Hoka Clifton 9 Review AFTER 100 Miles (NOT AGAIN!!)

[@briantrahan3900]

I have been a Clifton runner for about 5 years. I originally started using them because of PF problems. Love the shoe and typically get 350 miles out of them. I am 5’8” and 165.

[@pja123pja]

Same here. Im 5'11" 165lbs and get right around 350 miles as well. Heel spur pain and Achilles problems pretty much disappeared. Buying up Clifton 8s at a discount.

[@susanna9831]

Thanks for your feedback. I've been running on treadmills for years and years. My go to shoes were Nike however I always got foot injuries wearing them. I found the nike epic reacts were best for my foot issues. However, I recently getting shin splints and PF in my left foot which really limited my movement. I then found the Brooks ghost 15 running shoes, and was able to run properly again. It seems that I'm a neutral runner and my feet hated the foam and arch supports in Nike shoes. The Adidas Ultraboost 22 also hurt my feet very bad due to the extra padding. The only negative I find with Brooks 15 is that while its supportive and good to run in, I would like a much faster and responsive shoe as I'm really a sprinter. I will definitely look into the Hoka Clifton 9 based on your recommendation❤

[@jessa.3857]

That's my goal weight, lol. I'm 5'7" and weigh 196. I'm with PF now for 6 months and the ONLY sneakers I can wear are the Nimbus 25s. I was looking for a new shoe that will fair well with my damn PF.

[@kkk-qp1dv]

​@@susanna9831may I have your review about Clifton 9 afteruse review, thank you very much! I planning to buy one! Appreciate if can get your review

[@pja123pja]

On my 3rd pair of Clifton 8s. Achiles problems and heel spur pain have pretty much disappeared. I get around 350 miles out of them and find them suitable for easy to tempo pace. Im 5'11" and 165lbs. The 8s were their most popular version; Im buying them up at a discount. I do rotate in other shoes throughout my traing but the bulk of my mileage is done in the cliftons.

[@2013TombRaider]

5.11 and 165lbs? Bro you light like a feather. Those shoes will last forever.

[@matthewledvina8323]

To echo what someone said earlier the wider base (but narrow upper) are great for me and my long runs. They seem to lock my legs into a nice stable position. I love these shoes for long and slow runs. Agree about the durability but I’ll be sticking with the Clifton for a long time to come.

[@garydover2680]

Just finished a marathon training block, due to two years of Achilles Tendinitis went back to Hoka, recommended after shockwave therapy, Clifton 9 (250 miles) and Mach 5(200 mile).Both wearing really well, with the foam still bouncy.👍

[@TheFODRunner]

Ah that’s super news, really glad they’re holding up well for you!

[@slavasss2189]

Very light runner ?😅

[@garydover2680]

@@slavasss2189 140 lbs

[@jessa.3857]

​@@garydover2680I weigh 196lbs. Would they hold up well or not?

[@Rubix78]

Weird, I am 450+ KM into my Clifton 9's and the foam is absolutely fine even the bottom. I have now started to get PB's on my parkrun in the past few weeks. I am looking to get a second pair ready for its replacement.

[@pbnotj1]

In my 40s and I am a heavier runner at 200 lbs and even in younger lighter days I was 165-185 lbs and Older Eva based foams all went totally flat at about 150-200 miles all the time ! Now there are quite a few foams that last longer , brands are not super open about their technical changes in their foams in their marketing. But in general foams have improved. I think some Eva foams are rubberized and last longer than they used to but in general foams like saucony triumph style pu beaded foams and ASICS olefin based ff blast plus last longer . Wish this was more marketed as long er lasting shoes probably are more environmentally sound and better for our wallets !

[@bev9708]

I’m not at all surprised with your reaction, Andy, I think it’s totally a shoe for us plodders, and/or us lighter runners too as I think a runner’s weight makes quite a difference for this shoe!! Its my 4th Clifton and I’ve got 600 very happy reliable kms on this one and for me they feel even better now than when new!! The Cliftons are quite famously very popular for recovering from many types of injury too, I’ve heard so many both professional and amateur runners talk about that in podcasts and I’ve certainly used them that way myself too!!

[@ZorzGaming]

I'm really heavy but bought it for my Plantar. Hoping for the best. I will most likely be just walking too.

[@bev9708]

@@ZorzGaming I fixed my plantar fasciitis very very quickly doing regular barefoot balancing exercises in yoga!!

[@ZorzGaming]

@@bev9708 Shit. I'll need to start this immediately. Mine is debilitating.

