Verdict: A Better Clifton for Easy Miles, Not a Game-Changer for Speed
The Hoka Clifton Pro is a high-stack neutral running shoe that upgrades the classic Clifton with a supercritical EVA midsole, more pronounced rocker geometry, and a grippy, durable outsole, aiming to give everyday runners a livelier yet stable daily trainer for easy and long runs. At heart, it is still a comfort-first, high-cushion daily trainer, not a tempo or race shoe. The upgraded PROGLIDE+ midsole brings more bounce and responsiveness compared to the standard Clifton, turning what could feel flat into a smoother, more engaging ride. The trade-off is a slightly heavier and taller shoe that excels at steady, easy mileage rather than fast efforts. If you loved past Cliftons for their cushioning and want a bit more life underfoot, the Clifton Pro is a worthwhile upgrade; if you want speed, look elsewhere.
| Spec | Clifton Pro (men) | Clifton Pro (women) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.4–10.5 oz depending on size | 8.1–8.6 oz depending on size |
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 46 mm / 38 mm | 38 mm / 30–38 mm (size-dependent) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Midsole | PROGLIDE+ supercritical EVA | PROGLIDE+ supercritical EVA |
| Outsole | Podular Super Abrasion Rubber | Podular Super Abrasion Rubber |
Midsole Upgrade: From "Dead" Clifton to Livelier Cushion
The defining change in the Hoka Clifton Pro is its PROGLIDE+ supercritical EVA midsole, an upgraded foam that aims to add energy and comfort to the franchise’s traditionally muted ride. Testers report that the shoe has "much more bounce and responsiveness" than the standard Clifton and that the previous model’s dead feeling "came back to life" in the Pro. The stack height climbs to around 46 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot, supported by a slightly more exaggerated heel bevel and steeper forefoot rocker compared with the Clifton 10. In practice, this combination produces mild compliance and mild resilience: the shoe feels softly cushioned, stable, and pleasantly smooth, but not wildly springy. It is closer to the best running shoes cushioning category for easy miles than to a plated super-shoe for speed, making it ideal for recovery runs and long, steady outings.
Fit, Upper, and Outsole: Comfortable Lockdown with Some Heat
The Clifton Pro keeps the familiar Clifton comfort but refines the fit. Many runners find it more accommodating than past Hoka trainers, thanks to a slightly wider toe box and midfoot sidewalls that do not extend as far forward, reducing pressure on the big-toe joint. The heel collar and tongue are generously padded, while a stiff heel counter and moderate internal padding secure the rearfoot without harshness. Large plastic overlays in the medial and lateral midfoot plus a well-padded gusseted tongue provide strong lockdown across the arch. The downside is a thick upper that can feel too hot in summer temperatures, which may bother runners in warmer climates or those who prefer airy mesh. Underfoot, the new podular Super Abrasion Rubber outsole offers excellent wet-road traction and shows very little wear after 30 miles of testing, suggesting better durability than more exposed-midsole Hokas.
Pros
- Bouncy and responsive compared to previous Clifton models
- Exceptionally stable for the amount of cushioning, suitable for novice and intermediate runners
- Slightly wider toe box than many Hoka trainers, with secure lockdown
- Outsole traction and durability are strong on wet roads
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the Clifton 10, so not ideal for speed sessions
- Ride is not very fast or propulsive despite the new foam
- Thick upper can feel too hot in warm weather
Clifton Pro vs Clifton: Who Should Upgrade?
The Clifton line is now in its 11th iteration, and the Clifton Pro sits as a more cushioned, more energetic spin on the classic daily trainer. It keeps the same 8 mm drop but increases stack, adds the PROGLIDE+ midsole, and enhances rocker geometry, resulting in a smoother and livelier ride than recent Cliftons. According to one reviewer, "for such a high stack height shoe, it feels surprisingly light on foot," at 9.4 oz for a men’s US 9. That said, the Pro still performs best at easy paces: the stiff platform and moderate weight make it more suited to relaxed daily mileage than uptempo workouts. If your current Clifton feels flat or you want more cushioning and a touch more bounce without jumping into carbon plates, the Pro is a strong contender among best running shoes cushioning options. If you already own a Clifton you like for slow runs and do not crave extra stack or a different feel, you might not need to replace it immediately.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Hoka Clifton Pro if you want a cushioned daily trainer midsole upgrade with more bounce than your current Clifton.
- Skip the Hoka Clifton Pro if you prioritize a light, fast, highly propulsive shoe for tempo runs or racing.
- Buy the Hoka Clifton Pro if you need stable, max cushioning for easy miles, recovery runs, or long, steady outings.
- Skip the Hoka Clifton Pro if you run mostly in hot climates and find thick, padded uppers uncomfortably warm.
- Buy the Hoka Clifton Pro if you struggled with narrow toe boxes or intrusive sidewalls in past Hoka trainers and want a slightly roomier, more forgiving fit.
- Skip the Hoka Clifton Pro if your current Clifton already feels comfortable and you are not seeking more stack height or a different ride.
