Hoka Clifton 9 Review. Is This Actually Hoka's Best Door To Trail Shoe?

[@tarponmonkey39]

I have run about 60 miles in the Clifton 9 and wore through several pairs of the 8. I agree there isn’t much of a difference except the 9 is a little softer and maybe a little snappier (for now). The giant heel flap/speed foil is definitely just for aesthetics. Hoka is a very popular shoe brand in fashion circles at the moment. I think the best door to trail shoe was the original Inov8 Parkclaw. It was a solid shoe that was great on the roads and even decent on muddy forest park trails.

[@ConversationalPace]

Now there's a brand name I haven't heard in a while! Yeah a door to trail shoe in Portland would likely be pretty different than over in Ashland. That Speedgoat is pretty nice on the roads!

[@zacharygarner9425]

I’ve enjoyed the inov-8 G300 Max for door to trail. It’s totally silent on the road which is rare especially for a trail shoe!

[@ConversationalPace]

I have been curious to see what Inov8's take on a more maximal cushioned shoe feels like. Thanks for the feedback!

[@adramalech707]

27:35 Finn definitely needs to try that NNormal Kjerag climbing up a hill! Legit seems like a good shoe that's light and nimble.

[@ConversationalPace]

That's actually a useful suggestion! I was hoping someone would say like a bowling shoe or something 🤣

[@adramalech707]

@@ConversationalPace i was going to say something dumb but i thought something that might make him actually want to do it 😂

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Norda 001. Ditched my Hoka trail shoes for door to trail, except for the Tecton X. Thanks.

[@ConversationalPace]

Dying to try out that 001! You've enjoyed it?

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Raced them up to 50 miles so far. More comfortabler than the various Speedgoats, including the 5. The midsole is more well-tuned and the upper bombproof. Quality is likewise superior, and the Norda is a decent road shoe when it comes to that. Only nit is the heel counter, which could use at least some padding. They drain well and flex better than nearly all other brands. Benediction: A must for training and great for buffed to moderate trails. PS the spiked version is awesome for light snow and ice. If it’s deep and cold, Go with the Salomon SnowSpike.

[@ConversationalPace]

How is the durability? I would hope for a shoe like that, I would be able to get quite a few quality miles out of it.

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

@@ConversationalPace I have 5 pairs. The initial version had issues with some of the reflective elements curling up/degrading. They’ve fixed that. I have one pair with more than 300 miles that looks nearly new. And I live in the Foothills of Colorado.

[@ConversationalPace]

That's so awesome. I love hearing about a shoe that actually delivers to the hype regarding durability. Seems like it just doesn't happen all too often

[@francoisgdt8087]

Hi ! does the upper breaks/in extend a bit ? I've tried these in my regular size by it seems a big short for my left foot (bigger than the right), I don't have a lot of space in front... but I also tried to half size up and it seems a bit too wide this time... I hesitate between both size, what would you recommend :) ?

[@ConversationalPace]

It breaks in a little, but not too much. What would free up the most space is to use a thinner insole. I've had this problem with some shoes before, and I usually just look for other shoes that do work for me. Perhaps some Clifton alternatives like the New Balance Rebel v4, Asics Novablast, Topo Specter

[@francoisgdt8087]

@@ConversationalPace Thanks for your feedback ! one last question how is the fit compared to the challenger 7 ? I'm also hesitating with these :)

[@ConversationalPace]

@@francoisgdt8087 Very similar length and width as the Challenger. Biggest difference is that the Clifton is softer underfoot, and the upper materials are a little thinner and more pliable as well.

[@bradonvega4965]

Good point

[@kolawach1]

is clifton 9 good for gravel roads?

[@ConversationalPace]

Absolutely! I loved it on dirt/gravel roads, and even non-technical singletrack

[@irunovermountains]

Once you go Mach 5, you never go back to the Clifton. I'd never take it to the trails with the exposed EVA foam. It would get shredded. I'm on my 5th pair. 250+miles per shoe, but still runnable after that. Hot take!!! Forget about Hoka zero lifespan midsoles & run in the Nnormal Kjerag. Easy on the road, quick everywhere, lasts forever!

[@ConversationalPace]

I wanted to love the Mach 5 so much, but the forefoot actually had too much volume for my foot, which was a bummer. How does the cushioning on the Kjerag compare to some other shoes you've run in?

[@rmsrmsrmsrms]

No size 13 in nnormal, forget that.

[@ConversationalPace]

FWIW I have heard from multiple people that the Nnormal Kjerag runs a half size big, so perhaps a 12.5 would work? They appear to make that size, although it is currently out of stock

[@ajayhanspal8857]

@@ConversationalPace Normal Kjerag runs half a size big, I'm usually a UK 12.5, but a 12 in the Kjerag fits perfect :) Also a phenomenal shoe for any distance and terrain, besides deep mud!

[@zacharygarner9425]

Conspiracy theory: Finn doesn’t enjoy climbing hills

[@ConversationalPace]

🤣