I went half a size up from my normal UK 11 in the HOKA Clifton Pro, and that worked well for me. Width-wise, it also feels generous enough for a HOKA, with no issues through the forefoot or midfoot.
The Ride: A More Premium Clifton
The easiest way to describe the Clifton Pro is that it feels like a better Clifton in almost every way. The supercritical EVA midsole gives it a little more softness and bounce than the standard EVA used in the regular Clifton, while the overall platform also feels slightly more stable underfoot.
It still sits firmly in the neutral category rather than feeling like a dedicated stability shoe, which suits me perfectly. The stack height is very noticeable, but in a good way, helping give the shoe a distinctly premium, well-cushioned feel.
Comfort: One of Its Biggest Strengths
I have had a sensitive Achilles for the last few months and there are certain running shoes I struggle to wear because of the way the heel cup sits. In my experience, the Clifton Pro has been one of the best shoes I have tried in that respect, with no issues around the heel.
Comfort around and underneath the foot has been spot on. The cushioning feels soft without becoming unstable, and the whole shoe feels very easy to settle into for relaxed running.
Performance: Made for Easy and Steady Running
The Clifton Pro has been perfect while I have been building some steady aerobic fitness. At easy and steady paces, it feels smooth, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to run in.
However, when I tried a couple of faster efforts, the experience changed considerably. At higher speeds, the shoe felt heavy and less responsive, and trying to force the pace felt quite unnatural.
For that reason, I would not describe the Clifton Pro as a supertrainer. It is far better suited to doing one job extremely well rather than trying to cover everything from recovery running through to interval sessions and race day.
The Verdict
The HOKA Clifton Pro is an excellent daily trainer for runners who mainly want to cover easy and steady miles in maximum comfort. It improves on the standard Clifton with a softer, bouncier midsole feel, slightly more stability and a more premium overall ride.
It would not be my choice for race day, interval sessions or faster workouts, but for steady aerobic running it might be one of the best shoes I have tried. For a serious runner deciding between the standard Clifton and Clifton Pro, I would say the small increase in price is absolutely worth it.
Who This Shoe Is Best For
- Easy-Day Runners: Excellent for relaxed mileage where comfort is the priority.
- Steady Runners: Ideal for building aerobic fitness at controlled, consistent paces.
- Clifton Fans: A more premium, softer and slightly more stable evolution of the standard Clifton.
- Neutral Runners: Well suited to those wanting a neutral shoe with a reassuringly stable feel.
Key Features
- Supercritical EVA: Provides a softer and bouncier feel than the standard Clifton.
- Stable Platform: Slightly more controlled underfoot while remaining neutral.
- Premium Cushioning: Noticeable stack height delivers excellent comfort for everyday miles.
- Comfortable Heel: A well-padded heel construction that worked particularly well for me.
