Hoka One One Clifton 8

Now, in October 2022, it has already been more than a year since Hoka made it to their latest release of the Clifton series, Clifton number 8. In terms of high-quality support and overall fit, these running shoes, with their latest upgrade, definitely remain as a TOP model that you shouldn’t leave behind. No matter the distance you decide to run, these running shoes will support you as not many other models. Hoka One One Clifton 8 feel great, they look great, they run great but on the other hand, there are also negatives that you should know about. 🙂 Interested? Then keep reading this review from our runner tester who did in Hoka one One Clifton 8 over a 100 miles. 

For long runs or short runs?

We tested the model for both. First, we took the model for a 3 miles run on the track and afterwards, we tested it on some 8 and 10 miles track. The outcome was that in the first case Hoka One One Clifton 8 felt extremely fast. That is because it actually weighs so little. In the men’s size 10 (US), it is just around 9,8 oz. You can find this kind of high-quality running shoes that easily go over 10,5 oz. But not in the case of Hoka Clifton 8. These are very lightweight. And according to our expert runner, with the lightness, they resemble a bit of Saucony Endorphin Speed or New Balance Fresh Foam More V2.

What adds to this lightweight feeling is the new midsole layer – CMEVA, that means compression molded ethylene-vinyl acetate). It is supposed to be some boosted EVA midsole, but the truth is that you will be barely able to tell the difference between them. Just the fact that it feels light is perfect for short-distance, energetic and dynamic running. We would never complain about this attribute with this Hoka Clifton 8.

As for long distances, you will go hard with them as well. Perfect midsole cushioning in combination with low weight is the best predisposition for marathons, half-marathons or even longer runs than that. Not a combination that you may find too often, though. Commonly, perfect cushioning means excessive weight. Such as is the case of Hoka One One Bondi 7 that we also tested and found to be a great model. It has some perfect midsoles but it is too heavy. If you prefer lightweight feeling, stay with Clifton 8.

Other great attributes?

What adds to the overall comfort of this running model is the extended heel crash padding – Achilles collar. It helps you get easily into the shoes, makes you run smoothly and thus, softens each step that you do. Overall, it helps significantly to absorb shocks that you may get into ankles while running.

The one thing that all of you may appreciate is the fact that the model is manufactured in narrow and wide version for both men and women. For men, Hoka One One Clifton 8 black version is the most common one. On the other hand, women may find a fancy version in Hoka One One Clifton 8 Eggshell Blue or many other different designs all over the internet. Our expert runner loved Clifton 8 – Evening Primrose. In general, the upper combines in most of the cases reflective colours.Or it is complemented by reflective midsoles. Of course, it doesn’t apply for the pure black version of Hoka Clifton 8. But in other cases, you can easily take these shoes into the night for a night run or dark places. 

Price tag?

To be honest, quite terrible… We have been comparing running shoes every day or weekly for about 4 years now. Thus, we gained lots of experience in time. And finally, we have to admit, the same as our expert reviewer: Hoka One One Clifton 8 are way too expensive. You will get them for around 200 USD or even more. No matter how great they are, be prepared to pay for them. It depends on what you expect from the shoes. If you have lower expectations, you would prefer to save some money and you want just some running shoes for casual runs, then go and grab for instance Asics Roadblast Tokyo or for men Nike Downshifter10 , then we would advise you to 

What else remains?

Some people say that Hoke One One Clifton 8 are extremely breathable but we consider this to be obvious for any other today’s running model. The upper of the shoe is seamless, soft and lets lots of air come through. Yes it is truly breathable. 🙂 

To sum it up

If Hoka One One Clifton 8 were not that expensive they would be perfect. Because no matter if you love short runs or long runs, they suit both activities. They are not too heavy and still offer some great comfort and shock reduction for each step. We found them to be a greatly balanced running model that you should not hesitate to purchase if you have money. You will definitely not regret it.