Customer Reviews Hoka Clifton

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Rating Summmary:

93 total reviews

Review Breakdown:

78%5Rated 5 stars out of 5

12%4Rated 4 stars out of 5

5%3Rated 3 stars out of 5

3%2Rated 2 stars out of 5

1%1Rated 1 star out of 5

Customer Fit Survey:

65%"Felt true to size"

81%"Felt true to width"

60%"Moderate arch support"

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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Okay, I will start off by saying that, before this particular shoe came out, I hated Hokas. I mean abhorred them. I had tried on every model preceding this one and felt like I had bricks tied to my feet. I mean, I usually wear several pairs of shoes in rotation, which are the Saucony Triumph, Brooks Glycerin 10, Altra Paradigm, Scott AF 2.0 Trainer, and Altra Olympus -- for injury prevention (these shoes all weigh around 9oz, except the Scott AF Trainer which is 7.5oz). Up until this point I liked my Altra Paradigms for recovery runs. Hokas, in my opinion were probably used by the mob to drown enemies in the East River. However, when I heard about the Clifton, with its 6.5oz weight, I just had to give them a chance...and boy am I glad I did. So I bought a pair of these yesterday. I had to go 1/2 size down from my usual running shoe size. I wear 8.5 in Brooks, Asics, Saucony; size 9 in Altras. In the Clifton, I went with a size 8. In previous Hoka models, I had to size 1/2 size up. It seems the redesign/overhaul of this model changed the fit significantly, but just know that it runs a bit big. No big deal. I also had to lace them using the same method I lace my Altras to tighten the ankle (but I have really skinny ankles so that probably will not be an issue for most people). The biggest difference aside from the weight is the way the toe off feels in the Clifton compared to the previous Hoka models. The redesign of the rocker bottom made the toe off much faster and more effortless. Gone is the brick-like clompy feeling of Hokas past. There appears to be more cusion in the midfoot area and much less weight in the heel -- a welcome change for me, since I am a forefoot/midfoot striker. Today, in a rather brash and, probably unwise move, I decided to take them for a test run today...a 10-mile test run (I am currently training for a marathon and I have a 60-mile/week plan I have to adhere to!). At first, I had to adjust my gait to get used to the heavier padding in the midfoot area, due to the new rocker bottom design, but that was easy to get used to. Well, let's just say, by mile 3, I literally forgot I was even wearing shoes, much less a brand spanking new pair of shoes (whose predecessors were totally underwhelming to put it mildly). My feet kept wanting to go faster and I was able to maintain a high cadence of 95-97spm (per foot -- so 190-194 for both feet) and actually had to reign myself in a bit because this was supposed to be a run at "easy" pace. I don't know if I need to say more, because, in my opinion, the best thing a shoe can accomplish is to convince you that you are not even wearing it, and these achieve that goal effortlessly. I flew through that 10-miler like it was a 5K and at the end, my legs and knees felt like I had just finished a leisurely stroll in the park. Nuff said. Altra's Paradigm better watch out because, there is a new sheriff in town, and his name is Clifton! I am considering making these my race day shoes...we shall see!
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4 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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I had a pair of Hoka Stinson that I ran in but they were way too clunky to do anything but slow runs in. The Clifton gives a fast cushioned ride I love this shoe. I use it for speed work, long runs and everything in between. I don't know that I could ever buy anything else after running in these. They are amazing. I think they may run a bit bigger than some running shoes I have worn, I will size a half size down for my next pair. These look so much better than any Hoka one one shoes so far. I'm in love!
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I have knee problems and my "runs" are more of a walk/jog event. These shoes are SUCH a big help. Light as a feather and very cushiony, good arch support. Couldn't even feel the hardness of the pavement. I love them!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Best running shoe I have ever owned. I only wish they came in less "loud" colors". I would like to wear them more but they don't go with my wardrobe at all. I have tried a lot of the other HOKA shoes and these are the lightest (they weigh practically nothing) and they are the instantly comfortable. The only other HOKA I like and ended up keeping were the Stinsens.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I don't normally leave a review but I have been looking for a replacement shoe for Asics Nimbus or Brooks Ghost 7, who keep changing them enough for me to not buy them any longer. I read others reviews on this shoe and though what the heck! I ran this morning and was like running on clouds! Very light weight even though they look thick and clunky! Thanks Hoka, I now have a new favorite!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Love these shoes. My daughter has a pair and recommended them for a problem I am having with my heel. Could not be happier. I am a fast pace walker and these are so light, cushiony and comfortable. I do think they run a 1/2 size larger than my Brooks and Saucony.