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Today, we shall see the best alternative for Hoka One One Clifton. This is a perfect combination of soft and light running shoes. To compare Clifton with the other available alternatives, we consider Hoka One One Clifton 7 as our baseline model.
Let’s see the best available alternative for Clifton.
The Best Hoka One One Clifton 7 Alternative
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brooks Glycerin 18
Why it is the best match?
- Neutral running shoes the same as Clifton
- Support runners with medium to high arches.
- Good for running on the treadmill, and roads and long-distance running.
Let’s understand Hoka One One Clifton
Today we are presenting on the alternatives for Hoka One One Clifton 7.
But, before we list out the various options, let us first dive into the details of Clifton.
This is very important as if you do not know about Clifton 7, you will not be able to compare the other running shoes with Clifton and select them wisely.
Hoka One One Clifton is a neutral running shoe for runners with medium to high arches.
It weighs around 9.1oz/242 g and has a heel drop of 5 mm.
Clifton has a midsole designed using the EVA foam. This makes it utmost soft and responsive and at the same time checks on the shoe weight also. The cushioning increases the shock absorption potential of the shoe along with comfort.
The most string feature of this shoe is that it uses the early stage meta rockered geometry. This technology minimizes the foot transition time and gives a smooth toe-off. This improves running efficiency.
The outsole of Clifton is made of EVA form with high abrasion rubber pods strategically placed to maximize the durability of the shoe and give a better grip. The use of less rubber on the outsole considerably reduces the shoe weight.
The upper of Clifton comes with an Engineered Mesh. The shoe fabric is soft, breathable, and highly durable. It comes with side embroideries with locks the mid-foot area to make the shoe more secure. Its collar and tongue padding make the shoe more comfortable.
Clifton 7 can be used for long-distance, road, and treadmill running and also for cross-training.
Best Hoka One One Clifton Alternatives
Content
- ✅ Top 10 Best Hoka One One Clifton 6 Alternatives
- 1. Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoes
- 2. New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon V2 Running Shoes
- 3. Nike Epic React FlyKnit 2 Running Shoes
- 4. Asics Cumulus 22 Running Shoe
- 5. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes
- 6. Mizuno Wave Rider 23 Running Shoe
- 7. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoes
- 8. Altra Escalante 2.5 Running Shoes
- 9. Saucony Kinvara 11 Running Shoes
- 10. Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Running Shoes
- Winner
- • FAQs
Running shoes similar to Hoka One One Clifton – Detailed Comparison
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Brooks Glycerin 18 is our first preference for Hoka One One Clifton 6.
Both these shoes are designed for neutral runners with medium to high arches.
Glycerin, however, has a little more heel drop than Clifton, 10 mm, and slightly heavier than Clifton. This weight difference is not significant as it does not really impact your performance.
Glycerin has a super-soft cushioning owing to DNA Loft material in the midsole. Additionally, the Ortholite sock-liner is present which adds extra comfort.
Clifton has EVA foam present in the midsole which makes very cushy and highly shock absorbing.
Glycerin has an outsole made with blown rubber. The outsole design gives a smooth heel to toe transition.
Clifton has EVA foam with rubber pods placed strategically in the outsole. This renders better durability and traction of the shoe.
Glycerin has the upper made with 3D Fit Print. The plush fit adds to the flexibility and comfort.
The upper of Clifton is designed using an engineered mesh. This is a light-weight, breathable, and durable fabric. The embroidery present on the midfoot makes the fit more secure.
Glycerin is used for long-distance, road, and treadmill running.
Clifton can also be used for long-distance, road, and treadmill running and cross-training.
+ POSITIVES
- Very soft and cushy
- Good responsiveness.
- Good for runners with medium to high arches.
- Good for neutral runners.
- Lightweight.
- Ortholite sock-liner is present.
– NEGATIVES
- Sizing may be a bit off. Order the next size if you wear a thick sock.
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The New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon V2 is our next alternative for Clifton.
Beacon V2 is a light-weight well-cushioned running shoe.
It is also a neutral running shoe for runners with a medium arch, same as Clifton.
The heel drop of Beacon V2 is 6mm, closest to that of Clifton.
