HOKA Clifton Pro Review: Is This the Most Exciting Clifton Yet?
The HOKA Clifton has long been one of the world’s most popular running shoes. Loved by beginners, marathon runners and everyone in between, it’s become the benchmark for lightweight cushioning and everyday comfort.
Now, HOKA has introduced something new.
Meet the HOKA Clifton Pro - a shoe that takes everything runners love about the Clifton and gives it a noticeable performance boost. It isn’t designed to replace the Clifton. Instead, it sits alongside it, offering a more energetic ride for runners who want extra responsiveness without moving into a full carbon-plated race shoe.
If you’ve been wondering whether the Clifton Pro is worth the upgrade, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the HOKA Clifton Pro?
The Clifton Pro is HOKA’s premium take on its bestselling daily trainer. It combines the soft, cushioned feel that made the Clifton famous with a more responsive midsole and a geometry that encourages quicker, smoother transitions.
The result is a shoe that feels happier picking up the pace, while still delivering the comfort needed for everyday mileage.
Think of it as the Clifton that’s been to the gym.
What’s New?
The biggest changes come underfoot.
PROGLIDE™+ Supercritical Foam
The headline upgrade is HOKA’s new PROGLIDE™+ supercritical foam, which offers a more energetic ride than the standard Clifton.
It feels lighter, bouncier and returns more energy with every stride, making longer runs and marathon training feel noticeably easier on tired legs.
A More Aggressive MetaRocker™
HOKA has refined its signature MetaRocker geometry to create smoother heel-to-toe transitions and a stronger feeling of forward momentum.
You don’t have to force the pace—the shoe naturally encourages efficient running mechanics.
Premium Feel
Everything about the Clifton Pro feels a little more refined.
From the breathable engineered mesh upper to the improved fit and durable outsole, this is a shoe built for runners logging serious miles.
HOKA Clifton vs HOKA Clifton Pro
So how does it compare to the regular Clifton?
Choose the Clifton if you want:
- A dependable everyday running shoe
- Maximum comfort for easy miles
- A softer, relaxed ride
- Excellent value for daily training
Choose the Clifton Pro if you want:
- A faster-feeling daily trainer
- More energy return on every run
- One shoe for easy runs, long runs and marathon training
- Premium cushioning with a more responsive feel
The Clifton remains one of the best daily trainers available, but the Clifton Pro offers another level of performance for runners looking to maximise every mile.
Who is the Clifton Pro For?
One of the best things about the Clifton Pro is how versatile it is.
It’s ideal for:
- Marathon training
- Half marathon training
- Daily mileage
- Long runs
- Steady runs
- Progression runs
- Recovery runs when you still want a lively feel
Whether you’re training for your first 10K or chasing a PB Qualifier, the Clifton Pro has the versatility to handle almost every session.
It’s especially suited to runners who have previously loved shoes like the Clifton, Mach, Novablast or Superblast and are looking for something that blends comfort with performance.
First Impressions from the Running Bear Team
We’ve only had the Clifton Pro on our shelves for a short time, but first impressions have been incredibly positive.
“The Clifton has always been one of our easiest shoes to recommend. The Pro keeps everything runners love but adds a level of responsiveness that genuinely surprised us. It feels quicker without losing that famous HOKA comfort.” - Shaun
Alice took it away on holiday to test it out, she loved running around the streets of Palma in this brand new shoe!
“If the Clifton is your reliable everyday car, the Clifton Pro is the same car with a much bigger engine. It’s still comfortable, just a lot more fun to drive.”
Is the Clifton Pro Worth It?
If you’re happy running every mile at an easy pace, the Clifton remains an outstanding choice.
But if you’re looking for a shoe that can comfortably handle your daily runs while making marathon training, longer efforts and faster sessions feel more efficient, the Clifton Pro is a very compelling upgrade.
It bridges the gap between a traditional daily trainer and a performance shoe better than almost anything HOKA has produced.
Try the HOKA Clifton Pro at Running Bear
At Running Bear, we believe the best running shoe is the one that works for your running style.
Visit one of our stores for expert gait analysis and personalised fitting, or shop the new HOKA Clifton Pro online today. Our experienced team of runners can help you decide whether the Clifton or Clifton Pro is the best choice for your training goals.
Whether you’re preparing for your next marathon, building consistent weekly mileage or simply looking for your most enjoyable running shoe yet, the HOKA Clifton Pro deserves a place on your shortlist.