Hoka Clifton 11 Review: Consistency is the Name of the Game

Reviewed by Charlie Jakubowski, Manager

There is no better way of achieving your best than consistent, hard work.  The new Hoka Clifton 11 delivers a dependable daily trainer useful for a variety of needs.  In this review, we will be discussing the ride, fit/sizing, and updates to a staple in the running shoe scene.  Before that, here is a quick breakdown of the new Hoka Clifton 11.

Hoka Clifton 11 Review

Hoka’s Clifton line has become one of the more recognized running shoes in the market.  I can still remember when the Hoka Clifton 9 came out and the attraction that shoe brought to Hoka’s brand.  However, with the 10th version, Hoka decided to change the Clifton model.  Increasing the heel drop, adding more foam, and readjusting the upper raised some eyebrows in the running shoe world.  While it was a curious mixup to an already stellar shoe, it didn’t lose Hoka any business. 

Overall, there isn’t a whole lot of differences between the Hoka Clifton 10 and the Hoka Clifton 11.  The Clifton 11 feels more refined than what the Clifton 10 was.  Not as bulky, smoother ride, and a better fitting upper.  Personally, the heel collar feels ten times better in the Hoka Clifton 11 and gives a more secure fit.  The upper will be a recurring theme throughout this review as it is the main point of emphasis.  You might be wondering then, “What else did Hoka change?” and reader we got all the information down below. 

What’s New in the Hoka Clifton 11? 

Let’s start with the upper since this is the most noticeable change.  Starting with the heel, Hoka has added more padding and structure.  This results in a tighter, more secure feel.  Some wear testers did notice that this tighter fit rubbed just under their ankle bone but, there was no severe irritation or lingering problems.  The overall upper was changed to be more flexible and lighter.  If you felt that a standard width for the Hoka Clifton 10 was tight, the Hoka Clifton 11 should give a little more.  We at Dave’s Running Shop also felt that the upper was more breathable than last year’s model.  Finally, the tongue felt pretty standard and no one seemed to have issues with it moving or causing annoyance.   

Next is the midsole/foam under the foot.  Hoka stated that not much has changed here.  Still an 8mm drop and the stack height remains the same.  The midsole hasn’t changed either so that bouncy, soft feel under foot should be consistent from both Clifton 10 and 11.  The only aspect that changed in the Hoka Clifton 11 is a new sockliner that is better for moisture management and gives a softer, springer feel.

 Finally, the outsole which hasn’t received any noticeable changes.  In fact the outsole is the same exact outsole the Hoka Clifton 10 had.  Good rubber coverage in the heel and forefoot but exposed foam throughout the midfoot.  Sad to see no real change here as a big problem we noticed with the Hoka Clifton 10 was outsole durability.

Hoka Clifton 11 Fit and Sizing

 The fit and sizing of the Hoka Clifton 11 is much improved from its predecessor.  The Clifton 11’s redesigned upper cradles the foot nicely.  The heel is secure to prevent any heel slipping from happening.  Throughout the shoe, the upper allows for more stretch and isn’t as restrictive.  This is great if you have a foot that isn’t wide but also struggles with a standard width.  You can expect to shop true to size for the Hoka Clifton 11 and have little to no problems. 

Hoka Clifton 11 Performance Review: On the Run

The ride of the Hoka Clifton 11 is still similar to that of the Hoka Clifton 10.  Like we’ve discussed in earlier sections of the review, the midsole and outsole didn’t receive much attention.  There could be an argument to make that the ride for the Hoka Clifton 11 is smoother but it’s very miniscule.  The Hoka Clifton 11 is the same daily, neutral, cushioned running shoe that many Hoka fans love. 

Where the Clifton 11 gets bonus points is with the fit.  Last year’s model was a bit sloppy and really lacked a locked down feel.  This year, however, the security from the upper is outstanding.  The heel stays in place, toes have room to move and spread out, and the tongue isn’t irritating.  If there is one concern to have with the Hoka Clifton 11, it is going to be the outsole.  Hoka’s Clifton 10 did have some durability problems and it doesn’t seem like Hoka addressed them in this year’s model.  At Dave’s, we don’t have too many miles logged on our Hoka Clifton 11’s, so we can’t say for certain that the Hoka Clifton 11’s will have durability issues but it is something to keep an eye on. 

Hoka Clifton 11 Against Their Competitors

There are many great daily trainers out there from a variety of brands.  With all the information that’s available, it can be hard to find a good comparison and know what you’re getting from each shoe.  Below we have compiled the different specs and aspects of popular daily trainers that are similar to the Hoka Clifton 11 to make your research easier. 

The Final Verdict

To conclude, the Hoka Clifton 11 isn’t going to blow your socks off.  It’s a small update to a shoe that is becoming an icon in the running shoe market.  Hoka’s Clifton 11 is consistent and looking to uphold a reliable reputation that they have been building over the past few years.  It makes sense as many brands have their staple shoe (think Brook’s Ghost or Nike Pegasus).  What makes this shoe so reliable and consistent is that it can be used for a variety of activities.  Running, walking, general fitness, or casual wear.  Whatever the case may be, the Hoka Clifton 11 is going to cover the bases.

Meet the Reviewer

Charlie Jakubowski

Charlie is the manager at Dave's Running and has been in the run specialty industry for 4 years, with 10+ years of running experience under his belt. He wear-tested the Novablast 6 for several weeks across easy runs, long runs, and daily wear before writing this review — at Dave's, our staff strives to give you the most honest, real-world take by testing every trainer, racing shoe, and walking shoe we sell.

Have questions about whether the Novablast 6 is right for you? Stop by any Dave's Running Shop location in Sylvania, Perrysburg, Delta or Findlay for a free shoe fitting, or ask about our gait analysis if you're dealing with foot pain, orthotics, or a doctor's recommendation. We've been helping Northwest Ohio get faster, go farther, and feel better since 1973 — runner or not.