How to Choose Running Shoes

This product is not available.
For 2015, the award-winning Clifton receives an updated upper with a softer, lightly padded tongue and overlays for greater midfoot support. The road-focused outsole has more durable rubber.
Shop similar productsImported.
View the HOKA Clifton Product LineView all HOKA Men's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Thermoplastic urethane/polyester/nylon |
Lining | Textile |
Midsole | EVA Foam |
Outsole | EVA/rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 6 oz. ounces |
Gender | Men's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide |
UK | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
EU | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 48.6 | 49.3 | 49.3 | 50.6 | 50.6 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.06 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.56 | 9.7 | 9.875 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.2 | 11.375 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 11.9 | 12 | 12 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I walk about 2 miles most mornings and was looking for a new walking shoe and thought I'd give these a try. That is about all I use them for. They are the most light weight shoes I have ever had by a wide margin. The cushioning in the heel makes them feel a little different from what I was used to, but it didn't take long to get used to them. I find them very comfortable & would get another pair after these wear out. They fit well and I have never had a blister problem with them.
This is my first pair of Hoka running shoes. I have always run in Asics as they were advertised to "tame the pavement" and were the only shoes that I could run on the streets with and not have sore ankles. I had read reviews and one person described running in Hoka's as "like running on a cloud" and that was no understatement. These babies are so soft that when I run on concrete I feel like I am running on grass. Then when I hit asphalt, you feel like you are sinking into it. I'm 62 years old and love to run, but want to take care of my back, knees and feet by reducing the pounding from hard impact. My Hoka running shoes make running a pleasure and my body does not feel as tired when I am finished. I highly recommend this shoe and know my next pair will be Hoka's also. If you value comfort, give them a try.
I've owned several pairs of different Hokas, and this one works well. I'm 6'-6" (about 220 lbs), have a wide foot, and run very comfortably in them. They are very light, and don't need any break in time. I plan to run my next marathon in them, and like the feel of the material (no hot spots even with a thicker sock). The more durable rubber tread doesn't cover the entire sole, but the softer cushioned tread is nice. It may wear out sooner, but I'll stick with the Clifton 2 due to the comfort. However, the durable rubber tread is located right on the strike points, so the sole will last just fine for road running. It's also a lower price as compared to the full rubber tread road shoe by Hoka I've used (full rubber tread holds up to rocks better if that's it's what you need). If you want light weight with comfort, then this will work just fine.
My first pair of Hokas was the Clifton 1. I had been running in Asics Kayanos but had heard good things about Hokas so I decided to give them a try. Immediately fell in love with the shoe. It was responsive, comfortable, and light. (I am 5'9" and 185 lbs). After 300 miles on these shoes I decided to get my next pair. The Clifton 2 was now out so I purchased it. I was disappointed with the changes. The shoes didn't feel as responsive. I then did a 12 mile run and the difference became obvious. The new tongue rubbed the skin off of the front of my ankle. I had also purchased a pair for my daughter and it did the same thing to her. I will use the shoes for short runs (<6 miles) but nothing more. I was able to find another pair of Clifton 1s on the internet but unless Hoka changes back to the original design (especially the tongue) this will be my last pair and I will go back to Asics again.
The insoles moved around alot. I had a tough time getting comfortable with them. Anytime I went over 6 miles, I would have blisters. I use Darn Tough an Smart Wool running socks. So, that wasn't an issue. It sounds like they work well for some people. If you're considering them, I would run around in them in the store with the shifty insoles in mind.
I love the original Clifton. After eight years in Asics I switched to Clifton 1 earlier this year and had never enjoyed running so much, and so pain free. So I had no hesitation "upgrading" to Clifton 2 last month. However, after roughly 40 miles in the Clifton 2, I had so much Achilles pain that I couldn't even walk in the shoes anymore. Hoka significantly beefed up the heel collar in the new generation and it presses on my Achilles just enough to irritate it and make running uncomfortable. I tried loosening the laces, which helped a bit, but not enough. When I switched back to the original Clifton, the pain went away. I haven't seen anyone else complain about this online, so perhaps my foot anatomy is unique, but be aware that the Clifton 2 is a very different shoe than the Clifton. I find it unusual that Hoka would implement such a significant design change within the same model. Disappointing. I will have to try the other Hokas, but I really liked the original Clifton.
My shoes needed replacing and I decided to try the Hoka One One. They look good, are well made, and felt very good in the store. I have a neutral stride for which these shoes are targeted. They felt very good when running, but slightly heavier than what I had been wearing. After about 3 weeks of running 4 miles 3 to 4 times a week, I started having discomfort behind and in front of the ankle and up the leg (don't know the names of these muscles and tendons) of the left foot (I am right handed), then it started to also affect the right ankle area. I wore them about 6 weeks; about 100 miles. Discomfort was moderate, but pronounced and did not get any better. I went back to old brand and everything cleared up after a month. I am quite flat footed which may have been the reason. One other reason may be the heel drop was not as much as the 6 mm on the other shoes I normally wear. Good shoe, but may not work for all foot types or it may take longer to get used to the differences (in which case, why bother to switch).
I had so much pain trying to break in these shoes. After closer inspection i realized why my right foot was hurtting while trying to break in these shoes. The shoes right front width was smaller than the left one.My poor pinky toe, sorry for all the pain!
I was a little hesitant to try The HOKA ONE ONE"s at first! They seemed so up in the air and nothing like my Peg's. After five miles on the roads I began to understand. These are really good shoes for those who hit the roads. Your body will thank you.
why so narrower and less cushioned than clifton 1 was? I see that I am not the first one to say it....Oka product team...please go back to Clfton 1 features! Such an awesome shoe that was! Thank you guys to listen and take due action.