HOKA Clifton is traditionally HOKA's best-selling running shoe. This is largely due to its versatility and the fact that it performs excellently, whether you run slow, fast, long, or short.
Moreover, this shoe epitomizes everything HOKA is.
Clifton is incredibly light, equipped with soft and comfortable cushioning, providing a super smooth foot transition every time you run in it.
has just launched their
7, which comes in a new and enhanced version.
Read my full review below and learn what the new model offers.
Info about HOKA Clifton 7
Brand: HOKA
Shoe type: Neutral
Weight: 247 grams (in size 42/US 9)
Stack height: 29 mm/24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Terrain: Road, gravel, trails
Previous model: HOKA Clifton 6
Quick summary of HOKA Clifton 7
is a lightweight and reliable running shoe with maximum cushioning and high comfort.
Clifton 7 is a neutral trainer with a 5 mm drop and weighs only 247 grams.
This makes Clifton hard to beat on its low weight among daily trainers with such good comfort as
offers.
As mentioned above, Clifton is HOKA's best-selling running shoe and personally also my favorite HOKA model.
With HOKA Clifton 7, you get a shoe with a Marshmallow midsole in soft EVA foam, ensuring maximum shock absorption on all distances.
The new model is almost identical to the previous version. It retains both the midsole and outsole from Clifton 6 but comes this time with a new and updated upper designed to increase breathability and make it more comfortable to wear.
Fit of HOKA Clifton 7
The first time I put on
7, I was surprised by its roominess and good space for the toes in the toe box.
I have a relatively wide foot, which can often result in some shoes feeling very tight when I wear them. But this is not the case here.
Additionally, the shoe in this version has a sewn-in tongue with a piece of mesh that makes Clifton 7 fit more snugly around your foot when laced. And this is a big plus, as it feels more comfortable and secure to run in.
Upper of HOKA Clifton 7
Clifton 7's most significant update is in its upper.
HOKA Clifton 7 is constructed with a new upper made of a double-layer mesh material.
This open and more porous design is very breathable and allows foot movement due to its flexibility, which wasn't possible in the same way in Clifton 6.
The shoe's tongue is also sewn in this version with a mesh piece to prevent it from sliding from side to side when you run and move in the shoe.
Additionally, the shoe has a higher heel counter for increased protection and support around the heel and Achilles, which I personally find works really well.
The shoe fits much better at the back, and because I tend to get blisters on the heel, I avoid this as the heel is padded and covers higher up.
However, I am not entirely sure how appealing this higher heel counter looks; many have called it an "elf heel," but its functionality is good.
Besides the increased support, the new heel also makes it easier to put on the shoe. Therefore, the previous pull-tab on the heel from the previous model has been removed.
Midsole of HOKA Clifton 7
7 retains its midsole from its predecessor Clifton 6, made with a full-length soft EVA foam midsole, contributing to its excellent cushioning.
Additionally, the shoe, like in Clifton 6, is designed with HOKA's Meta-Rocker technology, which is a combination of a low drop and a rounded sole shape. This complements your natural foot transition and helps propel you forward.
HOKA's Active Foot Frame technology places the foot in the midsole instead of on top of it. This provides excellent support as you step into the shoe differently, making it cradle your foot when you run.
Outsole of HOKA Clifton 7
The shoe's outsole is made with durable lightweight rubber, strategically placed in high-wear areas. Due to this, Clifton 7 has excellent durability.
The rest of the outsole consists of the same foam material used in the midsole.
This means
saves weight by using less rubber on the outsole, making Clifton lighter.
Clifton in a Stable Disguise: Meet HOKA Clifton Edge
Are you a fan of HOKA's Clifton series but need more stability than what the Clifton offers?
Then HOKA has just launched the new Clifton Edge, perfect for runners seeking more stability without choosing a stability shoe.
Clifton Edge resembles the Clifton model in many ways but also has different characteristics.
First and foremost, Clifton Edge is constructed with a much wider midsole extending fully behind the heel, making Edge much more stable to run in. Almost like a mild stability shoe.
Hoka explains that the special heel is designed to create a softer landing and smoother transition, and this is noticeable when running in it.
Additionally, Clifton Edge's midsole is made from a new material that is lighter, more robust, firm, and responsive than we've experienced in the Clifton model. This makes Clifton Edge even better for fast running than the Clifton model.
To make Edge lighter than Clifton, the outsole of this shoe is made without rubber, which otherwise increases durability in the most exposed areas of the Clifton model.
HOKA Clifton 7 vs. HOKA Clifton 6
Compared to Clifton 7's predecessor, Clifton 6, there have been no significant changes. However, the small changes made to the shoe's upper have truly addressed what was missing in Clifton 6.
Personally, I found the upper of Clifton 6 a bit too padded, reducing its breathability and making it incredibly warm and somewhat enclosed for longer runs.
But this has been significantly improved in the new model, which comes with a new and lighter upper that allows your feet to breathe.
Additionally, the shoe has a sewn-in tongue and higher heel counter to make the shoe more comfortable and secure to run in. And it works incredibly well as these shoes fit snugly and feel stable around my foot.
Hoka has truly managed to "reuse" the best elements of Clifton 6. They've improved it with only a few updates, exclusively made to the upper, as it retains the midsole and outsole of the 6 100%.
So, while it may not be the biggest update Hoka brings with this Clifton version, why change something that worked well already?
How HOKA Clifton 7 Feels to Run In
HOKA Clifton 7 is especially suited for runners needing a good trainer for various purposes.
Clifton 7 is not a stability shoe, but it somewhat feels like one. Because Clifton's midsole is so wide at the midfoot, it feels incredibly stable to run in.
When I land in this shoe, it feels both cushioning and soft. But not too soft.
And that's why Clifton 7 is suitable for various distances and speeds. Despite its softness and cushioning, it still manages to be firm enough that you can easily pick up the pace.the.
Conclusion
HOKA's Clifton model has undergone several significant changes over its lifespan from model to model.
But for the first time, HOKA has managed to create a new version of Clifton that closely resembles its predecessor. And that's a good thing.
As I mentioned earlier, it was only the upper that wasn't 100% in Clifton 6.
And HOKA has fixed that in the new model, resulting in an exceptional Clifton model throughout in the new Clifton 7.
If you're used to the Clifton 6, you will definitely feel at home in the Clifton 7 and probably also feel it's slightly better. I certainly think so.
If you haven't tried HOKA Clifton before, I highly recommend this shoe, especially this version.
Because Clifton 7 manages to bring the best features of its predecessors, and overall, it's just a fantastic shoe if you seek excellent cushioning and high comfort.
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