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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hoka Clifton 3 Review}} The Clifton 3 is a remarkable achievement for Hoka, giving an amazing level of cushioning for its light weight. If..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hoka Clifton 3 Review}}
The Clifton 3 is a remarkable achievement for [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka]], giving an amazing level of cushioning for its light weight. If you want a [[Maximalist]] shoe, this best seller is the place to start. The Clifton 3 has the most forefoot cushioning of any shoe I've tested, as well as rear cushioning that's in the top tier. I've rated the Clifton 3 as "The Best of the Best." {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has a high level of cushioning, with the soft ride that Hoka of famous for. The cushioning that the Clifton provides for its weight is quite remarkable, and better than any other [[Maximalist]] shoe. However, the latest version continues the trend of putting on weight, so its cushioning-to-weight ratio is not as good as the [[Hoka Clifton 1]].
* {{H:drop}}'''. '''The Clifton has about a 3-4mm drop which is close enough to zero drop for me to be happy, though some may prefer a true zero-drop shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe is made of a single type of foam, though it is colored to appear like there are two different foams in use. The Clifton has a less abrupt taper at the very front of the shoe than the Bondi, but not as gentle as the Altra Olympus. The very rear of the shoe is cut away slightly, creating a little bit of a rocker shape that's common to the Hoka range. The midsole wraps around the lower part of the foot to create additional stability. This helps overcome some of the problems you get with a thick sole creating a stilt like instability.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Clifton is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness, and is rather more flexible than the Bondi or Olympus.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Clifton has some exposed midsole, with some durable rubber in high friction areas. The durable rubber is placed in much better positions than it is in the Bondi, improving the life of the shoe. In fact, the midsole that is in contact with the ground seems to be remarkably durable, probably because it is in not in the high impact areas.
* {{H:shape}}. The Clifton has the typical Hoka shape, which includes a horribly constricted toe box. I've noticed at Ultras the Hoka toe box causes a distinctive pattern of blisters, so it's critical to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is reasonably thin, breathable, and inflexible, with reasonable padding around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Clifton has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue has plenty of soft padding.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Clifton uses thin flat laces which stay tied. The laces have a slight bit of elasticity in them, improving the overall comfort of the shoe.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Clifton has only a modest [[Heel Counter]] that is both useless and harmless.
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 3}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Hoka Clifton 2 and 3==
I found the changes from the Clifton 2 mostly favorable. (Full review [[Hoka Clifton 2]].)
* The third iteration of the Clifton is a little heavier (9.8oz) than the second version (9.1), but I found it to be better cushioned in the forefoot so its cushioning-to-weight ratio is about the same.
* The ankle opening is slightly less padded, though it's still more than ample and there might be a tiny bit less padding on the tongue.
* The hard rubber outsole covers slightly more of the sole, though the increase is in an area where I would not expect much wear.
* The ankle opening is a different shape, with the rear coming slightly higher up the Achilles and lower under the ankle bone. The rear also has a cutaway for the Achilles tendon. This is something to check if you have issues with your Achilles.
* Hoka claim the forefoot is a few millimeters wider, but it's hard to detect the change in practice. The extra width is across the forefoot, not the toes, so you need to either cut the toe box open or have your toes crushed. The heel feels slightly narrower to me, which I felt improved the fit.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Hoka Clifton 1 and 3==
The changes between the original Clifton and the third iteration are a little larger. The Clifton 3 is now 1.6oz heavier than the original, which seems outrageous to me. To be fair, the latest version is a little better cushioned and padded, but I feel like the original is the better shoe. (Full review [[Hoka Clifton 1]].)
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 1}}
==Clifton and Hoka Odyssey==
The [[Hoka Odyssey]] looks almost identical to both the original Clifton and the Clifton 2, and it would be easy to think it's the same shoe. The Odyssey is sold as a mass market version of the Clifton, with the Clifton only available through more specialist outlets. However, the Odyssey has a midsole that is closer to the [[Hoka Bondi]] than the Clifton in both thickness and firmness. So the Odyssey has similar cushioning to the Clifton, but through thicker, firmer foam. The Odyssey is also slightly heavier than either Clifton. The tongue on the Odyssey is unpadded, like the original Clifton, but unlike the original Clifton, I found the Odyssey tongue cut into my ankle slightly. Overall, I found I prefer the Clifton (1 or 2) over the Odyssey or the Bondi, and my subconscious preference seems stronger than I'd expect from the relatively small differences. I suspect that the small differences between the shoes add up, so get the Clifton or Clifton 2 over the Odyssey.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Clifton 3 is a remarkable achievement for [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka]], giving an amazing level of cushioning for its light weight. If you want a [[Maximalist]] shoe, this best seller is the place to start. The Clifton 3 has the most forefoot cushioning of any shoe I've tested, as well as rear cushioning that's in the top tier. I've rated the Clifton 3 as "The Best of the Best." {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 3 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has a high level of cushioning, with the soft ride that Hoka of famous for. The cushioning that the Clifton provides for its weight is quite remarkable, and better than any other [[Maximalist]] shoe. However, the latest version continues the trend of putting on weight, so its cushioning-to-weight ratio is not as good as the [[Hoka Clifton 1]].
