Hoka One One Clifton Shoe Review

Hoka One One Clifton Shoe product review

I recently purchased the Hoke One One Clifton running shoe from REI.com and wanted to provide a review of the newest shoe from Hoka One One. I bought the shoe from REI because I am a REI member there and receive 10% back every year. With the shoe being so new, I was unable to find any substantial discounts from other online retailers.

Pros Cons
  • Lightweight feel
  • Ability to use for training and racing
  • Amazing feel
  • True sizing
  • Durability of upper material
  • 3 color options
  • Price

Hoka One One Clifton Verdict

The Hoka One One Clifton is an absolutely amazing shoe. This is the first pair of Hoka One Ones I have had and would definitely buy another pair based on my experience with these shoes. These shoes are extremely lightweight and provide the flexibility to be used in any training run or race.

About the Hoka One One Clifton

The Hoka One One Clifton may be the smoothest running shoe I have ever ran in. This lightweight running shoe weighs in under 8 ounces. This shoe is available in 3 different colors. Even though this shoe has more cushion than I typically like, the lightweight feel makes this shoe feel almost like a racer/training shoe.

Quite possibly the smoothest-riding shoe on the market, the Clifton offers incredible cushioning at an almost impossibly light weight. Early stage Meta-Rocker sculpting geometry provides a fluid, efficient ride and the stripped down SpeedFrame upper leaves no extra weight for you to lug around. If you want to take the feeling of running on grass with you to the streets, than the Clifton is a great choice for you.

Hoka One One Clifton Shoe SpecificationsHoka One Clifton Shoe

  • Ultra-Lightweight No Sew SpeedFrame Construction
  • Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry
  • Full Length HIP CMEVA Midsole
  • 4mm Heel to Toe Offset
  • Full Ground Contact Design
  • Strategic Hi-Abrasion Rubber Zones
  • Weight: 7.7 oz (size 9)
  • How It Fits: True to Size (based on width D)

Hoka One One Clifton Initial Thoughts

When I first picked up the shoe, I almost wondered how a shoe this light could support me in the way that I have heard Hoka One One shoes do. The lime green was a cool color and one that I liked better than the grey and blue options. The sole was very soft and the upper of the shoe was extremely thin, along with the tongue.

My first run in these shoes was very unique. I have never had a pair of shoes with the cushion that the Cliftons provide. The lightweight feel along with the supreme yet comfortable cushion made for a pleasant and smooth ride.

Hoka One One Clifton Sole

The Hoka One One Clifton sole is not only soft, but provides the perfect amount of support. The Meta-Rocker technology supports a natural runners form, and encourages running mechanics. For those that want to better understand what the Meta Rocker technology is, Hoka One One describes it 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.”

Besides the Meta Rocker technology, the Hoka One One Clifton shoe also has an active foot frame, which provides stability for all foot types and is even adaptable to most types of feet and running styles.

After wearing these shoes a few times, the soft sole not only feels great, but provides a smooth and enjoyable ride. I seriously haven’t seen a shoe on the market that has a sole similar to the Hoka One One brand.

Where to Buy the Hoka One One Clifton

Hoka One One Clifton Upper

The Hoka One One Clifton upper is a lightweight and thin material. The shoe tends to run wider than the other brands I have worn so I had to tighten the laces more than i usually do.

The ventilated fabric helped keep my feet cool during warm summer runs. The one thing I am curious about is the durability of the upper material. Due to the thinness of the material and the vents, I hope it lasts longer than it looks. Although thin, the color and style look great.

The Active Guy Conclusion

The Hoka One One Clifton running shoe is my 2014 shoe of the year. I have tried so many shoes and none of them feel the way that the Cliftons do. The lightweight shoe and excellent cushion allow you to wear this shoe in literally any situation. From training to racing, this shoe really delivers.

If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable shoe, I would highly recommend trying this shoe. If you are in question of whether or not this is the shoe for you, order from Road Runner Sports. They have a 60 day guarantee and have excellent customer service in the event you don't like these shoes like I do.

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

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

 

Be sure to check out the newer versions (Hoka Clifton 2, Hoka Clifton 3) of this incredible shoe.

Hoka One One Clifton Ratings
  • 9/10
    Overall Rating - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Upper - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Sole - 9/10
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User Review
5 (1 vote)

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3 comments

  • I love the Clifton. I usually wear this for mid to long runs. The cushion and support feel great. Thanks for the review

  • Thank For such a helpful review. I’m definitely going to purchase these shoes because of it.

    • Glad I could help. These shoes have been absolutely amazing on all long runs. I wore them this past Sunday on a 19 miler and felt great. If you have any questions about the shoes or running in general, let me know. I would be glad to help out where I can. Let me know how the Cliftons feel.

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

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