Comparison:
Hoka Clifton 8 vs Hoka Clifton 9
The Clifton is Hoka's most popular neutral daily trainer. Here we will be comparing the Clifton 8 and the Clifton 9.
Comparison:
If Hoka could only keep one shoe in their lineup, it would be the Clifton. It offers something for everyone and is one of the most popular trainers in the running shoe universe.
The Clifton 8 and the Clifton 9 are completely different trainers with very different rides. Which of these versions is better for you?
Similarity and differences: Clifton 8 vs Clifton 9
Expert score
8/10
8/10
Weight
8.9 oz
8.7 oz
Heel Drop
5 mm
5 mm
Verdict
The Hoka One One Clifton 8 is a multi-purpose daily trainer with a smooth and stable ride. Its rocker midsole eases you through transitions and saves you energy over long distances.
Version 8 has a more padded tongue, better outsole rubber placement and it has a slightly faster feel because of its stiffer forefoot.
Version 8 has a more padded tongue, better outsole rubber placement and it has a slightly faster feel because of its stiffer forefoot.
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a narrow-fitting maximalist daily trainer with a Meta-Rocker midsole for energy-saving transitions. It has a highly cushioned ride which is on the soft side and it’s best suited to slow, easy paced runs. The 9th version of the Clifton has a 3 mm more midsole foam so it feels more cushioned. It also has a reformulated CMEVA midsole which provides a softer ride than previous versions.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$130
US$144.95
Sole unit: Clifton 8 vs Clifton 9
Both the Clifton 8 and 9 have CMEVA midsoles but the main difference is that the Clifton 9 is softer and squishier than the 8. This makes the Clifton 8 better for shorter, faster runs while the Clifton 9 is better for slow and long runs.
The midsoles are shaped like a rocker, so they feel energy-saving during runs. The rocker assists you through transitions and makes your runs feel easier.
The Clifton 9 has 3 mm more midsole stack height than the 8 so it has more cushioning depth and more long-distance comfort however you can easily run a full marathon in both trainers.
The Clifton 8 has a bucket seat midfoot which you can feel press up against the arch of your foot. The Clifton 9 doesn’t have this feature so it feels more comfortable for runners with flat feet.
Stability is slightly better in the Clifton 8 because your foot sits lower to the ground and its midsole is firmer with less lean bias but both versions are stable neutral trainers.
They both have similar outsoles with diagonal flex grooves in the forefoot. This results in a stiffer forefoot which allows the rocker to function better.
Upper unit: Clifton 8 vs Clifton 9
Both uppers are narrow and have very narrow toe boxes. It’s recommended to get the wide version which will be more comfortable for most runners.
They both have padded tongues but the Clifton 8 tongue is semi gusseted and attached on both sides while the Clifton 9 is attached on only the one side. This feature makes the Clifton 9 roomier at its midfoot section.
The upper mesh of the Clifton 9 is thinner than the Clifton 8 so breathability is better in the 9.
Which one to buy: Clifton 8 vs Clifton 9
If you prefer a firmer, more stable trainer, you should get the Clifton 8. If you prefer a softer, plusher trainer, you should get the Clifton 9. The Clifton 9 uses a more modern version of CMEVA in its midsole so it compresses more.
If you want a faster trainer, the Clifton 8 is a better option but if you want a slow, long run shoe, the Clifton 9 is better for you.
Both versions are very good daily trainers so it comes down to which characteristics you prefer.
Best price online: Clifton 8 vs Clifton 9
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
