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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Shoe Reviews – Hoka Clifton2 Review}}The [http://www.zappos.com/hoka-clifton Clifton] 2 is a remarkable achievement for [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka]], giving an amazing level of cushioning for its light weight. The original Clifton was a justifiably popular shoe, and the best seller at Running Warehouse in 2014, no mean feat for what was a niche shoe not long ago. The Clifton is nearly as well cushioned as the soft cushioning of [[Hoka Stinson]], and while it's not quite as cushioned as the [[Hoka Bondi]] at or [[Hoka Mafate]], it's a much lot lighter weightthan either. In fact, The original Clifton has been replaced by the Clifton 2, and Bondi feel remarkably it's been joined by the similar, [[Hoka Odyssey]] and I've even run Challenger ATR. (See below for comparisons with one on each foot (not something . I'd recommend you tryingll use "Clifton" to mean the second version, and specify a version when comparing. You can read about the original in more detail at [[Hoka Clifton 1]] and the latest version at [[Hoka Clifton]].) I've rated it as "The difference in thickness Best of the Best." {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}{| class="wikitable"|- valign="top"|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2 shoes is dramatically different, but beyond that the cushioning, overlaid, and overall feel were almost identical-top. Like all of the JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]|[[File:Hoka range, the Clifton has a horribly small toe box, but once its cut open the shoe works quite well2-bottom. The JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton will be available as a trail version, called the 2 bottom]]|- valign="Challenger ATRtop" in the summer of 2014|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside. However, like many softly cushioned shoes it should work pretty well on most trails, though it lacks the lugs for slick, muddy tailsJPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside. JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]|}

* '''Midsole'''. The Clifton midsole is made of a lightweight EVA foam. There are a number of reports that the Clifton would use the much firmer RMAT foam used in the [[Hoka Conquest]] and Huaka, but this does not appear to be the case. There is no mention of RMAT on the Hoka website page, nor is the RMAT logo on the shoe** '''Cushioning'''{{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has a high level of cushioning, with the soft ride that Hoka of famous for. It's not thick or soft as The cushioning that the Clifton provides for its weight is quite remarkable, and better than any other [[Hoka StinsonMaximalist]] or shoe. (The only shoe that has better weight-to-cushioning is at the other end of the spectrum; the ultralight [[Hoka MafateNew Balance RC5000]], but it's on a par with the Bondi and Olympus.)** {{H:drop}}'''Drop & Shape. '''. Like other Hoka shoesThe Clifton has about a 5mm drop unloaded, but when the Clifton shoe is worn this is reduced to 1mm, which is not a effectively zero -drop . * {{H:structure}}. This shoe, and the rear is about 6 mm thicker than the front. That's about half the drop made of a traditional running shoe and I typically don't have any issues moving between the Hokas and a zero drop shoe single type of foam, though it is colored to appear like the Altrathere 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. While I prefer the Olympus taper, the Clifton is better than the Bondi. The very rear of the shoe is cut away slightly, creating a little bit of a rocker shape that's almost identical common to the BondiHoka 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.** '''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.** '''Flexibility'''{{H:flexibility}}. The Clifton is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness, and is rather more flexible than the Bondi or Olympus.* '''Outsole'''{{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.* '''Shape'''{{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}}* '''Upper'''{{H:upper}}. The upper is a reasonably thin, breathable, and inflexible, with good padding around the ankle opening.* '''Tongue'''{{H:tongue}}. The Clifton has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue has no plenty of soft padding, but I didn't find this a problem.* '''Lacing'''{{H:lacing}}. The Clifton uses thin around flat laces which I found tended to come undonestay tied. It's amazing that in the 21^st century shoe manufacturers can't use The laces that work. Unlike many shoes have a slight bit of elasticity in the Hoka rangethem, there are no elastic straps that pull improving the sides together even if overall comfort of the laces are looseshoe. (I always cut the elastic straps off.)* '''Heel counter'''{{H:heelcounter}}. The Clifton has only a slightly firmer heel counter than the Bondi modest [[Heel Counter]] that extends around is both useless and harmless.{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}=Comparisons=Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.==Hoka Clifton 1 and 2==Thankfully Hoka didn't screw up their update to the Clifton. Even when running with each shoe on either foot to , they seem quite similar. * The biggest concern I have with the level of Clifton 2 is that it's put on nearly an ounce. While that's not a huge difference, the top key benefit of the lacesoriginal Clifton was its light weight.=Compared with Altra Olympus=* The [[Altra Olympus]] is a competitor Clifton 2 makes up for its weight increase by having slightly better cushioning. Like the Cliftonweight change, and I believe it represents a better shoe's quite minor. * The Olympus loaded drop has been reduced from 4mm to 1mm. Again, a 7-13mm thicker soleslight difference, but a toe box shaped for the human foot, and zero dropgood one. However * The tongue on the Olympus Clifton 2 is not quite as softly cushioned now padded as the lack of padding on the original Clifton and itapparently caused some runners issues. However, I'd argue that if you're tying your shoes tight enough to notice the difference then there's heaviersomething wrong.=Compared with The Clifton 2 is a little more comfortable, but I've found the Hoka Bondi=original Clifton to be fine in 100 mile races. * The laces on the Clifton seems like it2 are better – they stay tied and they's an even dilution of the Bondire slightly elasticated. It feels remarkably similarOverall, even when wearing one shoe on each foot. The the Clifton 2 is lighteronly a slight change to the original, and has better wear characteristicsboth are great shoes. Given a straight choice, I'd go for the original, so but it works out cheaper per mile's a close call. {| 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-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 top]] |[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom. The jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1bottom]]|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton shares the poor toe box design of all the Hokas-inside. It's not clear why anyone would buy the jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 inside]]|[[File:Hoka now that the -OneOne-Clifton is available-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 1}}=Compared with the =Clifton and Hoka ConquestOdyssey==The Clifton looks virtually identical to the [[Hoka ConquestOdyssey]] (see below for an image.) However, looks almost identical to both the original Clifton and the shoes are radically differentClifton 2, as and it would be easy to think it's the Conquest same shoe. The Odyssey is sold as a surprisingly firmmass market version of the Clifton, with the Clifton only available through more specialist outlets. The diagonal slices through However, the Odyssey has a midsole are actually cutaways that is closer to the [[Hoka Bondi]] than the Clifton in both thickness and firmness. So the ConquestOdyssey has similar cushioning to the Clifton, but simple coloring on the Cliftonthrough thicker, firmer foam.=Compared with the Altra One2=The Clifton Odyssey is only an ounce also slightly heavier than either Clifton. The tongue on the [[Altra One2| Altra One²]]Odyssey is unpadded, like the original Clifton, but this is not reflected in unlike the way original Clifton, I found the shoes feelOdyssey tongue cut into my ankle slightly. Overall, I found that I prefer the Clifton felt much closer in weight to (1 or 2) over the Odyssey or the Bondi , and my subconscious preference seems stronger than I'd expect from the One² despite relatively small differences. I suspect that the small differences between the much greater weight difference Is only an ounce shoes add up, so get the Clifton. The or Clifton is much more cushioned than 2 over the Altra, which might be the reason behind the perceived weight dissimilarityOdyssey.=Gallery={| 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]]

