Designed to be the ultimate road running shoe, the Hoka Clifton 9 is also my favorite walking shoe for hard surfaces like concrete, and features in my best walking shoe guide. It lacks a fraction of the high stacks of cushioning of other road running shoes, like the Hoka Bondi 8 or Brooks Glycerin Max, but that's an advantage if you want something lightweight, and there's still plenty of plush cushioning and bounce to keep you striding forward.
The men's shoes and women's shoes are both discounted by 19% at REI, with a good range of sizes still available. You can also still get the Hoka Bondi 8 for 30% off and there are a few pairs of the Hoka Transport still available at half price.
When I reviewed the Hoka Clifton 9, I particularly liked how soft it is underfoot. It's not quite as plush as some of the other shoes I've tested, but for such a streamlined shoe, it's definitely pillow-like. The cushioning feels softer than that found in more high-stack shoes like the Bondi 8, and it's more lightweight too.
The high, curved back also makes them easy to pull on and kick off, and makes for a cool stylistic choice in my opinion. It also serves the practical function of preventing rubbing and pinching on the Achilles tendon, something I usually have trouble with.
It also has an editor's choice award from REI.
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A trainer says this is the one full-body mobility move you shouldn't skip in a warm-upMobility Lower your risk of injury with this essential move
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A run coach and a physical therapist explain how to train for a marathon when you don't have any timerunning Get to the start line prepared and injury-free without overhauling your schedule
