Run Tester, Brandon, shares his thoughts on the Clifton 7 and why it’s likely going to be one of his favorite running shoes of 2020.

Hey, everyone! Brandon here. Last year I reviewed the Clifton 6 and I definitely enjoyed it. The Clifton 7, as I was hoping, is even better than the Clifton 6. HOKA made the exact improvements I hoped they would (is HOKA reading my mind?) and added some extra bonuses for good measure.

Check out my full HOKA Clifton 7 review below and read on to learn more about the features, how it feels on the run, how it compares to the Clifton 6 and the Clifton Edge (which I got to test, too) and who it’s best for:

HOKA Clifton 7 Review: Run Test Review

What’s Special About the HOKA Clifton 7? Top Three Things

I really liked this shoe. I have a feeling it might be showing up in a future compilation as one of my favorite shoes of 2020. Here’s why:

The Upper

My favorite part of the upper is actually the tongue. It’s attached on both sides and is done with a really breathable mesh – so no tongue migration. The rest of the upper has a dual layer of mesh which ensures the shoe doesn’t run hot. Now there’s a wingtip on the heel which is both a cool design aesthetically and also helps you pull the shoe on. The Clifton 6 had a pull tab, but this works just as well.

The EVA Midsole Tech + The Early Stage Meta Rocker

HOKA does a great job of keeping the weight low on this shoe despite how much cushioning this shoe offers. At a size 9, the Clifton 7 comes in at 8.7 ounces. I’m a size 12 and I weighed this shoe on my little food scale at home and it came in at 10.5 ounces which is right on the money for me. HOKA’s one of the best (the best?) at making lightweight, mega cushioned running shoes.

The Clifton 7 has a 5mm drop, which, when paired with the Early Stage Meta Rocker makes this shoe great for forefoot striking and midfoot striking. It pushes you forward through your gait. For those of you who aren’t familiar with HOKA’s Meta Rocker, the early stage Meta Rocker is placed right behind the ball of your foot. This brings the midsole of the shoe up which moves your gait forward to your toe. You rock right through your gait, which helps you maintain a more efficient running style.

The EVA cushioning is really soft – your feet are going to thank you. The midsole is abundant, but you never feel like the stack height is overwhelming. And because HOKA widened the shoe, it feels even more stable.

HOKA also added rubber in the outsole in impact zones to increase the shoe’s longevity. HOKA running shoes really last. I really do think this could be one of the best shoes of 2020. You heard it here first.

The Aesthetics!

To me, this is much more aesthetically pleasing shoe than the Clifton 6. The design is sleek, eye-catching and fun. The ride and look of the shoe will likely make it appealing to so many runners.

The Clifton 7 Versus The Clifton 6

The Clifton 6 was just too narrow for me. Everything else about it was fantastic. The cushioning was great, the ride was enjoyable – I really did feel like I was running on clouds. Thankfully, HOKA widened the Clifton 7. This gives it a better ride and gives it a more stable feel. Maybe they took some of the design inspiration from the Clifon Edge?

Because of this update, the Clifton 7 doesn’t hug my foot as tightly as the Clifton 6 did, which I like. I was looking for this update in the 7 and HOKA delivered.

The Clifton 7 Versus HOKA Clifton Edge

It’s the heel. If you’ve seen the HOKA Clifton Edge, you cannot miss that heel flare in the collar and mirrored flare in the midsole. The overall feel is different, too. The Clifton 7 and 6 feel softer than the Clifton Edge. Which isn’t to say that the Clifton Edge isn’t a comfortable shoe because it is – I’d say it’s actually more comfortable than the Clifton 7 – the Clifton 7 just has an overall softer feel.

Who is the HOKA Clifton 7 Best For?

HOKA ONE ONE Women's Clifton 7

Can I say it’s good for everything? I’m going to say it. This shoe can do it all. It’s lightweight, well-cushioned and long-lasting. It’s an amazing daily trainer, long run shoe, marathon running shoe and recovery shoe. If I had to choose one thing that it does best, I’d say it’s a solid daily trainer. But really, it’s incredibly versatile.

HOKA Clifton 7 Shoe Specs

CUSHION LEVEL

Cushion Level 5 — Highly cushioned for continued comfort

COLORS

4 colors for men | 4 colors for women

Drop

5mm

Weight

Men’sis 8.7 ounces |Women’sis 7.1 ounces

TEST RUN THESE SHOES FOR 90 DAYS

Not only do Road Runner Sports VIP Family Rewards members get EXCLUSIVE access to this shoe before anyone else, but they get to test run shoes for 90 days! Yup. You read that right. Test them and if you don’t love them, exchange them within 90 days. Learn more about our VIP Family Rewards Programhere.