Hoka Clifton 9 vs. Arahi 6: Which One? (2023 Comparison)
The Hoka brand offers a complete of road running shoes. However, while all of these shoes share common features (comfortable cushioning, low heel-to-toe drop), some have notable differences.
This is the case with these two very popular models: the Hoka Clifton 9 and the Hoka Arahi 6.
Pronation Type
The main difference is the support they provide runners to stabilize their ride while running.
Simply put, if the back of your foot tends to roll inward while running, you may be pronating. Don’t panic! It’s not serious and often doesn’t require any special attention.
However, sometimes it’s more comfortable to run in a ‘stability’ shoe when you tend to overpronate. The Hoka Arahi is one of these shoes.
Thus, the Hoka Arahi 6 has a frame (J-Frame) to guide your foot and prevent it from rolling. Therefore, the ride is more stable, which can be reassuring, even if you don’t overpronate.
The Hoka Clifton 9, on the other hand, is a neutral shoe for runners who don’t want extra support.
This difference leads to a significant weight difference: the Clifton is lighter than the Arahi, with 0.6 oz/16 g less for the men’s version.
Cushioning and Ride
The Hoka Arahi offers less cushioning with a 35 mm heel stack height compared to 40 mm for the Clifton. The drop of both shoes is 5 mm.
In practice, the underfoot feel is still a little softer on the Clifton. Indeed, despite its higher stack, the Arahi is firmer.
Finally, note that the Clifton 9 offers a more responsive ride with its decent bounce. Thus, the transitions are smoother and easier.
Sizing and Foot Lockdown
Both models run true to size and offer a precise foot lockdown. However, the Clifton 9 is looser and has more volume inside the shoe.
If you have narrow feet, the Arahi may be a better choice.
Durability
Overall, reviewers note that the Clifton 9 is a bit more reliable.
Indeed, the Hoka Arahi is pretty light for a stability shoe, and it seems that Hoka skimped on the rubber and overlays in the upper. This makes for a more fragile shoe, although it’s still pretty decent.
Arahi or Clifton: Which One Is Better?
The Hoka Clifton appears to be a better choice with its greater comfort, good responsiveness, flexibility, and lightweight design for a daily trainer. Plus, it’s versatile enough for official races like the half or full marathon.
Nevertheless, its main drawback is its slight lack of stability.
If you need a stable shoe with an optimal structure to better support your foot, then the Hoka Arahi 6 is a compelling alternative.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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9.2  |
9.1  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Description | The Hoka Clifton 9 is a lightweight running shoe combining comfort, versatility and cushion. | The Hoka Arahi 6 is a comfortable, stable shoe for recovery and long runs. |
|
9.5
9
9
9.5
9
9
9.5
|
9.5
8.5
9
9.5
8.5
9
9
| |
| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Support | Neutral | Overpronation (stability) |
| Heel stack height | 40 mm | 35 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 35 mm | 30 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 248 g | 272 g |
| Weight (women) | 205 g | 230 g |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials | Vegan, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Durabrasion Rubber | Rubber |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam (CMEVA), Early Meta-Rocker Geometry | CMEVA, Late Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry |
| Upper | Breathable technical mesh, gusseted tongue | Engineered mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Balanced | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium | Low |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate, Fast | Slow, Moderate |
| Workouts | Daily running | Daily running, Recovery |
