By Paul Freary
While the recently updated Clifton 11 continues to be pretty much the same old Clifton we have come to expect, the Clifton PRO gives us an update which, perhaps, we should have expected a few years ago for the Clifton itself.
The Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO will now sit side-by-side in the brand’s line-up, with the PRO offering a new, more responsive midsole. The PRO aims to offer a more ‘performance-feel’ and provide a familiar, highly cushioned ride, yet in a more versatile package.
So, which should you buy?
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Clifton Pro and Clifton 11
Stats
HOKA | Clifton 11 | Clifton Pro |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Daily trainer for those wanting a deep, soft cushioned ride | Responsive, versatile daily trainer |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | High stack cushioning | High stack cushioning |
Stack Height | 42mm heel | 42mm heel |
Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
Weight | Men 283g (9.99oz) | Men 296g (10.4oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $155 | $165 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8/ 10 | 8.5/ 10 |
Design
While both models are built on the same last, the difference in technology is the midsole foam in each model.
The Clifton 11 sticks to the same CM-EVA foam it always had, and while in the last couple of generations it’s moved to an 8mm drop, the shoe remains largely unchanged for regular users of the shoe.
Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro - Midsole
At the heart of the new HOKA Clifton PRO is the PROGLIDE+ platform, combining a supercritical foam midsole with a more aggressive MetaRocker geometry to, as HOKA say ‘create a smoother, more propulsive ride.’ It’s perhaps a little strange to use ‘aggressive’ and ‘smooth’ in the same breath, but I’d go with smooth and responsive rather than particularly aggressive. Regardless, it’s a very good ride!
Clifton Pro
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Clifton 11
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Fit
The fit of the two models is the same, with the Clifton PRO being built on the same last as the Clifton 11.
Clifton Pro and Clifton 11 - Upper and Toe Box
They are both true to size in terms of length and width for HOKA models, but as usual, take care in the UK as the brand converts US to UK sizes differently than most competitors.
For HOKA, a US10 is labelled as a UK9.5, whereas most other brands (Brooks, Saucony, Nike) would make a US10 a UK9.
Performance
As I have in the Clifton 11 review for previous users of the shoe, the Clifton 11 will not feel very different, because it isn’t. It sticks to the same design as the previous model, the Clifton 10.
Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro - Heel
HOKA has only added a new sockliner, but this is a very minor improvement and being only a few mm thick, any additional cushioning bottoms out upon initial impact.
Despite the lack of change, the Clifton 11 remains a very capable shoe and offers a deeply cushioned ride with a relatively smooth forward rolling experience. The Clifton PRO takes that ride and improves it thanks to the better foam midsole.
Clifton Pro and Clifton 11 - Heel Collar
While HOKA say the rocker of the Clifton PRO is more aggressive, the overall effect of any change in the shape goes largely unnoticed in the ride. I certainly don’t feel an ‘aggressive’ ride. Of course, the experience of an aggressive ride is different for different people, but for reference, for me, an aggressive ride is one which positive pushes the foot forward, like that of a PUMA Fast-R or from HOKA, the Cielo X1 3.0.
For me, the difference in ride of the PRO over the 11 is in the midsole feel.
Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro
The Clifton PRO is an instantly better running experience for me. The new PROGLIDE + foam midsole adds a much-needed degree of feedback, which vastly elevates the ride of the PRO over the 11.
My Verdict
Without a doubt, the Clifton PRO is the better of the two shoes here. For many, it will be what the Clifton should have been a few years ago. Sticking to the same CM-EVA midsole in the Clifton series has meant that, despite its popularity, the Clifton has been left behind by the competition.
Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro - Heel Stack
Shoes like the Brooks Ghost, Mizuno Wave Rider and Saucony Azura have all used modern, ‘superfoams’ in the shape of nitrogen-infused or PEBA-based midsoles. At this, the most competitive segment of the market, runners are now expecting more premium foams.
The Clifton PRO delivers a better foam, but it is still ‘just’ supercritical EVA. It is much better than regular EVA, and, in this shoe feels great, but the shoe is also heavier than the Clifton 11 and costs more.
Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro - Heel Side View
The Clifton 11 remains unchanged, so diehard fans will be happy, but at the same time, many might eventually want to try another model or brand for a change.
Clifton Pro and Clifton 11 - Lacing and Tongue
The Clifton PRO feels livelier than the 11, more responsive, and despite being heavier, an all-around better fit and ride on the foot and on the run.
Hoka Clifton Pro - Outsole
As I said in the recent CLIFTON 11 review, if you are a fan of the model, you can find the Clifton 10 heavily reduced right now.
Hoka Clifton 11 - Outsole
If you think it’s time for a change, the Clifton PRO should prove just enough to give you a fresher, more modern Clifton option.
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