Finding the right running shoe as a beginner can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting to build your running habit. You want something comfortable enough to make you look forward to getting out the door, and versatile enough to handle whatever your training schedule brings: easy runs, first longer distances, or the occasional speed session.
That’s where the Hoka Clifton 9 comes in. I first picked it up when my casual, everyday trainers started feeling out of place on longer runs. I wanted something reliable and forgiving – and got much more than I hoped for.
This shoe carried me from my first under-30 minute 5K all the way to the end of a half-marathon training. They got me through every season and session: cold morning miles in winter, sweaty evening runs in summer, and plenty of “why am I doing this again?” intervals. Many months and miles later (and after getting myself a second pair), I can confidently say: the Clifton 9 is a true do-it-all shoe, especially for a beginner learning to love running – consistently.
Here’s my honest Hoka Clifton 9 review after 450 miles.
First impressions & fit
The Clifton 9 is sleek, lightweight, and surprisingly pretty – not the typical bulky Hoka design you might imagine. It’s the kind of shoe you can wear casually and feel confident in.
Fit-wise, it runs true to size. Toe box hight is excellent – I point my toes upwards while running and tend to get holes in my shoes, but that’s never happened in the Clifton 9. Toe box is surprisingly roomy for its tapered shape. I also use an alternative lacing method to give my toes a bit of extra space to spread, and it works beautifully. There’s a wide version available for runners who need more room.
Upper design is a dream for high arches. It offers just the right amount of space across the midfoot and sits snug without any pressure points. The tongue is plush and comfortable, and the heel pull tap makes it easy to slip the shoes on – a small detail, but one I appreciate, especially on rushed mornings.
Ride feel & performance
Hoka is known for its signature rocker geometry, and the Clifton 9 nails that smooth, rolling sensation. It feels soft underfoot without being mushy, so you get that perfect middle ground between cushioning and responsiveness.
On easy runs, the midsole absorbs impact effortlessly – a huge plus for beginners who are still adapting to the repetitive stress of running. It feels especially easy on the knees, which can make those early weeks feel much more manageable. Despite the softness, it’s also responsive enough to handle your first faster efforts. It’s not a racing shoe by any means, but it has enough bounce to pick up the pace for tempos, strides, or interval sessions.
The Clifton 9 also decompresses quickly after each run, which means you can wear it every day without it feeling flat or tired. It became my go-to shoe for everything – short recovery sessions, weekend long runs, and tempo workouts leading up to my first half-marathon.
I’ve run multiple 12-mile (20 km) long runs in them without any issues: no blisters, no hotspots, no shin splints. For a beginner or a recreational runner who doesn’t want a full shoe rotation yet, the Clifton 9 genuinely covers it all.
Comfort & feel
The Clifton 9’s comfort is the reason I never looked back after buying my first pair. The midsole cushioning stays consistent even after hundreds of miles, which is something you can’t always say about softer shoes.
The upper is gently padded and has a slightly thicker tongue that adds to the plush feel. It runs a little warmer than most of other running shoes I’ve tried, but I find it breathable enough for the summer, and especially comfortable in cold weather.
And because the tongue and heel collar are so comfortable, I never had rubbing or heel slip issues, even on longer runs. If you’ve ever struggled with sore spots or blisters, this shoe is absolutely worth trying.
Stability & grip
One of the Clifton 9’s most underrated strengths is its wide platform. That extra base underfoot makes every landing feel stable and secure. It feels incredibly reassuring for new runners still working on their form or balance.
It’s a neutral shoe, but that stable, wider platform helps if you tend to wobble or feel unsure on slanted pavement. I remember feeling much more confident in these on my early runs compared to other models that felt too narrow or “tippy” on corners.
The Clifton 9 also has just enough traction to handle rain, wet pavement, and light snow. I’ve taken them through winter slush and wet autumn runs with no issues, though I wouldn’t recommend them for icy roads.
