HOKA Clifton 8 Running Shoes
HOKA Clifton 8 Running Shoes
Last updated at 03/21/2026 16:12:52
Hoka Mens Clifton 8 Dazzling Blue / Outer Space / US 8.5
Delivery $15
originally posted on backcountry.com
I've had Cliftons since version 3, 5, and 7. So far Clifton 3 is still the best I've had. I skipped buying the 4 since there were bad reviews (not sure if there was a 6?). I didn't check reviews for the 8 since it's relatively new but it is such a departure from the 7 in terms of the upper's material. The foam on the tongue is noticeably thicker than the 7 that it got me wearing thinner socks. If I wear the same "medium" padded socks that I used to wear with the 7, the width of my feet around where the toes start are so tight that it almost can't flex. To add, I feel that the shoe is also narrower than the 7. Thankfully I have a couple of thin socks for running, along with loosening the laces but since they're new, I haven't seen the effects on my foot so ... MoreI've had Cliftons since version 3, 5, and 7. So far Clifton 3 is still the best I've had. I skipped buying the 4 since there were bad reviews (not sure if there was a 6?). I didn't check reviews for the 8 since it's relatively new but it is such a departure from the 7 in terms of the upper's material. The foam on the tongue is noticeably thicker than the 7 that it got me wearing thinner socks. If I wear the same "medium" padded socks that I used to wear with the 7, the width of my feet around where the toes start are so tight that it almost can't flex. To add, I feel that the shoe is also narrower than the 7. Thankfully I have a couple of thin socks for running, along with loosening the laces but since they're new, I haven't seen the effects on my foot so far.Foam-wise it's almost the same lightweight cushioning that comes with the Clifton line.TL;DR I think it will take some getting used to fit-wise (width). I just hope Hoka didn't make changes so drastic.- Feels narrower- Tongue is drastically thicker- Heel seems to slip, had to find a sweet spot with lacing.
originally posted on dickssportinggoods.com
I don’t fit the Hoka demographic. I am not athletic. I am a 75 yo Grammy with sacroiliac, knee and foot problems. If it were not for discovering Hoka when I was 63, I would not be walking. At all. I have had 6 pairs in past 12 years. Most recent purchase was Clifton8 July 31,2022. Most comfortable ever. Gave my mobility a huge boost. I just wear them for every day. No rough treatment. Much to my shock, the footbed was completely flattened in 6 weeks. I still can’t believe itSo discouraged!! Restricts my life so much without my Hokas. I’m on a fixed income. I cannot indulge in new shoes every six weeks and especially not at Hokas price. I’m stymied 🤷‍♀️
originally posted on northernrunner.com
They really are like running on clouds. I use them for walking mainly with some gym classes and treadmill running thrown in.They are fantastic for recovery after a day in shoes. I use orthotics to correct low arches so got neutral shoes so that i could use the orthotics but now sometimes over-pronate. They fit tight but flex quickly (within a week) to give a really snug feeling.The first pair have gone back to HOKA (bought direct) for a warranty check as the heel rubbed through but I like them enough to buy a second pair despite the issues I have had.
| Occasion | Running |
| Closure Type | Lace-up Closure |
| Material (Upper) | Engineered Mesh |
| Release date Australia | June 23rd, 2022 |
| Box Dimensions (mm) | 170x70x300 |
Hoka Mens Clifton 8 Dazzling Blue / Outer Space / US 8.5
Delivery $15
I've had Cliftons since version 3, 5, and 7. So far Clifton 3 is still the best I've had. I skipped buying the 4 since there were bad reviews (not sure if there was a 6?). I didn't check reviews for the 8 since it's relatively new but it is such a departure from the 7 in terms of the upper's material. The foam on the tongue is noticeably thicker than the 7 that it got me wearing thinner socks. If I wear the same "medium" padded socks that I used to wear with the 7, the width of my feet around where the toes start are so tight that it almost can't flex. To add, I feel that the shoe is also narrower than the 7. Thankfully I have a couple of thin socks for running, along with loosening the laces but since they're new, I haven't seen the effects on my foot so ... MoreI've had Cliftons since version 3, 5, and 7. So far Clifton 3 is still the best I've had. I skipped buying the 4 since there were bad reviews (not sure if there was a 6?). I didn't check reviews for the 8 since it's relatively new but it is such a departure from the 7 in terms of the upper's material. The foam on the tongue is noticeably thicker than the 7 that it got me wearing thinner socks. If I wear the same "medium" padded socks that I used to wear with the 7, the width of my feet around where the toes start are so tight that it almost can't flex. To add, I feel that the shoe is also narrower than the 7. Thankfully I have a couple of thin socks for running, along with loosening the laces but since they're new, I haven't seen the effects on my foot so far.Foam-wise it's almost the same lightweight cushioning that comes with the Clifton line.TL;DR I think it will take some getting used to fit-wise (width). I just hope Hoka didn't make changes so drastic.- Feels narrower- Tongue is drastically thicker- Heel seems to slip, had to find a sweet spot with lacing.
