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A balanced road running shoe that is soft and light, the Clifton 8 is the latest iteration from the popular Clifton franchise. Our Clifton 8 Running Shoe Review took place in New York City, where one lucky editor got to put 300+ miles of running research in for this article. From Battery Park laps on the Hudson Greenway to Central Park trails, we put the Clifton 8 to the test.

Editor Notes:

I spent the last year running with the Speedboat 5 GTX while living in a mountain town before coming to NYC. Worried about my knees and feet after spending a year running exclusively dirt trails I started testing the Clifton 8 around the Bridle Trail in Central Park – a gravel trail that winds through the park. The cushioning of the Clifton 8 was gentle on my knees and I quickly moved to the street in order to get some more miles in.

HOKA Clifton 8 Overview

Widely known within the HOKA product line, the Clifton 8 has been a staple for years. Used as a casual walking shoe to a marathon race day shoe, the Clifton 8 has the perfect combination of lightweight and plush softness. Constructed with what feels like form fitting material, the upper fits comfortably around the foot.

Visually, the Clifton 8 looks well-balanced. The traditional, flatter outsole is packed with EVA Foam to give the shoe a cloud-like feel. This extra padding is great for absorbing impact and having a consistently soft feel.

The Hoka Clifton 8 is best for summer running as the upper is very breathable and vented. There is a Clifton GTX (goretex) model as well which is water resistant and has all the same comfort features.

Editors Note:

Immediately after putting my first few miles in on the Clifton 8 I knew the shoe was great. Having always been a fan of Hoka, this didn’t come at too much of surprise. I liked how the Clifton 8 connected with the pavement, letting me know the ground was there and then giving me an extra boost on my stride.

Features & Benefits

The rubber gusseted tongue stands out instantly as being softer than most shoes. Paired with the extra tall extended heel pull tab, the ankle receives exceptional 360° support. This combination of plus tongue and thick EVA outsole makes for a comfortable shoe.

Additionally, the perforated upper makes this shoe the perfect choice for summertime. When winter comes, check out the Clifton GTX or Challenger GTX, which are both waterproof.

Best of all, the Clifton 8 is an outstanding walking shoe. If you are looking for a do-it-all trainer, the Clifton 8 is the shoe for you.

Editor Notes:

The thing about running shoes is that everyone’s foot and running style is different. While the Clifton felt a bit damp – as in not having the pop I prefer in a shoe – it did fit phenomenally well.

If you are new to running or not sure what your shoe preference is yet, the Clifton checks every box. Professional racers even wear this shoe, so it is all preference. I like this shoe and will continue to wear it as a walking shoe.

HOKA Clifton 8 Review Summary

The Clifton 8 is an all-around excellent performing shoe. Loaded with comfort features, the light-weight construction makes this one of the most versatile shoes on the market.

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