HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7 Review
Refined For Comfort
Likes
- Soft cushioning
- Breathable upper
- Stable ride
- Lightweight
- Amazing protection
Dislikes
- Narrow toe box
What's New
Keeping the same midsole and outsole combination as the previous version, the Clifton 7 offers a highly cushioned running experience that provides comfort for runs of any distance. In order to refine the fit and comfort of this shoe, HOKA ONE ONE gave the Clifton an all-new mesh upper with a gusseted tongue. HOKA also removed the previous version's stitched overlays to provide a more adaptable foothold. A new mesh gusset helps secure the tongue in place while softly hugging the midfoot for a secure fit. This update is finished off with a plush extended heel collar that allows for easy on and off while eliminating pressure on the Achilles.
The Bottom Line
HOKA's Clifton line has become popular for its lightweight cushioning, which offers a soft and comfortable ride at any pace. So it's no surprise that our testers loved the plush yet slightly responsive running experience that the updated Clifton 7 provided. This shoe's wide and stable base is perfect for long miles, and the efficient, rockered design rolls the runner forward throughout their stride for a smooth ride. Although the changes made to the Clifton 7 were minor, our testers felt that the new upper addressed the previous version's fit problems without taking away any of the shoe's best features. The new sandwich mesh upper stretches to accommodate each runner's foot shape without feeling sloppy or insecure, and the new raised heel design adds a stylish yet functional flair. Overall, the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7 has been finetuned for maximum comfort, and it continues to earn its spot as one of the most popular running shoes on the market.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.1 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.9 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 32mm (Heel), 27mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7 offers a plush step-in feel that stays soft and comfortable as you run. Our testers agreed that the shoe didn't feel all that cushy at first, but they found that it softened nicely as it broke in.
Mark: "The shoe feels a little stiff right out of the box. However, it softened up a good amount after I got in a couple of runs. These shoes offer the perfect amount of softness without feeling mushy."
Becky: "The ride is soft but not marshmallow soft. The shoes feel softer after putting some miles on them, especially when I get tired and tend to heel strike more."
Ride/Energy Return i
The Clifton 7 packs a surprising amount of energy return for the high level of cushioning it provides. Its rockered design works with the responsive EVA foam to provide an efficient ride at faster paces.
Kaitlin: "The Clifton 7 has responsive cushioning that rewards you when you decide to pick up the pace. It does not have a 'squishy' underfoot feel, but rather a more energetic cushion that propels you into the next step."
Mark: "Although the Clifton 7 is by no means an uptempo shoe, it's not a dead shoe either. The ride is a bit quicker than your average workhorse trainer. You can pick up the pace in this shoe without feeling like you're putting too much effort into going faster."
Underfoot Protection i
With its high level of cushioning, the Clifton 7 keeps your feet and legs happy, whether you're taking it for a short jog or up to marathon distances. Our testers appreciated the protection this shoe provided and agreed it was their first choice for recovery days and long runs alike.
Kaitlin: "It feels like the shoe cradles your foot to the ground, giving you a soft landing. My feet and joints never felt like they had taken a beating after longer mileage in this shoe."
Becky: "The Clifton 7 could easily be worn for the marathon distance and far beyond. They are more cushioned than most other shoes on the market (aside from the Bondi), and as a result, I felt very protected from the impact of the road."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Although the high stack height of the Clifton 7 limits how much the midsole bends, the Early Stage Meta-Rocker helps to roll the runner forward through their stride smoothly. Additionally, this shoe's wide base and stiff design provide inherent stability.
Kaitlin: "The Clifton 7 does not flex much given its thick midsole, but it does have a rocker-like movement. The transition through the gait cycle feels elastic no matter where your foot strikes."
Mark: "Although this shoe's flexibility is pretty average, the rocker technology rolls me through toe-off for a smooth ride."
Upper Feel i
The new engineered mesh upper provides a more adaptable foothold and increased breathability. The seamless design and padded heel collar help eliminate irritation while the gusseted tongue keeps the foot firmly in place. Finally, an extended heel allows for easy on and off.
Kaitlin: "While the Clifton 6 felt like it had a more generous fit, the 7's fit is more adaptive. I have a bunion on my right foot, and the seamless upper gives me no irritation or hot spots."
Mark: "The upper is relatively adaptable without allowing any unwanted lateral movement. It also feels soft around the midfoot and heel area for a comfortable lockdown."
Individual Thoughts
The Clifton 7 was protective, lightweight, and had a smooth transition to it. With its soft cushioning, I found the Clifton 7 to be ideal for recovery days and long runs. The high cushion underfoot took a lot of pressure off of my joints as the miles got longer, but the shoes still have enough responsiveness to keep from feeling dead when you want to pick up the pace.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I loved this update! I liked the previous version a lot but had some blister issues with its sock liner. I had few complaints about the 6 otherwise, but the 7 improved this issue as well as other areas of the shoe that I was not expecting. The upper of the 7 provides an adaptive second-skin feel, while the underfoot feels very bouncy and energetic. This is a great high-mileage shoe and a refreshing recovery option. The sizing did feel a little short with a slightly less generous fit than the previous version, so those with in-between sizes might require a size up.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The HOKA Clifton 7 is the natural progression of the Clifton 6, with a touch of refinement. The upper feels a bit more premium, and the cushioning is soft but not mushy. I keep picking it out of my lineup for easy runs and long runs. The only thing I would remove is the band around the arch area, which I don't feel serves much of a purpose for me. All around, the Clifton 7 provides a great experience for the price and is one of my top picks for the best daily trainers of 2020.