The HOKA Clifton 8 is a highly cushioned, neutral road running shoe designed for long distance running. It features HOKA’s signature Meta-Rocker technology, which promotes a smooth and efficient heel-to-toe transition, as well as a full-length EVA midsole that provides plush cushioning and shock absorption.
The upper of the Clifton 8 is made of lightweight and breathable engineered mesh, which offers a comfortable and secure fit. The shoe also features a new gusseted tongue design that helps to keep debris out and ensures a snug fit.
The outsole of the Clifton 8 is made of durable rubber and features strategically placed grooves for improved traction and flexibility. Additionally, the shoe has a beveled heel design that promotes a smoother transition from landing to toe-off.
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 8 is a highly versatile and comfortable shoe that is suitable for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced marathoners.
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HOKA Clifton 8 Specs
Here are the specifications for the HOKA Clifton 8 running shoes:
- Weight:
- Men’s: 9.5 oz (269 g) for size US 9
- Women’s: 7.5 oz (213 g) for size US 7
- Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
- Midsole:
- Full-length EVA foam for cushioning and shock absorption
- Early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry for a smooth ride
- Upper:
- Breathable engineered mesh for comfort and ventilation
- New gusseted tongue design to keep debris out and ensure a secure fit
- Outsole:
- Durable rubber with strategically placed grooves for improved traction and flexibility
- Beveled heel design for a smoother transition from landing to toe-off
- Fit: True to size, with a medium width
HOKA Clifton 8 is a lightweight, cushioned, and versatile running shoe that is suitable for a wide range of activities, from daily training runs to long-distance races. Its combination of cushioning, stability, and durability makes it a popular choice among runners of all levels.
HOKA Clifton 8 Ride Experience
The HOKA Clifton 8 provides a smooth and comfortable ride experience for runners, thanks to its cushioning, stability, and efficient design.
The shoe’s midsole features full-length EVA foam, which provides ample cushioning and shock absorption for a comfortable and plush ride. The foam is also lightweight, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the shoe and make it more responsive.
The early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry of the Clifton 8 helps to promote a smooth and efficient ride by guiding the foot through a natural gait cycle. This design encourages a quicker transition from heel-strike to toe-off and helps to reduce the amount of energy wasted during each stride.
The upper of the Clifton 8 is made of breathable engineered mesh, which provides ventilation and allows the foot to flex and move naturally. The new gusseted tongue design helps to keep the foot secure and comfortable while also keeping debris out.
The outsole of the Clifton 8 is made of durable rubber and features strategically placed grooves that improve traction and flexibility. The beveled heel design promotes a smoother transition from landing to toe-off and helps to reduce the amount of impact felt by the foot.
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 8 provides a smooth, comfortable, and efficient ride experience for runners, making it a popular choice for daily training runs, long-distance races, and other activities.
HOKA Clifton 8 Performance
The HOKA Clifton 8 is a highly-performing running shoe that excels in providing a comfortable and efficient ride experience for runners.
The shoe’s midsole features full-length EVA foam, which provides ample cushioning and shock absorption for a comfortable and responsive ride. The foam is also lightweight, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the shoe and make it more efficient.
The early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry of the Clifton 8 helps to promote a smooth and efficient ride by guiding the foot through a natural gait cycle. This design encourages a quicker transition from heel-strike to toe-off, which helps to reduce the amount of energy wasted during each stride.
The upper of the Clifton 8 is made of breathable engineered mesh, which provides ventilation and allows the foot to flex and move naturally. The new gusseted tongue design helps to keep the foot secure and comfortable while also keeping debris out.
The outsole of the Clifton 8 is made of durable rubber and features strategically placed grooves that improve traction and flexibility. The beveled heel design promotes a smoother transition from landing to toe-off and helps to reduce the amount of impact felt by the foot.
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 8 is a highly-performing running shoe that provides a comfortable, efficient, and responsive ride experience for runners. Its cushioning, stability, and durability make it a popular choice for daily training runs, long-distance races, and other activities.
