The rundown: If you’re a runner who wants a more responsive daily trainer, the Clifton Pro is worth the extra $10. If you primarily walk, recover, or log easy miles, save your money and buy the Clifton 11.
When you add “Pro” to a shoe’s moniker these days, there are... expectations. Especially when that shoe I’m referring to is Hoka’s venerable Clifton, known as your favorite max-cushioned workhorse trainer from the brand known as the max-cushion king. Coming off turning 10, the Clifton, like many brands’ popular franchises (Nike’s Vomero, Brooks’s Ghost) is getting not one but two releases: the Clifton 11 and the Clifton Pro.
The Clifton has topped our Best Running Shoes and Best Walking Shoes lists because of its plush comfort and supportive ride. At the Runner’s World Shoe Summit back in November last year, the Hoka team introduced the Clifton Pro as “the first elite trainer built for performance.” Imagine my anticipation leading up to this shoe’s release half a year later.
| Specs | Clifton 11 | Clifton Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Everyday training, long runs, recovery, walking | Everyday training, long runs, tempos |
| Midsole Foam | CMEVA (compression-molded EVA foam) | SCF (supercritical foam, EVA) |
| Weight (M10) | 10.0 oz | 10.4 oz |
| Weight (W8) | 8.3 oz | 8.5 oz |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack Height (M) | 42 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot | 42 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot |
| Stack Height (W) | 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot | 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot |
| Price | $155 | $165 |
Buy Men’s Hoka Clifton 11 | Buy Women’s Hoka Clifton 11
Buy Men’s Hoka Clifton Pro | Buy Women’s Hoka Clifton Pro
Now that I’ve logged mileage in both the Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro, I’ve taken time to reflect on what constitutes “elite” when it’s applied to a shoe, and what “Pro” should entail when it’s tagged onto a household name.
Can one settle for “standard Clifton” over an optimized Clifton? Is the latter “Pro”-worthy, and worth shelling out an extra Hamilton? The answers are yes—and maybe. It all really boils down to your expectations and what you intend to do in the shoes. Allow me to provide you with some clarity.
So, We’re Still Pushing EVA?
On the surface, there are not too many distinctive features that separate the Clifton 11 from the Clifton Pro. Besides the larger Hoka logo that has more real estate on the lateral sides of the Pro, I could easily reach for either shoe without knowing which I’m trying on. The stacks and drops are the same. The weight is a smidge different, with the Pro being tenths of an ounce heavier.
To truly compare the shoes, I put them on side-by-side, the Clifton 11 on my left foot and the Clifton Pro on my right. Turns out there’s much more going on underneath the surface.
In terms of the Clifton 11 try-on, my left foot felt relief. My wider-than-average foot was hugged but not squeezed in the Clifton 11, and the cushioning felt familiar. It was Hoka-soft and molded to the pads of my foot. On my right foot, the Clifton Pro’s ProGlide+ foam felt denser—but still plush—and the fit more streamlined. The sidewalls are built up for a securer high-performance experience.
CMEVA, or compression-molded EVA, is a more cushioned, high-energy version of industry-standard EVA. One might call CMEVA the modern industry standard. It has more durability and more shock absorption than your parents’ EVA. But once you inject gas into the foam and it goes supercritical, you get a lighter base that’s even softer and delivers even more rebound. Thing is, it’s still just EVA. And EVA just can’t compete with other supercritical foams involving PEBA, TPEE, and TPU. These super foams serve up an explosive ride meant for powered-up miles and racing.
Where the Clifton 11 is your tried-and-true everyday grinder for logging those tens of miles per week, the Clifton Pro is for those more strenuous efforts where you’re pushing the pace. Just don’t expect a ride like the brand’s Skyward X 2, its plated, PEBA super trainer. The Clifton Pro is an elevated take on the classic daily trainer.
Which Should You Buy?
So what should we expect when “Pro” is tagged onto a shoe? Does Pro mean the super treatment, where a foam like PEBA or a nylon/carbon plate is part of the shoe? Or, in the Clifton Pro’s case, does it mean heightened: a more high-performance version of a known shoe? Or maybe I’m delving too deep into the meaning and not focusing hard enough on the runner’s experience.
There are certain features where a runner will gravitate more toward the 11 or Pro, depending on their running style and the kinds of workouts they’re going for.
Why buy the Clifton 11:
- A more accommodating midfoot area for wider feet
- Smidge lighter than the Clifton Pro
- Less dense cushioned feel underfoot that has more give
- Less aggressive Meta-Rocker makes the 11 more run/walker-friendly
Why buy the Clifton Pro:
- A securer, more streamlined fit built for high-performance
- ProGlide+ foam delivers more rebound compared to CMEVA
- Cushioning absorbs more shock for harder, faster efforts
- An aggressive Meta-Rocker promotes propulsion and provides some stability for long runs
Verdict
Our testers are still evaluating the Clifton 11 and Clifton Pro. Our early thoughts on the Clifton Pro: This is an exciting release from Hoka because it shows the brand dares to experiment with one of its most popular shoes and turn the dial up on its features.
The Clifton Pro is a more cushioned take on a classic. Though it still relies on EVA, it’s a capable performer when you don’t want to train in “super.” Maybe you just want an elevated version of the Clifton without a rigid plate. The Pro allows you to push yourself without going too hard.
As for the Clifton 11: It’s like saying hello to an old friend. The Pro is for when I set my run with intention. But when there’s nothing planned—no paces to reach, no workouts uploaded in my Garmin—I’m lacing up in the 11.
Buy Men’s Hoka Clifton 11 | Buy Women’s Hoka Clifton 11
Buy Men’s Hoka Clifton Pro | Buy Women’s Hoka Clifton Pro
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.