Hoka Clifton 5

Review Score
86%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Hoka Clifton 5: Review

“A lightweight and cushioned shoe for a smooth and responsive running experience.”

Overview


The Hoka Clifton 5 is a running shoe designed for comfort and performance. This shoe is known for its lightweight design and smooth ride.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight Construction: The shoe maintains a low weight, making it ideal for runners who value a light feel during their runs.
  • Smooth Ride: The Clifton 5 features a full-length EVA foam midsole with rockered geometry to promote a natural gait cycle and smooth transitions.
  • Enhanced Upper: A redesigned upper with engineered mesh offers improved breathability and a better fit, while strategic 3D puff print overlays provide structure without unnecessary weight.
  • Durable Outsole: The outsole combines exposed EVA foam with high-abrasion rubber in key areas to optimize grip and longevity.

The Hoka Clifton 5 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a lightweight and cushioned shoe for their daily running. Its updated upper offers a comfortable fit, making it suitable for a variety of foot shapes. Part of the Hoka Clifton family, the Clifton 5 continues the legacy of providing a balanced ride for runners seeking both performance and comfort.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 86%. This puts it in the highest rated 30% of comparable running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Clifton 5


The Hoka Clifton 5 has been well-received for its lightweight design and smooth ride, making it a solid choice for both daily training and longer races. The shoe's midsole offers a soft and responsive cushioning, while the rockered geometry aids in promoting forward momentum. The upper has been updated for enhanced breathability and durability, with a redesigned mesh and reinforced eyelets. Although the Clifton 5 is similar to its predecessor, the Clifton 4, it boasts a slightly softer feel and a more accommodating fit, especially in the toe box. Runners who appreciated the Clifton 4 will likely enjoy the Clifton 5, as it refines the features that made the previous model popular. However, those seeking the plush softness of the original Clifton may find the Clifton 5 a bit firmer. The outsole's durability is commendable, with the exposed EVA foam holding up well against wear. Overall, the Hoka Clifton 5 is a versatile and reliable running shoe that offers a balance of comfort and performance. It is a recommended option for runners looking for a daily trainer that can handle a variety of distances and paces.

Updates to Hoka Clifton 5


The Hoka Clifton 5 introduces minor updates from its predecessor, the Hoka Clifton 4. The most notable changes include a slightly softer midsole for a more cushioned ride and an updated upper for enhanced breathability and fit. While the overall weight and ride remain similar, these refinements aim to improve the comfort and performance of the shoe within the Hoka Clifton lineup.

Comparable Shoes




The New Balance Beacon is another shoe that runners might compare with the Hoka Clifton 5. The Beacon is lighter and more flexible, making it a great choice for shorter, faster runs. In contrast, the Clifton 5, with its slightly heavier build and more cushioned midsole, is better suited for longer distances and provides a more stable ride. Runners looking for a shoe for quick workouts might lean towards the Beacon, while those in need of a reliable long-distance trainer might prefer the Clifton 5.

7 Hoka Clifton 5 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Lightweight design ideal for daily use and long races.
Redesigned upper with improved breathability and fit.
Soft and responsive cushioning suitable for various distances.
Durable outsole with strategic rubber placement for grip.

3 Cons

Cushioning may be firmer than the original Clifton model.
May not accommodate very wide feet without choosing a wide model.
Moderate flexibility, which may not suit runners seeking a highly flexible shoe.

In Depth


Upper

The Hoka Clifton 5's upper has been redesigned with a new engineered mesh that enhances breathability and comfort. The mesh features small holes to allow better airflow, while still preventing debris from entering the shoe. The upper also includes reinforced eyelets and strategic 3D puff print overlays for added structure and durability. The fit is similar to the previous version, with a secure heel and a slightly roomier toe box, although some runners may find the need to opt for a wide model for additional space.

Midsole

The midsole of the Hoka Clifton 5 uses full-length EVA foam, providing a soft and responsive ride. The shoe's rockered geometry helps to promote a smooth transition through the gait cycle, catering to various foot strikes. While the midsole is reported to be slightly softer than the Clifton 4, the difference is subtle, and the shoe still offers a balance between softness and responsiveness.

Outsole

The outsole of the Clifton 5 is designed with exposed EVA foam for lightness, complemented by high-abrasion rubber in strategic areas to enhance grip and durability. This combination helps to maintain the shoe's overall lightweight feel while providing sufficient protection and energy return on road surfaces.

Size/fit

The Clifton 5 fits true to size for most runners, offering a locked-down feel in the heel and a more spacious toe area. However, some runners with wider feet may prefer to choose a wide model for a more comfortable fit. The shoe's updated upper contributes to a better overall fit, accommodating a variety of foot shapes.

