The first version of the Hoka Clifton was truly one-of-a-kind. This lightweight, maximalist shoe with a bulky, built-up midsole was unlike anything else in the running world when it was first released. And over time, it helped make Hoka a household name.
Today, Hoka is one of the most well-known running brands in the world, and the Clifton continues to be its top seller. However, this reputation is a lot to live up to. The release of the newest Clifton, the Clifton 11, brings with it a lot of questions about how the shoe stacks up.
Our team saw Hoka first burst into the running scene, and watched them quickly grow and revolutionize how people thought of running shoes. Many of us have even relied on Hoka shoes for our daily driver. So we were also eagerly anticipating the Clifton 11’s arrival and our first test runs in the new shoe.
Our Review Process
As soon as the newest Clifton came through our doors, it was time to put this updated model to the test.
Our team takes a deep dive into every new shoe so we can offer the most informed recommendations possible. We take a closer look at all the technology – both old and new – that goes into the shoe. We also take the shoes for a test run and compare them side-by-side to similar options for the best possible understanding of how they perform.
Our test runs take us to the track, treadmill, roads, and trails for the most comprehensive look possible at every new update and model. Throughout this review, we’ll summarize everything we learned about the Clifton 11 and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
A Brief Overview of the Clifton 11
Before we go over some of the key details, here are some product highlights and specs you can find in the new Clifton 11.
- Advertised as a plush neutral daily trainer
- Stack height: 42/34 mm for men’s shoes, 38/30 mm for women’s
- 8 mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weight: 9.9 oz for men’s shoes, 8.3 oz for women’s
- Midsole made from soft compression-molded EVA foam
- Updated engineered mesh upper is soft, breathable, and flexible for more all-around comfort
- New double-lace lock provides additional support and security around the heel
- Active foot frame works alongside the upper to create a secure, locked-in feel
- MetaRocker geometry creates smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Open cell sockliner adds more premium cushioning underfoot
- Abrasion rubber outsole improves durability and reduces early wear
- Price: $155
Hoka Clifton 11: The Nuts and Bolts
Wondering if the Clifton 11 is worth the upgrade? Curious about what features Hoka carried over from past iterations, and what’s new in the most recent version? Then you’re in the right place.
Keep reading for a deep dive of the features that make – or possibly break – the newest Hoka Clifton.
High-Stack EVA Midsole
For years, the Clifton has relied on a stack of compression-molded EVA foam to deliver a soft and luxurious ride underfoot. The Clifton 11 doesn’t stray from this formula, using the same plush midsole foam to absorb impact and create a padded, comfortable ride.
Stack height also didn’t change much from previous iterations. Just like the Clifton 10, men’s Clifton 11s have a 42/34 mm stack height and women’s have a 38/30 mm stack height. While the Clifton 11 is technically Hoka’s moderate cushion shoe, the Clifton is starting to reach high cushion running shoe territory, offering lots of soft protection underfoot.
Upgraded Upper Design & General Fit
The Clifton 11 mostly saw minor tweaks. However, the upper is one of the biggest changes in this new Hoka trainer.
A premium engineered mesh replaced the jacquard upper. This leads to more breathability, softness, and flexibility around the top of the foot. Hoka also didn’t skip out on the finer details, and the luxurious padding extends to the upper, tongue, and heel collar for unrivaled comfort no matter where the day takes you.
The fit is true-to-size and remains pretty consistent with previous iterations. The Clifton has always fit on the wider side, and the 11th version is no exception. However, while the shoe has some extra width all-around, the tapered toe box may feel too snug for anyone who prefers natural toe splay. If you need or prefer a more accommodating fit, the shoe is also available in wide and extra wide widths.
Shoe Geometry
Hoka became well-known for its maximalist designs, but the brand is also renowned for a few signature geometric elements and design features that make its shoes stand out from the pack.
First, nearly every Hoka shoe has a rocker geometry, a curved sole that enables smooth transitions. In the Clifton 11, this takes the form of an early-stage MetaRocker that propels you forward and guides you through every step.
This model also features an Active Foot Frame. The raised midsole walls cradle your feet, keeping you feeling secure and supported. While ultra-soft shoes like the Clifton can often feel unstable, this Active Foot Frame helps you stay locked in place inside the shoe.
Finally, just by looking at the Clifton 11, you can see a wide, flared base. This wider platform also helps improve stability, giving you extra surface area for more confidence as you land.
Open Cell Sockliner
Generally, our review team doesn’t really touch on a shoe model’s sockliner. This inner lining tends to be the cheapest part of the shoe, designed to be thin and flimsy to fit as many runners and walkers as possible.
But with the Clifton 11, we took notice of the upgrades to the shoe’s sockliner. The premium sockliner uses an open cell design with more cushioning than ever before. This adds an extra layer of softness and protection underfoot for even more comfort during long runs or any long hours spent on your feet.
Overall Durability
One challenge with super soft shoes is that the midsole tends to quickly compress and bottom out. While the Clifton 11 doesn’t completely avoid this pitfall, the abrasion rubber outsole does help reduce early wear and improve the Clifton 11’s longevity and durability.
This rubber strategically covers the bottom of the shoe, protecting high wear areas so you can enjoy the shoe’s features for longer. This durability is especially important in the Clifton 11, as the shoe serves best as an everyday trainer or long run shoe.
