Kit & Gear

REVIEW: HOKA Clifton 9 GTX

A CUSHIONED RIDE, RAIN OR SHINE

HOKA's classic Clifton has been updated with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods. HOKA’s first-ever waterproof road shoe, this splash-ready silhouette features 360-degree reflectivity and closed mesh construction for added protection.

Empowering runners to log their miles, no matter the weather. The HOKA Clifton 9 GTX proves no forecast is too fierce. 

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SHOP ALL HOKA CLIFTON 9 GTX RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Our SportsShoes athlete, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the HOKA Clifton 9 GTX to the test. Check out his review below;

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Clifton 9 GTX is the latest addition to the ever-popular Clifton range. Any fans of this shoe will be pleased to know that HOKA aren't trying to reinvent the wheel with this latest release, they are simply offering a practical and sensible alternative to the standard Clifton 9 for dark and wet conditions.

Click here to read our review of the HOKA Clifton 9.

I love the look and design of this shoe, it's both aesthetically pleasing and a welcome addition to my winter wardrobe. Aside from a minimal pattern in the knit of the upper, the only non-black elements are the small 360-degree reflective sections featured on all sides of the shoe.

It fits and feels just like the Clifton 9, except I actually think it runs even smaller in terms of length, so I would recommend sizing up by at least a 1/2 in your regular shoe size, which for me is a UK 10.5 compared to my usual UK 10.

In terms of width, I would say that it feels somewhere in between a narrow and standard fit, so anyone with a wide foot might find them a bit tight in the toe-box.

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THE UPPER

The upper material is made from a creel jacquard knit, which feels luxurious to touch and is designed to provide comfort and enhanced breathability. The upper is seamless on the outside for a sleek look and clean silhouette and only has a few seams on the inside. Waterproof protection comes in the form of GORE-TEX invisible fit, which does a great job of keeping out the water, but works equally well with the knit upper to release moisture from your feet. This GORE-TEX technology is complete with a 70% recycled Polyester face fabric. In addition, the gusseted tongue design helps to repel debris and water from entering the shoe.

Click here to learn more about GORE-TEX invisible fit material.

At 273g, it's slightly heavier than the regular Clifton 9 (248g), which I can only assume is because of the additional GORE-TEX technology.

What I also like about this shoe is the level of support in the upper, featuring strong side-walls and a rigid heel counter to really lock your feet in place during movement. It has a traditional lacing system, with an extra lace hole at the top of the shoe. I always make use of this additional lace loop, because it really helps to provide extra stability and lockdown.

Finally, I must draw attention to the small reflective sections on the upper of the Clifton 9 GTX. It's one of the subtle differences between this and the standard Clifton 9 model, making it ideal for dark nights and low-visibility conditions.

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THE MIDSOLE

The Clifton 9 GTX shares the same midsole technology as the regular Clifton 9, a full-length platform of new and improved EVA which provides lightweight and responsive cushioning. The shape and geometry of this midsole design allows the shoe to perform like a rocking chair to encourage a guided gait cycle and support natural form.

The cushioning feels generous, soft, and durable. It does a fantastic job of soaking up the impact when striking the ground hard - which is great news for a heel-striker like me.

The wide midsole platform of the Clifton 9 provides a solid and stable base for mile after mile. Best suited to easy paced runs, it's the perfect daily trainer for anyone looking for a high-mileage workhorse shoe.

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THE OUTSOLE

The Clifton 9 GTX features a Durabrasion rubber outsole for enhanced traction. This grippy rubber, along with large Traction pods, provides flush and full ground contact on slick road surfaces. For a road shoe, traction doesn't come much better than this.

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OVERALL

If you're looking for a fast-paced, super-responsive racing shoe, then this isn't it. The Clifton 9, and this GTX version, is very much a daily trainer, specifically designed to provide cushioning and comfort for all of your easy-paced miles. Many regard this shoe as the GOAT and who am I to disagree. I would always recommend the Clifton 9 to anyone new to running looking for a shoe designed for regular to everyday training. Of course, the added bonus of this GTX version is that it's perfect for the winter months when you want to keep your feet warm and dry.

Don't fear the wet weather, embrace it with the new Clifton 9 GTX - designed to shine, even when the weather doesn’t.

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KEY FEATURES:

Creel jacquard knit - Provides enhanced breathability

360-degree reflectivity - Delivers enhanced visibility

GORE-TEX Invisible Fit with recycled content - Designed to deliver lighter, more breathable waterproof ventilation

EVA midsole - soft and lightweight cushioning

Durabrasion rubber outsole - For enhanced traction on slick surfaces

Traction pods - Provides more flush ground contact

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SHOP ALL HOKA CLIFTON 9 GTX RUNNING SHOES NOW

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