If you’ve heard positive reviews about Hoka and are considering trying it out, opt for the Hoka Clifton 8. This model is Hoka’s most popular lightweight daily trainer and is favored by many runners. It features a comfortable cushioning system and a sole that smoothly aligns with your foot while running.
The Hoka Clifton 8 is recognized for its balanced cushioning and low profile. With a heel stack height typical of maximalist shoes (30 mm and higher), it combines an oversized outsole with a lightweight design. Endorsed by APMA for promoting foot health, the Clifton 8 could be a great choice for those dealing with arthritis or joint discomfort.
The EVA foam provides a cloud-like feel with its soft cushioning. Additionally, the oversized outsole is great for those who struggle to feel the ground while running.
If you have tested this running shoe before, you might feel a sense of familiarity with the newest Clifton model, even though it has improvements compared to the previous version. Some runners find that the weight of the latest generation is similar to its predecessor, but there are opinions that it feels lighter.
The Clifton 8 Design
This mid-cushion running shoe suits individuals with neutral pronation and those with supination. Its heel-to-toe drop falls between low-drop and high-drop shoes. If you typically wear high-drop shoes, trying on this pair for the first time will offer a distinct (wonderful) sensation.
The women’s version weighs 7.2 oz, while the men’s is 8.9 oz. Featuring a redesigned heel and tongue using engineered mesh, the Clifton 8 provides enhanced breathability and comfort. With Hoka’s early-stage Meta-Rocker technology, this shoe offers a smoother ride that complements your foot’s movement during running. It delivers maximum cushioning with minimal weight, focusing on overall support.
Fit and Feel
The 5 mm heel-to-toe offset becomes apparent immediately upon wearing the shoe, especially if you are accustomed to high-drop footwear. It’s as though there’s a significant change right beneath your foot.
Due to its lower differential, this shoe alleviates pressure on the forefoot and maintains a balanced distribution of weight across the foot, ankle, Achilles, calf, knee, and hip. This will benefit individuals experiencing discomfort in these areas.
The latest Clifton features a plush underfoot feel, making it the softest Hoka shoe available. If you prefer soft running shoes, you’ll appreciate their supportive nature. Wide-footed runners will also benefit from its spacious fit.
Even with mild flat-footedness, the shoes offer comfort. Yet, they may not be suitable for those experiencing overpronation and balance problems since they lack supportive features for excessive arch flattening.
It provides great comfort for both short and long runs and offers better durability compared to certain Hoka shoes. The initial Meta-Rocker design effectively tracks the foot and reduces excessive bending in the front of the foot when propelling forward during each step. This innovation has the potential to address various foot problems.
Final Thoughts
The latest Clifton represents progress in both running tech and design. It surpasses its predecessor with tweaks that users will appreciate. Additionally, it offers improved breathability compared to the previous model, making it ideal for warmer climates.
The EVA foam sole, which is soft and lightweight, offers decent energy return for running, though not as lively as Hoka’s faster models. It delivers reliable traction and is well-suited for extended periods of walking.
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