Hoka Clifton 9 Men's Running Shoe - 8.7 Ounces and 5 mm Drop

Hoka Clifton 9 Men's Running Shoe combines an 8.7-ounce listed weight with a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop for daily road running. Its engineered-knit upper, CMEVA midsole, and early-stage Meta-Rocker define the shoe's technical profile.

Clifton 9 Specifications

The men's model carries item number 1127895 and is listed for everyday running on roads. Hoka lists the shoe at 8.70 oz with a 5.00 mm heel-to-toe drop.

Its heel stack measures 32 mm, while the forefoot stack measures 27 mm. The 5 mm difference creates the stated drop, and the shoe uses compression-molded EVA foam in the midsole with a rubber Durabrasion outsole.

Construction And Ride

The upper uses breathable engineered knit, a gusseted tongue, and a reflective heel panel. Hoka also identifies 35% recycled polyester in the upper mesh, 60% recycled polyester in the collar and tongue lining, and 87% recycled polyester in the strobel board.

An early-stage Meta-Rocker is designed for smoother heel-to-toe transitions. The shoe also uses J-Frame technology, a wide base, and an Active Foot Frame for moderate stability intended to work with neutral gaits.

Compared with the Clifton 8, the Clifton 9 adds 3 mm of stack height while reducing weight by 4 grams, according to the manufacturer. The change keeps the same 5 mm drop while pairing the revised geometry with a responsive foam and updated outsole design.

Price And Category Context

Hoka's US listing shows an original price of $145 and a displayed sale price of $115.99 for the men's Clifton 9. $145 original price and $115.99 displayed price are shown for the listed product page on 09/22/2026.

REI lists the men's shoe with a $145 comparison price and identifies it as a neutral road-running shoe with maximum cushioning. The retailer records a 32 mm heel stack, 27 mm forefoot stack, and 5 mm drop.

Best Fit For Daily Miles

The Clifton 9 sits in the neutral daily road-running category, with a moderate stability design rather than a corrective support system. Its 32 mm heel stack, 27 mm forefoot stack, 8.7-ounce weight, and 5 mm drop suit runners seeking substantial cushioning without a heavier max-cushion construction.

The shoe also fits walking and treadmill use, but its design centers on road running. The outsole uses Durabrasion rubber, while the upper remains engineered knit rather than weatherproof GTX construction.

For runners comparing the Clifton 9 with the Clifton 8, the measurable update is straightforward: 3 mm more stack height and 4 grams less weight. For runners who prioritize maximum cushioning, the 32 mm heel stack provides more material than lower-profile daily trainers, while the neutral geometry avoids a prescriptive stability setup.