Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes vs Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe.

Full Review

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket

9.2/10 Excellent

4.7★ (4,800 owners)

700FP hydrophobic down, DWR, lightweight 330g, pack small, Pertex. Rab's packable down jacket.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes	Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	9.2/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.7★ (4,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Weight	244g	330g

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket edges ahead with a 9.2/10 vs 9.0/10. 700FP hydrophobic down, DWR, lightweight 330g, pack small, Pertex. Rab's packable down jacket. That said, the Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes is worth considering if Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Maximal cushioning stack absorbs impact for long-distance daily training and recovery runs
Wide base provides exceptional stability during fatigue at late-race or high-mileage stages
Lightweight at 244g for the amount of foam — Hoka's engineering achieves cushion without weight
Meta-Rocker geometry promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions reducing leg fatigue
8,400 Amazon reviews at 4.5★ from marathon runners, physio patients and everyday walkers

Cushioning height looks chunky — aesthetics divide opinion
Wide base limits feel for technical trail running — Salomon XA Pro is better on technical terrain
Premium pricing at £130+ for a daily trainer

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket

700FP Hydrophobic Down treated to repel moisture — performs in damp UK mountain conditions
Pertex Quantum shell is lightweight while preventing down from escaping
330g packs into its own pocket — the weight and volume of a water bottle
Full front zip, helmet-compatible hood and cuffs seal out cold effectively
Rab's Peak District heritage — the Sheffield brand built for UK mountain conditions specifically

Down insulation performs less well when fully saturated — synthetic alternatives better in extreme wet

FAQ

Which is better, Hoka Clifton 9 Running or Rab Microlight Alpine?

Is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running worth the extra cost?

The Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running best suited to?

Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe.

Who is the Rab Microlight Alpine best suited to?

700FP hydrophobic down, DWR, lightweight 330g, pack small, Pertex. Rab's packable down jacket.

What are the main downsides of each?

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Cushioning height looks chunky — aesthetics divide opinion; Wide base limits feel for technical trail running — Salomon XA Pro is better on technical terrain. Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket: Down insulation performs less well when fully saturated — synthetic alternatives better in extreme wet.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket at 4.7★ from 4,800.

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