Hoka is one of the top running shoe brands on the market today. The shoes across their lineup are known for their comfort and durability while satisfying various training needs.
Two of the most popular models of shoes they offer are the Clifton 11 and Arahi 8. At first glance, you may think these shoes look pretty similar. They have a similar weight, width, and overall aesthetic.
However, they actually satisfy very different running needs based on your natural running gait and foot type. It’s important to understand the differences between the two before making a purchasing decision.
Hoka Clifton vs. Arahi, which is right for you? Keep reading as we compare these shoes side-by-side to help you make an educated choice.
Quick Verdict
The Hoka Clifton 1q is a great fit for runners with a neutral gait who are looking for a comfortable and versatile daily trainer.
The Hoka Arahi 8 is best for overpronators who benefit from a shoe that provides firm support and consistency.
Specs at a Glance
| Specs | Hoka Clifton 11 | Hoka Arahi 8 |
| Average Weight (Men’s) | 9.97 ounces | 9.8 ounces |
| Average Weight (Women’s) | 8.3 ounces | 7.7 ounces |
| Stack Height (Men’s) | 42 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot | 39 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot |
| Stack Height (Women’s) | 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot | 37 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam | Compression-molded EVA foam with incorporated H-Frame™ |
| Support Type | Neutral | Stability |
| Price | $154.95 | $149.95 |
Midsole & Stability Tech
One of the most significant elements in this comparison is the midsole and support system.
Hoka Clifton 11
The Hoka Clifton 11 is considered a neutral running shoe. It’s best for runners with a natural running gait, where your foot doesn’t roll too far inward or outward when it strikes the ground.
Both these shoes come with compression-molded EVA foam in the midsole. However, the foam in the Clifton 11 feels softer, and you’ll feel your foot sinking into it more as you run. The Clifton 11 feels softer because it doesn’t have the added stability components that the Arahi 8 comes with. Instead, this shoe focuses on providing a comfortable ride as you rack up the miles.
Hoka Arahi 8
The Hoka Arahi 8 is a stability running shoe. It’s best for runners who overpronate (feet roll inward too much). Overpronators who don’t wear the right footwear to correct their gait can end up having issues over time, like getting shin splints or knee pain. That’s why stability shoes like the Arahi are helpful.
The Arahi 8 provides extra stability and support through an incorporated H-Frame™ in the midsole. It’s an extra firm, raised support structure that wraps around the inner and outer edge of the foot and cups the heel. It helps by locking your foot in place and pushing it back into a neutral position when you overpronate.
This makes the midsole feel a bit firmer, but it still feels very natural and comfortable while keeping your stride consistent.
Fit & Upper
Both of these shoes have a narrower fit around the upper and in the toe box, and they also come in a wide option if you prefer a little extra foot space. The main difference between the two is upper’s build and construction. The Clifton 11 has a flexible engineered mesh upper while the Arahi 8 has a new structured jacquard mesh upper.
Engineered Mesh Upper (Clifton 11)
A soft and cushioned mesh upper, like that found in the Clifton, is best for runners who prioritize comfort. Many will say that it has a “sock-like” feel, where it’s soft and stretches out naturally with your foot.
When we tested these shoes, we found the Clifton 11 didn’t require as much of a break-in period, and the upper was highly comfortable with a secure lockdown.
Structured Jacquard Mesh (Arahi 8)
Mesh uppers tend to be pretty breathable, and both the Arahi and Clifton uppers have openings within the mesh to allow air in and keep your feet cool while running.
That said, we noticed the double jacquard felt stiffer and more structured during the initial uses while testing it, so you’ll have a longer break-in period before it adjusts to your foot’s shape. Plus, it still felt stiffer overall than the Clifton 11 even after break-in. However, this stiffer, structured feel may be preferred when looking for a stability shoe that holds your foot in an optimal position.
Ride & Best Uses
The Clifton 11 and Arahi 8 have similar use cases. They both work best for slow to moderate-paced distance running while racking up daily miles. These shoes provide enough versatility to go uptempo occasionally, but they aren’t true speed shoes for those who want to run sprints or intervals often.
While they perform similarly, there are a couple of differences in the ride that can help with your decision.
Hoka Clifton 11
The Clifton 11 has a cushioned feel with extra bounce and liveliness as you push off the ground. It propels you forward nicely to minimize fatigue as you rack up the miles.
Hoka Arahi 8
The Arahi 8 has a firmer and more consistent feel. You won’t get as much bounce and liveliness off the ground due to the sturdy support structure in this shoe. That said, it does allow overpronators to feel confident in each step, helping you maintain good form and stability during longer runs.
