HOKA Clifton 11 vs Clifton PRO: Which Running Shoe Is Right for You?

When you need a quality shoe for everyday running distances, there's one name runners always turn to: Clifton. As the iconic model from HOKA, first launched in 2014, the Clifton has become increasingly beloved and is a familiar choice for running, walking, and everyday wear. Clifton 11 is the latest version of this beloved model that has stood the test of many years. The shoe continues to refine the strengths that have made the Clifton name what it is, with a new engineered mesh upper and a softer sockliner. Meanwhile, Clifton PRO is the newest and also the most premium member of HOKA's Clifton line to date. Designed for performance-oriented runs, the Clifton PRO stands out with a supercritical foam midsole, a refined rocker design, and a range of other upgrades, delivering a more responsive feel with every stride.Both the Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO are built on the foundation that has made the Clifton line what it is, so both are reliable choices for everyday running. The difference lies in the ride feel each shoe delivers. Whether you love the cushioned feel over your daily kilometers or want a shoe that helps you pick up the pace more effectively, both the Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO have a version to suit you.

Clifton 11 vs Clifton PRO: Overview

Both the Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO are shoes built for everyday running. The difference lies in the ride feel each version delivers. Understanding this will help you easily choose the shoe that fits how you want to run.

HOKA Clifton 11

Best for: Everyday running, walking, recovery runs, and all-day wear.

Ride feel: Cushioned, smooth, well protected, and comfort-focused.

Weight (Men's US 10 / Women's US 8): 9.97 oz (282g) / 8.34 oz (236g).

Designed to deliver comfort in every everyday run, the Clifton 11 is a balanced, flexible training shoe that's easy to use for many purposes.

HOKA Clifton PRO

Best for: Faster everyday runs, tempo runs, and performance-oriented sessions.

Ride feel: Responsive, agile, and quick stride transitions.

Weight (Men's US 10 / Women's US 8): 10.44 oz (296g) / 8.54 oz (242g).

If you want to boost performance in your everyday runs, the Clifton PRO is worth considering. PROGLIDE™+ technology combines an SCF (supercritical foam) midsole with a refined MetaRocker™ design, delivering a more responsive ride feel along with faster heel-to-toe transitions.

Cushioning and Ride Feel: CMEVA or PROGLIDE+ SCF Foam?

When choosing between the Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO, the most important factor is the cushioning and running experience you want.

The CMEVA (Compression Molded Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) midsole on the Clifton 11 is one of the most popular materials in athletic footwear thanks to its light weight, impact absorption, and high flexibility. Meanwhile, the Clifton PRO is equipped with PROGLIDE+ technology, combining supercritical foam with a rocker design that has a greater curve to deliver faster toe-offs and better energy return.

Experience with the Clifton 11

If comfort is your priority, you'll easily notice the Clifton 11's strengths. The shoe delivers a cushioned, smooth, and well-protected feel with every stride. The CMEVA midsole is lightweight and absorbs impact effectively, helping reduce fatigue during long runs or extended wear. At the same time, this material remains flexible enough to let your foot move naturally through the full gait cycle. This makes it an ideal choice for easy runs, recovery runs, or anytime you want to prioritize comfort.

Experience with the Clifton PRO

The Clifton PRO retains the signature cushioning of the Clifton line while adding extra responsiveness to help you when you want to pick up the pace. PROGLIDE+ technology creates a balance between a soft supercritical foam layer and a MetaRocker™ design with a more pronounced curve, making every step more efficient, smoother in transition, and giving a sense of forward propulsion.

Upper Design, Fit and Sizing

The materials of a running shoe affect how it feels after extended use. However, what tells you whether a shoe truly fits you right from the first wear is the feeling the moment you slip it on. So, to find a shoe that fits well, you should consider both the first impression and how well the upper maintains its fit and comfort over time.

Think of the feeling when you first slip the shoe on as your first impression of it. That's when you can sense the breathability, as well as the fit and comfort.

Both the Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO feature purpose-built uppers, so each pair delivers a different experience and offers sizing options suited to a variety of foot shapes.

Comfort Improvements on the Clifton 11

The Clifton 11 retains the traits that have made this shoe line what it is, while focusing on upgrading two key elements to enhance comfort: the upper and the sockliner. The new engineered mesh upper delivers a breathable feel, a secure fit, and comes with a double-lace lock system that keeps the tongue in place throughout your run. Inside, the softer open-cell sockliner adds extra cushioning and breathability.

Fit of the Clifton PRO

To deliver a more agile and efficient ride during everyday training, the Clifton PRO is equipped with PROGLIDE+ technology, which boosts energy return and creates a smoother heel-to-toe transition. However, midsole technology is only part of the picture. A breathable engineered mesh upper, a comfortable collar, and a gusseted tongue work together to create a secure fit, keeping your foot stable throughout the run.

Width and Sizing

The Clifton 11 continues to offer Wide and X-Wide versions, making it easier for many runners to find a fit that suits their foot shape with a roomier, more comfortable last. The Clifton PRO is built with a snugger fit geared toward performance, so it only offers a Wide option as its widest version.

When to Choose the Clifton 11, When to Choose the Clifton PRO

As one of HOKA's standout daily trainer lines, the Clifton is beloved by many runners for its light weight, signature cushioning, and reliable performance for everyday running. The Clifton 11 continues to refine these existing strengths to deliver superior comfort, while the Clifton PRO has been upgraded to support performance-oriented runs. So which version is right for you?

Choose the Clifton 11

• You prioritize comfort along with a cushioned, stable ride feel.
• You need a versatile shoe for both everyday wear and easy or recovery runs.
• You need the X-Wide version for extra room in the toe box and body of the shoe.

Choose the Clifton PRO

• You want to pick up the pace with a shoe that offers better energy return.
• You need a more pronounced MetaRocker™ design to support smoother stride transitions.
• You prefer a more premium, durable shoe with a snugger, performance-oriented fit.

Both the Clifton 11 and Clifton PRO carry forward the values that have made the Clifton line what it is. Whether accompanying you on everyday training, recovery runs, or daily wear, both deliver the signature cushioned ride feel HOKA is known for. The difference lies in how each shoe performs with every stride. If you prioritize comfort and versatility for all activities, the Clifton 11 is the right choice. But if you want a shoe that delivers more energy to help maintain your pace and improve your speed, the Clifton PRO will serve you better.