Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes vs Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe (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

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (8,400 owners)

Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes	Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.6★ (8,400)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes: Maximal cushioning, wide base, 244g, road running. The most cushioned mainstream road shoe. Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe: Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark. Choose based on your specific needs. 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

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe

Contagrip outsole is the trail running traction benchmark — 30 years of development
3D Advanced Chassis provides underfoot torsional stability on uneven terrain
EnergyCell foam delivers cushioning and energy return without weight penalty
Quicklace system one-pull tightening with single lock — faster than standard laces
Salomon's 25-year trail running shoe heritage — the original trail shoe brand

Narrower last than New Balance or Hoka alternatives — not suited for wide feet
Higher price than budget trail options — reflects Salomon's engineering investment
Quicklace system replacement is proprietary — not standard shoelace compatible

FAQ

Which is better, Hoka Clifton 9 Running or Salomon XA Pro 3D V9?

Is the Hoka Clifton 9 Running worth the extra cost?

The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe 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 Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 best suited to?

Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark.

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. Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe: Narrower last than New Balance or Hoka alternatives — not suited for wide feet; Higher price than budget trail options — reflects Salomon's engineering investment.

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 Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe at 4.6★ from 8,400.

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