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Asics Gel Kayano and Hoka Clifton are well-cushioned running shoes. They are impact absorbent and will provide you with good protection. Also, they are great to run in and will keep you comfortable throughout your running sessions…

Then which one should you choose?

To help you pinpoint that, we compared Asics Gel-Kayano 28 and Hoka Clifton 8 in this post. At the time of writing this post, these two are the current versions of the shoes.

In the sections below, you will find a very detailed comparison of Asics Gel Kayano Vs Hoka Clifton. We have compared tried to compare every aspect of these two shoes to narrow down the choice for you.

So, without further ado let’s proceed.

Asics Gel Kayano Vs Hoka Clifton HI-min

This is our winner

Hoka Clifton 8

Why did we pick this one?

  • Excellent cushioning.
  • Integrated pull tab as Achilles support.
  • Responsive.
  • Lightweight.
  • Stylish.

The main differences between Asics Gel-Kayano Vs Hoka Clifton

  • The heel-to-toe drop of Hoka Clifton is 5mm and the heel-to-toe drop of Asics Gel Kayano is 13mm for women and 10mm for men.
  • Hoka Clifton is a neutral running shoe whereas Asics Gel-Kayano is a neutral plus stability running shoe.
  • Hoka Clifton is a bit lighter than Asics Gel Kayano. For women, Hoka Clifton weighs around 7.2oz or 204g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 9.1oz or 258g. The men’s version of Hoka Clifton weighs around 8.9oz or 252.3g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 10.9oz or 309g.
  • For both versions of the shoe, Asics Gel Kayano has one more size available than Hoka Clifton.
  • Hoka Clifton has multiple toe-box widths available whereas for Asics Gel-Kayano there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.
  • The latest generation of Asics Gel-Kayano is 28 whereas the current generation of Hoka Clifton is 8.

Hoka One One Clifton Vs Asics Gel Kayano – An Overview

Asics Gel Kayano is stability plus neutral running shoe whereas Hoka Clifton is a neutral running shoe.

They have premium cushioning and will provide you with good impact resistance. Also, the amount of energy return that these two running shoes provide will add a bit more pep to your feet.

In the following sections, we are providing you with an in-depth comparison of Asics Gel-Kayano and Hoka Clifton.

So, let’s dive in…

Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Vs Hoka One One Clifton 8 – Features at a glance

Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Hoka One One Clifton 8
ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 28 Running Shoes, 13, Black/White
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Type Neutral, Stability Neutral
Heel-to-toe Drop

13mm (Women)

10mm (Men)

5mm
Weight

9.1oz/258g (Women)

10.9oz/309g (Men)

7.2oz/204g (Women)

8.9oz/252.3g (Men)

Arch Support Medium Medium
Midsole Type FlyteFoam BLAST Full Compression EVA
Technology Engineered Mesh Upper, Dynamic DuoMax™ Support System, Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Technology Cushioning System, OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner, Trusstic System® technology, Redesigned external heel counter, FlyteFoam BLAST™, 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™, AHAR® Plus Outsole, 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™ Full Compression EVA, Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry, Moderate Bevel, High Abrasion Lightweight Rubber, Engineered Mesh, Embroidery Reinforcement, Reinforced Eyestays
Sizes

5.0 – 13.0 (Women)

6.0 – 16.0 (Men)

5.0 – 12.0 (Women)

7.0 – 16.0 (Men)

Width

Normal (Women)

Normal (Men)

Regular, Wide (Women)

Regular, Wide (Men)

Use Long Distance, Treadmill, Road Long Distance, Treadmill, Road
Editor’s Rating 4 and a half star-92X25-min 4 and a half star-92X25-min
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PRODUCT

ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 28 Running Shoes, 13, Black/White

Asics Gel-Kayano 28

FEATURES

TYPE: Neutral, Stability

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 13mm (Women) / 10mm (Men)

WEIGHT: 9.1oz/258g (Women) / 10.9oz/309g (Men)

ARCH SUPPORT: Medium

MIDSOLE TYPE: FlyteFoam BLAST

TECHNOLOGY: Engineered Mesh Upper, Dynamic DuoMax™ Support System, Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Technology Cushioning System, OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner, Trusstic System® technology, Redesigned external heel counter, FlyteFoam BLAST™, 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™, AHAR® Plus Outsole, 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™

SIZES: 5.0 – 13.0 (Women) / 6.0 – 16.0 (Men)

WIDTH: Normal (Women) / Normal (Men)

USE: Long Distance, Treadmill, Road

EDITOR’S RATING

4 and a half star-92X25-min

PRODUCT

Hoka One One Clifton 8

FEATURES

TYPE: Neutral

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 5mm

WEIGHT: 7.2oz/204g (Women) / 8.9oz/252.3g (Men)

ARCH SUPPORT: Medium

MIDSOLE TYPE: Full Compression EVA

TECHNOLOGY: Full Compression EVA, Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry, Moderate Bevel, High Abrasion Lightweight Rubber, Engineered Mesh, Embroidery Reinforcement, Reinforced Eyestays

SIZES: 5.0 – 12.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 16.0 (Men)

WIDTH: Regular, Normal (Women) / Regular, Normal (Men)

USE: Long Distance, Treadmill, Road

EDITOR’S RATING

4 and a half star-92X25-min

Hoka Clifton Vs. Asics Gel Kayano – A head to head comparison

In the above sections, you will find most of the major differences between Asics Gel Kayano and Hoka Clifton.

