Hoka Clifton 9 Nursing Shoes Review

Why I Recommend Hoka Clifton 9

If you have high arches or prioritize maximum cushioning above everything else, Hoka Clifton 9 is superior to Brooks Ghost 15. It's the most cushioned nursing shoe on the market while maintaining a professional appearance.

I tested these for 8 months in med-surg. My initial reaction: these feel like walking on clouds. By month 8, my feet felt fresher than any other shoe I've tested. The trade-off? They're slightly heavier than Ghost 15s (9.2 oz vs 8.4 oz), but many nurses don't notice the difference.

Specifications & Technical Details

Weight

9.2 oz (men's size 9) - Slightly heavier than Ghost 15, but still light for a max-cushion shoe

Cushioning Type

EVA foam (Hoka's proprietary formula) - Maximum cushioning that doesn't compress flat. Maintains responsiveness throughout lifespan.

Arch Support

Moderate with optional insole upgrade - Standard moderate support, but works exceptionally well for high-arch feet due to cushioning placement

Upper Material

Mesh with synthetic overlays - Breathable, durable, handles sweat well

Sole Type

HOKA Meta-Rocker with slip-resistant rubber - Unique rocker design reduces foot fatigue. Excellent traction on wet floors.

Drop (Heel-to-Toe)

5.4mm - Lower drop than Ghost 15. More natural foot position. Takes 1-2 weeks to adjust.

Color Options

Black, white, navy, gray - Professional nursing colors. Minimal branding.

My Honest Experience

Started wearing Clifton 9s skeptical. They looked almost cartoonish—so much cushioning visible. But after the first shift, I understood why nurses love them. They're undeniably comfortable.

Week 1: My feet felt pampered. No foot pain whatsoever. Arch felt well-supported despite only "moderate" support rating. The extra cushioning compensates.

Month 3: Still excellent. No deterioration. Cushioning felt identical to day 1. This impressed me—most shoes lose cushioning by month 3.

Month 8: Time to replace. Cushioning finally showed signs of compression. Still wearable but noticeably softer. Lasted slightly longer than Ghost 15s in my testing.

What Nurses Love About Clifton 9

✓ Pros:

Maximum cushioning: Most padded nursing shoe available
High-arch friendly: Perfect for people with high arches
Responsive feel: Doesn't feel mushy despite max cushioning
Long-lasting cushioning: Maintains responsiveness longer than competitors
Professional look: Doesn't look overly cushioned despite being max-cushion
Excellent traction: Meta-Rocker sole grips wet floors better than most
Immediate comfort: No break-in period

Honest Drawbacks

✗ Cons:

Slightly heavier: 9.2 oz vs Ghost's 8.4 oz. Not a deal-breaker but noticeable
Lower drop takes adjustment: If you're used to standard drops, feels different for 1-2 weeks
Price: $130-150, similar to Ghost but less common on sale
Best for high arches: If you have flat feet, Ghost 15 might be better value
Moderate base arch support: Max cushioning compensates, but the structural support is only moderate

Who Should Buy Hoka Clifton 9?

Nurses with high arches seeking maximum comfort
Anyone who prioritizes cushioning above everything
Nurses with general foot pain (not arch-specific)
Anyone transitioning from very padded running shoes
Nurses who want shoes that feel "premium" and cloud-like

Who Should Look at Other Options?

Nurses with flat feet (Ghost 15 or Dansko better)
Weight-conscious nurses in high-movement roles (Ghost 15 better)
Budget-conscious nurses (Nike Revolution)
Nurses with rigid shoe requirements (Dansko clogs)

Final Verdict

Should You Buy Hoka Clifton 9?

YES, if you have high arches or want maximum cushioning. It's an excellent shoe that many nurses prefer over Brooks Ghost 15, especially those with specific arch issues.

It's not lighter, it's not cheaper, but it IS more cushioned and lasts slightly longer. If comfort is your priority and you have high arches, Clifton 9 wins.

My personal rating: 4.7/5

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Hoka Clifton 9

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