[@Frichilsasta08]

Makes me wonder if I'll kill the foam earlier than most at 83kgs or 183 lbs....

[@Alecmcq]

Never tried the Cliftons, but I *love* my Mach4s… so much so, I have bought 2 more pairs on the cheap as they got outdated. My favourite easy day shoes by a distance.

[@LARKRunningUK]

I’ve never ran in a Clifton but have ran in the Rincon. I agree the lightweight nature of Hoka’s and the rocker seem to do most of the work, the foam isn’t massively poppy. I’d exploring other brands and shoes for my next rotation….

[@TheHuskyRunner]

Heavier runner, my Clifton 7s went at about 100 miles. My New Balance More V3 still going strong!

[@robsmith8589]

Totally agree, the foam is completely dead. Even for zone 2 it's so ploddy. I've tried hard to like them but they're giving me nothing back. Moved to Asics and their top level foams.

[@iberiksoderblom]

From a biomechanical point of view and accumulated knowledge from 40 years of 100's of runners elite level training, a great plus with the Cliftons are exactely the less firm density and the "only" 5mm drop. I've cured/treatet dusins of achilles problems, and the Cliftons has shown to be a great tool in that. Somthing that cannot be said about high drop shoes, like Asics and the like. Since the 1980's, despite claims from especially the biggest shoe manufacturers, everyday peoples achilles problems have NOT DECREASED! From succesfull experience, as a professional elite level trainer, specific strengh and mobility training for the calfmuscles, and loosing the drop in the shoes to a absolute maximum of 5 mm, will within 8 month have you achilles tendons usable again.

[@QronoZ713]

The boston 12 and 1080v13 are both 6 mm, so fairly low, and tolerable for people used to 10-12 mm

[@pja123pja]

I have found this to be true. Achilles problems and even heel spur pain have all but disappeared after running in the Clifton's. On my 4th pair now.

[@mrbean3352]

What are your opinions on zero drop shoes? Are they beneficial or detrimental to the achilles ?

[@tremec33]

I started having achilles problems two years ago while training with the Novablast 1. Since then I stopped using any Asics in my rotation.

[@iberiksoderblom]

@@tremec33 its the hight of the drop that gives the problem, and that people in general need more specific strengh training for the calfes, than running by itself gives. Shoe companies do not care about injuries that build up over the time of 10, 20, 30 years, but only about what generates maximum sales right now. Ever since the 1970's every year the companies have presented some "revolution" in running shoes, making you faster and less prone to injury. Figures tell, that its BS. The majority of people are not getting faster and the level of injuries have not changed. There is a reason why Nike, Asics and the others do not show the statistic figures.

[@wordsovsean8905]

I had the Clifton 8 and I'd say it offered an on road responsiveness similar to what you would normally get running on sand. I used to get sore thighs running(?) in them due to the effort required to lift my feet. Watching me plod down the street was probably similar to watching an extremely low budget remake of Dawn of the Dead and likely more traumatic for the viewer.

[@ericjacobs6276]

I just started running again and had an old pair of 8s* my thighs are gone after 3 weeks in them

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Running in sand is a great description of Hoka.

[@ericjacobs6276]

@@RowOfMushyTiT which is what u want in an easy or long run shoe

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@ericjacobs6276 No, not at all. My long run shoe is the Invincible. It's bouncy and fun.

[@ericjacobs6276]

@@RowOfMushyTiT nah its better having a low response shoe because when you put on tempo or race shoes you get more benefit. But who knows u know more then a college xc coach lmao

[@Arki2019]

I honestly think it’s weight I’m 89kg at 6ft 1 and find a lot of the foams start feeling dead around 120-50 miles. I recall you saying you were in and above the 80kg range. Resilient ones I’ve come across for me seem to be pumas nitro range + ASICS ff turbo, have 112 miles on Vaporflys and last outing in them I recall them feeling a bit flat, but will have to have another blast on fresh legs to see. Have some takumi sen 8 now and feel like they could have longevity, only a few runs in though

[@pbnotj1]

Saucony took boost technology and ran with it :-) that foam is amazing and lasts .

[@timtrenholm3698]

I have owned numerous pairs of HOKA, but I have gone away from the brand. Still want to try their newer PEBA offerings. But their EVA and 5mm drops are ok for me to use occasionally, but they tend to cause issues if I run into them too much, so I don't anymore. Now that I'm out of marathon training, I might go back and try and finish off my 2nd pair of Mach4's (Last HOKA I have left). I did retire my 1st Mach4's at 550KM, and I see no reason I can't take the 2nd pair to a similar number. But for me, I think it comes down to needing the 8-10mm drop as the drop of choice for 80% of my runs, or run the risk of calf/achilles issues.