Beacon is just a little lighter than Clifton.
The most remarkable feature of Beacon is the midsole design.
This has a midsole designed with a thick layer of Fresh Foam ground contact material. The thick layer of cushioning makes the shoe very comfortable and shock absorbing. This Fresh Foam cushioning accounts for the light-weight of the shoe. In spite of the thick cushion, it doesn’t give a plush feel rather the feel is firm.
The midsole of Clifton has Eva Foam cushioning. This makes the shoe soft and responsive.
The outsole of Beacon has ground contact EVA Foam, with rubber pods placed strategically placed at heels and forefoot. The minimize the shoe weight and makes it long-lasting.
Even Clifton also has an EVA Foam outsole with rubber pods.
The upper of Beacon V2 has a soft upper made with Engineered knit fabric. It has Ultra Heel Construction for narrower rearfoot. This keeps the heel intact and more secure.
The upper of Clifton is designed using an Engineered mesh which is durable, light, soft, and breathable.
The light-weight and shock absorption feature of the Fresh Foam Beacon V2 makes it suitable for speed and tempo run. This can also be used for long-distance, road, or treadmill running and cross-training.
Clifton is used for long-distance, road or treadmill running.
+ POSITIVES
- These running shoes are very comfortable and cushy.
- Good responsiveness.
- Good for runners with normal arches.
- Good for neutral runner
- Lightweight.
- Stylish to look at.
- Firm rearfoot grip to keep the foot secure
- Good shock absorption
– NEGATIVES
- Some users may find narrow rearfoot design not very comfortable.
- Early wear and tear signs may appear
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Nike Epic React FlyKnit 2 is our next alternative to Hoka One One Clifton 6.
Like Clifton, this is also a neutral running shoe.
It weighs around 8.7oz/ 247 gm, approx the same as Clifton.
The heel from of FlyKnit is 10 mm, a little more than Clifton.
What makes it different is the presence of React Foam in the midsole.
The React Foam gives an extra bounce to the shoe while keeping the weight of the shoe light. This springy action makes the shoe very reactive.
The midsole of Clifton is made using the EVA Foam. The midsole is very soft and responsive.
Nike Epic has React Foam in the outsole area. This is very durable and gives an adequate grip.
Clifton has an outsole made with Eva Foam.
The upper of Nike Epic React FlyKnit uses the FlyKnit upper. It snugs to your foot with minimum design. The only design present is the Nike overlay. The FlyKnit upper is very comfortable and breathable.
The upper of Clifton is designed using a highly durable and breathable engineered fabric.
Epic React can be used for long-distance running at a moderate pace, marathon. It is mostly used for road or treadmill running.
Clifton is used for long-distance, road or treadmill running.
+ POSITIVES
- Exceptionally bounce and highly responsive
- Lightweight
- Soft and comfortable FlyKnit upper
- Durable React Foam outsole
- Stylish
- Available in vibrant color
– NEGATIVES
- The React Foam outsole may not give enough traction at freezing temperatures.
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Asics Cumulus 22 is our next alternative to Clifton 7.
It is a neutral running shoe for runners with normal arches. It can also be used by underpronated runners with high arches.
The heel drop in Cumulus is 10 mm and weighs around 7.6oz/215g, slightly lighter than Clifton.
The midsole of Cumulus is designed using the FlyteFoam Propel and FlyteFoam Midsole Technologies. Together they make the shoe lightweight and springy. There is a layer of SpevaFoam 45 Lasting feature which adds extra bounce in each step. Cumulus has specially designed gel units under the fore-foot and under the heels. These gel units act as shock absorbers and add comfort on landing on the ground. There is an additional Ortholite sock-liner which adds more comfort underfoot.
The midsole of Clifton is made using the EVA foam. This makes the shoe weight light, soft, and responsive.
The outsole of Cumulus is made with AHAR rubber. It makes the shoe flexible, soft, and long-lasting.
The outsole of Clifton is mostly EVA Foam with rubber pods strategically placed for better grip and life of the shoe.