Weight, Stack, & Drop
These shoes weigh about the same, with the Arahi coming in at just slightly lighter than the Clifton. They’re built solid and sturdy to hold up when you’re racking up daily miles in them. Both updates to the shoes also feature an 8 mm drop. The main difference between the shoes will be in the overall stack height.
Hoka Clifton 11
The Clifton 11 has features a higher stack height than the Arahi 8, giving the shoe a softer and more plush feel.
Its stack comes in at 42 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot in men’s and 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot for women’s. A higher stack means that you have extra padding underfoot. It’s another reason the Clifton 11 feels a bit softer, and it gives you some extra impact resistance while running on hard surfaces.
This shoe also has an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is a bit of an outlier among Hoka shoes. Many have a 5 mm drop. The higher drop is a great fit for those who heel strike more often. It provides extra padding under the heel to minimize impact, reducing the likelihood of problems like knee or hip pain.
Hoka Arahi 8
While the Arahi 8 has the same drop as the Clifton 11, the shoe features slightly less all-around cushioning.
The stack comes in at 39 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot for men’s and 37 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot for women’s. Some runners prefer a lower stack since it keeps the foot closer to the ground. You’ll feel more impact, but it can provide more consistency and sturdy control on your foot strikes. It’s a great fit with a stability option like the Arahi 8.
Durability and Outsole
The Clifton 11 and Arahi 8 both feature a resistant rubber outsole, which places durable rubber and grip in high-wear areas. They’ll hold up for many miles, providing great longevity for your investment.
During our testing, we also found that the outsoles provided a solid grip on slippery surfaces. Therefore, you can run with confidence even in sub-optimal weather, such as when it’s raining.
Price & Value
The Hoka Clifton 11 is the more expensive option at $154.95, while the Arahi 8 is slightly cheaper at $149.95. However, you shouldn’t decide on these shoes based on price alone, since they have very different use cases.
For example, buying the Arahi 8 just because it’s cheaper probably wouldn’t lead to great results for a neutral runner, since the extra support along the inside could become bothersome.
Instead, it’s better to find a shoe that supports your natural running gait for comfort and health. We can provide a professional gait analysis at Marathon Sports to help you determine whether a neutral or stability shoe is the best fit for your needs.
Whichever shoe you pick, the Clifton 11 and Arahi 8 are good values for the money. They’re both effective and high-quality daily training options that compare well to other Hoka running shoes and options from other top brands.
Hoka Arahi vs. Clifton – Which is Best for You?
To help you make a final decision, here’s a quick breakdown of the key points to consider for each shoe.
Hoka Clifton 11
You should choose the Hoka Clifton 11 if:
- You have a neutral running gait with minimal overpronation
- You want soft comfort with lots of cushion underfoot for impact resistance
- You heel strike often and require a higher heel-to-toe drop
Hoka Arahi 8
You should choose the Hoka Arahi 8 if:
- You need extra support for overpronation
- You want a shoe that’s stiff, supportive, and consistent
- You naturally midfoot or heel strike and would benefit from a supportive high-drop shoe
FAQs
Where Do The Clifton 11 and Arahi 8 Fit Into Your Shoe Rotation?
These shoes are both daily trainers. They’re sturdy, consistent, and versatile for racking up daily miles and maintaining general fitness. The main difference is that the Arahi 8 provides support for overpronation, while the Clifton 11 is best for runners with a neutral gait.
Do These Shoes Fit True to Size?
These both fit a bit tighter than your average running shoe, but are generally true to size. Runners who prefer extra room in the toe box may want to go half a size up. Additionally, if you have slightly wider feet or want extra room in the midfoot, you may want to go with the wide fit instead. We can help you find the ideal size for your needs at Marathon Sports.
Can I Use Orthotics with These Shoes?
Orthotics may be recommended with neutral running shoes like the Hoka Clifton 11 to correct alignment or overpronation. It’s less common to use orthotics with stability shoes like the Arahi 8, but it may be done in certain cases for those with severe overpronation.
We offer a wide selection of orthotics at Marathon Sports and can help you determine if they’re necessary to optimize your gait for health and comfort.
Try on the Hoka Clifton 11 & Arahi 8 at Marathon Sports
We have Hoka Clifton and Hoka Arahi shoes available to try on at Marathon Sports.
When you stop at one of our retail locations, one of our footwear experts can help you find the right fit with a professional gait analysis and recommendations on the top options for your needs.
You can also shop through our online store and have them shipped straight to your doorstep.
We’re here to support you while searching for the ideal footwear for your needs. Start shopping today to find a great pair of shoes that helps you achieve your training goals!
