HOKA Clifton 11 – HOKA’s most beloved daily trainer just got even better
Some shoes impress you as soon as you try them on. And then there are shoes that just do their job, day after day, mile after mile. For me, HOKA Clifton has always belonged to the latter category.
It’s the shoe I like to lace up when I don’t want to think. When I just want to head out for a run.
After my first runs in the new HOKA Clifton 11, the feeling is simple. HOKA hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they’ve taken one of the world’s most popular running shoes and made it a little more comfortable, a little softer, and a little more refined.
And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
First impressions
The first thing I noticed was the upper.
It wraps around the foot more softly than before and immediately feels more snug and secure. The shoe feels light, adaptive, and comfortable from the very first step.
Once I get going, the Clifton feels exactly how I want a daily trainer to feel.
- Soft without feeling spongy.
- Stable without feeling bulky.
- And above all, very easy to run in.
It’s a shoe that lets you focus on running instead of your shoes.
What’s new compared with the Clifton 10?
The major update to the Clifton 10 was its revised geometry and higher 8 mm drop.
With the Clifton 11, HOKA has instead chosen to refine the details.
New, softer upper
The new mesh upper feels softer against the foot and conforms better without compromising stability.
The fit feels more adaptive, while ventilation has improved.
Increased comfort
The insole and interior feel have also been updated.
That makes the shoe feel even more comfortable as soon as you put it on, but especially during longer training runs.
The same beloved running feel
The best part? HOKA hasn't changed what made the Clifton 10 so popular.
You still get the familiar CMEVA midsole, the efficient MetaRocker geometry, and the soft yet responsive feel that has made the Clifton a favorite with runners around the world.
In short, the Clifton 11 feels more like a refinement than a completely new shoe.
And that's actually exactly what I had hoped for.
Who is the Clifton 11 for?
This is a shoe for anyone looking for a dependable training partner.
It's just as suited to:
- Easy distance runs
- Long runs
- Recovery runs
- Marathon training
- Walking
- For those who run a few times a week
- For those who run over 100 km a week
Whatever your level, the Clifton 11 is a shoe that makes it easy to rack up plenty of comfortable miles.
- Weight: Men's US 10: 283 g – Women's US 8: 236 g
- Stack height: Women's 38/30 mm – Men's 42/34 mm
- Recommended surfaces: Asphalt, gravel, treadmill and track.
My conclusion
Not every new shoe model needs to be revolutionary.
Sometimes, improving the details is enough.
For me, the HOKA Clifton 11 feels exactly like that.
It's softer over the foot, feels a little more premium, and delivers the same dependable running feel that has made the Clifton series one of the world's best-selling daily trainers.
If you enjoyed the Clifton 10, you're very likely to love the Clifton 11.
And if you haven't tried the Clifton series yet?
Then I think this is the best version yet to start with.
/ Marcus