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Having had a botched foot surgery for bone spurs and broken toe, I was off my feet for ages. This caused a knee injury on my opposite leg due to favoring it while walking until my foot healed...I started back walking and adding running slowly this year. I wore top of the line Nikes and Brooks Ghost 6 and 7. These did not have near enough front, mid and heel cushioning to prevent knee and hip joint pain. I saw the Editor's Choice recommendation in Runners World for Hoka One One Clifton. After wearing these for two weeks, I ordered a second pair. I won't ever wear anything else but these unless something spectacular comes along! They fit perfectly, are padded well, light as a feather, and prevent heel or midfoot fatigue due to the rocker motion. They are simply amazing!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I've tried all the Hoka styles and this one is the best. It is lighter than the other styles and still has the same great cushion. I run 56 miles a week so I have been through a lot of shoes over the last 10 years. I hope this is helpful to someone looking for a great running shoe.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I listened to the 63% who said the sneaker fit true to size. I ordered my usual size 8. I would say this runs 1/2 to a full size larger. By the time it arrived the 7.5 was sold out. I opted for the HOKA Stinson Lite in a 7.5. It was $30 more, but fits well (with room for a thick sock or swollen summer feet). I wish I had been able to get these, but am happy with the ones I ended up with.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I usually wear an 8 in running shoes and 7.5 in street shoes, but I got a 7.5 in these Hoka Cliftons and they fit perfectly. Tighter grip on the ankles than I would want in a running shoe. The rocker sole is nice though, it propels you forward on your run so you're less fatigued.
I'd also recommend:
Altra Zero Drop Footwear
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These shoes have changed my life. I love to run but am heavier than most women who run. However I walk on my treadmill several times a week and the heel pain after 20 minutes made me avoid running and cut my sessions short. I had a paid of NB from 12 years ago that were the best ever but the padding had worn down and the pain was increasing. Upon receiving the Hoka Clifton I thought it would be too light to support me. However, after 70 minutes of walking and running, my feet feel absolutely fabulous. There is no heel pain and no plantar discomfort. I am truly sold on these and recommend them to anyone, especially larger, heavier, active people. I like the orange color too!
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
super comfortable and very lightweight, nice cushioning for longer runs. I usually wear size 8 in running shoes, but took 7.5 in these.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Seriously the best running decision I have made in years, bar none. I stumbled across Hoka One One via a Facebook friend who had posted about the shoes. I looked, read some reviews, and thought about buying a pair. A little history: I have been a moderate runner for a bit over 35 years. No marathons. Typically I ran 2-5 miles 2-5 times a week. Lately it's been more like 2.5 miles once or twice a week. The joy was gone and running had become a dreaded chore. I have wonky knees, debilitating arthritis, a host of autoimmune issues brought on by traditional American medicine, and a low back that would usually seize up during my run. Not fun. You might even wonder why I even bothered? Why not switch to walking or biking or another form of cardio? Well, I couldn't help but remember what joy running used to bring me. I had just bought a new pair of running shoes from my old standby when I spotted the Hokas. I decided to spring for 'em and I'm so glad that I did. Ordered here (I hate shopping in stores) and they arrived the very next day. I had read about various sizing issues and contemplated ordering a half a size smaller than my usual 8M, but the 8M fit me fine. First run out: I ran my usual 2.5 mile trail and literally flew. I haven't run so fast in years. Rather than seizing up, my low back actually felt better during my run! Hallelujah! The next day out, I wondered if maybe I had imagined the terrific run I'd had previously. Nope. I ran the trail again and even ran a few blocks on the sidewalk (I never run on pavement and have always found that it aggravates my hips and back) and returned home feeling great. I may actually buy another pair of these very same shoes. They are light as a feather and you - seriously - feel like you're running on air.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These Cliftons are plum/fuchsia/white in size 9.5 B. They're roomy enough that I can wear my Thorlo unisex walking socks in them. They are a tiny bit wider than New Balance walking shoes of the same size. I bought these shoes for walking, not running, and their lightness, cushioning, and springiness makes me want to wear them every day. I'm planning to get at least one more pair of Hoka One Ones, probably the Constant.
I'd also recommend:
New Balance
