For years, this family of HOKA has become a benchmark for thousands of runners seeking comfort, lightness, and cushioning for their daily training. But the arrival of the HOKA Clifton Pro opens a different chapter.

Because we are not looking at a simple annual update of the Clifton we already know, the new HOKA Clifton Pro raises the bar, literally, with a 42 mm heel and 34 mm forefoot profile, introduces the new PROGLIDE™+ midsole with supercritical foam, and commits to a very clear philosophy: to offer plenty of protection and comfort for accumulating miles, but without resorting to a rigid plate.

On paper, it seems like a very interesting combination for runners looking for a shoe to train many miles, tackle long runs, and maintain a protected stride when fatigue and muscle soreness begin to appear.

What is the HOKA Clifton Pro and what does it really offer?

The HOKA Clifton Pro is a road training shoe primarily aimed at runners who prioritize cushioning, protection, and comfort over medium and long distances. Its presentation immediately catches the eye.

Weight	296 grams
Drop	8 mm
Profile	42 mm / 34 mm
Midsole	PROGLIDE™+
Compound	Supercritical foam (SCF)
Plate	No
Cushioning	High
Runner weight	Medium - heavy
Recommended distance	Medium and long distance
Pace	Slow and medium

 

The data makes HOKA's objective quite clear. We are not looking at a shoe designed to chase personal bests in a 10K or to compete at particularly high paces. The Clifton Pro wants to accompany you for many miles. And to do so as comfortably as possible.

PROGLIDE™+: The main argument for the new HOKA Clifton Pro

The heart of this shoe lies in its midsole. HOKA introduces PROGLIDE™+ technology, built from a supercritical foam, a type of compound that seeks to improve the relationship between cushioning, lightness, and responsiveness. This is especially important in a shoe with such a high profile.

When we increase the amount of foam underfoot, we can achieve more protection, but we also run the risk of creating an excessively heavy, soft, or sluggish shoe. Supercritical foam allows for a different balance.

The sensation that the Clifton Pro offers is not just that of sinking into a lot of cushioning. The goal is to achieve a protected stride, but with a fluid enough transition so that as the miles pass, the shoe does not become clumsy or excessively slow.

And therein lies one of the keys to this launch. The Clifton Pro doesn't just want to be a Clifton with more foam. It wants to offer a more protective training experience, prepared for long distances.

42 millimeters of stack height: when protection becomes the protagonist

The HOKA Clifton Pro reaches 42 millimeters of height in the heel and 34 millimeters in the forefoot, these are significant numbers. Especially for a shoe without a plate.

This high profile allows for a considerable amount of foam to be placed between the runner and the asphalt, which can be especially interesting when accumulating many miles during the week or doing long runs. As the distance increases, priorities change.

In the first few miles, we may value lightness or the feeling of speed. However, when the legs start to get tired, protection and the ability to maintain a comfortable stride gain a lot of importance.

The Clifton Pro seems designed precisely with that moment in mind, to keep running when you've been going for an hour, two hours, or when there are still many miles left to finish the training.

A shoe without a plate in the age of carbon

Probably one of the most interesting aspects of the HOKA Clifton Pro is precisely what it doesn't have. There is no plate.

In recent years, we have seen how carbon plates and other rigid materials have moved from racing shoes to many training models. However, not all runners are looking for that sensation.

The absence of a plate allows for a more natural and flexible running experience, especially at slow and medium paces.

It can also make the Clifton Pro a very interesting option for those who already use a plated shoe for racing or quality workouts and need a more comfortable and protective model for the rest of their weekly miles.

Because a good shoe rotation is not about having several models that do exactly the same thing. It's about choosing different tools for different workouts. And the Clifton Pro seems to have a very clear idea of its function.

What type of runner do we recommend the HOKA Clifton Pro for?

Although many runners can enjoy this model, we believe there is a particularly interesting profile.

We would recommend it to medium to heavy runners who are looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning for daily training, comfortable runs, and long runs.

It can also work very well for runners who are progressively increasing their weekly volume in preparation for a half marathon or marathon and need a model capable of maintaining a good level of protection as the miles add up.

In summary, I would highlight it especially for:

• Medium-to-heavy runners who prioritize cushioning and protection.
  
• Runners who do many weekly miles and need a reliable shoe for runs and long runs.
  
• Athletes who prefer a plate-free shoe for their daily training and seek less rigid sensations.

It doesn't mean that a light runner can't use it. Simply, due to its characteristics, it is heavier runners or those who clearly prioritize protection who will probably get the most out of its features.

For what paces and distances is it designed?

