Customer Reviews Hoka Clifton 9 GTX®

I love my regular Clifton 9's and 10's, but I needed something a bit more weather-resistant for late autumn/early spring walks in Chicago when paths are messy but there's no need for boots. Unfortunately, the GTX is just too narrow and snug. The store personnel explained that the materials are thicker and thus it fits differently than regular Clifton's. I've found this to be true with other Hoka shoes as well; the models seem to vary tremendously even if the size is the same. Particularly frustrating when ordering by mail.

Tread on the bottom has come loose in multiple spots after only a couple months.

I'm a pretty loyal user of this brand. I purchased this specific pair of sneakers directly from the Hoka site in September 2023 so that I would have sneakers that are waterproof and I believe Gore-Tex is a good material. I only wear these sneakers when it is raining, which is not that frequently where I live. So I am guessing a total of maybe 25 wears since purchased. But of course, due to the time that has lapsed since purchase, they are no longer under warranty. Today the sole on the right shoe spontaneously peeled off down the center and now they're unusable. I definitely have lost confidence in the brand.

While it's undeniable the shoe is extremely comfortable (why I have two stars instead of one), as others have mentioned the quality is extremely subpar for the price point. After only a couple months of use, the inset panels on the sole began to peel off. After researching online, I elected to not even bother trying to contact Hoka due to their reputation for being dismissive and denying others' claim for what is plainly a manufacturing defect. It's a real shame, because I'd love to buy another pair of comfortable shoes from Hoka, but I have zero faith they will last.

I have worn Bondi for many years and they are THE BEST, hands down! Wanted GTX as my feet get wet alot of days walking my Golden Retriever at the Park everyday. So, I settled on the Clifton 9 GTX. BAD CHOICE! The front third of my feet still get wet and that is only walking in grass some of the time, with morning dew on it. So the GTX is useless! Also, they say the cushioning in PLUSH, just like they say for Bondi....no comparison... the Bondi is sweet on the feet, this Clifton 9 GTX is only average. So for their intended purpose, Clifton 9 GTX is a failure and I wasted my money! Please make a Bondi 9 GTX, if that is possible!

I purchased a pair of Clifton's in late May 2025, it was my 1st pair of Hoka sneakers. Fine at first, nice and comfortable. But starting in mid-September the gray rubber "appliqus" on the soles are pulling away from the rest of the soles. I do not use these sneakers harshly, just for moderately short walks and normal activities. Not for workouts or hiking or climbing. No exposure to salt water. Nothing that should lead to this kind of problem. My 1st and last pair of Hokas.

The little rubber tabs peel away from the sole

Ordered online, but had to return these shoes to the store because they were too snug. I've enjoyed multiple pair of Clifton 9's and while they've varied in fit somewhat, this GTX was quite different. The store associate explained that the GTX material is thicker and less flexible than that of a regular Clifton.

I have worn Hoka for many years. I have found that the tread may wear down faster than other brands I have tried but I stick with Hoka for the comfort. Unfortunately I bought the Clifton 9 GTX, which felt great. However after 3ish weeks the black rubber tread was peeling off the sole of the shoe. So I exchanged them for the same style. Nice customer service by the way. The second pair started Peeling after the first week of wear. I couldn't convince myself to keep them at full price. They repelled water just fine. They were comfy. But for full price you want them to wear down not fall apart. Still love hoka but with the demise of the speed goat mid and the flaw in the Clifton Gtx I have to look else where for waterproof shoes.

Comfortable but the traction pads lift off the the sole of the glue the are glued on happened after a month slowly the rest started to lift 7 months later the half of traction pads are gone fall off or ripped of if they were hanging since they became a trip hazard .Hoka said it was from normal wear and tear

After a month using them the sole pods started to come off !!

My Hoka Clifton 9 fit perfectly in size 13 1/2, but the waterproof/Goretex style doesn't come in that size. I tried the 14, but unfortunately, it was too big. Very disappointed that the waterproof version doesn't come in my size.

The soles began to fall off within 45 days of usage. They're also a bit loose fitting on the foot. They are however pretty decent at keeping liquid or should you use them in the rain.

My brother bought the black pair for my father and they are very uncomfortable for him. They are very stiff compared to other previous pairs that have been purchased. Not sure if it's a different material.

After 2 weeks the sole started to split

I've had these running m Clifton 9 gtx for about two weeks and the tread pad cushion on the right shoe for traction has already came off in one spot. The shoes are comfortable and I think true to size but now w the missing tread pad, cause a slight imbalance. Could've just been an application issue w the adhesive that was used but not within the first two weeks.

I purchased these shoes less in a month ago and have noticed several of the pads on the bottom right of the right shoe have already peeled off. I'm extremely frustrated about this since I am only wearing the shoes for physical therapy and not actually running in them. I bought them after having surgery on a torn Achilles and was hoping to use them to help with the pain. I've only worn them to ride a stationary bicycle and for the basic stretching during therapy. I have purchased multiple pairs of of Hokas in the past, and I've never had this issue. These have include multiple pairs of Clifton nines and a pair of Raven colored tactical black boots.

Feels amazing, fits great but the soles of the shoes started falling apart, I thought it was me cause I have a bad limp but the replacement shoe fell apart at the exact same part and in the exact same way. Sadly my warranty was out so I could not exchange to get a different pair of shoes.

I bought a pair on sale about a month ago and the tread is already peeling off. I am a teacher and wear them while walking and standing throughout the day. They're very comfortable but I don't expect them to last much longer.

1st shoes i got where great. This pair on the other hand has started falling apart and by the end of the work day I can barely walk after a 10 hour shift good for a couple days but did not last as long as the first pair I bought

Sole came apart in less than a month of purchase. Returning the shoe

The model prior to the shoe held up a lot better I got 1200 miles out of the previous model before it started to break down the new model I barely got 500. the rubber sole started to come away from the padded soul.. they just wore out a lot quicker the worst part about it is they were more expensive. over the course of the last couple years I've probably purchased at least six of Hoka shoes the speed goats were the best and held up longer