The upper of Cumulus is designed using a 3D Engineered mesh. The upper is almost seamless. The upper gives very good support to the forefoot. The added advantage in Cumulus is the presence of the reflective material on the upper, which increases its visibility in the dim light area.
The upper of Clifton 7 is made with highly durable and breathable engineered mesh. The embroidery on the sides of the shoe locks the midfoot area.
Cumulus is mostly used for everyday training and road running.
Clifton 7 is mostly used for long/short distance running, road or treadmill running, and also for daily training.
+ POSITIVES
- These running shoes are very comfortable and cushy.
- Good responsiveness.
- Lightweight.
- Good forefoot support
- Gel units underfoot act as shock absorbers.
- Available in a wide range of colors
– NEGATIVES
- Sizing seems to be a bit off. Some runners may find it running small.
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We have Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 next in our list.
Pegasus is the most widely used running shoes and a super favorite runner amongst runners.
It is a neutral running shoe for medium to high arch support like Clifton 7.
The weight of Pegasus falls in the same range to Clifton, however, the heel drop in 10 mm, a little more than Clifton.
The unique feature of Nike Air-Zoom Pegasus is its midsole.
It has a layer of Air-Zoom unit that runs below the sole all through the shoe. You can imagine this as a thick pillow of air below the sole. To supplement this there is an additional layer of cushion provided by the CT Foam. This unit makes the midsole very responsive and shock absorbing.
The midsole of Clifton is designed using the EVA foam. The midsole is soft and responsive.
The outsole of Pegasus is rubber with rubber pods placed appropriately for better traction.
The outsole of Clifton is made with EVA Form with rubber pods.
The upper of Pegasus is made with the flymesh fabric. This is a soft, durable, and breathable material. It provided foot ventilation and prevent heat accumulation. Pegasus 36 has a narrowed heel counter for better heel grip. It has a slimmer tongue and heel collar which reduces the shoe weight. The shoelace is intact using Nike’s Flywire, giving a secure and tight fit when you are running at high speed. Pegasus comes with a new aerodynamic design which enhances speed.
The upper of Clifton is designed using a light-weight and breathable engineered mesh.
Pegasus can be used for medium-paced long-distance running. It is mostly used for running on the hard surfaces – road, treadmill, and even hard surface trail.
Clifton 7 can be used for daily training, long or short distance running.
+ POSITIVES
- These running shoes are very comfortable.
- Good responsiveness.
- Good for runners with medium arches.
- Good for neutral runners.
- Good shock absroption
- The aerodynamic design adds acceleration.
- Lightweight.
- Stylish to look at.
- Durable
- Well-ventilated
- Comes in attractive colors
- Good for runners suffering from Achilles Tendinitis and calf pain.
– NEGATIVES
- The slimmer tongue may give lacing pressure.
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Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is the next shoe in our list.
Wave Rider 23 is best for neutral runners but works well for runners who are slightly underpronated to slightly overpronated runners.
Clifton on the other hand is most suitable for a neutral runner.
The help drop of Wave Rider is 12mm, more than Clifton.
The weight of Wave Rider is 9.6 oz/272g approximately the same as Clifton.
The striking difference lies in the midsole design of Wave Rider.
The midsole of Wave Rider consists of U4ic and U4icX foam. The U4icX foam is present in the heel region for extra softness. Also, a thin layer of U4icX foam runs all though the sole unit adding more softness and comfort. The Wave Rider has the plastic Pebax wave plate which gives a firm and stable feel.
The midsole of Clifton is made with the EVA Foam for a softer and comfortable feel.
The outsole of Wave Rider is made using blown rubber. The rubber on the forefoot is softer than that of the heel. The multiple grooves present on the outsole makes the shoe flexible and ensures great comfort.
The outsole of Clifton has EVA Foam with rubber pods for better traction.
Wave Rider 23 comes with the appropriate upper than its previous version. It is light-weight and breathable.
The upper of Clifton is made using an engineered mesh and the fabric is soft, light-weight, and breathable.
The Wave Rider 23 can be used for every day running and even for long-distance running.
Clifton 6 is used for treadmill running, road or treadmill running, and daily training.
