Hoka One One Clifton 4 Shoe Review

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Review

The original Hoka One One Clifton has always been one of my favorite running shoes. After a few changes to the forefoot and shoe, the shoe quickly faded from my shoe rotation. A narrow forefoot really affected the way the shoe felt. After listening to the feedback from runners, Hoka finally made some tweaks to the latest Hoka Clifton 4.

The latest Hoka One One Clifton 4 not only feels incredible but is available in a normal and wide version, the first time a Clifton model has had this option.

The feedback from the running community was that the Clifton 4 forefoot had to be wider and Hoka listened!

The all-new Hoka One One Clifton 4 is has a wider version and that should excite Hoka supporters.

The men’s and women’s model each have six colors to choose from, which means you should have no problems finding a color that works for you. One thing to note is that only select colors have the wide option available.

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Verdict

After a not so great review with the Hoka Clifton 3, I am pumped to say that the Hoka Clifton 4 shoe offers an incredible feel and fit. So far I have worn these on runs up to 14 miles. They are light enough for tempo workouts and supportive enough for longer runs.

The updated shoe provides a wide model version which means that one of my favorite shoes will support the wider feel that my feet need. The other update that I wanted to mention was the upgraded foam sole which improves the responsiveness of the shoe.

With regards to sizing, I recommend ordering a 1/2 size up. I wear a size 11 in Brooks and Saucony and needed an 11.5 in the Clifton 4.

If you are looking for a neutral running shoe that is responsive, lightweight, and fast, I highly recommend trying these out!

Where to Buy the Clifton 4 »

Here are a few pictures of the Hoka One One Clifton 4 that I wore for this review.

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Initial Thoughts

Having worn every version of the Hoka One One Clifton shoe, I was anxious for was the updated width of the forefoot part of the shoe.

After tying the shoe, my feet felt comfortable and stable. The redesigned upper not only kept my foot secure but was wide enough where my feet had plenty of room during my daily runs.

Sizing Tip: Some sites tell you to order a 1/2 size up and others say that they run true to size. When sites say different sizing suggestions, it tells me these are probably in the middle of running true to size. I ordered a 1/2 size up to get the right size.

Similar to the earlier models, the Clifton 4’s are lightweight and supportive enough to wear for daily or tempo runs.

Having recently reviewed the Brooks Glycerin 15, it gave me an appreciation of how light and supportive these shoes felt.

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Shoe Specifications

• Weight: 9.6 Ounces (Men’s size 9)
• Shoe Category: Neutral
• How It Fits: Order 1/2 size up (based on width D)
• Offset: 5mm heel to toe offset
• Forefoot Height: 23mm forefoot height
• Heel Height: 28mm heel height
• Forefoot Width: Medium (wide model available)
• Ultra-Lightweight Seamless Upper and Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry
• Full-length HIP CMEVA Midsole with Full Ground Contact Design
• Previous Model: Clifton 3

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Overview

The Hoka One One Clifton 4 running shoe is a neutral supportive running those. running shoe provides a lightweight and responsive sole that makes it great for any distance of runs, including tempo or speed work efforts.

The lightweight shoe (9.6 oz for a size 9) combined with the Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology promotes a natural running motion.

The high abrasion rubber sole provides improved durability and traction on most surfaces. This shoe is recommended for road surfaces, paved trails, or the track. Wearing these on actual trails will impact the life of the sole.

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Sole

The Hoka One One Clifton 4 sole has some similar features to the previous Hoka One One Clifton model. This shoe has the Early Meta-Rocker technology, which supports and promotes a more efficient running motion.

With the latest Clifton 4 model, the upgraded foam sole contains rubber placements with small and sticky placements that are packed together. Even with the exposed EVA, the new design provides improved traction and comfort on a variety of different surfaces.

Hoka One One describes the early meta rockers as being “specifically engineered with a low heel-toe differential and a sculpted outsole radius in the heel and toe, creates a unique fulcrum effect and encourages a guided foot gait cycle.” You will notice the rocker technology when holding the shoe as the sole is shaped in a way similar to a rocking chair.

The Hoka One One Clifton 4 shoe has a similar sole to the previous model but provides increased traction with the updates I just mentioned related to the addition of rubber placements.

Below are a few pictures of the Clifton 4 sole.

Hoka One One Clifton 4 Upper

The Hoka One One Clifton 4 upper has a few updates with the latest version. The main update that I noticed was the one piece upper of this shoe.

The updated seamless construction includes a 3D puff print frame that improves the fit of the shoe. Not only did it improve the toe box fit, but it also improved securing the midfoot of the shoe. It was a big change for me from compared to the Hoka Clifton 3.

The tongue and heel provided a supportive and comfortable fit. Both of which felt great during my runs in this shoe. Another thing I noticed was that the insole is a little thicker than previous years, something that made the shoe a little tighter for my feet.

The Clifton 4 has a wider upper and sole allowing for more room for your feet and toes, something that people wanted to be changed with the narrow Clifton 3.

Here are a few pictures of the upper portion of the Hoka Clifton 4.

Let me know what you think of the Hoka One One Clifton 4 running shoe!

If you need help finding deals on this shoe, contact me.

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If you prefer the Hoka One One Clifton 3, get them at Amazon.com.