While testing the Hoka Clifton 11, our team loved the plush ride but struggled with the limited versatility and ability to pick up the pace. The Clifton 11 is great in a lot of ways. However, it doesn’t have that exciting, dynamic ride that lots of runners look for in a training shoe.
Hoka’s response to these concerns? The brand new Clifton Pro.
The new Clifton Pro takes what made the Clifton so popular and kicked it up a notch. Now, with the Clifton Pro, Hoka boasts soft, smooth landings without sacrificing performance and versatility.
These are some big claims. So does the Clifton Pro deliver? Can we really have it both ways with soft cushioning and lots of energy return?
Our review team couldn’t wait to try out this all new Hoka shoe and answer these questions. We’ll take a closer look at Hoka’s new performance trainer and learn everything there is to know about the new model. With all this information, we’ll help you decide whether the Clifton Pro is the right choice for your next running shoe.
Our Review Process
Our team at Marathon Sports is fully immersed in the constantly growing and changing running shoe world. We’re always waiting in anticipation for the newest updates, the most innovative models, and all the new gear and tech running brands have to offer.
And this anticipation grows even more when it comes to brand new shoe models – especially one from a renowned, widely celebrated running shoe brand like Hoka, and even more so when it’s an addition to a beloved running shoe family such as the Clifton.
So as you might expect, our team was thrilled when the Clifton Pro came through our doors, and we were able to lace them up for some test runs. We put every new model or update through comprehensive testing, taking them on a variety of different runs at all different pace and effort levels.
Along with our road testing, we’ll dive into all the key features you can find in the Clifton Pro, as well as some similar shoes to consider trying.
A Quick Rundown: Clifton Pro Specs and Highlights
Ready to dive in? Here are the Clifton Pro’s key specs, technologies, and highlights.
- A new addition to the Clifton family. Advertised as a responsive, non-plated performance trainer
- Stack height: 42/34 mm (M), 38/30 mm (W)
- 8 mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weight: 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W)
- Midsole made of responsive, supercritical ProGlide+ Foam
- Engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, with a padded comfort collar and gusseted tongue for extra security
- More pronounced and aggressive rocker geometry is designed for extra propulsion
- Podular super abrasion rubber outsole improves grip and durability
- Available in standard and wide widths
- Price: $165
A Closer Look: Going Beneath the Surface of the Clifton Pro
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these individual features and the role they play in the new Hoka Clifton Pro.
New Supercritically Formed Midsole Foam
For years, the Clifton has relied on Hoka’s proprietary EVA foam for its plush landings. But the Clifton Pro takes things to another level with a nitrogen-infused ProGlide+ foam.
The “Pro” in the model’s name clued us in that this new Clifton iteration was going to be faster and more performance-oriented than its daily trainer namesake. This extra speed and energy stem from this new foam, a supercritical formula that delivers a light, responsive, and airy ride.
One of our biggest complaints with the Clifton 11 was that the traditional EVA foam lacked the pop and energy return we wanted while picking up the pace. The good news is that this foam delivers, providing soft and bouncy landings designed for any type of run.
Even the midsole’s shape is different and more geared towards speed. The sleeker base creates a more streamlined, agile design, so you can take on anything from a track workout to a long recovery run.
Enhanced Rocker Geometry
Nearly every Hoka shoe incorporates rocker geometry, a curved midsole shape that guides you more efficiently through each stride. However, the Clifton Pro differs from standard Hoka trainers in this area, offering a refined MetaRocker construction that’s even more propulsive.
The Clifton Pro features a more aggressive and pronounced forefoot rocker. This geometry helps roll you from heel-to-toe, keeping runs smooth and efficient. The more noticeable curve and heel bevel also lend themselves to a more versatile design, allowing you to more effortlessly pick up the pace.
Premium Mesh Upper
The upper is made of a breathable engineered mesh designed for maximum all-around comfort. The mesh itself is lightweight and well-ventilated, but there’s a generous amount of padding along the heel and tongue that gives it the comfortable and luxurious feeling expected from Hoka’s more cushioned trainers.
Not only does this padding maximize your all-around comfort, but along with the gusseted tongue, it helps reduce excess movement and keep your feet secure and locked in place.
The upper is soft and flexible, so there’s a lot of give to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. It also has the same last as the standard Clifton. If previous Clifton versions have worked for you before, you’ll likely appreciate the Clifton Pro’s similar shape and fit. The shoe fits true to size in terms of length, and there’s a wide width available for anyone who needs some extra width or volume in their shoes.
Durabrasion Rubber Outsole
Hoka takes some steps to increase grip and durability in the Clifton Pro, incorporating a resilient rubber outsole in high-wear areas. This protects the soft foam, allowing you to enjoy the shoe for mile after mile.
The outsole design is one of the other key differences between the Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro. The Clifton Pro’s podular outsole design leaves less foam exposed, preventing the shoe from wearing too quickly as you rack up mileage.
Road Test Results
Now for the most exciting part of any shoe review: the road test results.
Our review team members have put in the miles on previous versions of the Hoka Clifton, so we had a solid frame of reference for other shoes in the Clifton lineup. But even still, we went in with an open mind, excited to see how the updated elements all came together in the Clifton Pro.
