The Clifton platform from Hoka is one of the most highly regarded, debated, celebrated, and trashed in the Hoka lineup. They went through a few bumpy years from versions 3 until about 5 and while the shoes weren’t bad, they just didn’t put their best feet forward with the design. The Clifton 6 saw them go back to their original model and everyone fell in love again, so hopes were very high for the 7, and we are happy to report these are even better than the last. So without much more, let us present Hoka’s best version of the this lightweight, big cushion, ever day. road runner to date.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Weighs in at 8.7oz or 247g for a US Men’s 9
- Has 29mm of cushion and a 5mm heel/toe drop
- Newly redesigned engineered mesh upper and heel
- Retails at $130.00 USD and available in June 2020
- Comes in 4 colors for Men and 5 for Women
Run Test
So first off, we come to the table as Clifton fans. We struggled during the lean years, but we applauded them for always pushing forward with their designs and for making innovative changes. We would never go back to the original because those ups and downs have inevitably led us to the Clifton 7. Basically, you’ve got to break a few eggs. Additionally, while we loved the 6, the one area that struggled was the upper as it was just a little too padded for our liking. This new mesh definitely changes all that and feels way better.
Some quick guidance… when you first pull these out of the box, open them up a bit and let your foot slip in. The gusset cradles your foot and keeps the tongue from moving around at all. Once you lace them down, the entire upper envelops your foot and holds you snugly, so there is ample room up there for various foot widths. That new little elf heel that has replaced a heel tab seems excessive, but at the same works really well and even adds some Achilles support.
Running in the Clifton 7 is a dream and really made me question my love for the Rincon. It is super breathable, the rocker feels just amazing, and there is plenty of cushion. You may notice a little rubbing on that pinky toe depending on foot width, but some of that depends on sizing and there is plenty of flex in the upper. Various distances fell away without a problem and honestly, they kept their feel regardless of how long they were underfoot.
Every tester felt the same way. First, they didn’t want to take them off and second, they applauded Hoka on making the Clifton 7 as great as it has ever been.
Construction: Upper
The upper on the Hoka Clifton 7 is made of a double layer sandwiched engineered mesh. This open design is super breathable, but also provides a little structure while also allowing for decent foot flex. The tongue has a super light mesh gusset so the tongue doesn’t slip side to side or back into the shoe. They also added the new elf heel which is an alternative to a typical heel pull and it works well, plus it has a little padding for comfort.
The elf heel and cup Closeup on the lacing system Updated engineered mesh upper Hoka One One Clifton 7 from the front Hoka One One Clifton 7 from the back
Construction: Midsole
The midsole on the Clifton 7 is virtually identical to the 6. Like all Hoka’s, it uses their Meta-Rocker design for better heel to toe transition and is composed of 29mm of fill compression EVA. These things are super plush and as responsive as ever.
Midsole – lateral rear Midsole – lateral front Midsole – medial front Midsole – medial rear
Construction: Outsole
The outsole sports some strategically placed rubberized EVA for durability and decreased weight. It also uses their full contact design and a flat waist which all contributes to better stability. More foot on the ground at a time leads to a smoother ride.
Outsole overhead, clearly see the rubberized crash pads
Style & Aesthetics
The Clifton 7 looks better than ever and comes in 4 colors for men and 5 colors for women. The elf heel feels a little odd, but honestly on foot it disappears pretty quickly.
Overall Conclusion
The Hoka One One Clifton 7 is, in a word, spectacular. It is the best Clifton Hoka has produced and a solid update to the 6. It removes some of the excess upper material in the 6, but maintains the always amazing midsole. These are great for literally every type of runner out there and can be used for an easy 5k or an ultra. There are very very small negatives in here, like the toebox width, but nothing that would change us from recommending this shoe to anyone.
Learn more on the Hoka One One website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
