Customer Reviews Hoka Clifton 9

I am an endurance runner. I've run countless marathons and Ironman events in the Clifton. I've been running in the Clifton since the beginning of Clifton time. Every update they've done I have trusted and been happy with, until the 9. My biggest complaint, which has actually become a real problem, is the tongue. From the very first run, I kept having to stop to try and adjust the tongue because the inner edge of it was pressing up against my foot, causing it to be sore. I tried loosening the laces, different types of ties, everything. I ran a marathon in them, knowing good and well I should've worn an old pair of 8's and here I am, two months later, limping around because that sore spot from the tongue has actually become an "injury". I'm truly so disappointed. These shoes were my go to. I've tried lots and lots of different brands of running shoes and none of them have ticked all the boxes like the Clifton has. As the old saying goes "if it ain't broke".

I have 2 pairs of the Clifton 8s and LOVE them. I wear them everyday. I have feet that are a tad wide but not wide enough to need a wide shoe. The regular width 8s fit me great. I went to a local sporting goods store and bought my normal size in the new 9s......and bad move on my part, did not try them on. They immediately hurt my feet. I walked a few miles in them hoping they'd break in but no luck. They are too narrow and hurt the top part of my foot. I'm hoping if I try the wide version, they'll work because I love these shoes!

I actually am returning this pair, as it did not fit as I expected (as an owner of about five pairs of HOKAs, already). It felt like there was too much in the arch support area, which may be on purpose, but it didn't work for me because I add custom arch supports. They are also a little snugger than usual. Anyway, I was surprised that they didn't fit well, but I ordered a different design in the same color, and they fit like a dream, just like my other pairs. I'm still an enthusiastic HOKA customer... Just found this pair to fit differently than others. So my answer to "Bottom Line" is about this particular design, but it would be the opposite for all other pairs that I own (and HOKA, in general).

Feet hurt

I've had these for 3 weeks or so and they are already starting to peel. They are very comfortable but it's disappointing.

Shoes are comfy but ran smaller than my "usual" size, so I exchanged them for a half-size up. Waiting almost 2-weeks now and the replacements still haven't arrived. Maybe next-day deliveries have spoiled me, but it seems getting new kicks out super fast is a reasonable customer service expectation.

I'm tired of going thru this with nearly every new pair of Cliftons. I've had every pair since the 1st gen, I've ran a full marathon in the 6's, and 2 half marathons in the 8's. I had several pairs of 8s and strangely only some colors were ok- the cantaloupe orange color was fine but then some colors like the darker purple came with shorter laces and didn't feel like even the same shoe. That being said, the 9s are not good. They do not feel like the spongey, squishy Clifton we know and love. They're hard feeling, no give like the other versions. I just slipped on the 6s and when you walk your heel sinks in and feels amazing, the 9s are like bricks. What are you doing Hoka? Why mess with a good thing? I appreciate the better colors because they have been pretty lackluster in the past (Bondis seem to always get the fun colors) but if we have to forgo comfort for color I'll take my boring Clifton colors back all day to get that comfort back. So sad.

I had bought the Bondi and LOVED them. These were so uncomfortable though nothing like the Bondi. They are awful.

I have 9 pairs of HOKA and all are comfy, but not this. After an hour of using them, the side of my feet started to hurt. I don't think I can return them anymore coz I used them. Kinda sad bc I really like the color but it hurts. If you have really narrow feet, i think it'll be ok.

Really miss the Clifton 8.

The shoe fit is very different than clifton 8. I went outside for a walk and within 15 mins the shoe was hot and it was not a pleasant walk thereafter. I wish Hoka would bring back the clifton 8.

I try these shoes for almost the month. After so many recommendations from coworkers, I decided to take the big plunge and buy my first hoka pair. I got the Clifton 9 based on the specs. When I got them, I loved the style and colors, black and rose gold, but when I put them on, I noticed that my heels sunk. I was "ok, maybe this is how hoka corrects posture and gait" but after a full work day, my heels hurt, like they hurt, hurt, but I was determined to love them and I was told Hokas are the best of the best and the cost should prove it. So after 20 days my heels continued hurting and when I talked to my coworkers they didn't have that problem when their Hokas but nobody had this particular style. So I decided to exchange them. I'm waiting for the Gaviota 5 to arrive within the next few days but to be honest, I'm concerned as other owners dislike that style too. . Hopefully I get a good surprise when they arrive.

for a high priced shoe I expect more, 1st month was fine, after that bottom of feet started hurting, started getting blisters, shoe rubs against my feet, blisters/sores. I'd stay away & will never buy Hoka againt......that's my experience, sadly.

After taking the quizzes online to find my recommended shoe and size and breaking in the sneakers, they still are very uncomfortable and make my feet go numb after just a few minutes of walking. I would definitely not spend the money again.

I have been wearing Cliftons for several years now. I received the Clifton 9's and they have changed. I need a wide toe box and it the toe box is now more stiff and seems narrow. The whole shoe seems stiffer. I wish the old design would come back. I am very sad. I had to send them back. They hurt my foot.

I have 5 pairs of Clifton 8's and recently got my first pair of Clifton 9's. These shoes are terrible! I wish Hoka would go back to the 8 version. The 9's pull my socks down and rub the back of my foot. They also come up too high on the side, where my ankle bone is, and hit it. Please bring the 8's back.

I had high hopes. But I was disappointed with the Clifton 9's. They did not have as much structure and support as the 8's. I began having knee problems shortly after wearing them. Have gone back to my 8's and my knees immediately feel better. Am returning them and hope to find another pair of HOKAs that I love

I love the Clifton 8 they are a perfect shoe all round. I read the reviews and everyone said they run narrow so I ordered the wide, Perfect! But the Clifton 9 is very different fit and look. So I went to a store and tried on the regular width and they run narrow. So, Clifton 9's just won't work.

I got these to wear for work and have only worn them 3 days.i work in a hospital and they look like I have had them for months not 3 days. The comfort is there but the wear on the outside is dissapointing. This is my 4th pair of Hokas and have never had this happen. May be my last pair at this price.