Hoka One One Clifton L sneaker, one of the latest we came across this week, is the subject of our review today. The Clifton line of running shoes has been around for almost a decade and have cemented Hoka One One place as one of the top footwear manufacturers for athletes. In 2020 the brand collaborated with Opening Ceremony fashion house to come up with a limited edition of a lifestyle sneaker. Taking cues from the Clifton 3 running shoe this new silhouette re-surfaced in a suede edition alongside the similar Bondi L model just a year later. Built for downtime and daily wear, the Clifton L combines the cushioning and stability the brand is known for with the stylish looks of a casual sneaker.
How They Fit
The pair we came across was the beige suede colorway that was introduced in early 2023. Out of the classic blue Hoka One One box these look great and feel buttery soft in hand. They are very lightweight given the materials used and overall look, with size 11.5 weighing only 13.5oz. Once on foot you really feel like walking on clouds, they are very comfortable. In my case they feel true to size and width, however if you had Hokas before your expectations may differ. Given that the upper is made of suede they are not as forgiving like the mesh running shoes so for those with wider feet they may feel a bit snug. In this case going up a half size is recommended. There is no break in period with these once you get the right size for you. If unsure about your size feel free to check out our HOKA One One size chart.
Upper
The upper of the Hoka One One Clifton L is made of layers of soft suede material that is perforated to enhance air flow. The overall design of the upper is the same one from the Opening Ceremony collaboration. It also has 3M detailing which is a nice safety feature to have when walking at night. During the days I did this short Hoka One One Clifton L review I took them around for some long walks and they felt great on my feet, supportive and surprisingly breathable for a suede upper sneaker. Even if they are quite versatile due to their roots I would still not take them in the gym or for long runs. When it comes to intense activities they feel a bit bulky and they do not provide enough support and energy response.
Sole Unit
The sole unit is the one from the Clifton 3 model and it’s made of full compression-molded EVA material that offers a balanced cushion.They have a 5mm heel to toe drop which combined with the full ground contact design makes them the ultimate comfort walking shoe. While they are made for neutral pronators they have a fairly high stack midsole that will adjust to your needs if you are a light over or under pronator. These shoes are designed to absorb every step of your walks, striking an excellent balance of cushioning and stability. To add durability the outsole features enforced rubber that is placed strategically in several pressure points.
Bottom Line
To resume our Hoka One One Clifton L review, these are an excellent choice for those in need of an athletic shoe that will keep them comfortable all day long, whether you’re standing up for hours at work or taking some long walks in the city. There is a reason why many podiatrists recommend Hoka One One shoes to their patients. They are also great shoes for nurses given the comfort and support they provide for long shifts. They provide excellent shock absorption that ease the pressure on joints and they will mold to your feet to accommodate every shape. At $170 they are up there with the On Cloudnova and the Cloudtilt models , providing a great value when it comes to enhanced comfort and durability.
