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Hoka One One Clifton 7 Review
Editor’s Conclusion
The Hoka One One Clifton 7 running shoe may look identical to its predecessor, however, under the surface, this running shoe has a redesigned upper improving the shoe's comfort and fit.
Known for its cushioned midsole and responsive ride, the Hoka Clifton 7 is a unique find, offering both features in one running shoe. Whether you are a loyal follower of the Clifton model or are reading about it for the first time, this review is a great opportunity for you to find out about the running shoe before you buy it!
Known for its cushioned midsole and responsive ride, the Hoka Clifton 7 is a unique find, offering both features in one running shoe. Whether you are a loyal follower of the Clifton model or are reading about it for the first time, this review is a great opportunity for you to find out about the running shoe before you buy it!
Hoka One One Clifton 7 Review Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Open engineered mesh upper
Full-length compression-molded EVA midsole
Meta-Rocker Technology
3D bands provide adaptive support
Beveled heel
Higher cushioned heel collar
Pull tab on the heel collar
Breathable
Lightweight
Cons
Not suitable for racing
The midsole lacks some flexibility
Key Features
What's New?
What is new with Hoka One One Clifton 7? The main update is the shoe's open engineered mesh upper that is highly breathable and remarkably lightweight. In comparison, the shoe's predecessor, Clifton 6, was much heavier along the upper so the designers have made a good decision in updating this area of the shoe.
The Clifton 7’s upper is also much more supportive in comparison to the Clifton 6. New 3D bands give the upper a more adaptive supportive feel. Additional support comes in the form of a lightweight gusset that works by locking down the midfoot, keeping it firmly in place.
Further updates have been made to the shoe, including a cushioned heel collar that reduces the risk of blisters occurring. This feature also keeps your feet firmly in place by offering the right level of stability and support. A new pull tab along the higher heel collar also helps with taking the shoe off/on.
What I Loved!
If you are not already familiar with the Hoka One One Clifton 7 running shoe, it has plenty of features to get excited about. The running shoe has a full-length compression-molded EVA midsole that gives the shoe its signature cushioning. Soft and bouncy, the shoe presents a comfy underfoot and is extremely lightweight.
The Hoka Clifton 7 has been built with Meta-Rocker Technology, giving both the midsole and outsole its rocker shape. This distinctive beveled shape encourages smooth transitions from heel to toe when running. The shoe stack height also remains the same. Another thing I liked about the cushioning was that it was soft enough underfoot yet firm enough to be supportive, giving you the perfect balance. The shoe also has an extremely roomy toe box, giving your feet plenty of room to spread out and relax.
The shoe's outsole is durable, featuring more durable rubber and traction in higher wear areas, particularly along the heel and forefoot. By including more durable rubber in key areas, the designers have also made the Clifton 7 a lot lighter by featuring less rubber.
Experienced runners will know that it is difficult to find a shoe that is highly cushioned and responsive. However, the designers of the Clifton 7 have managed this combo. Featuring a thick cushioned midsole foam that is extremely soft to land on and a bouncy toe-off platform, this shoe offers a highly responsive ride and a good level of shock absorption.
What is new with Hoka One One Clifton 7? The main update is the shoe's open engineered mesh upper that is highly breathable and remarkably lightweight. In comparison, the shoe's predecessor, Clifton 6, was much heavier along the upper so the designers have made a good decision in updating this area of the shoe.
The Clifton 7’s upper is also much more supportive in comparison to the Clifton 6. New 3D bands give the upper a more adaptive supportive feel. Additional support comes in the form of a lightweight gusset that works by locking down the midfoot, keeping it firmly in place.
Further updates have been made to the shoe, including a cushioned heel collar that reduces the risk of blisters occurring. This feature also keeps your feet firmly in place by offering the right level of stability and support. A new pull tab along the higher heel collar also helps with taking the shoe off/on.
What I Loved!
If you are not already familiar with the Hoka One One Clifton 7 running shoe, it has plenty of features to get excited about. The running shoe has a full-length compression-molded EVA midsole that gives the shoe its signature cushioning. Soft and bouncy, the shoe presents a comfy underfoot and is extremely lightweight.