HOKA Clifton 8 Durability
The HOKA Clifton 8 is designed with durability in mind, and it features several components that contribute to its longevity.
The outsole of the Clifton 8 is made of durable rubber with strategically placed grooves that improve traction and flexibility. The rubber is abrasion-resistant and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The beveled heel design also helps to reduce the impact of landing and minimize the stress on the shoe’s materials.
The upper of the Clifton 8 is made of breathable engineered mesh that is both comfortable and durable. The mesh is reinforced in high-wear areas to increase the shoe’s durability, and the new gusseted tongue design helps to prevent debris from entering the shoe, keeping it cleaner and prolonging its life.
The midsole of the Clifton 8 is made of full-length EVA foam, which is a durable and resilient material that can withstand the impact of regular use. Additionally, the foam is designed to maintain its cushioning properties over time, ensuring that the shoe continues to provide a comfortable ride experience.
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 8 is a durable running shoe that is built to withstand the demands of regular use. Its high-quality materials and strategic design features ensure that it can provide a comfortable and responsive ride for many miles, making it a popular choice among runners who are looking for a long-lasting shoe.
HOKA Clifton 8 Upper Fit
The upper of the HOKA Clifton 8 provides a comfortable and secure fit for most foot shapes.
The shoe’s upper is made of breathable engineered mesh that is designed to stretch and move with the foot, providing a flexible and comfortable fit. The mesh is also lightweight and breathable, which helps to keep the foot cool and dry during a run.
The Clifton 8 also features a new gusseted tongue design that helps to keep the foot secure and centered inside the shoe, reducing the likelihood of slippage or discomfort. The tongue is also padded for extra comfort and to reduce pressure on the top of the foot.
The shoe’s heel is designed to be snug without being restrictive, providing a secure fit that prevents the foot from slipping during a run. The heel counter is also reinforced for added support and stability.
The Clifton 8 is available in a range of sizes and widths, allowing runners to choose the size that best fits their foot shape and size. Additionally, the shoe’s lacing system is customizable, allowing runners to adjust the fit to their liking.
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 8 provides a comfortable and secure fit that should work well for most foot shapes and sizes. Its breathable mesh upper, gusseted tongue design, and customizable lacing system help to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
HOKA Clifton 8 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning and shock absorption for a comfortable ride
- Lightweight and efficient design helps reduce fatigue during long runs
- Breathable upper material keeps feet cool and dry
- Durable outsole can withstand regular use
- Meta-Rocker geometry promotes a natural gait cycle and smooth transitions
- Wide range of sizes and widths available for a personalized fit
- Eye-catching design and color options available
Cons:
- May not provide enough stability or support for runners with severe pronation or other foot issues
- Some runners may find the shoe to be too narrow or tight in the midfoot area
- Price may be higher than other running shoe models in the market
- Some runners may not prefer the high stack height of the shoe and the associated feeling of being elevated off the ground
- May not be suitable for runners who prefer a more minimalist shoe design.
Conclusion
The HOKA Clifton 8 is a well-designed and highly-performing running shoe that offers excellent cushioning, durability, and comfort. Its lightweight and efficient design helps reduce fatigue during long runs, and its Meta-Rocker geometry promotes a natural gait cycle and smooth transitions. The shoe’s breathable upper material keeps feet cool and dry, and its durable outsole can withstand regular use.
However, some runners with specific foot needs or preferences may find the Clifton 8 to be too narrow or tight in the midfoot area, and it may not provide enough stability or support for runners with severe pronation or other foot issues. The shoe’s high stack height and price may also be a concern for some runners.
The HOKA Clifton 8 is a popular choice among runners who are looking for a comfortable, efficient, and durable running shoe. Its range of sizes and customizable lacing system make it easy to find a personalized fit, and its eye-catching design and color options add to its appeal.
