Nathanial Friedman tests out the new Hoka One One Clifton 2 on the Town Lake Trail in Austin, Texas.
The Clifton 2 marks the update of Hoka’s neutral performance trainer, this shoe continues the trend of the brands defying and unique take on performance footwear.
It’s been one year since Hoka released the previous model that defied the standards of what runners have come to expect, light-weight and high-volume cushioning. Historically, runners have been forced to make a choice whether to sacrifice performance for comfort or visa versa.
Specs:
8.3oz Mens
29/24mm, 5mm Offset
7.2oz Women’s
28/23mm, 5mm Offset
At first glance of the Clifton 2 the update appears to be identical to the previous season. Inspecting the shoe the changes to the shoe appear to be minor tinkering to satisfy the masses.
Reconfigured Upper. The Speed-Frame system has increased in coverage by connecting the front 2 eyelets of the toe box with the seamless rubber welded construction. The toe-cap loses the reinforcement stitching and instead uses a slightly thicker toe rand to provide the structure/shape to the toe box. Other then the reinforced eyelets the stitching has been completely removed from the external portions of the upper.
Increased Tung Padding: Replacing the floppy tongue from the previous model, the layer of padding provides a softer contact to the instep. This also adds a touch more “locked in" to the fit when lacing up.
Choose the dark side, as a dark sock were used for wear test, I did not notice any color bleeding that marked Clifton runners from last season.
Midsole- remains unmodified from last year. The EMVA foam with the meta-rocker technology provide a pleasingly soft feel to the body, and responsive when compressed in the stride.
Toeing the performance line, this shoe is Hoka's answer to Tempo/Racing. Unlike other models, the fit is designed to lock the foot in for speed/tempo focused efforts not providing as much natural splay to the foot, you would see in high mileage trainers. The durability of the shoe is secondary to the focused performance design. Runners should experiment with the 1/2 size up to accommodate the foot from the uppers snug design.
If you haven’t noticed Hoka been establishing an increased amount of devoted supporters over the past year. With multiple options in their performance line, runners have been lacing up the shoe to see what the hype is about.
You cannot help lace up a pair and melt into the cushion that Hoka has to deliver. Like “Salt on Watermelon” the contradictory concept delivers an delightful result. Hoka provides a notable disruptive technology in running industry, skeptics cast their opinions even before trying on the shoe, while the believers have logged the miles and found what they are looking for.
Like Hoka One One? Read sponsored athlete Leo Manzano's Friday Focus Q&A with FloTrack!