I'm an avid walker and after having issues with the Bondi 8s wearing out too quickly I thought I would try the Cliftons. The issue with the 8s was that the mesh broke away from the foam sole at about the 7 month mark. So, after liaising with TAF in store, I tried on the Cliftons.

These 'seemed' to be more reinforced around the instep. A little hardier since they are billed as a walking/running shoe. At the 3-4 month mark I noticed the same thing happening. The shoe mesh breaking away from the sole at the instep. In my Bondi's this only happened in one shoe, the right, but this is now happening in the left as well. For a wide fit, that I was fitted for in store, this surely should not be happening. I've only had these shoes since July.

Outside of my issues with now having to find a new shoe brand with the same comfort and wide fit, because the Cliftons are very comfortable, I don't think I can buy a Hoka shoe again and just have to look at replacing them at the 6 month mark. Yes. I do a lot of walking, but at this price point they should last longer.

The sole of the shoe is a better quality than the foam on the Bondi 8s but having this instep issue again is ridiculous.

One year ago l bought a pair of Hoka’s and l have found these shoes really supported my ability to walk. The brand is amazing. My friends who cycle and run also really approve of these shoes. I have spinal stenosis and in July this year l had total knee replacement. I decided to buy a second of Hoka’s because they are the only shoes that support my legs and spine to help me walk successfully. My feet feel light and connected to the ground l am walking on. They do not restrict my toes or the soles of my feet, instead they provide a gentle comfort and ease as l move. I wear them in the house because of the support they continue to provide. My specialist at the hospital and my podiatrist both congratulated me wearing this brand of shoe because of the known support they give to my spine and my new knee. In contrast, l have a cheaper pair of dressy trainers and they do not support my spine or general walking. My new Hoka’s are just magic and are the best shoes l’ve ever worn in my life.

I am a huge fan of Hokas and have lived in my Hoka Clifton 8s for the past few years. I walk, run, work out, and travel in them. Because I wanted a pair in black to wear as I travel more for work post-covid, I bought a pair of Clifton 9s several months ago. In this new Clifton version the toe box to mid area (bunion area) is constricted by a new design and some additional restrictive stiching. No give at all. It makes my feet more sore to wear them after an hour than normal work pumps, which is something. They are too used for me to return them to REI (I had faith I could break them in…) I recently tried on my daughter's Mach 6s and they felt great - far more like the Clifton 8s. I am about to buy a pair of Mach 6s in black this week but very much regret spending the $140 on a Hoka product that failed me. If you need some stretch or give in the toe area, and especially if you have bunions, do NOT buy the Clifton 9. And to Hoka, from your biggest fan, when you have a great product like Clifton 8, please do not tinker and make it so much worse!

The star is not for the shoe but for Nordstrom. This order and another one I received, both Hoka, one from men's one from women's and both were either display models or previously worn. Not new like all others I've received. Over twenty years of buying shoes from Nordstrom, in Easton Town Center in OH and online, this was a first time to order in TX and both these were shipped from Nordstrom Domain and both were lacking quality and expectation of Nordstrom. One pair would be a mistake but both simply signals policy. Shared this with customer service rep at toll free number. No discount or mark down offered; simply said my options are to return with no guarantees that reorder replacement won't be the same condition. He even said I should call the local department to see if they have new fresh pairs. I once bought a display pair at Easton store and they discounted it without my asking or ever thinking of it. That was the Nordstrom quality of service I expected. Not the Nordstrom quality I have always known. Disappointed. At the price of these shoes, I would suggest buy direct from HOKA or REI.