Clifton 11 Road Test Results
Our review team members are no strangers to the Hoka Clifton line. Over several years – and several different iterations – the Clifton has been a favorite for several runners on our team. So when the 11th iteration arrived, we couldn’t wait to test out the newest update.
Hoka made some key updates between the Clifton 9 and 10, most notably the amount of cushioning and heel-to-toe offset. But with this most recent update, the brand relied more on consistent comfort, with only some minor tweaks to the shoe’s fit and feel.
Just like the Clifton 10, the EVA foam in the Clifton 11 is soft but well-balanced. On long runs or recovery days, the plush cushioning delivered Hoka’s signature pillowy-soft landings.The pronounced MetaRocker works with this midsole design to reduce impact and deliver smooth, effortless transitions.
While we appreciated the soft and smooth ride, it was clear that the brand didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Clifton’s 11th iteration. After taking the shoe for a spin with the Clifton 10 on one foot and Clifton 11 on the other, it became even more evident that Hoka was relying on the model’s consistent, reliable comfort as opposed to new, innovative foam and technologies.
But the truth is, as a workhorse training shoe, our review team didn’t mind this focus on dependability and consistency. When it came to racking up miles, the Clifton 11 shined. The elevated mesh upper enhanced security and breathability, while the compression-molded foam delivered maximum comfort and cushioning with every step.
If you’re looking for a daily trainer, long run shoe, or all-around comfortable walking shoe, the Clifton 11 is up for the task. However, those looking for a more versatile daily trainer may want to look elsewhere.
The high stack of foam and wide, flared base gives this shoe an ultra soft, bulky feel that excels on long runs but isn’t as suited for fast workouts or more uptempo runs. At 9.9 oz for men’s shoes and 8.3 oz for women’s shoes, the Clifton 11 is lightweight relative to the amount of cushioning it has. However, it lacks the lightness and agility for track workouts or speedy intervals.
With only some subtle refinements and the same compression-molded foam used in a lot of Hoka’s daily trainers, we had our concerns that the brand may be falling behind in terms of innovation, bounce, and energy return.
And sure, the Clifton doesn’t have the same ultra light design, all-new innovative foam, or dynamic ride that many brands are leaning towards today. But in a well-loved daily trainer like the Clifton, this comfortable, dependable ride has its merits. Anyone who loved previous iterations of the Clifton, as well as any runners or walkers who want a reliable training shoe with lots of plush cushioning, could benefit from this newest Hoka trainer.
Pros and Cons
When you’re shopping around for your next running shoe, it’s important to consider both the upsides and downsides of every model. Throughout our road testing, we sorted through the Clifton 11’s strengths, as well as some areas of improvement, to help you determine if it’s the right running shoe model for you.
Pros
- Compression-molded EVA foam provides plush landings that can easily absorb impact and keep you comfortable throughout all your daily miles or long runs
- New refined mesh upper and offers more breathability and extra structure around the foot, while the updated lace-lock system delivers a more secure lockdown
- Active Foot Frame cradles the feet, providing extra stability and security to balance out the high stack of soft foam
- Pronounced MetaRocker guides you forward, creating a propulsive ride and improving running efficiency
Cons
- Cushioning is soft and reliable during slower miles but lacks versatility and energy return for more uptempo runs
- Outsole provides some protection from early wear, but the amount of exposed foam may lead to long-term durability issues
Is the Clifton 11 Right For You? Who Should Try it & Other Options to Consider
Overall, if you’re searching for a dependable daily trainer that can easily carry you through casual walks, daily miles, long runs, or recovery days, you should consider trying the Clifton 11. The similarity to previous iterations makes it a standout for loyal Hoka fans, while the soft cushioning and stable, well-balanced ride will likely appeal to a wide range of walkers, runners, gym goers, and more.
However, one of the biggest downsides in the Clifton 11 is the lack of versatility. While the model is top-of-the-line for daily usage, Hoka’s proprietary foam just doesn’t have the streamlined, energetic design that can double as a more uptempo workout shoe.
Athletes looking for a more adaptable trainer may want to consider the Hoka Mach 7. This lightweight performance trainer has plenty of cushioning for everyday runs, but the Mach’s super-critical EVA foam and lightweight design is better suited as an all-around trainer that can pick up the pace when necessary.
Those looking for a shoe with a similar reliable ride as the Clifton 11 should also check out the New Balance 880 v15. Few brands do consistent comfort like New Balance, and the brand’s moderate cushion trainer is up there with the Clifton in terms of comfort, breathability, and dependable cushioning. However, the Clifton does have slightly more foam overall, so you may want to stick with Hoka if you prioritize soft cushioning in your running shoes.
Final Thoughts: Try the Hoka Clifton 11 at Marathon Sports
Our team at Marathon Sports is excited to try every new running shoe model, but there’s always even more eagerness when it comes to a model as beloved and popular as the Hoka Clifton.
We’re happy to report that throughout our testing, we found a lot to love about this newest Clifton update. The update maintained much of what people loved about previous iterations, all while delivering an upgraded mesh upper, more secure lacing system, and a touch of extra softness underfoot.
And as with any shoe, while we hope this review gives you an idea of whether or not the Clifton 11 would work in your shoe rotation, we always suggest visiting your nearest Marathon Sports and testing it out for yourself. The Clifton 11 is out now, so swing by your local store to try it on and see what all the hype is about.
