Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com
The first time I noticed my ideal travel footwear was during one of my regular 10-mile runs back in Australia. While navigating through the bush, I was struggling with discomfort from a pair of sneakers that had outlived their usefulness. A fellow runner in front of me piqued my interest—specifically, her Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers. Adopting my naturally inquisitive nature, I approached her to ask about her shoes and whether they were indeed as good as advertised.
“I’m on my 10th major run with them, and they’re holding up great,” she replied before sprinting off with ease. After I completed my run, I promptly went online to purchase this recommended pair and have not looked back since. In fact, I’m so impressed that I noticed they are currently on sale at Zappos, and I’m planning to buy an extra pair.
Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Sneakers
Zappos
Honestly, my loyalty to Hoka goes back quite a while, but the Clifton series is what I consistently return to. I’ve experimented with other models—the Bondi, the Mach, the Rocket—each offering unique benefits, yet the Clifton stands out as my top choice. For someone like me with flat, wide feet, they provide an ideal combination of space and cushioning while ensuring proper support. Even on long runs exceeding 10 miles, I don’t experience blisters, which is notable for my more adventurous running days.
While Hoka shoes are highly regarded for their performance, I find myself wearing Cliftons for much more than just running. During a recent visit to Madrid, they performed admirably as my essential travel footwear. I enjoyed early morning runs around Retiro Park mingling with local runners, had lunch at my hotel, and transitioned straight into a day of exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Chueca and Salamanca. In the evenings, I continued my gastronomic adventures, all the while comfortably wearing my Cliftons.
In addition to their comfort and reasonable price point, I genuinely appreciate the aesthetic of the Clifton 9s. While they may feature a somewhat boxy design, they remain lightweight and flexible, making them easy to pack. Surprisingly, they are also robust enough for varied terrains; during a trip to the Swiss Alps, I relied solely on my Cliftons for hiking, discovering they could handle the mixed terrain effectively given their road-shoe construction.
If you’re in the market for new running shoes this summer—regardless of whether you’re training for a half-marathon or leisurely walking through a new city—the Clifton 9s prove to be an excellent investment. Their versatility, durability, and stylish fit make them suitable for various activities, explaining why Hoka has released multiple iterations of this popular model.
Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Sneakers
Zappos
Featuring a lightweight, breathable mesh upper and a soft collar that gives a snug feel, the cushion is plush enough for even the flattest arches (like mine). I’m not the only one raving about these shoes; one reviewer captured the sentiment perfectly: “The Clifton is my go-to for support and comfort…it’s exceptional, and the heel support is unbelievable.” Another fan proudly claimed they’ve reached their fifth pair without facing any flare-ups of plantar fasciitis since they made the switch.
With their supportive and comfortable design, along with being lightweight and multifunctional, I’m eagerly looking forward to purchasing another pair before they run out of stock.
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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Source
www.travelandleisure.com