As we laced up the shoes and hit the road, one immediate difference came to light. The ProGlide+ foam was significantly more responsive and springier than the standard Hoka EVA foam. Supercritical foam is infused with nitrogen to make it lighter and more energetic, and the difference underfoot was clear, especially when compared side-by-side to the new Clifton 11.
With the same stack height as the Clifton – 42/34 mm for men and 38/30 mm for women – there was plenty of padding and shock absorption underfoot for longer runs and easy daily miles. The soft and bouncy cushioning, paired with the more pronounced rocker design, made for smooth sailing and effortless transitions during easy efforts.
But what really set the Clifton Pro apart from its namesake was its versatility and ability to adapt to a range of different runs and workouts. During faster intervals or speed workouts on the track, the springy and responsive foam, aggressive rocker profile, and streamlined design all came into play for faster, more efficient strides.
Uptempo trainers are currently taking center stage in the running shoe world at the moment, so the Clifton Pro does have a lot of competition in its category. And it’s when we looked at some of the other offerings out there that we began to notice a few of the Clifton Pro’s shortcomings.
Despite the speed-oriented focus, the Clifton Pro is actually heavier than the Clifton 11, weighing in at 10.4 oz for men’s shoes and 8.5 oz for women’s. This isn’t particularly heavy, especially given the amount of cushioning, but with so many lightweight trainers on the market, we found the Clifton Pro struggling to keep up. The extra ounces didn’t bother us on long runs or easy days, but became more noticeable during uptempo runs.
The ProGlide+ foam could also be hit or miss for runners. It gives the shoe a bouncy ride that works for all sorts of runs and workouts, making the Clifton Pro a great option for anyone who wants a versatile, do-it-all trainer.
However, this supercritical EVA foam isn’t as fun or energetic as some of the other foam formulas you can find in uptempo trainers today. So while it works well for a huge range of runs, it won’t be the best choice for anyone prioritizing speed and propulsion in their daily trainer.
Overall, the Clifton Pro did excel as a versatile daily trainer that can easily transition across different distances, paces, and effort levels. While we wouldn’t use it as a dedicated speed shoe, it’s a great option for any Hoka fans who want a little more pep in their step, or any runners looking for a single trainer that can effortlessly carry them through all their weekly mileage.
At $165, the Clifton Pro also offers some of the best value for your money you can find on the market. Speedy uptempo shoes can come with a high, premium price tag, but the Clifton Pro delivers a flexible, versatile ride for the cost of a standard daily trainer. The podular outsole also provides effective grip and seems to be holding up well over the course of our mileage, so we expect you’ll be able to enjoy all these benefits for more of your training mileage.
Pros and Cons
Throughout our research and testing, we found a few key upsides and downsides to consider with the Clifton Pro. Here are some of the top features – and some that need improvement – to keep in mind when deciding if this shoe is for you.
Pros
- Addressed the issues with versatility in previous Cliftons, delivering a firmer, more responsive ride
- Enhanced MetaRocker helps propel you through each stride with more momentum and energy
- Engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, with additional padding and a comfort collar that comfortably hugs your feet
- Podular outsole design with super abrasion rubber enhances durability and grip while keeping the shoe soft and flexible
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the original Clifton
- Not as “pro” as the name implies – Incredibly versatile but lacks the speedy, energetic ride found in other uptempo daily trainers
How Does the Clifton Pro Stack Up?
The Clifton Pro is hard to beat in terms of value and versatility. The $165 price point puts it right around the same cost as many daily trainers. But with a springier foam and propulsive ride, you can get more use out of this convenient do-it-all shoe.
But the Clifton Pro isn’t the only option worth considering when you’re searching for your next running shoe. There are several comparable models worth checking out to make sure you’re finding the right choice for you.
First up is one of the most popular uptempo trainers around, the adidas Evo SL. This training shoe is renowned for its lightweight design and springy, energetic foam, making it a great choice for both daily miles and faster workouts. However, the Evo SL lacks the plush bed of cushioning found in the Clifton Pro. While this adidas shoe is the faster, lighter option, the Clifton Pro is the better choice if you want a shoe that can easily handle longer mileage.
Long-term Hoka fans also have another option to consider: the Hoka Mach 7. The Mach is Hoka’s original lightweight speed trainer.
As a more performance-focused shoe, the Mach 7 doesn’t have quite the same cushioning and all-around comfort as the Clifton Pro. It’s more minimal, with a no-frills, speed-centric upper and firmer ride underfoot. It’s also lighter and less bulky than the Clifton Pro, weighing in at 8.37 oz for men’s shoes and 7.15 oz for women’s, making it a good choice for those more focused on speed and performance.
The Finish Line: Find the Best Running Shoe for You
We hear it all the time at Marathon Sports – some shoes are too firm, while others are just way too soft.
So with the Clifton Pro, we were happy to see a shoe that strikes a balance between plush cushioning and a firmer, responsive ride. We think a lot of runners and walkers will enjoy the springier, more versatile feel this new Clifton iteration has to offer.
However, running shoes are a personal decision, and we suggest getting a fitting and trying out options for yourself at your nearest Marathon Sports. It’s the best way to know what truly works for you. Whether you’re looking for the Clifton Pro, other training shoes, or any other running and outdoor gear, our team’s got you covered with everything you need to be off and running.
