Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews — I’m James, a foot and ankle specialist who’s been reviewing footwear for over 10 years. If you’re trying to understand the differences between the Hoka Clifton 9 vs Hoka Arahi 7, you’re not alone. While they may look similar, they’re built for completely different purposes — and they feel very different underfoot.
Let’s break down the features that matter most so you can figure out which one suits your walking or running style best.
Upper Fit & Feel
Clifton 9:
This shoe has a snug, race-like upper. The engineered mesh wraps tightly around the forefoot, which can be great if you like a secure fit — but those with wider feet might find it a bit cramped. Thankfully, it does come in a wide version. The Clifton also features a gusseted, padded tongue and plush heel padding that gives a secure and comfortable lockdown.
Arahi 7:
The upper on the Arahi 7 has been slightly updated compared to the Arahi 6. It still has a close-fitting mesh upper but feels a bit more forgiving. It also comes in wide, though again, the toe box isn’t overly roomy. There’s a gusseted tongue here too, but slightly less padding around the heel counter than the Clifton. That said, the Arahi features a moderately stiff heel counter, giving you a little extra ankle support right where you need it.
Midsole & Stability Features
Arahi 7:
This is where the Arahi really sets itself apart. It uses Hoka’s J-Frame™ stability system — a firmer, denser cushioning material that wraps from the heel along the inner side of the foot and finishes near the big toe. This design works to limit excessive inward foot rolling (pronation) without intrusive arch support. It’s an excellent option if you want mild to moderate stability but still want a natural feel.
Clifton 9:
The Clifton 9 doesn’t have a J-Frame or built-in stability system, but it does include sidewalls on both the medial and lateral sides of the heel. These cradle the foot and help with alignment during movement. There’s also moderate sole flare, which means the midsole extends out wider than the foot to increase surface contact and improve stability. While still a neutral shoe, it does offer more support than some traditional neutral trainers.
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Cushioning & Ride
Both models use CMEVA foam, which is responsive and snappy underfoot — ideal for those who want a cushioned shoe that doesn’t feel overly soft.
- Clifton 9: 32mm rearfoot / 27mm forefoot (5mm drop)
- Arahi 7: 34mm rearfoot / 29mm forefoot (5mm drop)
Both have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, giving a balanced distribution of pressure across the foot — ideal for walking or standing all day. However, the Arahi has just a little more stack, which you’ll notice if you’re on your feet for extended periods.
In terms of performance, the Clifton 9 feels more versatile. It transitions more smoothly from heel to toe and feels slightly lighter (242g vs. 272g in men’s size 9). It’s better suited for long runs, easy miles, and even some uptempo work.
The Arahi 7 is a touch heavier and a little slower underfoot — but that’s the trade-off for added support. It’s perfect if you’re prone to overpronation or want added structure for daily walking or recovery runs.
Durability & Lifestyle Use
Both shoes are built like tanks — we’ve logged over 300 km in the Clifton 9 with minimal outsole wear, and the Arahi 7 performs just as well in terms of durability. Whether you’re using them for high-mileage running or long days on your feet, they’re both excellent choices.
The Clifton 9 is slightly better suited to running versatility, while the Arahi 7 stands out for those who need light stability and don’t mind a slightly firmer ride.
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Final Thoughts
- Choose the Hoka Clifton 9 if you want a responsive, cushioned ride with a slightly more flexible and lighter feel.
- Choose the Hoka Arahi 7 if you need a bit more stability, subtle guidance for overpronation, and don’t mind a touch more weight underfoot.
If you’re not sure, you might want to check out some other Hoka models we’ve reviewed — like the max stability Hoka Gaviota 5, or the more race-ready Hoka Mach 6. You might also find our comparison of the Hoka Bondi 9 vs New Balance More v5 helpful if you’re leaning toward plush cushioning.
