Hoka Clifton 9 Vs Clifton 9 GTX - Which One Is For You?
Table of Contents
- Picking the Right Hoka Shoe for Your Feet
- What Makes the Clifton 9 So Popular?
- How Does the Clifton 9 GTX Handle Wet Weather?
- How Does the Feel Differ - Clifton 9 vs Clifton 9 GTX?
- Is the Forefoot Fit Different in Clifton 9 vs Clifton 9 GTX?
- What About Other Comparisons for Clifton 9 vs Clifton 9 GTX?
- How Do They Stack Up for Walking Comfort?
- Thinking About Your Next Pair of Shoes
When you're looking for new shoes, especially for moving around, it can feel like there are so many choices. For many years, a particular line of shoes has been a go-to for folks who like to run on roads, known for its consistent comfort and ability to handle a lot of mileage. We're talking about the Hoka Clifton series, which has been a steady companion for countless runners and walkers, always delivering a soft landing. People like David Salas, Nathan Brown, and Bach Pham have really seen this shoe as a true workhorse, just a reliable option for daily outings.
You might be wondering, then, what the big deal is with two very similar shoes: the Hoka Clifton 9 and its sibling, the Hoka Clifton 9 GTX. It's almost like they're twins, but with one having a special ability. Both of these shoes are quite well-loved for what they offer to someone who spends a lot of time on their feet, whether that's for a quick jog around the block or a longer adventure. Figuring out which one fits your daily activities or running goals can make a pretty big difference in how your feet feel after a long day.
To help you sort through it all, we're going to talk about what makes each of these shoes special. We'll look at their unique qualities and how they perform, so you can pick the one that feels just right for you. It's really about finding that ideal blend of comfort and readiness for whatever the weather might bring, or just for your everyday strolls, so you know, it's worth taking a moment to consider.
What Makes the Clifton 9 So Popular?
The Hoka Clifton 9 has been a true favorite for a very long time, actually more than fourteen years, as part of Hoka's lineup for road running. It's known for being a shoe that, in a way, gets along with almost everyone who puts it on. This particular shoe comes with a generous amount of soft padding, three more millimeters of it than the version that came before it, which means even more squishiness for your feet. It's pretty incredible how it manages to weigh less than the previous model, yet somehow gives you more cushion, almost like a little bit of magic in its design, you know?
This shoe is not just for running; it's also a very good choice if you're looking for something comfortable to walk in. For instance, someone recently took the Clifton 9 as their only shoe for a ten-day trip to Japan, which really speaks to its versatility and comfort for extended periods. The Clifton 9 is often seen as a flagship shoe for Hoka, meaning it's one of their most important and popular offerings. It provides a relaxed fit around the front of the foot compared to some other Hoka models, even the Clifton 8, so if you don't typically need a wider shoe, this might just fit you quite nicely, more or less.
The shoe has a soft cushioning system that helps make long runs and recovery days feel much better. It's comfortable when you're moving at a slow or medium pace. The upper part of the shoe, the fabric that covers your foot, is very comfortable too, with plenty of padding all around without feeling too bulky. It’s pretty much designed to give your foot a nice, secure hug, which is something many people appreciate.
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How Does the Clifton 9 GTX Handle Wet Weather?
Now, let's talk about the Hoka Clifton 9 GTX. This shoe is, on the surface, a version of the Clifton 9 that's ready for any kind of weather. In our view, Hoka has done a really good job with this one, making it resistant to water while still keeping all the beloved features of the original version. People like Jana Herzgova, Sam and Dominique Winebaum, and Michael Ellenberger have noted how well it performs in wet conditions. It's like having your favorite comfortable shoe, but with an invisible shield against the rain, which is pretty cool, honestly.
The Clifton 9 GTX features a higher amount of soft padding, which adds to the comfort, especially when you're out in less-than-ideal conditions. It's been reviewed as getting a really good response from users because it manages to keep your feet dry without feeling stiff or losing that familiar Clifton softness. If you're someone who doesn't want to let a little rain stop your plans, then this version could be a great choice for you. It's quite remarkable how they managed to waterproof it so well while keeping that signature feel, you know?
It's essentially the same comfortable shoe you know and might love, but with that added layer of protection. This means you can step out on those damp mornings or through unexpected puddles with a bit more confidence. It's a shoe that's ready to go, come what may, and that's something a lot of people are looking for in their footwear, particularly for those days when the weather is a bit unpredictable, so.
How Does the Feel Differ - Clifton 9 vs Clifton 9 GTX?
When you put them side by side, the Clifton 9 and the Clifton 9 GTX, you'll notice some subtle but important differences in how they feel. The standard Clifton 9 is known for its plush cushioning and a ride that feels quite soft and forgiving. It's a shoe that seems to cradle your foot with every step, offering a very relaxed experience. This softness is a big reason why it's so popular for those longer, easier runs or just for walking around all day, you know?
The Clifton 9 GTX, while retaining much of that beloved softness, has that added weather protection. Some folks might find that the waterproofing material gives it a slightly different sensation on the foot, perhaps a bit more structured around the upper. However, the goal was to keep the original comfort, and many reviews suggest it does a good job of that. It's like wearing your favorite sweater, but with a thin, protective layer on top – it's still cozy, but ready for a drizzle, if that makes sense. The cushioning is still very much there, giving you that familiar Hoka soft landing, just with that extra bit of coverage, so it's almost the same experience.
One video review, in particular, compared the Clifton 9 GTX to the Clifton 9 in detail, including an A/B run to truly feel the differences in fit and how they move. This kind of direct comparison helps people really get a sense of whether the weatherized version changes the overall experience for them. The consensus often points to the GTX doing a very good job of keeping the core comfort, which is pretty important when you're choosing a shoe for regular use, you know, for instance.