I don’t fit the Hoka demographic. I am not athletic. I am a 75 yo Grammy with sacroiliac, knee and foot problems. If it were not for discovering Hoka when I was 63, I would not be walking. At all. I have had 6 pairs in past 12 years. Most recent purchase was Clifton8 July 31,2022. Most comfortable ever. Gave my mobility a huge boost. I just wear them for every day. No rough treatment. Much to my shock, the footbed was completely flattened in 6 weeks. I still can’t believe itSo discouraged!! Restricts my life so much without my Hokas. I’m on a fixed income. I cannot indulge in new shoes every six weeks and especially not at Hokas price. I’m stymied 🤷‍♀️
They really are like running on clouds. I use them for walking mainly with some gym classes and treadmill running thrown in.They are fantastic for recovery after a day in shoes. I use orthotics to correct low arches so got neutral shoes so that i could use the orthotics but now sometimes over-pronate. They fit tight but flex quickly (within a week) to give a really snug feeling.The first pair have gone back to HOKA (bought direct) for a warranty check as the heel rubbed through but I like them enough to buy a second pair despite the issues I have had.
I've had these for quite some time now. The upper is very comfortable and the sole highly cushioned. However I find that running in them is like running in quicksand. I tend to end up with sore legs after runs as they require so much effort to get moving. As stated earlier, they are highly cushioned but it's a squishy cushioning with little to zero responsiveness. I bought these initially because I have a compressed nerve in my back and I wanted something to absorb impact. In that way they were probably good for me and it's why I haven't scored them lower than 3, but I've moved onto other far superior shoes now that also absorb impact, but also allow me to move, which is fairly important for running.They would probably be suitable walking shoes for some, but I'm ... MoreI've had these for quite some time now. The upper is very comfortable and the sole highly cushioned. However I find that running in them is like running in quicksand. I tend to end up with sore legs after runs as they require so much effort to get moving. As stated earlier, they are highly cushioned but it's a squishy cushioning with little to zero responsiveness. I bought these initially because I have a compressed nerve in my back and I wanted something to absorb impact. In that way they were probably good for me and it's why I haven't scored them lower than 3, but I've moved onto other far superior shoes now that also absorb impact, but also allow me to move, which is fairly important for running.They would probably be suitable walking shoes for some, but I'm not sure that they feel like the most stable shoes out there and the heel can heavily compress underfoot.
For a while now I’ve wondered why so many people seem to be wearing Hoka runners. Visually they aren’t the most inspiring. After reading positive reviews, I decided to take a chance. I’m glad I did. What they lack in elegance they make up for in performance in multitudes. Very supportive, comfortable and no break in time. Have put in about 150 kms so far and love these shoes. Great if running is your jam and you just want solid performance footwear without winning the esthetics Olympics.
The shoes are great! The spam emails that came with buying online… WOW! I hace bought Hoka directly from their site before and it’s great. Trouble is I have size US 15 so when I saw them on sale here I thought, great! And the shoes are great. I’ve bought Cliftons a lot. BUT never buy them from here unless you want 5-10 garbage emails a day! There’s either a security flaw, or they sell your email address. SimplyI used hotmail and got tonnes of rubbish emails…go direct I reckon, keep blocking and muting them but your email is going to take a massive hit!
Hokka Clifton 8’s are my go to training shoes! I’m training for my first half marathon and first marathon 6 months after. I have a few shoes in my shoe rotation, but find the Clifton 8’s perform for my long runs, short runs, and tempo runs. It’s a great all around shoe and provides excellent cushioning as well. I always feel I can go a few extra miles after I’m done with my training runs. The uppers are comfortable and breathable and find the shoe very stable with each step. I ended up taking one shoe out of my rotation and just getting another Clifton 8! Excellent shoe!
