Hardwear
Product 2020
Woman, Man
The new Hoka One One Clifton Edge hasn’t got away from the road running shoes’ trend of having a prominent heel. The same bevel is on the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly, and the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5 to name but a few models. Brands are more daring in their shoe designs that wouldn’t be out of place in a dystopian series.
Besides the rear section, the Clifton Edge is a Hoka One One with an oversized sole and a fluid line. On the other hand, the sole continues well past the heel end. This 3cm projection gives a very curious visual aspect. The surface of the sole is enlarged and the foot strike is more asserted.
Beyond its look, these Hoka One One Clifton Edge give very interesting sensations that are sometimes disliked by runners who prefer closer ground contact. The Clifton Edge offer special cushioning. Others loved the combination of softness, rebound, and spring. We are light-years from the early Hoka models that had spongy cushioning. No this Clifton Edge is designed to launch you forward in your stride and run fast without suffering from the hard ground. You immediately benefit from the filtration, it reaches a point that we call the “elastic effect”. The feeling is both pleasant and thrilling.
The front of the Hoka One One Clifton Edge has less cushioning and the entire part under the metatarsals has fairly direct contact with the ground. Therefore you can run fast on the forefoot.
The midfoot support remains balanced with this well-managed “recovery/rebound” effect. It is when you seek out the heel support that you find the sole’s protuberance that gives a sensation that it is difficult to explain: the cushioning becomes very present but it also gives good lateral stability. Amazing: you feel this the entire length of the shoe.
Frankly it’s a running product that makes you smile and want to push speed dial. We also raced on the track, covered with tiny stones, and they are also very interesting in these conditions because you don’t notice any rise vibrations in the knees. It is also an excellent shoe for sessions when you are tired and reluctant take shocks.
For long distances, the combination of “peps” and the lightness of the Hoka One One Clifton Edge works wonders. The brand states 253g, our test shoe displayed 242g in 42 2/3.
We felt that the drop seemed higher than the 5mm announced.
The mesh, like most Hoka One One, is slightly stretchy (oval stripes) to give a little flexibility in the toe box for example.
From above, the shoes are wide (we did not say “clump”) because of the sole, however the upper is very enveloping and precise. We therefore have shoes that are both impressive in terms of size, lightness and precision.
The flat lacing is precise, (we recommend the double knot during competitions), which distributes the tension to the front of the foot. The thin tongue fulfills its mission, however. Be careful, it tends to slip a little when you put the shoes on.
Overall comfort is very good despite the thin materials. Only the toe area is less soft.
We were surprised by the front of Hoka One One Clifton Edge: its raised nose almost behaves as a stone guard. Is this a little too much for a road shoe?
The Clifton Edge is very easy to take off. You can (must) help yourself with your other foot by placing it on the back of the shoe you want to take off. The shoes’ spoiler finds another use, undoubtedly unsuspected by the designers.
Hoka One One dared to break certain codes also in terms of color. We received the men’s shoe in pink (evening primrose). It can also be purchased in black (anthracite).
The last point is the price. At 160 euros, the Hoka One One Clifton Edge has not escaped inflation for several years. It’s hard to say, but the price unfortunately corresponds to market prices for this type of product.
We were charmed by the sole and the sensations delivered by the Hoka One One Clifton Edge. They are lively and comfortable shoes. Effectively “light, soft and smooth”. Their atypical look catches your eye and that’s a great change! Our team awarded him the FIRST Award.
5 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
Receive your answers by mail. Do you have a particular question concerning the design, use, durability or other about a tested product? We will answer your question personally.