[@robertortiz3141]

My opinion is a large majority of these companies shoes are for the lighter guys and gals. I’m 6.2ft 290 pounds and just walking I will flatten any shoe out pretty quick. I have the Clifton 9 gtx and they are responsive in runs but they definitely feel paper thin to me and my feet hurt a bit after use. The hoka graviota 5 is much better IMO. I think it’s clear that our weight plays a big role in how fast these shoes pancake out.

[@wesw6787]

What I find great about (most) hokas like the clifton and the mach is the platform/geometry of the shoe in a lightweight package. The shoe has a wide sole (upper is indeed more narrow but there are wide versions as well) which inherently makes the shoe stable. The 5mm drop together with rockered profile makes for a very smooth natural transition that disappears under foot. Also find the eva durability critique way exaggerated. Many other brands are using EVA midsoles for their midrange priced shoes... Which other superfoam shoe is in the pricerange of the Clifton?

[@Frichilsasta08]

Mach 6 and rebelv4

[@jimxing149]

I bought a pair of Clifton 9 but only ran once, I feel the cushion is not as dynamic as other shoes, a little bit dull, but they are good for walking. I use them only for walking

[@tungvu]

I probably wound not get the Clfiton 9 or any other Hokas after experiencing the Rincon 3 go flat around 100 miles. Now seeing your review, I definitely will not. Always appreciate your high mileage reviews Andy. Hoping you do a year-end wrap up.

[@TasosHadji]

I totally agree with you! I had exactly the same experience with Clifton. Dead after 200Km causing me also some sore knees.

[@karlbratby4349]

I would agree on the mach 4 feeling dead, no response from the foam, maybe a 4mm drop has something to do with it but expected better, although I have a pair of Bondi 8 on the way as need a low drop easy shoe so time to try hoka again. 🎉 ASICS cumulus are 8mm and triumph 21 are 10mm drop with a more aggressive roll off the toe so that may have an effect on more lively feel, own both but have to try to transition to lower drop shoe to alleviate a little knee pain, physios advise 😢

[@manuel_877]

Good morning. Interesting information about the Hoka clifton 9. I prefer the Saucony Triumph 20, Nb ffx 880 or the cumulus 25. Like to Andy. A nice weekend for everyone.

[@edwardwilliammorris1340]

I found the mac4 flat and dead from day one the same as Adidas sl( first version) . The clifton 8 is more usable but i only have 200 miles on them as i have so many other better shoes ( my asics novablast mk1s now have 1350 miles on them and are still fine , if a bit worn ) , i am 5"9 and 170 to 190 lbs ( it goes up and down ) . As the Clifton 9s are available around £50 now i have got a couple of pairs now because i do over 200 a month and have been running non stop every day since april 2021 till now july 24 ( 7800 miles under my heels now)and will continue. Thanks for the review 👍 Ps I use gel heel inserts in every shoe I use as they make every shoe that little bit better , and only a couple of quid a pair 😉

[@TheFODRunner]

Amazing to hear the mileage in the novablast v1! Sorry to hear the Mach 4 didn’t work… interesting to hear about the gel inserts!! Like rolling back the years with the old gel ASICS shoes!

[@AlistairLattimore]

I ran through a bunch of Hoka Clifton 6s & then moved to a set of Bondi but found them completely dead. That caused me to go looking for another shoe, have since run through several pairs of Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 and 3.

[@A.K.Kopperud]

Thanks for the detailed review. Helpful. :)

[@TheFODRunner]

Thanks!

[@toddboucher3302]

Wow that’s really bad, be careful running in it. No injuries man

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

moving forward, i'm not buying new shoes with eva only midsole. could be pebax or peba/eva mix but not eva only anymore. the switch allowed me to go from 70km/week to 120km/week without getting to the border of being injured. 80km/week used to give me leg recovery problems.

[@RunningToMyPast]

Thanks for the review. It made me think about buying new running shoes. How long before a marathon would you recommend buying new shoes so that your feet can get used to them but they're still super comfortable/in the best shape?

