Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Shoe Review

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Shoe

The Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit is now available! If you read the Clifton 5 review, then you know that I would like the latest knit version of this shoe. A few weeks after the review was done, I learned that Hoka was coming out with another version with a slightly redesigned upper.

The all-new Clifton 5 Knit is very similar to the Clifton 5with a small but great change the upper. The shoe continues to have a slightly softer feel and an improved upper. There are a number of other brands that are in the process of creating shoes that have a knit upper that have proven to be popular within the running community. Some examples of these shoes include the Brooks Bedlam and Brooks Levitate 2. Both are very comfortable.

The majority of the details of this review are similar to the Clifton 5 review. I made some updates where needed to reflect the updated parts of the Knit shoe version.

The Clifton 5 Knit continues to have a wider fit than some of the earlier versions of this shoe.

The men’s and women’s model are available in three colors, with most of the colors being decent options.

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Verdict

If you are a Clifton fan and like the Clifton 5 shoe, you will like the Clifton 5 Knit version. This shoe is very similar to the Clifton 5 but with an even more comfortable knit upper. The updated shoe feels and looks great.

Even though the Clifton 5 Knit does not have a wide model option, the knit/mesh upper provides a wider fit to help with the earlier width issues of Clifton models.

With regards to sizing, I still recommend ordering a 1/2 size up (some say to size up, some say they run true to size). I wear a size 11 in Brooks and Saucony and wear an 11.5 in the Clifton 5. I prefer wearing these for 6-10 mile runs while I usually wear the Saucony Hurricane ISO for longer runs.

If you are looking for a neutral running shoe that is responsive, lightweight, and fast, you should give the Clifton 5 Knit a try!

The shoe is .2 oz lighter than the previous model and something you probably won’t notice while running in these shoes.

Where to Buy the Clifton 5 Knit »
Pros Cons
  • Lightweight
  • Responsive feel
  • Width Options
  • Value Priced (retail $130)
  • Sole durability
  • Sizing (Order 1/2 size up)

Here are a few pictures of the Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit that I wore for this review. The official color name I wore is Silver Pine.

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Initial Thoughts

Having worn every version of the Hoka One One Clifton shoe and liked the original Clifton 5, I figured I would like the Clifton 5 knit. I have really liked the direction of these knit uppers and for the most part, they have been more comfortable than the traditional shoe uppers.

Besides the updated knit design, the color option looked great. Even though the color is labeled as Silver Pine, it looks more like a lighter grey and could be worn casually and for running.

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 with this shoe.

The Clifton 5 Knit shoe continues to be lightweight and supportive enough to wear for daily or tempo runs. The sole of this shoes continues to be a bit softer, almost marshmallow-like.

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Shoe Specifications

  • Weight: 9.3 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: 25mm forefoot height
  • Heel Height: 30mm heel height
  • Forefoot Width: Medium (wide model available)
  • Ultra-Lightweight Seamless Upper and Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry
  • Previous ModelClifton 5

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Overview

The Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit running shoe is a neutral supportive running shoe that provides a lightweight and responsive feel making it great for daily training, long runs, and even tempo workouts.

The lightweight shoe (9.2 oz for a size 9) combined with the Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology helps to continue to promote a natural running motion. The shoe weight of the Clifton 5 Knit is .2 ounces lighter than the Clifton 5.

Hoka One One describes the early meta rocker technology 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.”

The high abrasion rubber sole provides 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 5 Knit Sole

The Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit sole is identical to that of the Clifton 5. The sole continues to have the Early Meta-Rocker technology, which supports and promotes a more efficient running motion.

With the latest Clifton 5 Knit model, the shoe continues to have a Full-length EVA sole which is a bit softer like the original Clifton. After wearing this shoe on a few runs, I didn’t notice a difference between this sole and the Clifton 5 sole.

Below are a few pictures of the Clifton 5 Knit sole.

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Upper

The Clifton 5 Knit upper was one the few things updated from the Clifton 5. The new Knit version has a sock-like collar with improved comfort.

The seamless construction includes a 3D puff print frame that improves the fit of the shoe. Additionally, there are fewer overlays making this shoe contour to your feet better than the previous model. The tongue continues to be the perfect thickness while the heel provides additional support and comfort.

The Clifton 5 Knit continues to have a slightly wider toe box, similar to the Clifton 5.

Here are a few pictures of the upper portion of the Hoka Clifton 5 Knit.

Where to Buy the Hoka One One Clifton 5

Amazon.com »

Other options: Jack Rabbit | Road Runner Sports | Moosejaw | Holabird Sports | Shoes.com | Kellys Running Warehouse |

Running and Fitness Discounts

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Ratings

Our Rating:
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Let me know what you think of the Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit running shoe!

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5 comments

  • Do you wear them with or without socks? I purchased both the Clifton 5 and Clifton 5 knit. I have yet to run in the knit version becuz I’m not sure if they’ll work for me. When I wear the knits around the house with socks I feel like my heel slides. They’re more comfortable without socks but I’m concern they might chafe. That being said I always wear my Nike frees without socks. Thanks!

    • Marie, thanks for the question! I have usually worn these with socks (balega hidden comfort) and have had no problems. I have worn them without socks to the store and around town, but not for running. So many shoes have gone with the updated knit/collar style. Let me know if you have any other questions!

  • I have not seen the Clifton 5 Knit in a wide option as you have mentioned.
    Not on Hoka’s site or any other.

    • Neal, thanks for the note. I had read earlier that they would have a wide model like they do for the regular Clifton 5. I checked a few places and was unable to find a wide model. I will tell you that the knit helps mitigate some of the width issues experienced in the past with this shoe. I will update the review to reflect this. Thanks for the feedback.

  • I’m seriously considering the clifton knit…but. maybe you can give me some guidance here. I’m a heavy runner (240 lb) who averages 4 miles, six days a week. Do you think the knit would be a good choice for me or should i choose another Hoka offering? Thanks for any advice you can give,

    Frank

    • Frank, hey thanks for the question. I think these would be fine for someone of your stature. The question I would ask though is what are you running in now and have you ever been fitted for shoes? There are plenty of great max support options and that question would help narrow down the best option. Hope this helps!

Let me know if you have questions, comments, or feedback!

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