Empowering runners to log their miles ‒ no matter the weather ‒ our classic Clifton has been updated with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods. HOKA’s first-ever weatherproof road shoe, this splash-ready silhouette features 360-degree reflectivity and closed mesh construction for added protection. Designed to shine, even when the weather doesn’t, the Clifton 9 GTX proves no forecast is too fierce.
Empowering runners to log their miles ‒ no matter the weather ‒ our classic Clifton has been updated with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods. HOKA’s first-ever weatherproof road shoe, this splash-ready silhouette features 360-degree reflectivity and closed mesh construction for added protection. Designed to shine, even when the weather doesn’t, the Clifton 9 GTX proves no forecast is too fierce.
Empowering runners to log their miles ‒ no matter the weather ‒ our classic Clifton has been updated with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods. HOKA’s first-ever weatherproof road shoe, this splash-ready silhouette features 360-degree reflectivity and closed mesh construction for added protection. Designed to shine, even when the weather doesn’t, the Clifton 9 GTX proves no forecast is too fierce.
Empowering runners to log their miles ‒ no matter the weather ‒ our classic Clifton has been updated with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods. HOKA’s first-ever weatherproof road shoe, this splash-ready silhouette features 360-degree reflectivity and closed mesh construction for added protection. Designed to shine, even when the weather doesn’t, the Clifton 9 GTX proves no forecast is too fierce.
Last updated at 05/16/2025 01:07:49
originally posted on hoka.com
First time with this model and I'm a little disappointed to be honest. I've worn out about 4 pair of Bondi in the last 3 years (avid walker, not a runner) and hoped these would save my normally soggy winter feet (I live in the PNW). The cushioning isn't nearly as good as Bondi, but my primary beef is the sewn tongue that doesn't have any give to get my high arch, high volume foot inside easily. Fixing the tongue makes the shoe more resistant to water, but without some elastic, it also hinders getting the shoe on and off. I kept them, but I won't choose them again.
originally posted on hoka.com
I needed some warmer (and drier) running shoes and although I have had a pair of the Challenger GTXs, I wanted an everyday street running shoe, esp one with much cushion. Since I'm a big fan of the Clifton series (won over from the Bondis, even) I thought I'd give these a go. Glad I did. Wore them on a cooler day and was pleased with the warmer run, the more cushy sole and the extra lift I got from this shoe. Am now looking forward to a few more seriously cold days to give them a better test, though I'm certain they'll pass with flying colors. Oh yeah... love the bright blue color. Although I bought them for running, they'll get plenty more miles down the road when I repurpose them as walkers (as I do with my better quality/comfort running shoes).
originally posted on hoka.com
I did a lot of research before making my first purchase. I recently have had to make a switch to road running when the majority of my life I have been a trail runner. If I don't have the option to run on a trail, these shoes will be my go to for the road. Light and fluffy are the only things that I can think of in terms of this experience. The roads are hard and heavy - these shoes make the roads feel like clouds.Most importantly, I don't hurt everywhere after my run like I have experienced with other traditional running shoes. My first experience was magical and I will likely purchase the colorful pair once I run the black ones into the ground.
First time with this model and I'm a little disappointed to be honest. I've worn out about 4 pair of Bondi in the last 3 years (avid walker, not a runner) and hoped these would save my normally soggy winter feet (I live in the PNW). The cushioning isn't nearly as good as Bondi, but my primary beef is the sewn tongue that doesn't have any give to get my high arch, high volume foot inside easily. Fixing the tongue makes the shoe more resistant to water, but without some elastic, it also hinders getting the shoe on and off. I kept them, but I won't choose them again.
I needed some warmer (and drier) running shoes and although I have had a pair of the Challenger GTXs, I wanted an everyday street running shoe, esp one with much cushion. Since I'm a big fan of the Clifton series (won over from the Bondis, even) I thought I'd give these a go. Glad I did. Wore them on a cooler day and was pleased with the warmer run, the more cushy sole and the extra lift I got from this shoe. Am now looking forward to a few more seriously cold days to give them a better test, though I'm certain they'll pass with flying colors. Oh yeah... love the bright blue color. Although I bought them for running, they'll get plenty more miles down the road when I repurpose them as walkers (as I do with my better quality/comfort running shoes).
I did a lot of research before making my first purchase. I recently have had to make a switch to road running when the majority of my life I have been a trail runner. If I don't have the option to run on a trail, these shoes will be my go to for the road. Light and fluffy are the only things that I can think of in terms of this experience. The roads are hard and heavy - these shoes make the roads feel like clouds.Most importantly, I don't hurt everywhere after my run like I have experienced with other traditional running shoes. My first experience was magical and I will likely purchase the colorful pair once I run the black ones into the ground.
am not one of those that review products much. I'm very disappointed with my purchase. The shoe is too wide. It flaps off when I am walking or exercising. I remembered ordering the regular. At first, I thought it was my socks. I changed the socks, and it is still too wide for my feet.The shoe is comfortable, but just not a good fit. I bought it for walking and gym. Too late to return because I wore it to the gym.I am very disappointed. It did not work for me.