The HOKA Clifton Pro is primarily geared towards slow and medium paces. It is important to understand this to choose a shoe correctly. A model can be excellent and still not be suitable for the use we want to give it.

The Clifton Pro does not seek to directly compete with the most aggressive shoes on the market. Its natural terrain will be daily runs, recovery workouts, and, above all, long runs.

By distance, its proposal is especially interesting for preparing for half marathons and marathons.

It can also become a very useful shoe for runners who simply accumulate many weekly miles and want to reduce the muscle strain associated with regular asphalt training.

A new way of understanding the Clifton family

For years, the Clifton has stood out for achieving something that is not always easy: offering good cushioning while maintaining a contained weight and relatively agile sensations.

The arrival of the Clifton Pro expands this philosophy. It doesn't necessarily replace the traditional Clifton, nor does it seem designed to do so.

The Pro proposal takes the concept towards a runner who seeks even more protection, a higher profile, and more advanced foam for long training sessions. This allows the Clifton family to cover different needs.

The runner looking for a light and versatile shoe for daily training can still find a great option in the traditional Clifton.

Those who prioritize maximum protection, run longer distances, or need a shoe with more cushioning can find a more suitable alternative in the Clifton Pro, and that differentiation is important. Because there is no perfect shoe for all runners.

According to our expert Jesús Sepulcre…

For our expert Jesús Sepulcre, former international middle-distance athlete, the choice of a shoe should always be related to the training we are going to do.

"The 42-millimeter profile and the supercritical foam are two very interesting features, but the important thing is to understand their use. It's a shoe for comfortable running, accumulating volume, and maintaining good sensations when fatigue and tiredness appear. And in a half marathon or marathon preparation, that type of shoe can be extremely valuable."

Can it be a good shoe for marathon preparation?

Yes, especially for a significant portion of the training. Preparing for a marathon involves accumulating miles, many miles.

Easy runs, recovery runs, long runs, and sessions where the main goal is not to run faster, but to allow the body to assimilate the training volume.

A shoe with high cushioning, supercritical foam, and a high profile can become a great ally for these types of sessions. In addition, the absence of a plate allows more aggressive models to be reserved for specific workouts and competition.

In this way, the Clifton Pro can perfectly fill the role of a protective shoe within a rotation.

What stands out most about the new HOKA Clifton Pro

The arrival of a new shoe with maximum cushioning is not particularly surprising in today's market; practically all brands have high-profile offerings. What is interesting about the Clifton Pro is how HOKA has built its identity.

Three aspects stand out particularly:

1. The incorporation of a supercritical PROGLIDE™+ foam, seeking advanced cushioning without making the shoe excessively slow.
2. The 42 mm profile and its focus on medium-to-heavy runners, a segment that increasingly seeks models capable of combining protection and modern technologies.
3. The absence of a plate, offering an alternative for those who want an advanced shoe for long distances, but prefer a less rigid stride for daily training.

It's an easy-to-understand proposal, and that, in a market where there are increasingly more shoes trying to serve for absolutely everything, can become one of its main virtues.

Frequently asked questions about the HOKA Clifton Pro

What type of shoe is the HOKA Clifton Pro?

The HOKA Clifton Pro is a high-cushioning road running shoe, primarily designed for daily training, comfortable runs, and medium to long distances.

How much does the HOKA Clifton Pro weigh?

The HOKA Clifton Pro weighs approximately 296 grams.

What is the drop of the HOKA Clifton Pro?

It has an 8-millimeter drop, with a 42 mm heel profile and 34 mm in the forefoot.

Does the HOKA Clifton Pro have a carbon plate?

No. The Clifton Pro uses the PROGLIDE™+ midsole with supercritical foam, but does not incorporate a plate.

For what type of runner is it recommended?

It is especially recommended for medium-to-heavy runners who are looking for a cushioned and protective shoe for medium and long-distance training.

Is the HOKA Clifton Pro suitable for marathon preparation?

Yes. Due to its high cushioning and orientation towards long distances, it can be a very interesting option for daily runs and long runs within marathon preparation.

Where can I buy the HOKA Clifton Pro?

You can find the new HOKA Clifton Pro at Be Urban Running, both in our online store and in our physical stores, where you can receive specialized advice to find out if this model really suits your weight, your pace, and your goals.

The wait is almost over. The new HOKA Clifton Pro will be available starting June 9th at Be Urban Running, both in our online store and in our physical stores. If you are looking for a shoe with maximum cushioning to accumulate miles, tackle long runs, and enjoy a protected stride without resorting to a plate, you will soon be able to discover it firsthand and receive advice from our team to find out if it fits your running style and your next goals.