I bought the Clifton 8, 2 years ago, and just purchased my second pair of Clifton 9s in Nimbus cloud color way. I bought my first Clifton 9 last summer and have enjoyed the cushion and support for my medium width foot with narrow heels and high arches. I love that you can lace them to slip your foot into them without untying them. the Nimbus Cloud color way is such a beautiful light gray with silver accents and I like the contrast of the dark brown gum traction on the bottom. Loving that Hoka is giving more options in neutrals that still have interesting contrasting details that gives the shoe a beautiful, yet subtle aesthetic. Will go well with the different team colors when I support my college athlete in maroon and my high school athletes who wear purple. I also like the Asics Nimbus shoe as well, but in size 9. I have been buying Hoka instead the last few years. I just like the look of this shoe better and color choices. Asics give great cusion, like Hoka, but Hoka wins out with their color combos by a long shot. Also shout out to Dicks Sporting Goods—I ordered the shoes yesterday and they were delivered today—faster than Amazon! Plus, I had a $30 reward for being a rewards member. So, very happy ordering my shoes from DSG! Thank you!

I have purchased two pairs. One for me , the other for my daughter. These are very comfortable super cushioning and a delight to wear. Something about me as the wearer: have a history of lower back problems including a lower disc bulge and have only just started to slow running in addition to strength training. This shoe has been amazing for short slow runs. I don’t wear them for long periods of time (like walking around in on a Saturday ) . I don’t strength train in these shoes. However, over the last couple months I have found that my feet tend to fall inwards when I run (like with someone who has overpronated feet). I don’t have overpronated feet so not sure what’s happening here. For my daughter , her biggest issue is they don’t last long (the soles were rubbed smooth within 3months). However, she wore them more frequently (she’s a uni student) running from classes to class, she wore them on the treadmill and on other road runs and she has flat feet and tends to ‘drag her feet’ which I imagine contributed to the short shelf life of the shoe. They are expensive shoes, they are super comfortable but it will all depend on what you use them for, your own walking/running style and of course your dollar situation. Personally, I think that cost this much should last longer.

To give you background, I bought these shoes because I have heard so much about their comfort. As a runner, I run between 6-8 miles every single day, and I need shoes that help my feet withstand the pounding on hard street concrete and pavement. I have had different brand name running shoes, but I have always had to wear extra padding because I have Morton’s neuroma in both feet (inflammation of nerves between toes), inside my shoes. Here is my review of Hoka Clifton 9, as a first time buyer.

Pros: I feel that I am running on clouds. There’s plenty of padding in these shoes. This means, for the first time in years, I didn’t need to add orthotic padding inside the shoe. These are well made and steady. Your feet stay in shape as you walk and run. They come up to the ankle which provide more support for the ankles too. They are really nice shoes and I wear them instead of my slip on even on my regular outing now. Because I run, my heels often hurt from the pounding on hard ground. These shoes provide cushioning for the heel too, so not only they’re functional but they take away the pain.

Con: there’s only one and I am willing to overlook it because of the positives. The shoe is heavier than some other running shoes I have had. However, with all the padding, that’s expected. I have had lighter shoes but in retrospect, they didn’t provide enough comfort and cushion, hence why my heels and toes have paid the price.

Would I buy these again? Absolutely yes!
Also, I read some reviews saying the shoe runs big. For me, it is the opposite. I wear 7.5 however for these size 8 works better. It leaves just enough room for my toes to feel comfortable and not crushed against the toe box. I have the black and copper combo. Beautiful combo that works well for my exercise outfit. I saw the cantaloupe orange color at the store, and if that color scheme worked for me, I would’ve bought it. It was also very pretty.

My only concern is weather related. I don’t think these can withstand rain- yes, I run on rainy days too , and I would hate to mess these up in rain and mud, so I have to think of a solution.

The HOKA Women's Clifton 9 Running Sneakers are comfortable with just great cushion for those who need it. I use this pair exclusively for running (training for my first marathon) and switch between these and a pair of Altra's. These provide the cushion I need to help with knee and hip pain that I typically experience. On days I train in these shoes, I don't experience pain and find that recovery is a lot quicker. They have a decently wide toe box, but I purchased them in a wide to allow more room, because I use these for longer runs. It's my first HOKA purchase, and so far they have been my favorite running shoes. I typically wear an 8.5w or a 9, and purchased in a 9w. They rub a little near my right ankle, but I think playing around with the laces a bit will alleviate this issue. So far so good - any changes and I'll provide an update. I love the advancements HOKA has made in the appearance of their shoes, with some of the cushion layers color-matched to the shoe so they don't look so much like orthotics. I'd buy these again if they hold up to the standard 250 - 300 miles.