|[[File:CliftonBondiHoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A Hoka Odyssey top view of the Clifton above the Bondi]]|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]|[[File:CliftonBondiOlympusHuakaHoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]| A side view of }==Clifton and Challenger ATR==The original Clifton is available as a trail version, called the "Challenger ATR". The Challenger has a slightly more aggressive outsole, but I found it's not aggressive enough for me to really consider it a true trail shoe. Like many softly cushioned shoes, the Cliftonshould work pretty well on most trails, and if you need a more aggressive outsole, look to the [[Hoka Mafate]]. ==Compared with the Hoka Bondi==The Clifton seems like it's an evolution of the [[Hoka Bondi]], Olympusgiving similar cushioning at a much lighter weight. While the Clifton and Bondi feel quite similar, I find the Clifton is more comfortable and Huakathe lightness is a big deal. (left to rightThe Clifton has better wear characteristics, then top so it works out cheaper per mile even without the cheaper purchase cost. It's not clear to bottomme why anyone would buy the Bondi now that the Clifton is available.)]]{| class="wikitable"

|[[File:CliftonHuakaHoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A Hoka Clifton 2 top view of the ]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton above the Huaka2-bottom. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]|[[File:CliftonMafeteHoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A top view of the Hoka Clifton above the 2 inside]]|[[File:Hoka Mafate]]Clifton 2-outside. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]

|[[File:CliftonOlympusHoka-Bondi-B-top.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px| A Hoka Bondi B top view of ]] |[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Bondi B bottom]] |[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Bondi B inside]] |[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Bondi B outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/bondi-4-1083|1083|Hoka Bondi}}==Compared with the Hoka Mafate==The [[Hoka Mafate]] is a much heavier, thicker shoe than the Clifton, with greater cushioning in the heel. For use on roads or stony trails, I'd choose the Clifton above every time as it's so much lighter. However, the Mafate has a wonderful outsole that gives enormous confidence on pretty much any surface. The Mafate will work on everything from road to mud to slick rock, so if you need a true trail shoe, go for the Mafate. {| class="wikitable"|- valign="top"|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]|[[Altra OlympusFile: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:CliftonSoleHoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]|- valign="top"| [[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed top]]|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed bottom]]|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed inside]]|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/mafate-speed-1085|1085|Hoka Mafate}}==Compared with the Hoka Conquest==The sole of Clifton looks virtually identical to the [[Hoka Conquest]] (see below for an image.) However, the shoes are radically different, as the Conquest is way too firm for a [[Maximalist]] shoe. The diagonal slices through the midsole are actually cutaways in the Conquest, but simple coloring on the Clifton. The white areas are exposed midsoleConquest really needs those cut outs to mitigate the firmness of the foam, where the Clifton doesn't. {| 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-Conquest-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Conquest top]] |[[File:Hoka-Conquest-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Conquest bottom]] |[[File:Hoka-Conquest-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Conquest inside]] |[[File:Hoka-Conquest-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Conquest outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/conquest-2-1084|1084|Hoka Conquest}}==Asics GT 2000 and Hoka Clifton==I like to compare shoes against the black areas are [[Asics GT 2000]] as it represents the harder rubbertraditional running shoe. The GT 2000 is over engineered and includes many things I dislike in traditional running shoes. These excessive features go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]]and are more likely to cause problems than solve them. The GT 2000 is nearly 50% heavier than the Clifton, but provides far less cushioning. I can think of no advantage the GT 2000 has over the Clifton, and I'd choose the Clifton every time. {| class="wikitable"

|[[File:CliftonAndConquestHoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A side view of the Hoka Clifton over the 2 top]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka ConquestClifton 2 bottom]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside. While the shoes look remarkably similar, they are actually very different. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]|[[File:RunningInBondiCliftonHoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| I did run with the Bondi on 1 foot and the Hoka Clifton on the other. Not something I'd recommend unless you want to get injured, as the different thicknesses will mess up your biomechanics. 2 outside]]

|[[File:HokaOrAltraAsics-GT2000-top.pngjpg|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka, like most shoe makers, does not seem to have ever seen a human footAsics GT2000 top]]|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside. jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]