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Hoka Clifton and Topo Phantom are both neutral running shoes that have a lot of cushioning, lightness and comfort.
We are today comparing Hoka Clifton 8 and Topo Phantom 2 as these are the latest models of these two shoes currently.
In the sections below, I’ve tried to compare these two shoes in as much detail as possible. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you will be able to choose between Topo Phantom vs Hoka Clifton…
Let’s proceed…
This is our winner
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Topo Phantom 2
Why did we pick this one?
- Maximal cushioning.
- Lightweight.
- Elegant style.
- Good ankle stability.
- Excellent durability.
Differences Between Topo Phantom Vs Hoka Clifton
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Topo Phanton is heavier than Hoka Clifton. The women’s version of Topo Phanton weighs around 9.1oz or 258g whereas Hoka Clifton’s women’s version weighs around 8.0oz or 226.8g. Topo Phantom’s men’s version weighs around 10.4oz or 295g whereas that of Hoka Clifton’s weighs around 8.9oz or 252.3g.
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The heel stack of Hoka Clifton (37mm) is higher than that of Topo Phantom (34mm) by 3mm.
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The forefoot stack of Hoka Clifton (32mm) is higher than that of Topo Phantom (29mm) by 5mm.
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Hoka Clifton has two toe-box widths available for both the women’s version and the men’s version whereas for Topo Phantom there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.
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The latest generation of Hoka Clifton is 8 whereas the current generation of Topo Phantom is 2.
Topo Phantom Vs Hoka Clifton – An Overview
Hoka Clifton and Topo Phantom are neutral running shoes. Both of these shoes are very comfortable and shock-absorbing and will provide you with an excellent ride.
They have excellent breathability and stretch, and the outsole has a proper grip on both wet and dry surfaces. You have lesser chances of tripping and falling while wearing these shoes.
In the following sections, I’ll be providing you with an in-depth comparison of Hoka Clifton and Topo Phantom.
So, let’s proceed…
Topo Phantom 2 Vs Hoka Clifton 8 – Features at a glance
| Topo Phantom 2 | Hoka Clifton 8 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel-to-toe Drop | 5mm | 12mm |
| Weight |
9.1oz / 258g (Women) 10.4oz / 295g (Men) |
8.0oz / 226.8g (Women) 8.9oz / 252.3g (Men) |
| Arch Support | Medium | Medium |
| Midsole Type | ZIP Foam | CMEVA |
| Technology | ZIP Foam, OrthoLite Footbed | Breathable mesh, Early-stage meta rocker, Extended pull tab, CMEVA midsole |
| Sizes |
4.0 – 9.0 (Women) 7.0 – 13.0 (Men) |
5.0 – 12.0 (Women) 7.0 – 16.0 (Men) |
| Width |
Medium (Women) Medium (Men) |
Medium (B), Wide (D) (Women) Medium (D), Wide (EE) (Men) |
| Use | Any Distances, Treadmill, Road | Any Distances, Speed Run, Treadmill, Road |
| Editor’s Rating |  |
|
PRODUCT
Topo Phantom 2
FEATURES
3YPE: Neutral
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 5mm
WEIGHT: 9.1oz / 258g (Women)/ 10.4oz / 295g (Men)
ARCH SUPPORT: Medium
MIDSOLE TYPE: ZIP Foam
TECHNOLOGY: ZIP Foam, OrthoLite Footbed
SIZES: 4.0 – 9.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 13.0 (Men)
WIDTH: Medium (Women) / Medium (Men)
USE: Any Distances, Treadmill, Road
EDITOR’S RATING
PRODUCT
Hoka Clifton 8
FEATURES
TYPE: Neutral
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 5mm
WEIGHT: 8.0oz/226.8g (Women) / 8.9oz/252.3g (Men)
ARCH SUPPORT: Medium
MIDSOLE TYPE: CMEVA
TECHNOLOGY: Breathable mesh, Early-stage meta rocker, Extended pull tab, CMEVA midsole
SIZES: 5.0 – 12.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 16.0 (Men)
WIDTH: Medium (B), Wide (D) (Women) / Medium (D), Wide (EE) (Men)
USE: Any Distances, Speed Run, Treadmill, Road
EDITOR’S RATING
Hoka Clifton Vs. Topo Phantom – A head-to-head comparison
In the above sections, we have provided you with some basic differences and similarities between Topo Phantom and Hoka Clifton.
In the following sections, we will be providing you with more details about these two running shoes.
Outsole
The outsole of Topo Phantom is partly made of the exposed midsole and partly with the midsole covered by durable rubber.
If you observe the presence of the durable rubber on the outsole it is only present in the places where there will be more wear and tear.
It is not present in the other places and in those areas you will have a rubberized midsole which is actually the most part of the outsole.
Also, there are different patterns that are made on the outsole. Most of them are either vertical or horizontal. These are the flex groove patterns that make the outsole flexible.
If you didn’t have that the outsole of Topo Phantom would have been very stiff. Also, there are lug patterns that are present in the durable rubber area.
This improves the grip of the shoe. Also, in general, the rubber that is present in the outsole only improves the grip of the shoe.
The outsole of Hoka Clifton is also similar. It has durable rubber in the high wear and tear areas of the outsole.