+ POSITIVES
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- Suitable for neutral runners but also support mild underpronation and mild overpronation
- Firm feel on the sole due to the plastic Pebax wave plate
- The upper is breathable than its previous version.
– NEGATIVES
- Some user find the shoe to be little narrow.
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The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 is our next preference.
This is a neutral running shoe much like Clifton.
The heel drop is 8mm very close to that of Clifton and weighs around 9.5 oz/269 g.
This has an updated Fresh Foam midsole and delivers enhanced softness and rebound than its previous version. The rocker shaped midsole really makes the strides faster and smoother. It has an Ortholite sock-liner for added comfort. The outer edges of the outsole and midsole is rounded to give better support in dirt and slippery surfaces.
Clifton has the midsole designed using the EVA Foam, givig it the right combination of cushioning and rebound.
The upper Fresh Foam 1080 is designed using the Engineered HYPOKNIT. This is soft and breathable and maintains the temperature of the foot. The UltraHeel design of the rear gives a more secure fit and make it more comfortable.
Clifton has upper designed using engineered mesh with embroidery on both sides giving comfort and secure fit.
Fresh Foam 1080 can be used for long-distance running, road or treadmill running. However, it is not very suitable fr tempo runs.
Clifton can be used for long-distance running, road or treadmill running and daily training.
+ POSITIVES
- Soft and comfortable
- Lightweight
- Good for runners with neutral pronation.
- Secure rear foot fit due to the 3D heel design
- The upper gives a superior fit.
– NEGATIVES
- The toebox takes a couple of weeks to expand
We chose Altra Escalante 2.5 as the next alternative to Clifton 7.
This is also a neutral shoe same as Clifton.
It is a zero drop shoe very close to Clifton’s 5 mm heel drop.
Escalante has the midsole is designed using Altra Ego. The Altra Ego gives a good energy return and makes the shoe more responsive and durable. It also has Inner Flex to add flexibility to the shoe. The FOOTSHAPE design takes the natural design of the foot to give ultra comfort. The midsole design makes the landing very soft and the springy toe-off makes the run more energetic.
Clifton has the midsole designed using the EVA Foam.
Escalante 2.5 outsole uses the FootPod technique to follow the construction of the human foot. This gives very good flexibility to the foot.
The outsole of Clifton is designed using the EVA Foam.
The upper of Escalante comes with an engineered knit mesh. It snugs to the foot and gives a sock-like feel. It has a PU insole for a softer feel. It uses the Dri-Lex and Dri-Freeze Heel Liner for better heat control.
The upper of Clifton is designed using highly durable and breathable fabric. The embroideries on the side of the shoe give secure locking of the midfoot.
Escalante can be used for running on roads and tracks, daily training, and also for gym training.
Clifton is used mostly for long-distance road or treadmill running.
+ POSITIVES
- Soft cushion
- Spring and adds bounce
- Light-weight
- Breathable
- Manages the temperature of the sole
- Designed for neutral runners
– NEGATIVES
The Saucony Kinvara 11 is our next preference for Hoka One One Clifton.
It is a light-weight neutral running shoe.
The weight of Kinvara is very close to Clifton.
Even the heel drop is 4mm closest to the 5 mm heel drop of Clifton.
The PWRRUN midsole of Kinvara gives a soft cushioning and responsiveness.
Clifton too has a soft and responsive cushioning owing to the EVA foam midsole.
The outsole of Kinvara uses high abrasion rubber for a more durable outsole.
The outsole of Clifton is mostly EVA Foam with rubber pods placed strategically for better shoe-life and traction.
Kinvara has an upper designed using the FORMFIT technology to give a customized fit. The Engineered Mesh used in the upper is very breathable. It has a padded tongue and collar to give more stability.
Clifton has an upper designed using a highly breathable and durable engineered mesh.
Kinvara can be used for long-distance running, road or treadmill running.
Clifton can be used for long-distance running, road or treadmill running and daily training.
+ POSITIVES
- Soft and comfortable
- Responsive
- Breathable fabric
- Upper of the shoe gives a customized fit
- Stylish look
– NEGATIVES
- Sizing may be a bit off.
Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 is our next alternative to Clifton 7.
