Hoka Clifton 9 GORE-TEX (Black)

I chose this model because I wanted a waterproof, doctor certified, universal pair of shoes.1) It is a Gore-Tex model shoe, which is a material known for its waterproof characteristic.2) Even though the Clifton 9 GTX does not possess the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval, the Clifton 9 does, which was close enough for me.3) This model is listed as best for everyday run and walking, which satisfied my idea of universal.I use this pair of shoes for everything. I wear them as everyday shoes. I wear them for work at my computer technician job which requires a lot of standing and walking. I wear them for weight and conditioning training.And yes, my feet remain dry when exposed to water, within reason. I did not submerge my feet in water with ... MoreI chose this model because I wanted a waterproof, doctor certified, universal pair of shoes.1) It is a Gore-Tex model shoe, which is a material known for its waterproof characteristic.2) Even though the Clifton 9 GTX does not possess the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval, the Clifton 9 does, which was close enough for me.3) This model is listed as best for everyday run and walking, which satisfied my idea of universal.I use this pair of shoes for everything. I wear them as everyday shoes. I wear them for work at my computer technician job which requires a lot of standing and walking. I wear them for weight and conditioning training.And yes, my feet remain dry when exposed to water, within reason. I did not submerge my feet in water with the unrealistic expectation that they will remain dry.

The left shoe bottom tread pealed off less than a week of use and less than 4 miles. The right shoe was fine. Customer service less than desired, they requested to send the shoes back for them to examine before they could determine if they could reissue new shoes. This would put me out of shoes for a significant period of time. Due to lack of customer service, I just chose to return them and go back to ASICS.I think how ever the left shoe was manufactured there was a flaw (e.g. ran out of heat, lacked glue, etc). It's perplexing a company like this would make it such a hassle for a customer to get a replacement shoe. The lack of customer service made me believe the original problem is probably bigger than I originally thought.

I bought these mostly for cool, dewy mornings at the Cross Country course late in the season. For that purpose, they worked pretty well in terms of blocking a bit of moisture from the grass and keeping my feet warm. However, after two runs *while* it was raining, I'm deeply disappointed in the waterproofing. These shoes turned into waterlogged boats when running in the rain, and didn't drain. I wouldn't purchase these if you're looking for a shoe to run in rainy weather. If you're just looking to keep your feet dry on wet grass, or looking for a shoe that keeps your feet pretty warm, then these will work great for you. I'm planning on using them more as a winter shoe for cold weather moving forward than a shoe that I'll reach for when it's actually raining outside. ... MoreI bought these mostly for cool, dewy mornings at the Cross Country course late in the season. For that purpose, they worked pretty well in terms of blocking a bit of moisture from the grass and keeping my feet warm. However, after two runs *while* it was raining, I'm deeply disappointed in the waterproofing. These shoes turned into waterlogged boats when running in the rain, and didn't drain. I wouldn't purchase these if you're looking for a shoe to run in rainy weather. If you're just looking to keep your feet dry on wet grass, or looking for a shoe that keeps your feet pretty warm, then these will work great for you. I'm planning on using them more as a winter shoe for cold weather moving forward than a shoe that I'll reach for when it's actually raining outside. As far as the run and ride of the shoe are concerned, they're still the classic Clifton, but I'll be going back to my Mach 5s more often than not.