Hoka One One Clifton 8 Review

The Clifton is named after the stunning Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, featuring azure sea and silky white sand. When Nicolas Mermoud, co-founder of Hoka One One, was sprinting down the slopes of Table Mountain to Clifton Beach, he came up with the idea for the Clifton, and that was the birthplace of this amazing series.

If you’re searching for a comfortable everyday trainer with a smooth rockered transition then this Hoka One One Clifton 8 Review is just for you. The Hoka Clifton 8 is the shoe for you or if you want comfort, stability, and plushness without breaking the budget.

These are an attractive option if you need a recovery day shoe or a long-distance slow run trainer, offering considerable improvements in fit and riding as compared to its previous installment which was Clifton 7.

Hoka One One Clifton 8 Review: Specs

• Brand: Clifton 8 Model
• Heel Drop: 5 mm
• Previous Model: Clifton 7
• Price
  1. Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes Price: $130
  2. Hoka One One men’s Clifton 8 running shoes Price: $149
• Weight
  1. Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes Weight: 7.4 oz.
  2. Hoka One One Men’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes Weight: 8.8 oz. 

Hoka One One Clifton 8 Review

Upper

The Hoka One One Clifton 8 running shoes‘ upper is 98 percent identical to the Clifton 7. The tongue is now more cushioned, and the inner lining has been replaced with a smooth, shining material. It has a soft and comfortable upper that isn’t too padded. There are no hotspots, and the toe box height is ideal.

The gusseted padded tongue may be short for you because it can slide during runs. Because of the increased padding, the lacing region of the Clifton 8 is more comfortable than the Clifton 7, but it adds some weight.

According to experts, the toe of your shoe should have around a half-inch of space. The collar and the lining of this shoe have a considerable amount of padding. These may feel a little heavy for individuals wishing for a thinner liner, more “hugging,” or a sock-like upper. 

Midsole

The midsole is bouncy and enjoyable to run in, but not so. The midsole feels a little softer than the Clifton 7, and getting to faster speeds is a pain. After all, this isn’t a speed shoe; instead, it’s a daily trainer designed to provide miles of gentle bliss underfoot.

Even though many other companies are moving away from EVA in favor of lighter, more bouncy midsoles, Hoka maintains this so that the wearer can get energy return and plushness thanks to classic EVA technology. We like it, and it’s even more astounding because it’s less expensive than certain hydrogen-infused foams.

Compared to Clifton 7 in this review of Hoka One One Clifton 8, there is still exposed midsole foam in the mid-foot and a shallow arrow-shaped cavity that extends from the heel through the midfoot, although it has little effect on the ride.

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Outsole

The outsole has been improved. The carefully placed rubber on the outer lateral heel’s high wear area extends further forward, resulting in increased durability.

Because of how my foot struck in Clifton 6 and 7, the outsole rubber didn’t extend deep enough into the midfoot on the lateral edges, and the exposed midsole foam was demolished by the ground. On Clifton 8, this does not occur.

In addition, instead of being horizontal, the forefoot lugs and grooves are now diagonal. Because there is more excellent resistance when the shoe bends, the forefoot feels firmer, and the Clifton 8 has more pop during transitions.

Comfortability

Hoka managed to make these sneakers even more comfortable than they were before. This is attributed to a new EVA-cushioned midsole with a softer landing and more fantastic boost than other Cliftons.

This is significant for several reasons:

• One, running in these shoes is easier for elderly joints as a whole, which is perfect for someone prone to strains and other ailments.
• Two, it prevents legs from being fatigued after longer runs. Despite its softness, the Clifton 8 offers a firm and responsive spring.

A modest heel-to-toe rocker aids in rolling your forefoot into a superb take-off position while also providing exceptional landing comfort if you land on your heels. The supporting heel was not overly cushioned and had enough compaction to give stability without sacrificing comfort. We think this is a beautiful model to check into if you’re seeking the most cushioning. 

Related: Saucony Guide 13 Review

Ride

On the Hokas, the ride is fantastic. It has a sidecut design that glides through your gait and stride with ease, and it’s nice and wide underfoot (115.5mm on the forefoot and 96.1mm on the heel, compared to 112.7/89.3mm in the typical shoe) to keep you steady with every step.

Hoka Clifton 8 Review: Pros and Cons

Hoka One One Clifton 8 Review: Verdict

The Hoka One One Clifton 8 is a broad and solid running shoe with plenty of cushioning and support. Even with the thicker foam and high amount of cushioning, this shoe feels light and speedy at 9.1 ounces in a men’s size 9.5.

Although the shoe’s responsiveness could be improved, with only a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, it still feels engaged and speedy when you ramp up the pace. The arch support was a tad uncomfortable at times, but the rest was well thought out. Hoka One One Clifton 8 running shoe had no difficulties with durability and loved the rubber outsole, which should last a long time.