HOKA Arahi 9 vs Clifton 11

Arahi 9 or Clifton 11? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want stable support that doesn’t feel rigid? Get the Arahi 9.

Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.

Get the Arahi 9 if

• Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
• You’d like a little less squish underfoot

Get the Clifton 11 if

• You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more foam underfoot (3mm more at the heel)
• You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe

On the run

Arahi 9: Stable, steady and built to last. Stable without feeling rigid. The broad base and HOKA’s H-Frame keep you steady, and the heel-to-toe roll is smooth. Soft enough for easy miles, but there’s little bounce.

Clifton 11: The soft cruiser, refined. The same soft, steady Clifton ride. It’s comfortable and consistent rather than bouncy, and a new insole and a more flexible forefoot make it a touch smoother than the 10.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Arahi 9. True to size with a secure fit on a wide platform. The toebox is a little narrower than the Arahi 8’s, and the heel collar is kind to sensitive heels. Wide and extra-wide available.

Clifton 11. True to size. Reviewers find the forefoot roomier than the 10’s, but lab measurements show the toebox still narrows to a point at the very front. Wide and extra-wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Arahi 9 · Shop the Clifton 11 · Compare other running shoes