I LOVE my Clifton 9s. The support and comfort are amazing.The new Clinton's with gorex, does not have the same support nor is the tongue the same. They also feel bigger than my originals. I wore them around the house first, then for a 3 mile walk on mixed terrain. They definitely do not have the same support system inside.This is a big disappointment as I waited for quite some time to get them in my size. My every day walk is mixed terrain with the first part being muddy when wet, sandy when dry, then on to asphalt. Huge reason for wanting the shoe with the wet time of year being here. I will try them again for a few days and go from there. Currently, highly disappointed, even the tongue is different.
I had to return the sneaker I was looking for Gortex for the winter and the model I like doesn't come in Gortex, so tried this. It's made more like a shoe. The tongue is stitched to the sides of the sneaker so that the laces really do nothing. It's more like a slip on shoe. It was much too tight across the top of my foot and there was no way to loosen them. With my other Hoka's, the tongue is stitched to elastic on booth sides or only stitched on one side and free on the other. I returned them.I do wear orthotics but I took out the shoes insole to put in the orthotic so the height really shouldn't have been different.
I got them in both colors! My feet hurt all over at any given time so comfy shoes are hit or miss for me. I live in NYC and I walk a lot. Out of the box, the shoe was great. My usual pain pressure points were nonexistent. I do not experience bunion, big toe or heel pressure. I alternate between the shoes and each time I experience immediate comfort. I am a size 8 in some sneakers and 8.5 in Hoka's. Size was spot on. Width was just right and toes have wiggle room.
I love the Clifton 8 shoes, they are so comfortable and so supportive. I'm disappointed Hoka made changes to the fit of the 9. I went into the Hoka store to get some advice, and the guys working there told me that a lot of people try on the 9s and are disappointed. The toe box is wider so it feels too loose up there, and something about the ankle design made my ankle slightly slip out, but when I tried the smaller size it was too short and my toes hit the front. And then especially trying the goretex, it's even worse! The shoe is incredibly stiff, it feels like hard plastic. When I tied the laces tight enough to not slip out, it was super painful on the sides and tops of my feet. Just overall I don't know how anyone can run in these. I hope they go back to the ... MoreI love the Clifton 8 shoes, they are so comfortable and so supportive. I'm disappointed Hoka made changes to the fit of the 9. I went into the Hoka store to get some advice, and the guys working there told me that a lot of people try on the 9s and are disappointed. The toe box is wider so it feels too loose up there, and something about the ankle design made my ankle slightly slip out, but when I tried the smaller size it was too short and my toes hit the front. And then especially trying the goretex, it's even worse! The shoe is incredibly stiff, it feels like hard plastic. When I tied the laces tight enough to not slip out, it was super painful on the sides and tops of my feet. Just overall I don't know how anyone can run in these. I hope they go back to the Clifton 8 model in the future!
I love the Clifton model and have worn a number of models. I wanted to love these as stormy weather shoes. My foot is on the narrow side. This GTX shoe hurts my feet. Due to the fact that they are much stiffer, they bruised my ankle bone. Maybe I would need to wear thick socks all the time to avoid the discomfort. Unfortunately, I did not try them out when I first received them. Not practical for me due to the pain. Stopped wearing after two days walking my dogs due to the pain.
I never dreamed I'd be writing a negative review for Hoka. I've loved every shoe I've purchased until now. I bought the Clifton 9 GTX in November in preparation for wet, winter runs. When I first put them on my feet I noticed they didn't have the same cushion as the Challenger. Still trusting that a Hoka would never let me down I gave them a try. After a couple weeks I was having trouble with pain from pressure on the outside of one ankle. I tried loosening the lacing and even not lacing the top two eyelets, which helped a bit but reduced stability a lot. Then, within one month the tread under the heel of both shoes peeled up and tore off. I wish I could saw I we running incredible high milage but unfortunately, I had only been running 10 - 15 miles a week. I've ... MoreI never dreamed I'd be writing a negative review for Hoka. I've loved every shoe I've purchased until now. I bought the Clifton 9 GTX in November in preparation for wet, winter runs. When I first put them on my feet I noticed they didn't have the same cushion as the Challenger. Still trusting that a Hoka would never let me down I gave them a try. After a couple weeks I was having trouble with pain from pressure on the outside of one ankle. I tried loosening the lacing and even not lacing the top two eyelets, which helped a bit but reduced stability a lot. Then, within one month the tread under the heel of both shoes peeled up and tore off. I wish I could saw I we running incredible high milage but unfortunately, I had only been running 10 - 15 miles a week. I've never seen a running shoe of any brand break down this quickly. Maybe I got a "lemon".