[@TheFODRunner]

I love to test my “race shoes” (if that’s what you mean) in 2 runs before a race… get a good long run in them and a good marathon pace session in them.. then I’ve got the confidence in them but also the freshness

[@RunningToMyPast]

@@TheFODRunner great, thanks for answering. That's exactly what I wanted to know 😁

[@Jessegarseeya]

For the first 80 -100 miles this shoe can go marathon distance i feel definitely after 150 the midsole will start to go flat , so its good for 4 mile runs

[@markoljustina]

Good morning Andy i believe you; C8 loses cushioning fast; i take C9 now only for walking; imo C6 was best

[@TheFODRunner]

👍

[@ananas260]

I have a Clifton 8 and a Bondi.I regret, that I did not get a brite one from both of them.Should I get the Clifton 9 in breit, or is it breit enough? Thank you for the super video!🙏

[@remcodejong9149]

Last Hoka I had was the Clifton 6. Ran in them for about 100 km, then they were completely dead. Couldn't even stomach running a 5k in them.

[@tomholderness]

I’ve just logged 100miles in mine and they are toast, stopped using them a while back for nike tempo next % as they gave me shin splints, nikes felt a lot better tried the hokas again yesterday and ankles are really sore today

[@j.w.matney8390]

My current pair of Clifton 9's has lasted almost 250 miles. I''ll use them until they reach 300 miles.

[@charlietwotimes]

Love my Clifton 8s, Rincon 3s & Carbon X2s.. but I'm transitioning to Puma for my road shoes & Salomon for trail. Hoka sure aren't what they used to be. Sadly.

[@charlesthomsen2869]

It seems to me they have reduced the foam in the forefront. Don't be fooled by the foamed material that Hoka puts on the outside of the shoe to appear like it has more stack height.

[@rubarb1275]

I've put about 100 miles on mine, and they are not as comfortable as what they were when I first got them. Not sure if it is the midsole or if the upper has worn / stretched, but they are not as enjoyable to run in anymore.

[@RunThePlanet]

Agree with you Andy, all the hokas I buy last 5 minutes for me, 150k and they go flat. Got a little bit more from my rocket X by swapping out the insole for a nikey zoom fly3 1600km gave it some life but still not like new.

[@adayexpired6370]

I wish I’d seen this before I ordered mine though was super cheap on sale. I live in super hot climate and on hot old asphalt, but I still was shocked to see the outsole in the middle between the forefoot and heel area was worn out within just 2 Jogs, less than 30 miles, and the foam definitely bottomed out for me as well. :( never had shoes wear out so fast on me before. Was bewildering. Maybe I got a bad pair. Was super comfy for those 2 runs though…😅. Good side, I was disappointed with my nimbus 25s due to its narrow toebox, but the Clifton 9s made me super appreciate my nimbus 25’s which has held up and stayed bouncy. 😅

[@TheFODRunner]

Yeah the foam really doesn’t seem to last long sadly!!

[@iberiksoderblom]

Makes no sense... I've done 200+ miles (330+ km) in both my Clifton 9's and they hold up just fine. No issues. iI still find the 9 to be the best Clifton ever. Like the upgrade the 7 was supposed to have, but then they made it terrible with the 8 and then did it all even better again with the 9. My height/weight : 175cm/72kg.

[@RedPillBroadcast]

Ok, good, it’s not just me. I picked up Clifton 9s, went on a 5 mile light run & been worried about the foam. I’m 6ft 194lbs, I feel like I’ll destroy these in 150miles. Returning to Dicks n picking up Saucony Triumph

[@MedicineRunner]

Pretty much every EVA Hoka shoe is like this. Used to run in Cliftons until I tasted PEBA for the first time. Absolutely tho- if Hoka brings PEBA into their daily trainers, I’ll try them out again. Not the mach X tho.

[@Ian-oi2pe]

I had the Clifton 7. They went dead and flat quite soon and actually caused a minor calf injury. I have the Clifton 8, but only to wear casually, or to and from work. The Mach 5 was also a huge disappointment. First few runs were super comfy and peppy, but again went dead.

[@matthewquintana9475]

I put Clifton 8s on my feet walked around for 30 seconds not a running shoe walking shoe all day

[@Frichilsasta08]

Wait...so at the end of the day the clifton stilk serves as a good easy day shoe? I never intend to use this for anything fast or temp

[@robin29991]

Had the Clifton 6 or 7, I can' t remember which one it was. It was alright but a bit boring. Like you said, it absorbs the impact well but gives nothing back at all. I wouldn't buy another Clifton tbh... Lately been rotating the Cumulus 25 and the Vomero 16 for easy runs

[@TheFODRunner]

Yeah doesn’t give too much back does it… the cumulus is far superior! I enjoyed my vomero 15 too 👍

[@jorgecastillo8289]

I’ve put 525 miles on my Clifton 8 and I find them still good sneakers I also own the Mach 5 with 150 miles I was looking for a litter quick sneakers that fits my wide feet but I still find myself loving my Clifton’s 8 over Mach 5 I also tried Rincon 3 and they left bad blisters on my big toes after just 2 runs of 6 miles each

[@CricRevieww]

What’s your body weight?

