Hoka Clifton Pro

The Hoka One One Clifton Pro is a rather strange move by the American brand. To begin with, that "Pro" suffix invites you to expect the brand's very best, a shoe built for exceptional performance. On the other hand, it is still a Clifton, a name that ordinary mortals associate with a daily trainer. So apart from the hugely oversized name on the lateral side, reminiscent of the worst knock-offs of (supposedly luxury) brands sold at dubious street markets, the summary for the lazy is that it is a Clifton with better responsiveness thanks to a slightly more aggressive geometry and a new midsole compound that we hope to see in the next evolution of the Mach 7.

So compared with the Clifton 11, the main news is the supercritical EVA midsole called ProGlide+ ("Pro" and "+" straight away, which leaves little room for the name of the next version), with better energy return than the "conventional" version, without losing the softness typical of the Clifton family. The outsole with rubber in key areas improves durability without adding unnecessary weight. The technical mesh upper is lighter and more breathable, with a good lockdown and a comfortable fit that leaves enough room up front for long runs.

With a high stack height and a drop that keeps the 8 mm of the "conventional" version, the Clifton Pro feels comfortable and protective, but with a slightly more agile transition than the classic Clifton 11, although it adds a few barely noticeable grams on the scales. It is ideal for neutral runners looking for a daily trainer with cushioning, some versatility for easy to moderate paces and good stability, who want to try Hoka's new venture. It is worth keeping an eye on, because the market will put it in its place.