I’ve been looking forward to the release of the HOKA ONE ONE CLIFTON 2 since reading about the update on the Running Warehouse Blog back in May. I reviewed the original CLIFTON last August, and aside from a couple of minor irritations, it quickly gained a place in my regular shoe rotation. Fast forward 500+ miles of long runs, recovery runs and several race outings, and although the originals are still going, it’s almost time to try out the CLIFTON 2 and see if they live up to all the hype.
What’s new?
Padded tongue.
The tongue on the original CLIFTON is wafer thin. Not a big deal to me, but apparently some runners hate it. I’ve read reports of extra pressure on the foot due to the thin material, and also that the thin tongue adds volume to an already high volume shoe.
Therefore, in response to the comments, HOKA have added a more traditional, cushioned tongue to the CLIFTON 2.
Extra lace eyelets.
One of my pet peeves with the original CLIFTON was the lack of top-row eyelets used to lock down the heel as per the technique featured in the “How to Tie a Heel-Lock” video below. Thankfully the CLIFTON 2 features an extra set of eyelets. An easy fix, but definitely a good one in my eyes.
More-secure upper.
As mentioned above, the original CLIFTON has a very full volume fit. For the updated version, HOKA have attempted to create more of an average volume fit. The upper is still breathable mesh, but the bonded overlays have been reworked to give a snugger midfoot fit. The internal mesh feels slightly tighter in the CLIFTON 2, which possibly contributes to the more secure fit.
Weight.
Unfortunately, a size 10 CLIFTON 2 weighs in at 8.9oz compared to 8.3oz for the same size original CLIFTON – the bulk of the extra weight stemming from the padded tongue I guess. I’ve read reports of the new CLIFTON weighing up to an ounce more than the original version, but according to my scales it’s definitely a 0.6oz difference.
Insole.
My original CLIFTON shipped with a super-thin insole that bunched badly causing a few hotspots. HOKA soon fixed this by including an extra [thicker] insert with future shoe purchases. The CLIFTON 2 comes with an Ortholite insole that not only feels softer, but is breathable, has shock absorbing properties, fights odors and is anti-microbial.
What stayed the same?
Outsole/Midsole.
Thankfully, the CLIFTON 2 outsole is identical to that of the original, so the stack height remains the same at 29mm heel/24mm forefoot/5mm heel-toe offset. This means the ride will be the same soft, cushy ride you’re used to.
Price. The CLIFTON 2 retails for $130, exactly the same as the original version. Nice touch, HOKA!
What do I think?
This post is just an initial “first look” at the much anticipated update, but I’m looking forward to logging enough miles in the CLIFTON 2 over the next couple of weeks that I can come back and provide some solid feedback. I’m hoping the changes are not too significant, and that the 2 will give me as many pleasurable miles as the original CLIFTON. Be sure to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Have you tried the CLIFTON 2? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Leave a comment to let me know your thoughts in the comments box below.
Other HOKA ONE ONE CLIFTON 2 Reviews:
Runblogger.com
Running Shoes Guru
Run to the Finish
The Ginger Runner
Update: 8/14/15
Well, after logging 50+ miles spread out over 7 or 8 runs, I’m kinda sad to report that the CLIFTON 2 is not for me. I rarely give up on a shoe, but the update just isn’t working out. My main complaint is the rigid toe bumper which, despite wearing my trusty Injinji socks, has really done a number on 3 toes of my right foot. Toe pain in my much anticipated first CLIFTON 2 run led me to frustratingly remove the insoles halfway through an afternoon 8 miler – it was the only thing I could think of that allowed me to continue the run.
Coupled with the more-structured upper and slightly lower volume, there’s basically no give at all in the toebox, which is a big change to my experience in the original CLIFTON. The original version was almost too sloppy a fit up front, but I’ll take that any day compared to how uncomfortable and restrictive the new ones are.
My only other minor gripe is the weight – an extra ounce here and there shouldn’t make a difference, but on a shoe as light as the CLIFTON it definitely impacts the ride. If the fit was better I could forgive the extra weight, but in my opinion it’s something HOKA ONE ONE needs to address before they consider releasing a CLIFTON 3.
Summary of issues:
- Width – too narrow up front compared to the originals.
- Toe bumper – the hard plastic bumper is just too rigid with no apparent signs of softening up.
- Weight – the extra weight is clearly a step in the wrong direction for HOKA.
- Volume – the padded tongue and structured upper could be to blame, but the CLIFTON 2 feels a lot less roomy than the first version.
- Upper – not necessarily a bad thing, but the new upper is a lot more structured and a lot less forgiving than the old.
Thankfully, there are still several online retailers selling the original CLIFTONs (see below), but naturally color options and sizes are very limited. If you’ve tried the CLIFTON 2 and were not totally impressed, might be worth stocking up on the originals. I tried to snag a couple of pairs at my local specialty running store, but unfortunately they were out of my size with no future deliveries available.
So, have you tried the CLIFTON 2? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Leave a comment to let me know your thoughts in the comments box below.
Did you see the Clayton?? for 2016. Looks like it may be Clifton-like but better than Clifton2. Well, that’s my take from looking at a few random pictures.
I did indeed! Exciting times ahead 🙂 http://blog.runningwarehouse.com/gear/rs/hoka-one-one-clayton-first-look-2/
Boo on the 2’s! No room mid foot and toe box too tight. All in all a bad update to the original Clifton. Once my originals are done I guess I need to find a replacement brand.