In a highly saturated running shoe market, HOKA has continued to make a name for itself next to its competitors and create exceptional running shoes for all types of athletes.
While they were only founded back in 2009, HOKA running shoes have quickly gained lots of hype and popularity with their maximalist, high-cushion running shoes. Their plush and comfortable shoes are a go-to for countless runners, walkers, and so much more.
However, not every HOKA shoe is perfect for every runner. The brand offers so many running shoe models that it can feel challenging to narrow down which one is the perfect choice for you.
If you’ve dove into the world of HOKA running shoes, you’ve likely come across two of their most popular options – the Mach and the Clifton. While both of these shoes are advertised as neutral daily trainers, there are some key differences to consider when debating which model is right for you.
At Marathon Sports, we know that choosing a new running shoe isn’t a decision to take lightly. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you understand all the key differences between the HOKA Mach and Clifton.
HOKA Mach vs. HOKA Clifton Compared: A Quick Summary
Both the Mach and Clifton have gained a huge cult following since their releases. And when you slide these shoes on your feet, it’s easy to see why. There are some key differences, but overall, both shoes offer immediate step-in comfort and a soft, cushioned underfoot feet.
The Mach and Clifton are both classified as moderate-cushion neutral trainers, although they both have a relatively high stack height that guarantees plenty of comfort and shock absorption.
The first iteration of the Clifton was released in 2014 and is the shoe that truly put HOKA on the map. This unique, highly-cushioned shoe with a pronounced meta-rocker was unlike any of the other popular running shoes at the time. Now on the 11th version, the Clifton continues to offer a distinctive running experience with plenty of plush cushioning underneath.
The Mach first came onto the scene in 2014 as an addition to HOKA’s lighter weight and more responsive ProFly running shoe line. Over 7 iterations, the shoe has changed and adapted but still serves as a remarkably lightweight, responsive, and versatile shoe.
So if they’re both neutral, lightweight, cushioned trainers, are the Mach and the Clifton really that different? The short answer is yes, they are. And we’ll dive into all the specs, tech, and nitty-gritty details to help you understand the key differences and guide you to make the best choice for your feet.
HOKA Mach vs. Clifton: An In-Depth Analysis
At Marathon Sports, we know running shoes inside and out. So we’ve put together a complete guide on all the major differences you need to know about the Mach 7 and Clifton 11.
Mach vs. Clifton: Fit and Design
HOKA has a few key elements present in nearly every shoe they make, including lots of cushioning and rocker geometry. The Mach and Clifton are no exception, although the two shoes differ in the way these elements are presented.
Both shoes offer a high stack height compared to neutral daily trainers from other brands. The Mach 7 has a stack height of 37/32 mm for men and 35.5/30 mm for women, while the Clifton 11 has 42/34 mm for men’s shoes and 38/30 mm for women’s.
In the Clifton 11, the higher stack height and plush, soft cushioning gives it a more padded feel compared to the lighter and stiffer Mach. Even with a high stack height, the stiffer foam and low-profile design makes it easier to feel the ground in the Mach 7.
Both shoes also have HOKA’s distinctive rocker geometry present, creating a smooth, efficient ride with both shoe choices. However, the meta-rocker is slightly more pronounced in the Clifton 11, allowing for smoother heel-to-toe transitions throughout your long runs.
Another key difference between their shoes can be found in the fit and design of the upper. The Mach is all about being light and fast, and the upper only adds to that feeling. The creel jacquard mesh is incredibly light and made with zonal breathability to make you feel even lighter on your feet. The internal gusset and speed-centric tongue also ensure a snug and secure fit so you can easily pick up the pace without worrying about excess sliding or movement.
In contrast, the Clifton upper is all about comfort. While the engineered mesh upper is still lightweight and breathable, the extra padding throughout the tongue and upper surrounds the foot with soft cushioning on every landing.
While both shoes fit true to size, there are also some slight differences in the way they fit and wrap the foot. The Clifton 11 tends to run a bit wider, and the shoe even comes in a wide and extra wide width to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. The Mach 7 tends to have a more performance-ready, snug fit so you may want to consider sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit.
Mach vs. Clifton: Cushioning
When putting the Mach and Clifton on side-by-side, you may notice that, despite both having high stack heights, the two shoes have a drastically different underfoot feel. This major variation stems from the different types of cushioning HOKA uses in these two models.
The Clifton 11 midsole is made up of HOKA’s signature compression-molded EVA foam. Used in most of its daily trainers, this standard foam offers a soft and plush landing that gives the Clifton its trademark marshmallow-soft feel.
With softer shoes like the Clifton, some runners feel as though the overly plush cushioning causes them to sink into the foam midsole and makes it harder to pick up the pace. That’s where the Mach 7 truly shines.
