Hoka Clifton 11 Review: An update on the legendary Clifton ride.
Having previously worn the HOKA Speedgoat for trail running, the Clifton 11 was my first experience of taking HOKA onto the roads. After several weeks of running around 50km per week, it's quickly become a shoe I naturally reach for when the plan calls for easy, comfortable miles.
Straight out of the box, comfort is the Clifton 11's biggest selling point.The EVA midsole delivers a soft, consistent ride that feels the same on a relaxed recovery run as it does during a longer weekend outing. I tested the shoes mainly on tarmac with a few gravel paths mixed in, and they handled both surfaces well, while maintaining a smooth transition from heel to toe.
The newly engineered mesh upper is another standout feature. It feels breathable and looks like it'll stand up well to plenty of mileage. The updated colour options also deserve a mention – I opted for the Virtual Blue/Soft Cobalt, which looks fantastic both out on a run and for everyday wear.
Fit-wise, I found sizing up worked perfectly. I'm normally a UK 10 but went for a UK 11, giving me plenty of room in the toe box without any unwanted movement, even on downhill sections.
The Clifton 11 is a neutral road running shoe designed for daily training, and that's exactly where it excels. It's ideal for long runs, easy miles and social club runs where comfort is the priority. While it's still a relatively lightweight shoe, I personally prefer my ASICS Novablast for faster interval sessions and tempo efforts, as they feel a little more responsive underfoot. That's not a criticism of the Clifton 11- it's simply built with a different purpose in mind.
One unexpected bonus is just how comfortable the Clifton 11 is for walking. If you're looking for a shoe that can comfortably handle everything from daily runs to travelling or long days on your feet, this is an excellent option.
Final Verdict
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 11 is a dependable daily trainer that does exactly what you'd expect from one of HOKA's flagship models. It delivers a smooth, cushioned and confidence-inspiring ride that makes easy running genuinely enjoyable. If your priority is comfort over outright speed, it's well worth a place in your rotation.
