The new HOKA Clifton PRO is for runners who run hard
Hoka Clifton Pro (Photo: Hoka)
Published on July 9, 2026 01:57 pm
You don’t have to be a “serious” runner to take running seriously. You just have to be passionate to reach your potential. brand new Hoka Clifton Pro It was created for runners who push themselves to do better and need a shoe that can help them do that.
The Clifton Pro is a high-performance trainer for runners who strive to get the most out of themselves, day after day. It’s for people who love tracking workouts, going on long runs, and feeling that feeling of hard-earned fatigue.
If you prioritize comfort, responsiveness, and control, you have to meet the Clifton Pro:
- It is the first shoe built with HOKA’s new PROGLIDE™+ technology (combining a premium foam midsole with a dynamic rockered shape) for smooth-rolling, high-rebound performance.
- A precisely-tuned profile provides quick transitions and a snappy experience.
- The podular design of the outsole adds flexibility and saves weight.
The HOKA Clifton Pro builds on the success of the Clifton franchise. For more than a decade, Clifton has been loved by runners looking for a super-responsive, maximum-cushioned shoe for daily running. The Clifton Pro adds a level of responsiveness that helps runners enhance their training and reach their peak levels and stay there.
Taylor Kriha took a 10-year break from competition after running track in college. But she knew it would always be there. There is always a race.
The 32-year-old graduated from the University of Memphis in 2015 and never thought she’d ever run a 5K again. Collegiate sports are high pressure and high miles. Expectations.
But in 2025, Taylor reached for her running shoes again. She faded and went back into running rhythm. This time, it was on his own terms.
While in Chicago, Taylor entered the Shamrock Shuffle, the world’s largest 8K race. The starting line, the finish line and the energy of the thousands of people surrounding him may have pulled him back into a competitive mindset a bit. But the training – the early morning miles, the pain of track workouts – is what made him want more. She was pushing to complete another 800 when her legs already felt like noodles. It’s satisfying to know she’s getting the most out of herself. She was attracted towards this.
The new phase of his running may not have had college coaches or teammates or structured schedules each week. In this Taylor had pushed Taylor. Repeat on repeat. Training, recovery. Training, recovery. day to day.
He entered more races. He tasted success. She wanted more.
At the 2025 Chicago Marathon, Taylor posted a finish time of 3:06. “I surprised myself,” she said. And what a great feeling. The seed was sown for a sub-three hour marathon.
Running in the Chicago winter isn’t easy, but she was up to the challenge. She covered miles on the Lakefront Trail, passing the same sites and the same dedicated runners day after day. The frozen shores of Lake Michigan, the sometimes slick concrete path. She arrived at the 606 Trail, passing those same walls of art that she breathes in and out of. Repeat races became more profitable.
By the next Shamrock Shuffle, Taylor was fit and ready. He ran a blazing 31:04, shaving eight minutes off his previous time.
Taylor now trains with the HOKA Clifton PRO in her quest to break the 3-hour marathon race. No matter how difficult the training, she belts out and performs. She says, “Do the work anyway.” Do the work anyway, no matter how hard, how tiring, how fried. Because she knows it will pay off on race day.
The Clifton Pro keeps Taylor healthy and able to pursue momentum. It’s piled high with Supercritical EVA cushion on every step and responds to his every powerful step. The shoe’s aggressive MetaRocker™ transitions from stride to stride for premium efficiency, while the overall lightweight, comfortable package is a joy to drag every day.
Taylor and his Clifton PRO are chasing that 2:59:59 marathon. No coach, no team. Just Taylor and his shoes, his drive. “Now it’s just me out there, and I like it that way,” she says.
HOKA is one of the fastest growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Originating in the mountains, HOKA footwear offers an unprecedented combination of superior cushioning and support for an unparalleled comfortable ride. Every day, HOKA collaborates with a deep team of world champions, tastemakers and everyday athletes to advance the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel. From the finish line to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers the world of athletes to fly above the earth. For more information visit HOKA.com Or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFly
