HOKA's best-selling shoe, Clifton, returns in a new and improved version; Clifton 8. The shoes are slightly tighter in the midsole and have a new upper. Yet, Clifton 8 remains true to its heritage and is a superb all-round shoe.
Soft. Light. Comfortable. If these are the three traits you're looking for in a running shoe, then the new from is just for you. It's light. It's really soft. And it's extremely comfortable! Clifton 8 is an obvious choice for most runs if you just want your running shoes to feel great and not weigh you down. If you're already a fan of the , this 8th edition won't disappoint. And if you haven't tried a Clifton yet, hurry up and slip into a pair, because it's truly a delightful . I've never experienced such comfort in such a light running shoe.
A shoe in balance
claims they've kept everything you love and updated what you didn't. Clifton 8 remains a neutral with a 5 mm drop. It weighs 260 grams in 42 2/3 men's size, a weight that's hard to beat given the cushioning. I think it strikes a great balance between soft and responsive, making it ideal for all regular training miles. The miles just fly by, and I don't really think about my feet. It's just comfortable to run in.
Fit
The shoe's mesh upper fits snugly without being tight. It's padded yet surprisingly breathable. Again, comfort is key. There's ample toe box space, yet I don't feel like I'm swimming in the shoe. Like the previous model, the tongue in is sewn in. This secures the shoe on the foot, providing a sense of security. It's neither narrow nor wide, and I haven't experienced any pinching.
Upper
hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel with the upper. It's crafted from breathable mesh with a sewn-in tongue for a comfortable fit. The heel counter is extended for more support, making it easy to slip the shoe on. It feels light, almost like a natural extension of your foot.
Midsole
As you may know, it's in the midsole (the shoe's cushioning) that HOKA excels. It was the first brand to use such a large midsole in a shoe, and they still rely on this today. Large amounts of light EVA foam and pronounced "early stage metarocker" (HOKA's technology that rolls your foot forward when you lean over the shoe) are what made HOKA popular, and in Clifton 8, these remain the shoe's key features. Compared to the previous model, HOKA has slightly altered the midsole material. They've tightened it a bit, making it slightly more responsive. However, they've also made it a bit lighter and the sole a bit wider. These aren't major changes. "Never change a winning team" seems to be HOKA's mantra, and Clifton indeed is a winning team. Some may wish for more development of the Clifton series, and while there haven't been massive changes, the shoe remains a solid choice for a good volume training or all-round shoe.
Outsole
The outsole features durable lightweight rubber in a new pattern that provides good grip and durability. Much of the outsole is made of the same material as the midsole, but because the rubber pieces are strategically placed, wear on the midsole material will be minimal.
Conclusion
is a superb volume training shoe. If you can manage with owning just one pair of running shoes, it's a solid choice, as you can use it for all types of training. Clifton 8 is a very versatile model. The average or inexperienced runner can use Clifton 8 for all types of runs - even when speed is needed. The faster runner will find Clifton 8 perfect for slower runs.
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