Hoka One One Clifton 5 Knit Shoe Review

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

Our Rating:

Viewer Rating:

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 »

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 Model: Clifton 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.

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

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

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