Hoka Running Shoes: Clifton 8, Clifton 9 & Mach 6
- Fred & Ellis
- Jan 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Welcome back to Fred & Ellis! Today, we’re diving into the world of Hoka running shoes, specifically the Hoka Clifton 8, Hoka Clifton 9, and Hoka Mach 6. With their innovative designs and stellar reputation, Hoka shoes are beloved by runners and walkers alike. But which one is best suited for your needs? To help you decide, we’ve scoured Amazon reviews to provide an in-depth comparison of these three models. Let’s get started! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Hoka Clifton 8: High Cushioning for Comfort Seekers
Key Features:
Weight: Approximately 204g
Drop: 5 mm
Midsole Material: EVA foam
Upper: Engineered mesh
The Clifton 8 is celebrated for its lightweight construction and exceptional cushioning, making it a favourite among runners seeking comfort over long distances. Its responsive midsole and engineered mesh upper provide a breathable and supportive experience. Let’s see what users have to say:
Users Say
Positives
Users consistently praise the Clifton 8 for its outstanding cushioning and lightweight feel, making it a top choice for long walks and runs. Many reviewers noticed a positive impact on joint and back comfort, particularly when used for daily walking routines. The engineered mesh upper and responsive EVA midsole also receive high marks for breathability and support.
Negatives
Some found the fit on the narrow side, particularly around the width, and a few noted durability concerns, especially with the back heel support wearing down over time. A small number of users felt the shoe wore out too quickly considering its price point.
Hoka Clifton 9: Cloud-Like Comfort
Key Features:
Weight: Approximately 205g
Drop: 5 mm
Midsole Material: Compression-moulded EVA foam
Upper: Breathable engineered knit
Building upon its predecessor, the Clifton 9 offers enhanced cushioning and a sleeker design. It maintains the signature Meta-Rocker geometry, promoting smooth transitions during runs. The updated engineered mesh upper ensures improved breathability and support, catering to runners who prioritise comfort and efficiency.
Users Say
Positives
The Clifton 9 is described as incredibly comfortable, like "walking on a cloud", and is particularly appreciated by users with foot or back conditions such as plantar fasciitis and degenerative disc issues. The cushioning and support were frequently highlighted, and many praised the shoe’s ability to handle medium-distance walks with ease.
Negatives
A few reviewers mentioned the toe box felt narrow, which made the fit uncomfortable for wider feet. Others felt that while the comfort was excellent, the high price tag wasn't entirely justified by the build quality.
Hoka Mach 6: Lightweight Performance
Key Features:
Weight: Approximately 189g
Drop: 5 mm
Midsole Material: Super critical foam midsole
Upper: Creel jacquard engineered mesh
The Mach 6 is designed for versatility, offering a lightweight and responsive ride suitable for both daily training and faster-paced runs. Its supercritical EVA midsole delivers a responsive underfoot feel, while the Creel Jacquard mesh upper provides zonal breathability, keeping your feet cool and comfortable.
Users Say
Positives
The Mach 6 is celebrated for its lightweight and springy ride, ideal for both casual walking and more intensive running sessions. Users appreciated its responsive sole, breathable mesh upper, and versatility across seasons. Many found it especially useful for training and events like triathlons.
Negatives
Though comfort was widely praised, some users found the fit slightly narrow or small and needed to size up. Despite this, the overall impression remained positive, with only minor fit adjustments needed for an ideal experience.
F&E Verdict
At Fred & Ellis, we love a good product comparison! Each Hoka model has unique strengths catering for different running preferences:
Hoka Clifton 8: Ideal for those seeking a balanced mix of cushioning and durability for long-distance comfort, though it may not suit wider feet.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 with 259 ratings as of October 2025.
Hoka Clifton 9: Suited for those desiring enhanced cushioning and a streamlined design for efficient, comfortable runs. Narrow toe boxes for some users remain a downside.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 with 99 ratings as of October 2025.
Hoka Mach 6: Perfect for runners looking for a versatile, responsive shoe that performs well in both daily training and speed-focused sessions. While narrower than the others, it’s perfect for performance-focused users.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 with 166 ratings as of October 2025.
Whether you’re walking, running, or looking for relief from foot pain, one of these models is sure to suit your needs.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. Product ratings and review counts mentioned in this post were accurate at the time of publishing (as of October 2025) but may change over time. Please refer to the product pages on Amazon for the most up-to-date information.
This post presents original insights and analysis about products available on Amazon. All opinions and observations are presented in original language to provide a fair and balanced overview. No user reviews have been quoted or reproduced from Amazon. AI tools were used to help research and draft this post. All content has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and originality.
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