Comparison Overview
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the latest evolution of the Clifton 8 line. We recommend the Clifton 9 for most runners.
How the Hoka Clifton 8 and Hoka Clifton 9 differ
The Hoka Clifton 8 and the Hoka Clifton 9 are both daily trainer shoes from Hoka, which makes this a classic same-line comparison: same design language, similar fit philosophy, but meaningful changes in feel and intended use.
Where they actually differ: the Hoka Clifton 9 comes in roughly 0.3 oz lighter (9 oz vs 8.7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the Hoka Clifton 9 rides on the taller stack (29mm/24mm vs 32mm/27mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the Hoka Clifton 8 is $10 cheaper at MSRP ($135 vs $145).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hoka Clifton 8 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Hoka | Hoka |
| Model | Clifton 8 | Clifton 9 |
| Category | daily trainer | daily trainer |
| Weight | 9 oz | 8.7 oz |
| Drop | 5mm | 5mm |
| Price | $135 | $145 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Hoka Clifton 8 or the Hoka Clifton 9?
- The Hoka Clifton 9 is the lighter shoe at 8.7 oz versus 9 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Hoka Clifton 8 is the more affordable option at $135 compared to $145.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Hoka Clifton 8 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Hoka Clifton 9 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.