Durability after 450 miles
Longevity is where my two pairs tell two different stories.
My first pair lasted around 450 miles (700 km), but the outsole started to show noticeable wear after about 350-400 miles. To be fair, I used that pair as my only running shoe and took it on gravel and light trails, which the Clifton 9 isn’t really designed for.
My second pair, which I’ve kept strictly for roads and park paths, now has over 300 miles (450 km) on it and the outsole still looks great. The cushioning feels as bouncy and supportive as day one.
The upper on both pairs has also held up exceptionally well, with no tearing or stretching – even after washing.
The takeaway: treat the Clifton 9 as a road shoe, and it’ll reward you with fantastic durability for the price.
Looks & maintenance
I can’t write a Hoka Clifton 9 review without mentioning how good-looking this shoe is. The colorways are fresh and modern, and the silhouette feels minimal yet dynamic. It’s a shoe you actually want to be seen wearing , which – as shallow as that may sound – can genuinely be a massive motivation boost.
They’re also surprisingly easy to clean, even in the light colour way I have. I’ve machine washed mine several times, and the upper still looks great. The shoe dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto dirt or smell, even after rainy runs.
Price & value
One of the best things about the Clifton 9 right now is its value. When it first launched, it sat firmly in the premium price range, but now that the Clifton 10 is out the 9 is widely available at discounted prices. That means you’re getting a high-quality, reliable daily trainer for significantly less than most new releases.
For beginners, getting the right shoe is especially important – one that fits well and can handle easy runs, longer sessions, and your first attempts at speed. The Clifton 9 does all of that without putting a strain on your budget.
Even at full price it was a strong value; at today’s reduced pricing, it’s a steal. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, all-rounder shoe that won’t cost a fortune, the Clifton 9 is an easy yes.
Read All-rounder running shoe: the best do-it-all pair for women to see other great, versatile options.
Hoka Clifton 9 pros & cons
Pros
- Soft, cushioned ride that still feels lively and responsive
- Comfortable from day one – no break-in needed
- Stable, supportive, and beginner-friendly
- Wide platform for extra stability and confidence
- Quick to decompress – perfect for everyday use
- Modern, sleek design that’s easy to keep clean
- Durable on roads and park paths, even after 400+ miles
- Available in wide and GTX version
Cons
- Not designed for gravel or trail surfaces – outsole wears faster
- Slightly thicker upper and tongue might feel too warm
- Once you get faster, you’ll likely want a lighter, bouncier shoe for speed work
Best for
- Beginners looking for one shoe that can handle all early training
- Runners with high arches who need a comfortable midfoot fit
- Anyone who prefers a stable, balanced ride without going into “stability shoe” territory
- Easy runs, long runs, and early speed sessions
- Road and park-path running
Not for
- Runners in hot climates who need high breathability
- Runners who prefer firm shoes with more ground feel
- Dedicated speed workouts once you start getting quicker
- Racing or PR efforts
- Trails or gravel roads
The perfect do-it-all shoe for beginners
The Hoka Clifton 9 was my very first “serious” running shoe and still has a special place in my heart. Even after building my shoe rotation, I still reach for it regularly. It’s soft enough for recovery runs, responsive enough for lighter tempos, comfortable enough for long runs, and fun enough to make you actually look forward to running.
If you’re a beginner looking for one shoe that can do everything, this is it.
If you’re an experienced runner looking for a reliable and affordable daily trainer, it’s still a fantastic choice.
And if you’re like me – someone who measures shoes not just by specs, but by how much they make you want to lace up again tomorrow – then the Clifton 9 may earn its place in your rotation.
Looking for your first pair?
Before you buy, check out:
- Beginner running shoes guide for complete breakdown of sizing, fit, cushioning, and support;
- Best all-rounders for women for do-it-all pair to handle all of your training;
- Running shoes with roomy toe box for models with some extra toe space in regular-width;
- Winter running gear essentials for my top trail and hybrid picks
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