Hoka Clifton

The first Hoka Clifton was introduced in 2014, shortly after the Hoka brand (originally called Hoka One One) was founded by French trail runners Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud. The Clifton quickly became one of Hoka's most popular models because it paired the brand's signature maximalist cushioning with a surprisingly low overall shoe weight. It has since been updated annually with new versions.

The Hoka Clifton is designed primarily as an everyday road-running trainer and is widely used for long-distance training runs, including marathon preparation. Its thick EVA foam midsole provides substantial impact protection over many miles, which appeals to runners seeking cushioning on hard surfaces. However, some runners prefer firmer shoes for faster-paced workouts or racing.

Both the Clifton and the Bondi are Hoka cushioned road shoes, but the Bondi offers even more stack height and cushioning than the Clifton, making it the more maximal option in Hoka's lineup. The Clifton is lighter and more versatile, designed as a balanced everyday trainer, while the Bondi is aimed at maximum cushioning for recovery runs and long-distance comfort. The Clifton also tends to have a slightly more responsive ride.

The Hoka Clifton typically features a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is lower than the traditional 10–12 mm drop found in many conventional running shoes. This lower drop aligns with Hoka's design philosophy of promoting a more midfoot striking pattern. The shoe also incorporates Hoka's meta-rocker geometry, which is designed to facilitate smooth heel-to-toe transitions.