It is a light-weight super reactive shoe.
This shoe is well-suited for the neutral runners, similar to Clifton.
The weight of Turbo 2 is around 7.2 oz/204 g, which is slightly lesser than that of Clifton.
The heel drop of Turbo 2 is 10 mm, more than that of Clifton.
The most significant feature is the midsole design of Turbo 2.
It uses the ZoomX foam on top of a layer of React Foam. The ZoomX foam is the lightest and most energy-efficient foam that Nike has ever made. As per Nike, ZoomX gives you the energy return as much as 85%. The ZoomX and React Foam together make Turbo 2 very bouncy and energy-efficient. The angled heel design optimizes the initial touchdown and makes a smooth transition.
The midsole of Clifton is of EVA Foam.
The outsole of Turbo 2 has the layer of the React Foam with rubber. The rubber patches are present under the heel and toe region and a thin strip of rubber running along the sides of the sole. The rubber adds to the grip and gives good traction on wet surfaces.
The outsole of Clifton is made using the EVA foam to add flexibility and durability.
The upper of Turbo2 is made with a very thin fabric. The pores on the fabric make the shoe more breathable. The lacing system is simplified as the Flywire has been removed and just uses the regular laces. The only padding present here is at the sides of the heel collar.
The upper of Clifton is made with a light-weight and soft engineered mesh.
Turbo 2 can be used to run long-distance running, marathon running, and daily training. It is very suited to run on the road, treadmill, or tracks.
Clifton 7 can be used for long-distance running, road, or treadmill running and daily training.
+ POSITIVES
- Maximum energy return
- Better traction
- Lightweight.
- Breathable and light upper
- Available in attractive colors
– NEGATIVES
- Upper could have been little thicker.
FAQs
Is Hoka Clifton good for plantar fasciitis?
No Hoka One One Clifton is not the right shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Which is better Hoka Clifton or Bondi?
Well, Hoka’s Clifton and Bondi are two different shoes each having their individual features.
Clifton comes in the line with balanced cushioning. It is soft, cushioned, and at the same time responsive and shock absorption.
Bondi has a thick cushion and delivers the ultra-plush ride.
So it mostly depends on the user’s preference and requirements.
You can see here for a detailed comparison between Clifton and Bondi.
Which Hoka shoes have the most cushion?
Bondi is the best-cushioned shoe offered by Hoka. In fact, it is referred to as “mega cushioned” shoe. There is a thick layer of EVA foam cushioning that delivers the ultra-plush ride to the runners.
Is Hoka Clifton good for bad knees?
Clifton is a balanced running shoe. It is lightweight, cushioned, responsive, and gives great shock absorption.
The shock absorption reduces the impact of running.
The minimal impact of running makes it easy on the bad knees.
So, yes Clifton is definitely a very good option if you have a bad knee.
What kind of a running shoe is Hoka Clifton?
Clifton is one of the most popular shoes from Hoka One One.
It is a light-weight neutral running shoe. This is well suited for runners with medium to high arches.
It comes with a low drop.
The shoe is designed to offer ultimate softness and comfort, maximum shock absorption, and keeping the response of the shoe high. The maximum shock absorption reduces the impact of running and the response increases the running efficiency.
The versatility of the shoe comes from the fact that it can be used for long-distance, short-distance, high or low pace running.
Will Hoka Clifton help me with my Achilles Tendonitis?
The Clifton has a low heel drop, 5 mm. The low drop does not make it very suitable for Achilles Tendinitis. For Achilles Tendinitis it is more suitable to opt for shoes that have a heel drop more than 8mm.
Is Hoka Clifton better than Brooks Ghost?
This is again a debatable topic.
Each of these shoes has its own unique feature.
Clifton is a lightweight, well-cushioned, responsive, and shock absorption.
Ghost on the other hand has a very soft and protective cushioning. The segmented scratch-pad under the forefoot adds to better shock absorption and flexibility of the shoe.
So it becomes very difficult to pick a direct winner amongst Clifton and Ghost.
It is ultimately the runner’s choice and the experience that matters when you are comparing two equally awesome running shoes.
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.
