HOKA Clifton Pro

A more performance-oriented take on the Clifton with a livelier midsole and better lockdown, worth the $10 upcharge for runners who want to actually run fast in it rather than just wear it casually.

Best for: Meg's pick for the bulk of her training — easy runs, in-between-workout days, and non-marathon-pace long runs.

Best for: Marathon training and higher-mileage weeks where HOKA's product team designed the Clifton Pro to give extra longevity and get-up-and-go versus the standard Clifton.

A solid, versatile daily trainer that delivers a bouncier ride than the standard Clifton through its super critical EVA midsole, though both reviewers were surprised by the absence of a plate and feel the 'Pro' name sets expectations the shoe doesn't fully meet — earning a B overall.

Best for: Daily training and long runs for runners who want a more performance-oriented version of the classic Clifton

Ben Parkes recommends the Clifton Pro over the standard Clifton 11 for runners prioritizing responsiveness, citing its firmer supercritical EVA midsole and more aggressive rocker.

Best for: Runners who want a more responsive, running-focused daily trainer over the standard Clifton's stability/walking focus.

An early, still-forming impression — the reviewer likes the more resilient feel underfoot but is unconvinced the Pro needed to exist as a distinct shoe from the Clifton 11.

The Clifton Pro is a versatile trainer with durable, firmer foam that works well across paces from easy runs to threshold efforts, but should not be mistaken for a race-day shoe despite its 'pro' label.

Best for: Daily training including easy runs and up-tempo workouts for runners who want durability and versatility

The Clifton Pro delivers the familiar Clifton feel with upgraded super critical EVA foam, making it a comfortable cushioned daily trainer — though Kofuzi wonders why it isn't just the Clifton 11 and feels the 'Pro' label should have meant a more ambitious departure.

Best for: Daily training, easy runs, and longer runs for runners who want elevated cushion in a daily trainer package

A meaningfully more 'runnable' evolution of the Clifton line, with a bouncier, glidier supercritical EVA midsole and running-focused aesthetics, though it runs a bit large/bulky and could use more outsole grip in wet conditions.

Best for: Daily training and tempo runs for runners who want the Clifton platform to feel like a genuine performance running shoe again (e.g. training for a 10K or half marathon).

Runner-up cushion shoe and the whole team's overall pick in that category — a foam that isn't as bouncy as the Vomero Plus but still has spring, plus a very good rocker.

A cushioned-shoe runner-up, seen as more versatile than the Triumph 24 though slightly less comfortable for pure easy running.

An excellent, naturally stable, smooth-riding max-cushion trainer that's lighter and slightly more versatile than the Vomero Plus, though the reviewer personally still prefers the Nike's extra bounce.

Best for: Runners wanting a lighter, more versatile max-cushion daily trainer that can handle faster efforts better than the Vomero Plus.

The Run Testers name the Clifton Pro their Best Cushioned Shoe of 2026, praising its soft, energetic ride and roomier toe box for easy-to-moderate daily miles.

Best for: Long and easy daily running that still wants to cruise cushioned miles comfortably.

The Run Testers name the Clifton Pro their best cushion shoe winner for 2026, though they question whether it fully earns the 'Pro' tag — really a highly capable, highly cushioned daily trainer with a livelier ride than previous Cliftons.

The Run Testers call the Clifton Pro one of the best cushioned daily trainers out there and the most enjoyable Clifton yet, though they debate whether the 'Pro' name is warranted since it isn't a genuine speed shoe or all-rounder — most would pick it over the regular Clifton 11 for easy-to-long runs.

Best for: Easy, steady, and long training runs — an elevated daily/cushioned trainer rather than a genuine speed shoe or all-rounder; a strong pick for new runners wanting a comfortable, protective option.

The Clifton Pro delivers a bouncier, more modern ride than the standard Clifton thanks to new supercritical foam and a meta rocker, but the highly compressive, slow-returning midsole and wide platform leave some testers finding it sluggish and preferring the regular Clifton's snappier response.

Best for: Runners wanting max-stack cushion and comfort for easy and long runs who prefer a more modern, bouncier ride than the standard Clifton