HOKA Clifton Pro vs Hoka Skyward X 2
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Meg says she personally leans toward the Skyward X2, viewing the Clifton Pro as more for light daily training and the Skyward X2 as the comfort cruiser
More reliable/controlled ride, though it leans toward a similarly soft, high-stack feel
Clifton Pro drew initial comparisons to Skyward X for being too soft and slow to return, though Clifton Pro is more affordable
Reviewer says he much prefers the Skyward X 2 despite its higher price
More reliable/controlled ride, though it leans toward a similarly soft, high-stack feel
Compared head-to-head with the Clifton Pro; Meg leans toward the Skyward X2 while viewing the Clifton Pro as better for light daily training
HOKA Clifton Pro — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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The clear winner of the two Cliftons this year — a comfortable, fun, smoothly-rockered cushioned trainer with noticeably more energy return and versatility than the Clifton 11, worth the small price premium.
Ride:A more modern, springier ride from the super-critical ProFlyte Plus foam — smooth and protective at slow paces, with noticeably more energy return and bounce than the Clifton 11 at steady efforts, though it can feel a touch slower to respond on tired legs.
Fit:Slightly roomier, airier toe box than the Clifton 11 with similarly good midfoot lockdown and heel hold; true to size for most, though testers who sized up half a size found the extra length worked well.
In their words: "one of the best cushioned shoes" · "more response, more bounce, more fun" · "the clear winner for me"
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The host calls it his easy pick for best Clifton, since it's the only Clifton whose sidewalls don't bother his sensitive forefoot; Andrea likes the shoe but argues it doesn't ride like a true Clifton and shouldn't win the title on that basis.
Ride:The supercritical EVA midsole and outsole rubber placement hold up better than HOKA's traditional EVA trainers; the host — who dislikes every other Clifton due to midfoot sidewall irritation — has no issues with this one.
In their words: "one of the best outsole designs" · "genius"
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A bouncier, squishier take on the Clifton formula thanks to a supercritical-EVA midsole — the reviewer's preferred Clifton, though chunkier, heavier, and pricier than the standard model.
Ride:Supercritical EVA gives a bouncier, squishier feel than the standard Clifton; slightly chunkier/puffier and heavier as a result.
In their words: "bouncier and slightly squishier" · "this is the better Clifton"
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The reviewer welcomes the updated foam as a step up in responsiveness for the Clifton line but is ultimately unconvinced given the shoe's heavy weight, cushioning tech he sees as dated versus rivals, and poor lockdown, and says he won't keep using it.
Ride:More responsive and bouncier than the regular Clifton with a more aggressive rocker and firmer feel, though still heavy and bulky-feeling at most paces.
Fit:True to size in his regular Hoka size (UK 12), but lockdown was poor with irritation caused by the tongue sliding down.
In their words: "the tongue just kept sliding down" · "quite on the heavy side" · "a lot better than the execution"
Hoka Skyward X 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A shoe Fordy feels he 'shouldn't' like on paper but genuinely rates for long runs, especially once pace picks up; likely to be his main road-based option alongside the Hyper 3.
Ride:Big Pebax stack with a carbon plate and dual-foam setup; comfortable but comes alive once pace picks up.
In their words: "a shoe that I shouldn't really like" · "gives me Neo Vista the vibes"
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A premium, more performance-oriented version of the Bondi that both reviewers pick for recovery runs, versatile enough for long easy runs and the occasional faster effort.
Ride:A plated, premium version of the Bondi with a PEBA top layer over a carbon plate and super critical EVA base; described as a straight-up cruiser with a nice rocker bottom.
In their words: "just honestly more fun" · "treat your legs right"
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The Skyward X2 is eliminated in the group stage without advancing, with reviewers declining to put it through.
In their words: "I wouldn't put that through"
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A much-improved version 2 that drops weight and softness for a firmer, more stable and runnable rolling ride; excellent for long runs and ultras but not a fast shoe, and held back by a narrow tapered forefoot.