Comfort

Runners have praised the Clifton 5 for its overall comfort, attributing this to the shoe's lightweight construction and cushioned midsole. The updated upper materials and design also contribute to the shoe's comfort, providing a snug yet accommodating fit without causing hot spots or discomfort.

Cushioning

The Clifton 5's cushioning is a standout feature, with the EVA foam midsole delivering a soft yet responsive feel. The cushioning is suitable for long runs and helps to reduce the impact on joints, making it a good choice for runners who prioritize comfort over long distances.

Breathability

The engineered mesh upper of the Clifton 5 is designed to offer improved breathability over previous models. The integrated small holes in the mesh allow for better airflow, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs.

Stability

As a neutral running shoe, the Clifton 5 provides inherent stability through its design. The shoe's wide base and moderate cushioning offer a stable platform for runners with neutral pronation, without the need for additional stability features.

Durability

The durability of the Clifton 5 is commendable, with the outsole's high-abrasion rubber and the upper's reinforced materials contributing to a longer lifespan. The shoe holds up well against the wear and tear of regular running, making it a reliable choice for daily training.

Grip

The strategically placed rubber sections on the Clifton 5's outsole provide reliable grip on road surfaces. The shoe performs well in both dry and wet conditions, offering runners confidence in their footing during their runs.

Flex

The Clifton 5 offers moderate flexibility, which is sufficient for most runners. The shoe's rockered design aids in a smooth heel-to-toe transition, compensating for the slightly stiffer feel compared to more flexible running shoes.

Who should buy the Hoka Clifton 5?


The Hoka Clifton 5 is well-suited for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive shoe that doesn't compromise on cushioning. It's ideal for those who engage in daily training and require a shoe that can handle various distances comfortably. Runners who appreciate a smooth transition and a breathable upper will find the Clifton 5 to be a valuable addition to their running gear.

Who should not buy the Hoka Clifton 5?


Runners who prefer a plush, ultra-soft ride similar to the original Clifton may find the Clifton 5's cushioning a bit firmer than desired. Those with significantly wide feet might need to look for alternatives that offer a wider fit, despite the Clifton 5's accommodating upper. Additionally, runners who prioritize a highly flexible shoe for a more natural foot movement might consider other models with greater flexibility.

Hoka Clifton 5: What's it good for?


The Hoka Clifton 5 excels in road running, providing a balanced experience for both short and long distances. It's good for runners participating in events like 10k, half marathon, and marathon races, thanks to its combination of responsiveness and cushioning. The shoe's grip and durability also make it suitable for regular everyday training on paved surfaces.

4 Hoka Clifton 5 FAQs


What updates does the Hoka Clifton 5 have compared to the Clifton 4?

The Hoka Clifton 5 features a slightly softer midsole for enhanced cushioning and an updated upper with engineered mesh for better breathability and fit. These changes aim to improve the overall comfort and performance of the shoe.

Is the Hoka Clifton 5 suitable for marathon training?

Yes, the Hoka Clifton 5 is suitable for marathon training due to its lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and durable outsole, making it a versatile choice for long-distance runs.

How does the Hoka Clifton 5 fit compared to other running shoes?

The Hoka Clifton 5 fits true to size for most runners, offering a secure heel and a roomier toe box. Runners with wider feet may opt for the wide model for additional comfort.

Can the Hoka Clifton 5 be used for daily running?

Yes, the Hoka Clifton 5 is an excellent choice for daily running, providing a balance of lightweight feel, cushioning, and durability for everyday use.

Hoka Clifton 5 alternatives



Hoka Clifton 5
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Hoka Clifton 5
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similarity
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Released
Jun 2018
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Weight
Weight
M: 266 g
W: 215 g
M: 269 g
W: 241 g
M: 249 g
W: 207 g
M: 238 g
W: 190 g
M: 213 g
W: 179 g
M: 235 g
W: 184 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
25 mm
22 mm
20 mm
M: 20 mm
W: 18 mm
17 mm
16 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
4 mm
4 mm
8 mm
6 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
30 mm
26 mm
24 mm
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm
23 mm
20 mm
Brand
Brand
Hoka
SauconyNikeNikeNikeNike
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
Low dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLightweightLightweightLow drop
Techs
Techs
Nike FlyknitNike Flyknit
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan Ⓥ
Vegan ⓋVegan Ⓥ
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Hoka Clifton 5: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Hoka Clifton 5: 9 Expert video reviews

Hoka Clifton 5: 1 Manufacturer video

Hoka Clifton 5 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
5
Released
Jun 2018
Measurements
Weight
M: 266 g
W: 215 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
30 mm
Forefoot
25 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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