HOKA's Popular Model Gets a Full Model Change – What Has Changed in the "CLIFTON 9" From Its Predecessor?

With its thick midsole and rocker structure offering comfort and unique style, HOKA has garnered support not only in the running scene but also in fashion. The CLIFTON series has been a beloved entry model for those wearing HOKA for the first time.
 
The 9th generation of this iconic HOKA series has seen significant upgrades from its predecessor. The midsole foam material has been updated, and the outsole material has changed. The upper part has fewer bonded parts, resulting in a simpler design. What were the intentions behind these updates, and how has the series evolved?

Midsole Thickness & Sole Width Increased

"The most notable change, and one that runners will easily notice, is the 3mm increase in midsole thickness at both the heel and forefoot. For those who don't run regularly, 3mm might not seem significant, but it amounts to the thickness of an insole, making the difference apparent when running compared to the previous model," says Masanao Ando, Senior Field Service Rep at HOKA.

Some runners might worry that the increased midsole thickness would compromise stability despite added cushioning and resilience, but measures have been taken to ensure stability.
 
"With a thicker midsole and increased distance from the ground, enhancing stability is essential. CLIFTON 9 has a wider sole at both the heel and forefoot compared to CLIFTON 8. The larger ground contact area alleviates any concerns about instability," Ando adds.
 
With a wider sole at both the heel and forefoot, the shoe reduces wobbling and instability during both landing and takeoff. The high cushioning ensures a comfortable run while providing solid stability.

Maintains Lightweight & Enhanced Durability

Amazingly, despite the increased midsole volume and sole width, the shoe is lighter. The men's model weighs 248g (size 27cm), and the women's model weighs 205g (size 24cm), which is 2g and 10g lighter than CLIFTON 8, respectively. This weight reduction is due to the new foam midsole and reduced layering and bonded parts in the upper.
 
The outsole now features DurAbrasion Rubber, a highly durable material. "I've already logged over 100km in the new CLIFTON, and I can confidently say the durability has improved," Ando states.

"The outsole clearly shows less wear, making it evident that durability has significantly increased."

While not as significant as the midsole or outsole changes, other updates have also been made. The upper has switched from engineered mesh to engineered knit, and the insole has been upgraded to a more resilient EVA material.

"The upper maintains high breathability while providing a softer fit and a more snug sensation. The insole is thicker and more resilient than the previous design. Runners who have worn CLIFTON 8 will immediately notice the difference when they put on the new model," says Ando.