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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 In fact, The original Clifton has been replaced by the Clifton 2, and Bondi feel remarkably it's been joined by the similar, [[Hoka Odyssey]] and I've even run Challenger ATR.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 round 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 loose. (I always cut the elastic straps offshoe.)* '''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 good one. * The tongue on the Clifton 2 is now padded as the lack of padding on the original Clifton apparently caused some runners issues. However, I'd argue that if you're tying your shoes tight enough to notice the human footdifference then there's something wrong. The Clifton 2 is a little more comfortable, but I've found the original Clifton to be fine in 100 mile races. * The laces on the Clifton 2 are better – they stay tied and zero dropthey're slightly elasticated. However Overall, the Olympus Clifton 2 is not quite as softly cushioned as only a slight change to the Clifton original, and both are great shoes. Given a straight choice, I'd go for the original, but it's heaviera 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.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}}=Compared with the =Clifton and Hoka BondiOdyssey==The [[Hoka Odyssey]] looks almost identical to both the original Clifton seems like and the Clifton 2, and it would be easy to think it's an evolution 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. It feels remarkably So the Odyssey has similarcushioning to the Clifton, but through thicker, even when wearing one shoe on each footfirmer foam. The Odyssey is also slightly heavier than either Clifton . The tongue on the Odyssey is lighterunpadded, like the original Clifton, and has better wear characteristicsbut unlike the original Clifton, so it works out cheaper per mileI found the Odyssey tongue cut into my ankle slightly. The Overall, I found I prefer the Clifton shares (1 or 2) over the poor toe box design of all Odyssey or the Hokas. ItBondi, and my subconscious preference seems stronger than I's not clear why anyone would buy d expect from the Bondi now relatively small differences. I suspect that the small differences between the shoes add up, so get the Clifton or Clifton is available2 over the Odyssey.{| class="wikitable"|- valign=Compared with the "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 ConquestClifton 2 outside]]|- valign="top"The Clifton looks virtually identical to the |[[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 ConquestOdyssey inside]] (see below for an image|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.) HoweverJPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]|}==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 are radically different, as the Conquest is Clifton should work pretty well on most trails, and if you need a surprisingly firm. The diagonal slices through the midsole are actually cutaways in the Conquestmore aggressive outsole, but simple coloring on look to the Clifton[[Hoka Mafate]].==Compared with the Altra One2Hoka Bondi==The Clifton is only seems like it's an ounce heavier than evolution of the [[Altra One2| Altra One²Hoka Bondi]], but this is not reflected in giving similar cushioning at a much lighter weight. While the way the shoes Clifton and Bondi feel. quite similar, I found that find the Clifton felt much closer in weight to is more comfortable and the Bondi than the One² despite the much greater weight difference Is only an ounce the Cliftonlightness is a big deal. The Clifton is much more cushioned than has better wear characteristics, so it works out cheaper per mile even without the Altra, which might be cheaper purchase cost. It's not clear to me why anyone would buy the reason behind Bondi now that the perceived weight dissimilarityClifton is available.=Gallery={| class="wikitable"

|[[File:CliftonBondiHoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A Hoka Clifton 2 top view of the ]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton above the Bondi2-bottom. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]|[[File:CliftonBondiOlympusHuakaHoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A side view of the Hoka Clifton, Bondi, Olympus, and Huaka2 inside]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside. (left to right, then top to bottom.)JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]

|[[File:CliftonHuakaHoka-Bondi-B-top.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px| A Hoka Bondi B top view of the Clifton above the Huaka]] |[[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:CliftonMafeteHoka-Bondi-B-outside.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Bondi B outside]]|}{{FastBlr| A top view of the Clifton above 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 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"

|[[File:CliftonOlympusHoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px| A Hoka Clifton 2 top view of the Clifton above the ]]|[[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| The sole of the Hoka Clifton. The white areas are exposed midsole, and the black areas are the harder rubber. 2 outside]]

|[[File:CliftonAndConquestHoka-Mafate-Speed-top.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Mafate Speed top]]| A side view of the Clifton over the [[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka ConquestMafate Speed bottom]]|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-inside. While the shoes look remarkably similar, they are actually very different. jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed inside]]|[[File:RunningInBondiCliftonHoka-Mafate-Speed-outside.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Mafate Speed outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/mafate-speed-1085|1085| I did run Hoka Mafate}}==Compared with the Bondi Hoka Conquest==The 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 1 foot and the Clifton on the other. Not something I'd recommend unless you want The Conquest really needs those cut outs to get injuredmitigate the firmness of the foam, as where the different thicknesses will mess up your biomechanicsClifton doesn't. ]]{| class="wikitable"

|[[File:CliftonWearHoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px|This picture shows the wear from 230 miles of running. As you can see, there is remarkably little abrasion to the exposed midsole, indicating that Hoka have placed the harder rubber outsole in the right places.Clifton 2 top]]|[[File:CliftonDissectHoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px|The Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]|[[Shoe DissectionFile:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb| dissected200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]

|[[File:CliftonBondiDissectHoka-Conquest-top.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Conquest top]] |Clifton and [[File:Hoka-Conquest-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka BondiConquest bottom]]|[[File:Hoka-Conquest-inside. jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Conquest inside]]|[[File:CliftonMafeteDissectHoka-Conquest-outside.JPGjpg|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Conquest outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/conquest-2-1084|1084|Hoka Conquest}}==Asics GT 2000 and Hoka Clifton and ==I like to compare shoes against the [[Hoka MafateAsics GT 2000]]as it represents the traditional 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:CliftonOlympusDissectHoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Clifton and 2 top]]|[[Altra Olympus]]File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]|[[File:CliftonStinsonDissectHoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|500px200px|Hoka Clifton and 2 inside]]|[[File:Hoka Stinson]]Clifton 2-outside. JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 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]]