Hoka has introduced the Clifton 11 alongside the brand's first-ever Clifton Pro model . while one maintains the plush feel of previous iterations, the other introduces high-energy foam for more responsive performance.

The Clifton 11's 8mm drop and familiar EVA foam

For users who relied on the previous generation, the Hoka Clifton 11 serves as an evolutionary rather than revolutionary update. According to the report, the shoe retains the compression-molded EVA foam midsole and the eight-millimeter heel-to-toe drop found in the Clifton 10. It also maintains a consistent stack height, measuring 42 mm for men and 38 mm for women.

The primary refinements in the Hoka Clifton 11 are focused on the upper and the immediate feel against the foot. The brand has implemented a new mesh upper and a softer open-cell sock liner to enhance the "super-cushy" sensation that has made the Clifton line a staple for walking and daily running. These changes suggest Hoka is prioritizing comfort and familiarity for its core demographic of neutral-stability seekers.

PROGLIDE+ and the shift to supercritical SCF EVA foam

The introduction of the Hoka Clifton Pro marks a significant pivot toward high-performance materials in a daily trainer.. The Pro model utilizes PROGLIDE+ technology, which combines a meta-rocker with supercritical (SCF) EVA foam . As the report notes, this material is more durable and provides a bouncier, more responsive ride than the standard EVA used in the Clifton 11.

This move reflects a broader industry trend where "super foams ," once reserved for elite carbon-plated racing shoes , are trickling down into everyday footwear. By integrating a steeper rocker and SCF foam, Hoka is positioning the Clifton Pro as a bridge between a recovery shoe and a performance trainer, allowing runners to achieve more "pop" in their stride during longer distances without sacrificing the brand's signature cushioning.

A $10 price gap and the 10.44 oz weight of the Pro

One of the most surprising aspects of the new rollout is the narrow pricing window between the two models. the Hoka Clifton Pro costs only $10 more than the Hoka Clifton 11, a marginal increase considering the upgrade to supercritical foam. This pricing strategy effectively lowers the barrier to entry for consumers to experience Hoka's more advanced midssole technology.

Weight differences between the two are similarly negligible. The men's Hoka Clifton Pro weighs 10.44 oz, while the men's Hoka Clifton 11 comes in slightly lighter at 9.97 oz. In practical application, this difference of less than half an ounce is virtually imperceptible to the wearer, making the decision between the two models based on energy return rather than heft.

Full rubber outsoles versus the Clifton 11's partial coverage

Durability is a key differentiator in the construction of these two shoes. The Hoka Clifton Pro features sturdy rubber that covers the entire outsole, which is expected to extend the lifespan of the shoe. in contrast, the Hoka Clifton 11 only utilizes rubber on the heel and forefoot, leaving other areas of the midsole more exposed to wear.

This distinction suggests that while the Clifton 11 is optimized for light activity and "easy runs," the Pro is engineered for higher-mileage users. The full rubber coverage on the Pro complements the more durable SCF foam, creating a shoe that is fundamentally built to withstand more rigorous road use.

Will the Clifton 10's value proposition outlast the 11?

Despite the new releases, a lingering question is whether the Hoka Clifton 11 offers enough of a leap over the Clifton 10 to justify a new purchase. Since the midsole foam and drop remain identical, consumers may find better value in the older model. Furthermore, the source does not provide the specific base price for either shoe, only the $10 difference between them, leaving the total cost of ownership unclear.

Additionally, it remains to be seen how the Hoka Clifton Pro compares to similar "super-trainer" offerings from competitors like Nike or Asics. While the internal review praises the responsiveness, independent long-term data on how the PROGLIDE+ foam holds up over hundreds of miles—compared to traditional EVA—is still missing.