You nailed my take on them. They aren't my most exciting shoe I'm using but on an easier pace they're so agreeable for just about anything other than rugged trails.

My one gripe with nearly all running shoes (and actually just shoes in general!) is that they squish your toes up because of the toe box shape! And people just accept it or buy wide ones which still aren’t right! I used to wear Altra and now wear Topo and it’s just so nice to have your toes not squashed and it’s a feeling that surprises me every time I put them on.

@tomharvey-run

6 ай бұрын

Yep I’ve got used to the fitting into shoes feel instead of the shoes fitting to you. For racing and downhills I like a firm lock down. The recent Inov-8 MudTalon Wides are v wide. I did a video. V aggressive outsole lugs.

Yep, have been through quite a few Cliftons myself and yes I too always get the previous season models, often for only about €65-75!! It was the very first shoe I ever had that I could totally totally rely on to never ever 'cause pain as I slowly pushed up my distances and volume. I've heard some Australian Olympic champions say that when they are nursing a niggle or recovering from an injury, this is absolutely THE shoe!! I've taken all mine well over 1500km, but I admit that they lose that magic feeling and total reliability for really long runs at around 750km and then I relegate them to shorter runs of up to 16km, treadmill/gym workouts and walking!

@tomharvey-run

6 ай бұрын

Interesting, it was also my first proper running shoe when training for first Loch Ness marathon back in 2015. Upping the volume can be a fine balance to avoid injury low HR training helps slow it down too.

@bev9708

6 ай бұрын

@@tomharvey-run OH that, AGREE!! I ran my very first marathon in them and I even used them for my early trail HM races when it was dry, to be absolutely sure not to be hampered by any foot pain!! And I've taken them over 50km on mixed road/light trails!!

I love the Cliftons. If I was only allowed one pair of shoes it would them. I think the majority of runners probably do only have one pair at a time. I've had 5 pairs and got 600+ miles out of each. The 9s are my favourite version so far.

@tomharvey-run

6 ай бұрын

I hear ya

Great vid tom. Been looking and going to grab a pair for 80 quid. What shoes do you recommend for faster efforts/interval training/races? I do more long distance but now want to move over to some shoes for a fast time for half mara/10k

@tomharvey-run

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the message. I’m a bit of a shoe addict as shown on Strava www.strava.com/athletes/23021631 road race: 5k/10k: Takumi Sen 9 or Vaporfly Next %2 road race: half marathon: Vaporfly Next %2 Road race: Marathon: Alphafly 1 or Adios Pro 3 Road tempo or interval training I try and avoid low mileage Carbon supershoes and save for race day. Maybe: Adios 8, older Vapor’s, Rincon 3 is lightweight and cushioned. Speed work Trails: I love the Zinal 2 and Tecton X Let’s see what happens in 2024 with evolving shoes rotation 🙂

The Clifton 9 is very comfortable, but it was not for me. I think it works better with high arcs feet.

@bev9708

6 ай бұрын

That is a common complaint for those who haven't gotten on with the Clifton, for all the versions actually!!

downloads.ctfassets.net/9olkiac82a1q/iU421iiO6Hky1MVvYThmz/cf2f510407b1b16be35d1c323722f47a/Strava-Global-Report-2023-en-US.pdf

Just had a pair and they were done for me after 2 months, just not supportive/responsive enough for me.

@tomharvey-run

6 ай бұрын

Yep, they have a soft midsole foam. Wear mine for some ‘recovery’ runs.

@tomholderness

6 ай бұрын

@@tomharvey-run generally after 7 km they were boring to run in, felt sluggish

@tomharvey-run

6 ай бұрын

@@tomholderness I think at some stage Hoka could update the midsole to be a bit more responsive, but then that would be a bit like the Mach range. They serve me well for daily miles where not bothered to much abt pace. Tempo and Intervals speed work would def need a lighter more snappy shoe.

@tomholderness

6 ай бұрын

⁠@@tomharvey-runyeah I totally agree!

@bev9708

6 ай бұрын

@@tomharvey-run As you say, that's why Hoka made the Machs, though only the 4 and 5 are good, the previous Machs are awful!!