[@RedPillBroadcast]

You must weigh 90lbs then

[@laganjr.9076]

What about between 3 options, clifton 9, puma forwverrun or saucony triumph 20/21. What best for daily trainer shoes???

[@ronstevendmaylon1895]

Is it good for forefoot landing?

[@KathleenErzen]

I just spent an hour trying to deal with customer service. Don't bother if you have an issue. My Waterproof Clifton 9 shoes LEAK! never again.

[@eriktred]

I’ve been confused by the Clifton/Mach overlap. I own both and never know which one to grab.

[@TheFODRunner]

They are both quite similar for sure... id go clifton for easy days and mach for moderate/steady days!

[@dragosanusca]

Hoka, NB and more....the foam is OK max 100 miles.

[@user-fv1576]

You didn’t mention how it fits in the toe box , and midfoot - narrow, wide, roomy?

[@TheFODRunner]

I have a relatively wide foot and it fits well. Some hokas are narrow but I didn’t find that was the case with this one!

[@lindamoepeng3237]

The foam is the reason why I will never buy a Clifton again. Any run beyond 15km always gave me painful feet. Never will I ever buy a Clifton again. It just ended up being my walking shoe

[@Ammerstol]

First: love your videos Andy. Second: I don't really understand shoe reviews after 100 miles. I use my shoes a minimum of 1000km, so after about 500km I started to get interested in how they hold up. Sometimes you see people reviewing shoes after 100 miles and shoes look like they've been in a cement mixer. My Hoka Mach 5's still feel as good as new after 200km. Btw 6ft1 and 80kg.

[@SergiuSalcau00]

I ve run 800 kms in this shoe :))

[@premacech7232]

1200km (garmin) and they're dead now. 83kg and average pace around 5min/km.

[@kkk-qp1dv]

What shoes you using 1200km?

[@CDhunt]

They’re great but we all run different

[@CSRunner7]

To be honest I’ve never noticed any changes in my midsoles! I’m about 5ft9 and 70kg and I take most shoes well over 1,000km unless the upper falls apart. Maybe I’m not paying attention!

[@timtamothy51]

I don't buy Hoka anymore because of this reason. Just not good enough when durability to be a bit more environmentally friendly is so important

[@sahacking]

I haven't had a Hoka shoe that was worth a damn after 150 miles. I don't buy them anymore.

[@footballisunited9642]

Hoka’s are just not worth buying at present. Other brands have moved on and they have been left behind.

[@brokenfreddy1262]

Put a 2mm heel lift in and it changes how the shoe rolls..it's very odd why the lower drop shoes feel flat but higher drop shoes feel too much drop..could be the foams react differently depending on their composition ..every once in a while I find one that is just perect..that's what make the hoka rocket x2 the perfect shoe for me even though the drop is the same as the Clifton but the Clifton feels like an anchor..

[@derrickfichtner4925]

Looks like you beat the crap out of your shoes.

[@TheFODRunner]

I do!

[@rossfripp4503]

I've tried 3 Hoka shoes, disliked them all!

[@lindamoepeng3237]

I will never buy a Clifton again. Even if I were given for free, I would sell it or give it away. My 6 year old adidas boost(I bought 2) can still carry me over the marathon distance. How the Clifton is even permitted as a running shoe is baffling

[@jamesb.walker9177]

Hoka's are always the same, it just dies after 60 miles.... don't waste your money

[@taylorburke5388]

Anything similar. I do a lot of road running and need cushion

[@jamesb.walker9177]

@@taylorburke5388 Brooks Glycerin 20

[@Frichilsasta08]

​@taylorburke5388 what did you end up getting? Personally like smaller drops so I think maybe the new balance morev4

[@mustafagencer]

Ayakkabı sanki çok kötü plastikten yapılmış gibi.Ben pişman oldum aldığıma .Yaklaşık 250k koştum ama hiç memnun değilim

[@2112sgb]

Sweet Jesus..not AGAIN.

[@Brian-nw3ey]

ONCLOUD is egregiously bad. They fit similar to converse. Who the hell would want to run in those…