Is the Forefoot Fit Different in Clifton 9 vs Clifton 9 GTX?
The Clifton 9 has a forefoot area that feels more relaxed than some other Hoka models, including its direct predecessor, the Clifton 8. This means that if you don't typically need a wide shoe, the standard fit of the Clifton 9 might still feel quite roomy and accommodating for your toes. This wider space up front is something many people appreciate, as it allows the toes to spread out a bit more naturally, which can be very comfortable over longer periods, you know?
When it comes to the Clifton 9 GTX, the aim was to keep that comfortable fit, even with the added waterproofing. While the material used for the weather protection might feel a little different on the outside, the internal space for your toes is generally designed to be quite similar to the regular Clifton 9. So, if you found the Clifton 9 to be a bit snug across the toes in earlier versions, this updated model, whether standard or GTX, should feel more comfortable. It's about maintaining that natural feel for your foot, which is pretty important, honestly.
People who have tried both often report that the overall sensation in the forefoot remains consistent between the two versions. The key is that the waterproofing is integrated in a way that doesn't drastically alter the interior volume or the way your foot sits within the shoe. This means you can expect a similar roomy feel where your toes are, which is a big plus for comfort during long walks or runs, for example.
What About Other Comparisons for Clifton 9 vs Clifton 9 GTX?
Beyond just comparing the Clifton 9 to its GTX sibling, it's helpful to see how it stands up against other shoes, both within and outside the Hoka family. For instance, the Clifton 9 and the Hoka Clifton 10 share a lot of their basic makeup, but the 10 refines the approach in ways that make it a better daily shoe for runners who really value softness and protection for their feet. The Clifton 10 is a little heavier than the Clifton 9, likely because of some changes in its construction, and it also comes with three millimeters more cushioning, similar to the jump from the 8 to the 9, you know?
However, the Clifton 10 is also described as having a firmer feel than previous versions, which is a noticeable difference for some. Price-wise, the Clifton 10 usually costs about ten pounds more than the Clifton 9. For a shoe you use every day, and one that's built to last, that's not too bad, but some might feel that price jump needs a little more justification. It's worth considering how much that firmer feel matters to you versus the slightly softer ride of the 9, as a matter of fact.
Then there's the comparison with trail shoes, like the Hoka Speedgoat 5. While the Clifton 9 is for the road, the Speedgoat 5 is a very popular trail shoe, each with its own special qualities. The Clifton 9 feels lighter when you compare it to the Speedgoat, probably because it has less rubber protecting the foam on the bottom. This design seems to give the Clifton 9 a firmer feel, which means it might return more energy to you, making it quite good for flat surfaces. For people who run mostly on roads, the Clifton 9 will probably last longer, but if you love the trails, the Speedgoat 6 might give you more mileage, naturally.
Another interesting comparison is with shoes like the Brooks Ghost 16. Both the Clifton 9 and the Ghost 16 offer excellent comfort for walking, though they do have slightly different feels. It's about what kind of cushioning and support you prefer for your everyday strolls. Some people might find the Clifton 9's plushness more appealing, while others might lean towards the Ghost's balanced feel. It's really about personal preference in the end, sort of.
How Do They Stack Up for Walking Comfort?
When it comes to just walking around, both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Clifton 9 GTX offer a lot of comfort, but in slightly different ways. The Clifton 9 really shines here with its soft, plush feel. It's like walking on a cloud, providing a very gentle experience for your feet, which is why it's such a good choice for long days on your feet or for recovery after a hard effort. This softness is a big draw for many people who prioritize a cushioned ride for their daily activities, basically.
The Clifton 9 GTX, while designed for wet conditions, doesn't sacrifice much in terms of walking comfort. It still provides that soft cushioning that the Clifton series is known for. The added weather protection means you can enjoy that comfort even when the ground is damp or there's a light rain. So, if you're looking for a shoe that's comfortable for walking but also gives you peace of mind in less-than-perfect weather, the GTX version is a very strong contender. It's pretty much the same comfortable shoe, just with an added shield, you know?
Some personal experiences highlight this. Someone mentioned that just trying on the Clifton 9 in a store felt more comfortable than another shoe they considered, even though they ended up choosing a different waterproof option for very rainy days. This suggests that the inherent comfort of the Clifton 9, which the GTX version largely maintains, is quite noticeable right away. It's about finding that sweet spot of softness and support that makes every step feel good, regardless of the weather conditions you might face, so.
Thinking About Your Next Pair of Shoes
Choosing between the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Clifton 9 GTX really comes down to what you need your shoes to do for you on a regular basis. If you're someone who primarily runs or walks in dry conditions, and you value that incredibly soft, plush feel above all else, the standard Clifton 9 is a truly excellent option. It's been a dependable friend to many for a long time, offering consistent comfort and a smooth ride for your everyday miles, you know?
However, if you often find yourself out in unpredictable weather, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes with having water-resistant footwear, the Clifton 9 GTX is a very smart choice. It manages to keep almost all the beloved features of the original shoe while adding that crucial layer of protection against the elements. It means you don't have to let a little rain stop you from getting out there, which is pretty convenient, honestly.
Both shoes are designed to provide a high level of comfort and support, whether you're going for a leisurely walk or a steady run. The decision really hinges on whether that weather protection is a must-have for your typical activities. It's about matching the shoe's capabilities with your own daily needs and the conditions you usually encounter, so you can step out feeling ready for anything, basically.
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Black HOKA One One Clifton 9 GTX | SVD
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