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These are great shoes, very roomy, I wear a size 5 street shoe, purchased a 6 and these are just right. Very light weight but lots of cushion.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Love these shoes. I have been having some major metatarsal problems and these shoes have resolved it when I walk or run. I had been wearing minimalist shoes, but no more. This pair are very light weight and comfortable. I am a hiker and trail runner and live in the mountains.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I was really, REALLY hesitant to try these...first the price and 2nd the looks. They look like the Skechers Shape Ups that I had a few years back and those suckers were HEAVY. These shoes...they look heavy but they are amazingly light. It almost doesn't seem possible how light they really are, and yet they are incredibly supportive. I came into these after wearing nothing but Asics since I started my running journey nearly 2 years ago. I run where there are lots and lots and lots of hills and I started to get Achilles and arch-area pain. I took off in these and fell immediately in love. However, after I wore them for an hour-long run and took them off to wear regular shoes, and I found myself tripping over my own feet afterward! They did take some getting used to and I learned I needed to gradually ease into them, as the arch support took some getting used to and I actually had some discomfort in the beginning from having such a supportive shoe but now I don't think I can go back to any other type of running shoe! "Clown feet" syndrome be damned! :)
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
These are, by FAR, the best running shoes I've bought to date. I suffer from knee pain (after surgery for a lateral release and ATL tear 4 years ago) along with bursitis. The shoes have virtually eliminated my pain and discomfort,allowing me to get back to running like my old self. And if you have skinny feet and high arches like me, you'll love the fact that they come with an extra insole. I'm usually an 8.5 but followed the advice of others and ordered an 8, which fit perfectly.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
These run 1/2 size large and feel a bit warm for summer running...but these are amazing! Just got them today, took a walk with them with the dog, and thought I'd take a short run. So much cushion without the bulk or weight. I felt as light as a feather without any hesitation. What a difference these make! I have a meniscus tear and not ready for surgery and wanted a shoe with significant cushioning. I wear a 7.5 and bought a 7.5. I've been running for more than 30 years and know to buy slightly larger so these should be just fine. A fantastic shoe! Not sure if the materials are worth the money, but overall, they are worth the comfort and speed they provide.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Comfortable and VERY lightweight. Fit is true to size, but... I always buy 1/2 size up in my running shoes. My knees and back are happy!
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I have to say, I don't write reviews very frequently but I love these shoes. My husband has been helping with me a weight lifting plan and I'm running as well. I've tried the saucony rides, brooks glycerin, and Adidas boost the last couple of years and I'll never go back after these shoes. My legs and quads have really been tired from lifting days since and I'm not used to it. Hurts to up and down the stairs, or walking in general but I can run in these with no pain. Sounds cheesy but it feels like you're running on a cloud of air or at least a giant piece of the most comfortable foam you'll ever run in. GET THESE, you won't regret it (and go one half size down)!
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Most comfortable shoes I've ever worn to run! I typically wear an 8 or 8 1/2 and read the reviews that these run a little large so ordered the 8 and they were perfect!
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I have plantar fasciitis and experienced a lot of pain and then I got these shoes. I am not a runner but walk to work and since I got them I have been able to walk comfortably again. I have my life back! They are incredibly cushion-y and comfortable.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Love these shoes. The cushioning is amazing and they are super light. My only complaint is that I feel they need an extra hole to lace them tighter across the arch. Otherwise they are perfect!
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
Runs SmallRuns Large
I am not a marathon runner, but I've been a runner for over 15 years, cross country in high school, and I've owned everything from Shox, Nike Milers, Brooks, Mizuno Waves, and now these Hoka Cliftons. My husband suggested I order them, but I was skeptical because I was very happy with my Mizunos (or so I thought!), but they stopped making the version I had and the newer versions were getting less than stellar reviews. So I gave these Hokas a go. When I received them my initial reaction was, "Nope. Way too clunky." They were light but had a huge platform. So they sat for a week on my dining table. Then one day, I didn't feel like running at all, my baby got up from his nap early, and I decided to throw them on and try out a quarter mile on my treadmill real quick. I thought for sure because my back ached they would annoy the heck out of me and I'd hit the stop button and throw them back in box. Well, I did hit the stop button after a quarter mile but they did not go back in the box. I got off the treadmill, put the baby in the jogger, and proceeded to go on a 3 mile run. With ease. And with speed! Now, I'm not claiming these will make you run faster, jump higher, or anything like that. But I have found my replacement shoe. It's lightweight, comfortable, albeit a bit goofy looking, but impressive. I did half a size down, I normally am a 8.5 in most shoes and I ordered both the 8 and 8.5 and the 8 with thin, but not super thin socks was a perfect fit.
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0 found this review helpful.

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