The Hoka Clifton 7 has been built with Meta-Rocker Technology, giving both the midsole and outsole its rocker shape. This distinctive beveled shape encourages smooth transitions from heel to toe when running. The shoe stack height also remains the same. Another thing I liked about the cushioning was that it was soft enough underfoot yet firm enough to be supportive, giving you the perfect balance. The shoe also has an extremely roomy toe box, giving your feet plenty of room to spread out and relax.
The shoe's outsole is durable, featuring more durable rubber and traction in higher wear areas, particularly along the heel and forefoot. By including more durable rubber in key areas, the designers have also made the Clifton 7 a lot lighter by featuring less rubber.
Experienced runners will know that it is difficult to find a shoe that is highly cushioned and responsive. However, the designers of the Clifton 7 have managed this combo. Featuring a thick cushioned midsole foam that is extremely soft to land on and a bouncy toe-off platform, this shoe offers a highly responsive ride and a good level of shock absorption.
Who Is It For?
The Hoka One One Clifton 7 running shoe is best suited to neutral runners who want an everyday neutral trainer. The shoe is designed for road and track running and can be worn for short and long runs.
It has a stack height of 29mm under the heel and 24mm on the forefoot. The shoe weighs approximately 9.1oz and offers a true size to fit.
It is important to point out that the Clifton 7 is not a stability shoe; however, the shoe's updated upper does provide a level of stability in the rear foot areas that keep your foot firmly in place when running. This, as well as the shoe’s width, could also make the Clifton 7 be easily mistaken for a stability shoe.
It has a stack height of 29mm under the heel and 24mm on the forefoot. The shoe weighs approximately 9.1oz and offers a true size to fit.
It is important to point out that the Clifton 7 is not a stability shoe; however, the shoe's updated upper does provide a level of stability in the rear foot areas that keep your foot firmly in place when running. This, as well as the shoe’s width, could also make the Clifton 7 be easily mistaken for a stability shoe.
What I do Not Like...
The only negative areas to point out with the Clifton 7 is that the shoe is not suitable for racing in and the midsole lacks some flexibility. Some runners may also prefer a bit more energy return from the trainer.
Compared to Previous Models
When comparing Clifton 7 to Clifton 6, the main changes between the two trainers are the shoe's upper. The Clifton 7 represents a lighter and more breathable upper, allowing your feet to breathe whereas the Clifton 6, is heavier.
The newest Clifton 7 provides more support and stability with the addition of a higher padded heel collar that reduces the risk of blisters and provides a more supportive snug fit.
As previously discussed, a new heel collar pull tab makes it easier to pull the shoe off/on. The designers have decided to not make any changes to the shoe's midsole and outsole, making these features identical in Clifton 6 and Clifton 7.
The newest Clifton 7 provides more support and stability with the addition of a higher padded heel collar that reduces the risk of blisters and provides a more supportive snug fit.
As previously discussed, a new heel collar pull tab makes it easier to pull the shoe off/on. The designers have decided to not make any changes to the shoe's midsole and outsole, making these features identical in Clifton 6 and Clifton 7.
Verdict
Overall, I think the designers of the Hoka One One Clifton 7 have made some clever design choices when it comes to the latest edition. For the runners who already enjoy wearing the Clifton 6, they will be pleased to hear that in the latest Clifton 7, not many changes have been made apart from the shoe's upper.
The redesigned upper has made the running shoe lighter and more breathable. It has also improved the fit and comfort.
When reviewing the Clifton 7, I struggled to find anything that I disliked with this shoe. I was extremely happy to find that I had a running shoe that had excellent cushioning, offered a responsive ride, and was extremely comfortable to wear. What more could you want?
The redesigned upper has made the running shoe lighter and more breathable. It has also improved the fit and comfort.
When reviewing the Clifton 7, I struggled to find anything that I disliked with this shoe. I was extremely happy to find that I had a running shoe that had excellent cushioning, offered a responsive ride, and was extremely comfortable to wear. What more could you want?
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