For the rest of the places, it has a rubberized exposed midsole. Also, the exposed midsole also has a lot of patterns present.
The most important is what is present in the forefoot as this is related to the flexibility of the shoe. If you observe the forefoot of Hoka Clifton, you will find the durable rubber and the midsole is placed parallelly at an angle and in an alternating pattern.
This actually improves flexibility. If the entire area was covered with rubber then the firmness of the sole would have been too much.
Also, due to the presence of durable rubber in high wear and tear-prone areas, improves the overall lifespan of the shoe.
Midsole
Upper
The upper of Topo Phantom is made of engineered mesh. This is an overlay-free mesh and is very breathable.
Like many other companies, Topo is also shifting towards a more eco-friendly line of products. Topo phantom is one of them.
It has 30% recycled material in its upper. This helps Topo to be more environmentally friendly and reduces its overall carbon footprint.
Unlike Hoka, Topo is still going with the more traditional look for its running shoes and doesn’t have an extended pull tab.
However, the collar that it has is well padded and will provide you with a good amount of comfort.
Combined with the padded tongue, it will provide your ankle with more stability and you will have fewer chances of twisting your ankles.
Also, it has a padded insole that provides you with step-in comfort and good arch support. The external TPU heel keeps your feet firmly grounded on the platform and you will not have to deal with heel slips or such things.
Like Hoka Clifton, Topo Phantom also has flat laces which remain tied while you run.
What I don’t like about Phantom is its look. It looks bulky and not at all stylish. It is very comfortable however, it doesn’t get a lot of points in the looks department.
Also, another thing that I don’t like about this shoe is that it is not available in wide fit. People who have wider foot requirements will not be able to use it.
Like Topo Phantom, Hoka Clifton also has an engineered mesh upper. Also, like Topo Phantom, it is made from recycled material.
This mesh is durable, breathable, and provides you with excellent comfort. It stretches where and when required and still maintains its structure.
The collar area has an extended pull tab for the easy wearing of the shoe. This collar is also decently padded for providing more ankle and Achilles support.
Also, the tongue is anatomically designed and provides you with additional ankle support.
Like Topo Phantom, Hoka Clifton also has flat laces. These laces don’t come undone when you are running.
Also, the inside of the shoe is very smooth and doesn’t rub against your skin. This is important because such friction can create blisters.
I find Hoka Clifton‘s look to be very stylish and it is also available in multiple widths for both genders. This is great for runners like me who have bunions.
Weight
Hoka Clifton is lighter than Topo Phantom for both versions. It is understandable as Topo Athletic Phantom is a maximally cushioned running shoe and Hoka Clifton has a balanced cushioning.
Topo Phantom weighs around 9.1oz /258g for women and 10.4oz/295g for men.
Hoka Clifton weighs around 8.0oz/226.8g for women and 8.9oz/252.3g for men.
Price
The price of Hoka Clifton and Topo Phantom is almost similar. If you check the price difference between the current versions of Clifton and Phantom, you will find a difference of $0.05 or 5 cents.
This difference is negligible and will not affect your decision to pick the one more suitable for you. Also, since the drop of both of these shoes is also the same, this also will not help you decide on the same.
So, I would suggest that you try on both of these shoes and find out which feels more comfortable to you. Some, love the plush cushioning and the others will like the responsiveness.
Based on your comfort and preference pick the shoe for you.
In the above sections, we have tried to provide you with all the differences and similarities between Topo Phantom and Hoka Clifton.
However, we have provided some alternatives to these two running shoes in the below sections. Check them out.
Similar Shoes
Running Shoes Similar To Topo Athletic Phantom 2
Topo Athletic Phantom is a maximal cushioned running shoe. It is excellent with shock absorption and will provide you with a very cushy experience. Also, it is a low-drop running shoe.
A running shoe that will provide you with a similar experience is Hoka Bondi. It is also a maximal cushioned running shoe with a low heel-to-toe drop. Running in Bondi feels like running on the clouds.
- Open mesh construction
- Memory foam collar
- Refined early stage Meta-Rocker
Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Running Shoes Similar To Hoka One One Clifton 8
Hoka Clifton is a lightweight running shoe. It is responsive and will provide you with a cushy ride. It is good for even longer distances.
A running shoe that can provide you with a similar experience is Brooks Trace. It is a lightweight running shoe that will provide you with good responsiveness while providing a good amount of cushioning.
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Trace is a perfect choice for runners who want a performance running shoe — but not necessarily all the bells and whistles.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: The Trace offers neutral support combined with dynamic cushioning throughout, to minimize the impact of your every step while delivering a smooth ride from start to finish.
- ADAPTIVE CUSHIONING: Lightweight BioMoGo DNA adapts to your speed, stride, and weight to help deflect impact away from your body.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
In the above sections, I have tried to cover almost all the differences and similarities between Hoka Clifton Vs Topo Phantom. However, we liked Topo Phantom a bit more than Hoka Clifton.
Almost everything in Topo Phantom is comparable to Hoka Clifton. However, the amount of cushioning that Topo Phantom has is way more than Hoka Clifton. This is the reason why we chose Topo Phantom over Hoka Clifton.
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.
