The Clifton’s been Hoka’s daily trainer mainstay for years, and now there’s a Pro version. I put this cushioned daily trainer through its paces to see if it lives up to the buzz, and whether it’s worth picking over the Clifton 11 or other shoes in the same price range.
If you’re after a neutral daily trainer for easy miles but want a shoe with a bit of life for occasional faster efforts, this review covers what I found, from fit and ride feel to how it compares with other Hokas.
Key Specs, Fit and Ride
The Clifton Pro has a 42mm heel, 8mm drop, and weighs 296g. But numbers only tell part of the story, here’s how it actually feels on the run.
ProGlide+ Midsole and Energy Return
The midsole uses Hoka’s new ProGlide+ foam, a supercritical EVA that’s firmer and a bit livelier than older Cliftons. I got a nice bit of energy return, not bouncy, not unstable, just a touch of snap.
It’s not a race-day foam by any stretch. The supercritical EVA splits the difference between soft cushioning and a bit of pop, which works for easy and steady runs. I never felt like I was sinking, but you don’t get that springy, aggressive ride either.
MetaRocker Geometry, Stack Height and 8 mm Drop
Hoka’s MetaRocker geometry is here, but it’s dialed back compared to some of their other trainers. The forefoot rocker kicks in later, and with a moderate heel bevel, the roll through your stride is smooth and gentle, no aggressive push-off.
The stack is tall at 42/34mm, but it doesn’t feel clumsy at easy paces. The 8mm drop feels true and worked well for my midfoot strike. The rocker profile is pretty flat and stiff, so it won’t force you into a certain stride.
Engineered Mesh Upper and Foot Lockdown
The upper’s where I noticed the biggest shift from older Cliftons. The sidewalls don’t run as far into the toe box, which means less pressure on the big toe joint, something that’s bugged me in past Hokas.
Lockdown is solid. The gusseted tongue is padded and keeps laces from digging in. Plastic overlays through the midfoot add structure and help keep your foot in place. If you have wide feet, the midfoot might feel a bit snug, but the toe box has enough space to avoid feeling cramped.
Podular Outsole Grip and Durability
The Clifton Pro gets a podular outsole, using Hoka’s Super Abrasion Rubber in small, separated sections instead of one big slab. This cuts weight but still gives solid ground contact.
I ran these on wet roads and had no grip issues. After 30 miles, outsole durability looked promising, barely any visible wear. Since a lot of Hokas have exposed midsole foam, this outsole should help the Clifton Pro last longer.
Who It Suits and How It Compares
To me, the Clifton Pro is a firmer, more supportive spin on Hoka’s daily trainer formula, and it’s definitely a bit different from the standard Clifton 11. Here’s my take on who should pick it and what else is worth a look.
Best Runs and Pace Range
The Clifton Pro shines on easy and recovery runs. The firmer PROGLIDE+ foam and stiff platform give plenty of protection without feeling mushy.
It holds up for longer efforts too. I took it out for a couple of long runs and the cushioning stayed consistent and stable.
But at faster paces? It gets a bit stiff and clunky. I wouldn’t grab it for tempo or uptempo workouts.
Bottom line: it’s built for easy miles and steady efforts, not chasing PRs.
Clifton Pro Versus Hoka Clifton 11
Despite sharing a name, the Clifton Pro and Clifton 11 feel different. The Clifton 11 is flatter and feels lighter underfoot, while the Pro is more responsive and firmer thanks to the new foam.
The Clifton 11 flexes more through the midsole. The Pro, on the other hand, is stiffer with a later forefoot rocker, so it moves you through your stride in a more guided way.
Fit-wise, the Pro’s sidewalls don’t extend as far into the toe box, giving more room around the big toe joint. I definitely appreciated that.
Final Buying Verdict
If you’re a neutral runner looking for a firmer, more structured daily trainer, the Clifton Pro is worth a look. It handles easy days and recovery runs well, especially if you’ve thought other Hokas felt too soft or overly rockered.
The £150 price tag seems reasonable considering the upgraded foam and better outsole durability. Just keep in mind, it’s not really cut out for workouts or races. The stiffer ride makes it tough to pick up the pace. But for what it is? Solid choice.