* {{H:drop}}'''. '''The Clifton has about a 3-4mm drop which is close enough to zero drop for me to be happy, though some may prefer a true zero-drop shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe is made of a single type of foam, though it is colored to appear like there are two different foams in use. The Clifton has a less abrupt taper at the very front of the shoe than the Bondi, but not as gentle as the Altra Olympus. The very rear of the shoe is cut away slightly, creating a little bit of a rocker shape that's common to the Hoka range. The midsole wraps around the lower part of the foot to create additional stability. This helps overcome some of the problems you get with a thick sole creating a stilt like instability.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Clifton is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness, and is rather more flexible than the Bondi or Olympus.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Clifton has some exposed midsole, with some durable rubber in high friction areas. The durable rubber is placed in much better positions than it is in the Bondi, improving the life of the shoe. In fact, the midsole that is in contact with the ground seems to be remarkably durable, probably because it is in not in the high impact areas.
* {{H:shape}}. The Clifton has the typical Hoka shape, which includes a horribly constricted toe box. I've noticed at Ultras the Hoka toe box causes a distinctive pattern of blisters, so it's critical to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is reasonably thin, breathable, and inflexible, with reasonable padding around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Clifton has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue has plenty of soft padding.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Clifton uses thin flat laces which stay tied. The laces have a slight bit of elasticity in them, improving the overall comfort of the shoe.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Clifton has only a modest [[Heel Counter]] that is both useless and harmless.
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 3}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Hoka Clifton 2 and 3==
I found the changes from the Clifton 2 mostly favorable. (Full review [[Hoka Clifton 2]].)
* The third iteration of the Clifton is a little heavier (9.8oz) than the second version (9.1), but I found it to be better cushioned in the forefoot so its cushioning-to-weight ratio is about the same.
* The ankle opening is slightly less padded, though it's still more than ample and there might be a tiny bit less padding on the tongue.
* The hard rubber outsole covers slightly more of the sole, though the increase is in an area where I would not expect much wear.
* The ankle opening is a different shape, with the rear coming slightly higher up the Achilles and lower under the ankle bone. The rear also has a cutaway for the Achilles tendon. This is something to check if you have issues with your Achilles.
* Hoka claim the forefoot is a few millimeters wider, but it's hard to detect the change in practice. The extra width is across the forefoot, not the toes, so you need to either cut the toe box open or have your toes crushed. The heel feels slightly narrower to me, which I felt improved the fit.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Hoka Clifton 1 and 3==
The changes between the original Clifton and the third iteration are a little larger. The Clifton 3 is now 1.6oz heavier than the original, which seems outrageous to me. To be fair, the latest version is a little better cushioned and padded, but I feel like the original is the better shoe. (Full review [[Hoka Clifton 1]].)
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 3 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 1}}
==Clifton and Hoka Odyssey==
The [[Hoka Odyssey]] looks almost identical to both the original Clifton and the Clifton 2, and it would be easy to think it's the same shoe. The Odyssey is sold as a mass market version of the Clifton, with the Clifton only available through more specialist outlets. However, the Odyssey has a midsole that is closer to the [[Hoka Bondi]] than the Clifton in both thickness and firmness. So the Odyssey has similar cushioning to the Clifton, but through thicker, firmer foam. The Odyssey is also slightly heavier than either Clifton. The tongue on the Odyssey is unpadded, like the original Clifton, but unlike the original Clifton, I found the Odyssey tongue cut into my ankle slightly. Overall, I found I prefer the Clifton (1 or 2) over the Odyssey or the Bondi, and my subconscious preference seems stronger than I'd expect from the relatively small differences. I suspect that the small differences between the shoes add up, so get the Clifton or Clifton 2 over the Odyssey.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}