The Hoka Clifton 11 Shows Where Hoka Is Putting Their Running Tech, and It Is Not Here

The Hoka Clifton 11 is here, and after running in every single model of this shoe since it launched, I can tell you exactly what changed and what didn’t. This update focuses almost entirely on the upper, while Hoka keeps pushing its newest cushioning tech into other shoes in the lineup.If you’re wondering whether the Clifton 11 is still worth buying, here’s my honest breakdown.

Similar to what Brooks is doing with the Ghost 18, Hoka is keeping the changes limited this year. We think this is for a couple of reasons: they made big swings last year and folks need time to adapt, they have other shoes to focus on.

If you were a fan of the new lower drop in the 10 and changes to the midsole, then congrats you should stock up because the changes this year are minimal.

Honestly, my rating improved this year over last because I’m starting to take the Clifton at face value. Instead of asking it to be the Skyflow or to have the upgrades of other models, it’s remaining true to itself. And for that reason they also invented the Clifton Pro.

The Hoka Clifton 11 is a classic daily trainer. It’s going to hold up extremely well to a lot of mileage and has become the most seen shoe at the airport for good reason. It’s really comfortable for long days on your feet and walking, we just want a little more from it as a running shoe to keep up with the competition.

Hoka Clifton 11 Overview

It felt really unfair to get the Clifton 11 and the Clifton Pro at the same time. I’m already telling you I think they’re moving away from the Clifton as a cornerstone running shoe and then they deliver it alongside a ride that’s just WAY MORE FUN.

It felt like that was making it harder to give the Clifton it’s fair shake.

But I’m dedicated tester and here to take one for the team by running in both. Full review of the Pro coming next week.

Yes, the Clifton is a max cushioned shoe.

Yes, it absolutely feels like cushion underfoot. It does feel a little softer than the 10.

BUT as noted, it doesn’t feel super soft. The material hasn’t advanced like other max stack shoes which is what makes it ideal for walking around all day and why some runners continue to prefer it. I dislike hearing it called plush because compared to the Hoka Bondi or Hoka Skylfow it’s a much firmer cushioned experience.

The benefit of that firmness is both stability and you won’t find any issues with the shoe bottoming out for heavier runners. This also thanks to the Compression Molded EVA foam which is extremely durable, and also not the super soft bouncy PEBA foam of more expensive shoes.

They did update the sockliner, which sounds boring, but is important. It’s a component of the overall cushioned feeling of the shoe and for some shoes can provide additional arch support. Additionally of course we want them to soak up and wick away all the foot sweat we’re creating. So yes, it’s an important component, but not so flashy.

This might be why some of us are finding the 11 to feel a little softer than the 10 without any changes to the foam.

After changing the amount of foam, the stack height, the heel to toe drop AND the last for the Hoka 10 this time around they kept the changes to the upper.

New engineered mesh upper that is going to be softer and more “premium”. Let’s be honest most of you aren’t thinking that much about the upper in your daily trainer, but it really does impact the overall fit of the shoe, so it’s a good update.

They also added a bit more padding to the tongue and heel collar, which is why the weight goes up a bit. I’m split on whether this was actually needed, but again I think as a shoe that more people are walking around in all day it adds to that comfort.

The most common words used to describe the Clifton now are reliable, consistent, expected, durable. So it’s what you want from a daily trainer that will need to take you through hundreds of miles.

The look this time felt kind of meh compared to so many other Hokas we’ve tested like the Mach X3 or the Skyward X2. Which again, I’m repeating myself, but starts to feel like more lifestyle color ways and that’s ok too.

There is just a little less rubber coverage on the outsole in the 11. Not enough that I’d be concerned running through wet areas or worry about faster wear down because of the placement.

Hoka Clifton 11 Fit

I was fine with the original Clifton last as a more narrow footed person, but the new last implemented in the 10 is way better for runners with flat feet, wider feet or seeking more room in the toebox. That being said I have zero issues with tightening it up and getting a great locked in feel.

I wear my normal women’s size 11 as I do in other Hoka models and brands.

Haven’t had any issues with the heel collar rubbing or going too far up the Achilles. The heel cup feels locked in and no extreme movement.

Laces are long enough to heel lock, but just barely.

Hoka Running Shoe Line Up

Not sure where all the different models fit in to their line up, here’s a quick breakdown.

• Hoka Clifton – Base daily trainer for neutral running
• Hoka Mach 7 – Absolutely adore the Mach for being that lower drop with cushion, very light and faster shoe.
• Hoka Mach X3 – Super trainer version that’s plated and a little faster, great for tempo
• Hoka Skyflow – This is going to be your super cushioned long run trainer that gets their tech updates (we’ve been told)
• Hoka Bondi – Plush recovery run shoe, recently we’ve preferred to Clifton. Ideal on your feet all day shoe
• Hoka Skyward X2 – This is their carbon plated shoe for the masses and boy is it fun!

Ok Clifton fans, let’s hear it. Did you like the updates to the Clifton 10, are you still running in it?

What to read next?

• See all of our current daily trainer reviews
• Best Max Cushioned Running Shoes
• AmazFit Cheetah Pro 2 Review (1/2 the price of a Fenix all the features)