The first time I laid eyes on my favorite travel shoes was while I was on one of my regular 10-mile runs. I was back home in Australia, running through the bush (yes, we actually do that!), nursing foot pain from a pair of worn-out sneakers I should’ve retired months prior. A fellow runner ahead of me caught my attention—specifically, her Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers did. So, being the non-bashful person I am, I caught up and asked what she was wearing and if they were worth the hype.
“This is my 10th big run in them and so far so good,” she said, sprinting off effortlessly. After finishing my run, I immediately went online to buy the podiatrist-approved pair of shoes—and haven’t looked back since. In fact, I love them so much that I noticed they are on sale at Zappos right now and am going to stock up on a fresh pair.
Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Sneakers
Zappos
Truth be told, I’ve been a Hoka fan for a while, but the Cliftons are the ones I keep coming back to. I’ve tried the Bondi, the Mach, the Rocket—each with its own perks—but the Clifton remains my MVP. For someone with flat, wide feet, they check every box for feeling roomy and cushioned while offering stability. I don’t get blisters, even on long runs that exceed 10 miles—something I do when I’m feeling especially unhinged.
While Hokas are renowned for their performance, I wear my Cliftons for far more than just running. On a recent trip to Madrid, they were my travel MVPs. I ran laps around Retiro Park in the morning with other Madrileños, got lunch at my hotel, and then slipped them back on for afternoons of shopping in Chueca and Salamanca. At night, I’d stroll to my favorite tapas spots—still in my Cliftons.
Beyond comfort and price, I genuinely love the look of the Clifton 9s. Sure, they have a boxy silhouette, but they’re lightweight and flexible—ideal for tossing into a suitcase. And they’re not just built for city adventures. Last time I was in the Swiss Alps, I forgot my trail runners and had to rely solely on my Cliftons. They held their own across mixed terrain, being unexpectedly durable for a road shoe.
If you’re planning to update your running shoes this summer—whether you’re training for a half-marathon or just power walking through a new city—the Clifton 9s are a safe bet. They’re versatile, durable, and stylish enough to work beyond the track. It’s no wonder Hoka has released ten different iterations of them.
Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Sneakers
Zappos
The mesh upper is light and airy, the collar soft and hug-like, and the cushioning plush enough for even the flattest of feet (hi, it’s me). And I’m not the only one singing their praises. One reviewer summed it up perfectly. “The Clifton is always my go-to shoe for support and comfort… it is superb and the support in the heel is unbelievable.” Another fan said they were on their fifth pair and still loving them. They haven’t experienced any plantar fasciitis flare-ups since making the switch.
Supportive, comfortable, lightweight, and more than just a running sneaker, I look forward to stocking up on another pair before they sell out.
More Hoka Shoe Deals to Shop:
Hoka Men’s Solimar
Zappos
Hoka Women’s Challenger 7
Zappos
Hoka Women’s Hopara 2 Hiking Sandals
Nordstrom
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