Ride:Tall, stable-neutral max-cushion ride that is firmer and snappier than expected from this much foam. Two foams: PEBA top over EVA base. Long forefoot rocker and heel bevel produce a rolling, efficient ride rather than a bouncy one. Zero flexibility. Wide platform with tall sidewalls keeps you centered. Foam held up identically over 100 miles.
Fit:Snug fit that tapers and narrows significantly in the forefoot, making the shoe feel slightly short; took 70-80 miles to break in. Caused toe blistering on long runs. Reviewer between 10 and 10.5, considers sizing up a half size though that shifts the rocker apex. Midfoot opens wider and needs the laces locked down. Rounded heel counter that's still very stiff.
In their words: "a really rolling ride" · "really rolls you forward" · "zero zero flexibility to this shoe" · "much better than version one"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the HOKA Clifton Pro if
- Easy runs and daily walking/standing use for people who want HOKA's most durable Clifton-branded shoe. — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a Clifton-family shoe that can also handle tempo runs, track work, and racing up to the half marathon distance. — Run Moore
- Meg's pick for the bulk of her training — easy runs, in-between-workout days, and non-marathon-pace long runs. — Believe in the Run
- Runners training for races who want a versatile trainer for easy days, long runs, and some up-tempo work. — Believe in the Run
- Daily training including easy runs and up-tempo workouts for runners who want durability and versatility — Doctors of Running
- Long and easy daily running that still wants to cruise cushioned miles comfortably. — The Run Testers
Consider the Hoka Skyward X 2 if
- High-mileage runners looking for a Sunday morning cleanup shoe or ultra back-to-back long run recovery. Not for speed or racing. — Run Moore
- Long-run hammering at consistent paces for runners with mild-to-moderate stability needs who want a super-foam ride — Doctors of Running
- Long runs and recovery runs, with enough versatility to pick up the pace occasionally; both hosts pick it as their recovery-day shoe. — Believe in the Run
- Easy miles, recovery, and long cruiser runs for runners who want max cushion without the bulk of v1. — Believe in the Run
- Runners who like the Bondi 9 character but want it more energetic, softer, and bouncier — premium max-cushion for easy days, long runs, and recovery. — Kofuzi
- Long runs and ultramarathons on the road, plus easy/recovery/daily miles for runners who want a lot of foam; a potential marathon shoe for 3:30-4:00 runners — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the HOKA Clifton Pro and the Hoka Skyward X 2?
The HOKA Clifton Pro is a daily trainer and the Hoka Skyward X 2 is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the HOKA Clifton Pro weighs 266g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Hoka Skyward X 2 weighs 283g, has a 49mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. The Hoka Skyward X 2 has a Convex carbon fiber plate; the HOKA Clifton Pro has none. MSRP is $165 for the HOKA Clifton Pro and $225 for the Hoka Skyward X 2.
Should I buy the HOKA Clifton Pro or the Hoka Skyward X 2?
Doctors of Running on the HOKA Clifton Pro: Easy runs and daily walking/standing use for people who want HOKA's most durable Clifton-branded shoe. Run Moore on the Hoka Skyward X 2: High-mileage runners looking for a Sunday morning cleanup shoe or ultra back-to-back long run recovery. Not for speed or racing.
Per Doctors of Running, Run Moore.
Has anyone reviewed both the HOKA Clifton Pro and the Hoka Skyward X 2?
Yes — Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the HOKA Clifton Pro and the Hoka Skyward X 2 in their reviews.
Per Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
Which is lighter, the HOKA Clifton Pro or the Hoka Skyward X 2?
The HOKA Clifton Pro is lighter, at 266g versus 283g (men's 9) — about 17g less.
Which is more cushioned, the HOKA Clifton Pro or the Hoka Skyward X 2?
Measured by stack height, the Hoka Skyward X 2 has more underfoot foam — 49mm at the heel versus 46mm.