This was not the 1st Hoka I had tried on but this was the first I ended up buying and loving. When I ordered this shoe, it was after becoming more serious about increasing my weekly mileage and starting to train for a half marathon. After finding out that my real shoe size was a size down but in a wide, my options were limited. I wanted minimal drop coming from NoBull trainers and Altras. I had never purchased a shoe with this much cushioning thinking that I didn't need that but when I started to add to the weekly distance, I really started to feel it. The Clifton's were an immediate positive change. From the first day running in them, I have no more foot pain. The amount of cushion took a few miles to get accustomed to.Upper: light an breathable. No weird rubbing ... MoreThis was not the 1st Hoka I had tried on but this was the first I ended up buying and loving. When I ordered this shoe, it was after becoming more serious about increasing my weekly mileage and starting to train for a half marathon. After finding out that my real shoe size was a size down but in a wide, my options were limited. I wanted minimal drop coming from NoBull trainers and Altras. I had never purchased a shoe with this much cushioning thinking that I didn't need that but when I started to add to the weekly distance, I really started to feel it. The Clifton's were an immediate positive change. From the first day running in them, I have no more foot pain. The amount of cushion took a few miles to get accustomed to.Upper: light an breathable. No weird rubbing or pressure points on my 9.5 2E. Heal counter kept me in the shoe with a runners knot. I appreciate the gusseted tongue. I did not experience any weird or unwanted foot movement inside of the shoe.Midsole: I do like the cushion for those high millage weeks or those slow steady runs. I would not recommend this shoe for speed work only because there are so many lighter options. I would not term the shoe as "heavy" though. I do also like how full contact the sole is. To be clear, this is not a "bouncy" sole which I prefer on long runs. I want something to shield me from the abuse and that is exactly what the Clifton has been able to do for me.Overall: Great workhorse of a shoe that can take the mileage. The Clifton renewed my interest in the brand so much that I purchased a pair of Rincon 3's as well. With my overall pleasure in the purchase, my wife has also make a Hoka purchase.
This is definitely a nice running shoe- a slight departure from my usual Brooks Ghost (the context for my review/comparison). The Clifton offers a very cushy ride, the signature of Hoka. It is a bulky shoe, but unbelievably light; however, I definitely feel the bulky nature when running (in comparison to more streamlined running shoes like Ghost). Sizing: to me, I wear about a half size smaller than my Brooks, but definitely need the wide (EE). I do have flat feet, but generally wear medium size (not wide) shoes. I have tried both Hoka Clifton and Hoka Arahi, and definitely need the wide. I typically wear my own inserts in shoes, but cannot use them in Clifton because my foot sits too high with it in (and slips out of the shoe). The standard inserts that come with ... MoreThis is definitely a nice running shoe- a slight departure from my usual Brooks Ghost (the context for my review/comparison). The Clifton offers a very cushy ride, the signature of Hoka. It is a bulky shoe, but unbelievably light; however, I definitely feel the bulky nature when running (in comparison to more streamlined running shoes like Ghost). Sizing: to me, I wear about a half size smaller than my Brooks, but definitely need the wide (EE). I do have flat feet, but generally wear medium size (not wide) shoes. I have tried both Hoka Clifton and Hoka Arahi, and definitely need the wide. I typically wear my own inserts in shoes, but cannot use them in Clifton because my foot sits too high with it in (and slips out of the shoe). The standard inserts that come with the shoe are fine, though, because the shoe has a lot of support with the side rails. There is enough toe box room, especially with the flexible upper mesh material and the awesome tongue design. The Meta Rocker is a nice feature that apparently helps for a balanced ride despite where your foot lands- I need to run in these more to determine the helpfulness of the feature. Overall I am happy with the Clifton and excited to have it in my rotation. I still think that Brooks Ghost will remain my primary and favorite runner.
I really do think these are the most comfortable athletic shoes I have ever worn. An acquaintance who had a pair already told me that it was "like walking with very supportive pillows around your feet", and I can't think of any better descriptor. One caveat is that most sites says this shoe runs true to size, and in New Balance, Brooks, and Skechers, I wear a 12-1/2, so all indications were that that's the size I needed in the Clifton 8. That's what I got from another online merchant, but I had to send them back. They didn't have the color way I wanted in size 13, so that's when I found Sun & Ski online, and the 13 is a perfect fit. So you may also want to consider ordering 1/2 size up.
| Occasion | Running |
| Closure Type | Lace-up Closure |
| Material (Upper) | Engineered Mesh |
| Release date Australia | June 23rd, 2022 |
| Box Dimensions (mm) | 170x70x300 |