In the following sections, you will find a detailed comparison of these two shoes.

Related: Brooks Vs Saucony Vs Hoka: Which Brand Is Right For You?

Outsole

The outsole of Asics Gel-Kayano is made from AHAR. It is a high abrasion rubber and will provide you with excellent durability.

It will provide you with flexibility and will not wear off easily.

It will provide you with an excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces and will keep you stable while running.

The outsole of Hoka Clifton is full-contact and provides you with increased traction and a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

Also, it has high abrasion lightweight rubber that is strategically placed for added traction and durability.

This rubber design has been updated and optimized for improved grip and a better energy return.

Midsole

The midsole of Asics Gel-Kayano is made from FlyteFoam Blast. It provides you with lightweight and durable cushioning and is also environmentally friendly.

It comes with Forefoot and Rearfoot cushioning which are silicone-based gel cushioning. They are very responsive and are shock absorbent.

Also, it has a Dynamic DuoMax Support System that reduces your overpronation. Also, it controls the movement of your foot and provides you with a smoother heel-to-toe transition.

It has the Space Trusstic which reduces the weight of the sole. It also improves stability while retaining the structural integrity of the sole.

It has gender-specific trusstic and is tuned to men’s and women’s biomechanical needs. This provides them customized protection and a smooth ride.

Also, the I.G.S or the Impact Guidance System provides you with a smooth and balanced heel-to-toe transition.

The midsole of Hoka One One Clifton is made from Full Compression EVA. This provides you with responsive and balanced cushioning which is neither too hard nor too soft.

It comes with early-stage meta rocker geometry which is a rockered midsole design and helps you to run more efficiently.

Also, it has a moderate heel bevel which provides you with a smooth transition.

The flat waisted geometry provides you with inherent stability and provides you with a much smoother ride.

Upper

The upper of Asics Gel Kayano is made from Engineered Mesh. This makes this running shoe optimized for breathability. Also, it flexes with your foot providing you with a natural running experience.

This mesh also helps Asics Kayano to maintain its structure.

It has an external heel clutch that uses an exoskeletal structure. This wraps the heel for a secure fit. Also, it has a new X-Shaped structure, lined with memory foam. This provides you with a customized fit.

For added comfort, Asics Kayano has EVA Sockliner. This adds an extra layer of padding underfoot for a more cushy experience.

The upper of Hoka Clifton is made from engineered mesh as well. It will provide you with good airflow while providing support in the key areas.

It also has embroidery reinforcements that reduce layers and provides you with support. It locks down the midfoot providing you with a more secured running experience.

Also, for added durability, it has Reinforced eyestays.

Weight

In terms of weight, Asics Gel-Kayano is heavier than Hoa Clifton.

Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 9.1oz /258g for women and 10.9oz/309g for men.

Hoka Clifton weighs around 7.2oz/204g for women and 8.9oz/252.3g for men.

Price

The price of Asics Gel Kayano is more than Hoka Clifton. If you compare the prices of Asics Gel-Kayano 28 and Hoka Clifton 8, there is around a $30 price difference. (At the time of writing this post).

In general, I’ve observed that Asics shoes generally will cost you more than most of the other brands for a similar running shoe. If my observation is wrong, do let me know.

In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Asics Gel-Kayano and Hoka Clifton.

However, there are a couple of them that will provide you with a similar running experience. They will be good options for you to include in your shoe cycle.

If you want to check those out, we have included them in the sections below. Do take a look.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Asics Gel-Kayano 28

Asics Gel Kayano is a stability running shoe. However, it can support neutral runners as well. It is responsive, shock-absorbing, and will provide you with an excellent running experience.

Another running shoe that will be able to provide you with a similar running experience is. Brooks Adrenaline GTS. This is a lightweight running shoe providing you with pronation control and an excellent running experience.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Running Shoes
  • THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a supportive shoe that's soft and smooth, the Adrenaline GTS 21 offers an improved ride and reliable support for however your body moves so you can forget the shoes and enjoy the run. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
  • SUPPORT AND CUSHION: Provides just the right amount of stability and support, great for overpronation while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 20
  • BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: The DNA LOFT Crash Pad cushions each footfall and works with BioMoGo DNA to adapt to your every stride.

Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Running Shoes Similar To Hoka Clifton 8

Hoka Clifton is a neutral running shoe that has balanced cushioning. It will provide you with good responsiveness and excellent shock absorption.

It has early stage meta rocker and makes your heel-to-transition easy.

A running shoe that will provide you with a similar running experience is New Balance 1080. It has Fresh Foam and will provide you with an excellent bounce and cushioning. Also, the in-shoe environment is also very comfortable. This may be one of the best alternatives to Hoka Clifton.

New Balance 1080v11 Running Shoes
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit
  • Synthetic/mesh upper

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Asics Gel Kayano Vs Hoka Clifton. However, we loved one of them a bit more than the other.

Hoka Clifton has very good shock-absorbing cushioning and multiple toe-box widths. Also, it has that extended Achilles support that improves its stability. Also, it makes it easier to put on and put off these running shoes as it works as a pull tab. Also, it is lighter than Asics Gel-Kayano.

This is why we chose Hoka Clifton over Asics Gel-Kayano.

If you own any of these two running shoes, let us know…we would love to share your story with our users…

Asics Kayano Vs Hoka Clifton Pin-min
Madhusree Basu

Madhusree Basu

Author, Admin

Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.

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