointed.
A very valid point 👍 a lot of daily trainers can well exceed 500 miles
I like 8s more
Is there a shoe andy doesn’t like in 2023??
I haven’t quite clicked with the ride or guide 16 this year 😔