Which Clifton Suits You?

How do you want to fly?

The HOKA Clifton has long been one of the most trusted names in running. Loved by athletes of all levels for its lightweight cushioning and smooth ride, it's become the go-to daily trainer for everyone from pro athletes to weekend battlers.

Now, with the newest in the line, the HOKA Clifton 11 and the all-new HOKA Clifton PRO, the Clifton family has expanded to offer two very different experiences.

So, what's changed? And is the Clifton PRO simply a better Clifton 11?

Not exactly…

While the Clifton 11 continues the legacy as HOKA's dependable everyday trainer, the Clifton PRO has been built for runners who want to inject more speed and energy into their daily training.

HOKA Clifton 10 - The shoe that set the benchmark

The Clifton 10 marked a big evolution for the franchise, adding a refined fit and an updated ride with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. Featuring a plush CMEVA midsole, breathable jacquard knit upper and HOKA's signature Smooth MetaRocker™, it became a favourite for runners wanting lightweight cushioning for everyday kilometres.

Its mix of comfort, durability and predictable ride cemented the Clifton as one of the best daily trainers and walking shoes on the market.

Not just for the big kids though, these are also available in our kids’ HOKA range.

HOKA Clifton 11 - Refining a classic

Rather than reinventing the Clifton, the Clifton 11 builds on all the things runners loved about the previous version.

The compression moulded EVA foam delivers the balanced cushioning Clifton fans expect, while an updated engineered mesh upper improves breathability and comfort. HOKA has also added reflective detailing, tactile silicone overlays and a double-lace lock to create a more secure fit and reduce tongue movement during longer runs.

The signature Smooth MetaRocker™ and rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ remain, providing the smooth transitions and inherent stability that have made the Clifton a favourite for everyday training.

If your running is made up of easy kilometres, recovery runs and consistent weekly mileage, the Clifton 11 is one of the safest and most reliable choices available. Also available as X-Wide and  wide running shoes.

HOKA Clifton PRO - When you want to go faster

The biggest story this year isn't actually the Clifton 11, it's the arrival of the Clifton PRO.

Rather than replacing the Clifton, HOKA has created a faster, more performance-focused sibling.

The Clifton PRO retains the comfortable Clifton DNA but brings several upgrades aimed at runners who want to pick up the pace.

The new ProGlide™ midsole delivers a more energetic underfoot feel than the traditional Clifton foam, while an updated, more aggressive rocker geometry creates faster heel-to-toe transitions and encourages a quicker turnover. A breathable engineered mesh upper and premium comfort collar improve fit, while strategically placed Durabrasion Rubber adds durability in high-wear areas without adding unnecessary weight.

This makes for a shoe that feels livelier underfoot, making it ideal for tempo runs, progression runs and faster daily training sessions.

Clifton 11 vs Clifton PRO - What's the difference?

Although they share the Clifton genes, these shoes are designed for different types of running.

The Clifton 11 is still the all-rounder. It's built for comfort and effortless daily running sessions. If most of your runs are easy-paced, recovery-focused or simply about getting time on your feet, the Clifton 11 is likely the better choice.

The Clifton PRO, however, raises the performance ceiling. Its more responsive ProGlide™ midsole, aggressive rocker geometry and premium construction create a quicker, more propulsive ride. It still offers the cushioning Clifton runners love, but with noticeably more energy return and efficiency when the pace increases.

Feature Clifton 11 Clifton PRO
Best For Everyday runs, recovery runs, daily training Tempo runs, faster daily training, progression runs
Ride Feel Balanced and smooth More responsive and energetic
Cushioning Compression Molded EVA foam ProGlide™ midsole for a livelier ride
Stability Neutral Neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop 8mm 8mm
Rocker Geometry Smooth MetaRocker™ Updated, more aggressive rocker geometry for faster transitions
Upper Engineered mesh with reflective details and silicone overlays Premium engineered mesh with comfort collar
Tongue Double-lace lock helps prevent tongue migration Tongue pull tab with integrated lace keeper
Outsole Durable abrasion rubber Super/Durabrasion rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability
Underfoot Feel Soft, cushioned and predictable More propulsive, responsive and performance-focused
Ideal Runner Runners wanting maximum comfort for everyday mileage Runners wanting Clifton comfort with extra speed and energy return

Think of it this way:

●      Clifton 10 introduced the next generation of Clifton comfort.

●      Clifton 11 refined that formula with a more polished fit and improved upper.

●      Clifton PRO takes the Clifton platform in a completely new direction, creating a shoe that's built not just for everyday running, but for running faster.

Which HOKA Clifton should you buy?

Choose the Clifton 11 if you're looking for a comfortable, reliable daily trainer that can handle easy runs, recovery sessions and everyday kilometres.

Grab the Clifton PRO if your training includes tempo runs, faster workouts or you simply want a more responsive ride that encourages quicker turnover while still delivering the signature Clifton cushioning.

Whichever you choose, you'll be getting the smooth transitions and lightweight comfort that have made the Clifton one of HOKA's most iconic running shoes. The difference is simple: the Clifton 11 helps you enjoy every kilometre, while the Clifton PRO is designed to help you run those kilometres just a little bit faster.

Find your favourite colours in our men’s HOKA Clifton and women’s HOKA Clifton range today and fly your own way.