With the HOKA Clifton 11, a perennial favorite gets better than ever
hoka clifton 11 (Photo: Hoka)
Published on July 16, 2026 10:23 am
hoka clifton 11 Builds on history. In 2009, HOKA shocked the running shoe industry when it introduced a maximally cushioned shoe amidst a sea of minimalist footwear.
HOKA entered the shoe market with a particularly oversized midsole and a uniquely shaped curve (the signature HOKA MetaRocker™), which created the feeling of floating over the terrain.
Early success with Trail Runners set the stage for Clifton, which debuted in 2014. The shoe featured HOKA’s signature cushioned midsole and early stage MetaRocker™, but the Clifton was different. The everyday runner was impossibly light and had intense sensitivity. At only 7.7 ounces for a men’s size 9, Clifton seemed twice as heavy. And there was a message: Maximum cushioning on any surface can not only be more comfortable, but it can also make your run easier.
That first Clifton didn’t skimp on cushioning to achieve its light weight. Instead, its high stack (29mm-24mm) consisted of ultralight, compression-molded EVA, injected with the lightest material possible: air. Instead of a full rubber outsole, Clifton placed the rubber in high-wear areas, leaving the lightweight EVA exposed. And instead of overlays sewn onto the constructed upper, the breathable mesh was reinforced with overlays that were applied through heat transfer.
The result: a lightweight, easy-rolling, efficient shoe that inspires speed as well as swims daily miles. It brought the HOKA revolution to the street-wearing masses and has since built a cult-like following.
In the more than a decade since launching the Clifton, HOKA has refined and improved the design every year. So it should come as no surprise that the 11th iteration is the best yet. The Clifton 11 takes advantage of everything the brand has learned about comfort and performance, creating a shoe that takes smooth running to a whole new level.
Improvements include a sophisticated mesh upper that comfortably grips the foot while remaining breathable and lightweight, a Durabrasion outsole, and a double-lace lock to enhance the feeling of control. The tried-and-true compression-molded cushioning and MetaRocker™ shape aim to make every step feel comfortable.
Like the Clifton before, but better than ever, the Clifton 11 is here to help runners settle into the rhythm of the race.
founder of peace runner 773 Running Club, Jackie Hoffman finds peace in the speed and spontaneity of running. “The city is chaotic,” says the Chicago-based ex-collegiate football player. “Running has been very therapeutic for me.”
Jackie founded the club to help build community. He knows the value of shared movement and shared miles. Since running helped him lose 50 pounds for health and happiness, he wanted to spread the joy of putting one foot in front of the other. He wanted other people to feel empowered to show their best self. He wanted to bring people together.
Since founding Peace Runners 773, Jackie has helped 1,500 people complete their first 5K and 51 people complete the Chicago Marathon. He himself has run six marathons, but his passion is about community. “When you can really slow down and run peacefully you can be really life changing,” he says.
The new Clifton 11 helps Jackie find her flow amid the busy city. He shows up and leads groups to run through some of the most iconic stretches of the Bustle, finding peace around places like Garfield Park. On any given day, you know Jackie is there, attracting others from the community to join her. Beyond the physical benefits of running, Jackie has discovered and spread the mental, social and emotional benefits of shared movement.
“To be the best person for my community and to show up for them, I have to run,” he says, “and I have to be there for them.” And they have to live with him.
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