While the Mach still has plenty of cushioning, the midsole is composed of HOKA’s ProFly+ foam, a supercritical EVA foam. This cushioning offers a more responsive ride with greater energy return, perfect for tempo runs, track workouts, or any other speedier days.
Mach vs. Clifton: Durability
When you’re spending money on a new running shoe, you’re going to want a shoe that can last and handle all the miles you throw at it.
Past iterations of the Mach have drawn several complaints about longevity and durability. Previous versions of the shoe have even lacked a rubber outsole, causing it to wear down a lot faster than other daily trainers.
Fortunately, HOKA addressed these complaints in the previous version of the Mach, and continued to upgrade the durability in the Mach 7. The durabrasion rubber outsole paired with the extra grippy rubber in the heel increases the shoe’s lifespan so you can enjoy everything it offers for even more miles.
However, despite this improvement to the Mach 7, the Clifton 11 still comes out on top over the Mach 7 in terms of durability. The Clifton has a thicker rubber outsole designed to last longer and withstand long runs and everyday mileage. If you’re looking for a shoe that will allow you to rack up mileage with less breakdown, the Clifton 11 might be the right choice for you.
Mach vs. Clifton: Performance
Of course, all these specs and technical details are important. But what really matters is how a shoe feels when you put it on and how well it performs.
The Mach 7 and Clifton 11 are both fantastic shoes that perform well on runs. The biggest difference stems from the type of runs they’re meant for and when they perform best.
If you’re looking for a light, fast shoe that will carry you through tough workouts and faster runs, the Mach 7 is one of the best options out there. The lightweight upper, responsive cushioning, and high energy return make it easy to pick up the pace during training or race days. At only 8.37 oz for men’s and 7.15 oz for women’s, the Mach 7 will have you feeling extra light on your feet.
And despite being made for faster workouts, the Mach 7 is a shoe that can truly do it all. The versatile design, high-stack height, and new, more durable rubber outsole means you can use the Mach as a daily driver that can easily cross over to fast runs and even race days.
For a more cushioned daily training shoe designed for comfort across long distances, you can’t go wrong with the Clifton. The shoe is slightly heavier than the Mach (men’s are 9.97 oz, women’s are 8.34 oz), but still offers a lightweight feel with plenty of soft, squishy cushioning underfoot.
The softer cushioning makes the Clifton 11 less efficient for faster workouts, so it is a slightly less versatile design than the Mach. But overall, the Clifton performs well as a daily workhorse and offers all the durability, cushioning, and comfort you could need in an everyday trainer.
Who Should Consider Buying Each Shoe?
The Mach 7 and Clifton 11 are both comfortable, neutral trainers with a high-stack height. So what type of runner is each shoe best for?
If your focus is speed, lightness, and reaching new PRs, the Mach 7 could be the perfect shoe to help you reach your goals. The shoe is cushioned enough for everyday runs but lightweight and responsive enough for faster runs, making it a great option for runners with time and pace-based running goals.
In comparison, the Clifton 11 is an amazing shoe for beginner or experienced runners looking to build up their mileage or just get outside and run. The large amount of soft cushioning absorbs more impact while running, so you can add on mileage pain and injury-free. The plush cushioning isn’t ideal for runners who prefer a stiffer, more responsive feel. But if you’re looking for maximum comfort on your long easy runs or recovery runs, the Clifton 11 could be the shoe for you.
While both shoes are pretty versatile, there are plenty of runners out there who might want to consider some of HOKA’s other running shoe models to meet their needs. Because of the high stack height and limited traction on both the Mach 7 and Clifton 11, neither shoe is ideal for more technical trails. Those who prefer taking their runs off-road may want to consider the Speedgoat 7 instead.
Both shoes are also neutral, meaning they allow you to run with your natural gait as opposed to correcting for overpronation. Runners who need a bit more support should look into trying the HOKA Arahi 8.
Mach vs. Clifton: Final Verdict
Runners looking for a high-stack, neutral shoe can’t go wrong with either the Mach or Clifton. Despite their technical differences, both shoes have so much to offer every runner.
The decision ultimately comes down to your own individual running goals and preferences. Runners who do plenty of speed days and races and prefer a stiffer, more responsive feel may want to try out the Mach 7 for their next shoe, while runners who prioritize softness, cushioning, and comfort should slide on a pair of Clifton 11s.
While this guide can tell you what to expect with each shoe, you don’t truly know how a shoe will work for you until you lace them up and test them out for yourself.
At Marathon Sports, you can do exactly that. Our locations across New England have the Mach, Clifton, and plenty of other running shoes for you to try out. When you stop by the store you can enjoy personalized guidance from footwear experts, try on these two shoes, and see which one will be your new favorite running shoe!
