Running shoes
Product 2018
Man
The range – or should we say the Hoka One One ranges are very complete. The choice between dozens of pairs of shoes is so vast that you really need to understand each product’s specific aims. This is made more difficult due to the similarities in design (attractive) between each model.
The Clifton (5th in its heritage) is designed for road running training and for the long, its substantial cushioning engages good comfort. The Clifton 5 has character, we’ll talk further about it but start with its main trait – its cushioning. Hoka One One uses the same image as a bed of marshmallows to talk about its cushioning. We don’t think it does complete justice to the designers work, as it cannot just be reduced to a soft cushioning.
In running shoes you can find models that have very good cushioning in the heel but less under the forefoot; this isn’t the case with the Clifton 5, which offers comfort under the entire foot. The cushioning is of course most notable at the heel.
The cushioning can be confusing to start with because the shoe, or rather the sole deforms a lot, especially laterally. Its softness causes a little left to right movement that is compensated by the ankles. On the road there’s not much risk of it being a problem. If you run midfoot the Clifton becomes more stable and you can go faster. Heel strikers will really benefit from the amazing cushioning. Be careful though if you are a pronator the foam deforms a lot and the foot strike risks going off balance with pronation.
The grip is pleasurable on the road but also on a track. Pointy stones aren’t felt underfoot.
After many kilometers on the tarmac the Hoka One One you quickly get used to its comfort. As a training shoe when you want comfort against the harsh ground, these fit the job.
The weight, 296g for 42 2/3, (and not 266g specified by the brand) is pleasant, you don’t feel the weight of the shoe. The medium fit we found was more adjusted than some of the road Hoka shoes. A “wide” Clifton 5 exists as well. With the classic model you have a good precise foot envelopment and therefore great foot strike, despite the wide sole. Well done for the carefully worked upper and the foot hold, firm yet never painful.
The heel is well held, it doesn’t slide around. There is a wide strap at the heel that eases putting on the shoes, very practical and tough, with reflective bands too for nighttime running.
The flat lacing spreads out the pressure well avoiding any pressure points. It doesn’t slide easily in the eyelets but is quick to adjust at the forefoot.
The stride is coherent and makes you want to lance yourself forward. The drop is 5mm: 24 at the front and 29 at the heel.
Bravo for the quality of the fabrication and materials. At Hoka One One there are no collages or cheap materials. We really liked the added decorative bands and the superb mesh on these Clifton 5. Durability would have to be tested a long time to see if they pass the test of time.
The Clifton 5 is a very good road training shoe, with great cushioning. These don’t leave you indifferent, you either love them or hate them – But you must test them to find out!
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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