Founded in 2009, Hoka One One (now just “Hoka”) has quickly become one of the most trusted brands in running. And today we’ll be comparing two of their popular road running shoes, breaking down the HOKA Arahi vs Clifton. With one bringing the Hoka comfort to a stability runner. And the other being one of the brands top selling road runners. It’s clear that the Arahi takes a lot of influence from the Clifton. While coming in at the same price point. It’s easy to understand why a lot of people look at these two models.
HOKA Arahi vs Clifton
- The Hoka Arahi is a Stability running shoe. Featuring Hoka’s J-Frame technology. Designed to prevent inward roll. You can see this in the images below.
- While the Hoka Clifton is a neutral running shoe. This will be the choice for most runners. Unless you have been diagnosed with inward roll or overpronation.
- Both of the shoes feature a 5mm drop. This is a moderate drop and is a good choice for both shorter and longer distances.
- The Arahi has less padding but weighs slightly more. This extra weight comes from the J-Frame around the inner and back sole of the shoe.
- The Hoka Clifton has more cushioning and is considered “balanced”. Where the Arahi has less padding and is considered “responsive” in cushioning.
- I would consider both shoes to have mid to lower arch support. I have a low to mid arch and they fit great for me. But if you have a high arch, you may need to get some inserts.
- The Arahi is actually built off of the Clifton. In short, if you like the Clifton but need a stability shoe for over pronation, then you will love the Arahi.
Hoka Arahi 6
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 9.3 oz
Weight Woman’s: 7.6 oz
Stability: Stable
Drop/Offset Men’s: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Responsive
Hoka Clifton
MSRP Price: $145
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 8.7 oz
Weight Women: 7.3 oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Mens: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Balanced
Performance Summary
One of the things I like about Hoka One One is that they tend to design shoes with a purpose. And these two models are perfect examples of this. Each has its target audience. In which both the Arahi and Clifton have each earned great reputations and reviews. So let’s break down both of the shoes and the key differences.
Hoka Arahi
The first thing to understand about the Hoka Arahi is that it is a stability shoe. Designed with a J-frame technology to prevent inward roll and pronation while running. Not everyone needs or will benefit from using a stability shoe. But for those that are looking for one. Here we go.
I’ve tested a few stability shoes in the past and the first thing you will notice is that the Arahi’s are surprisingly light. This is not always the case for corrective shoes. They fit pretty true to size for me with a medium arch support. Hoka lists them as “responsive” cushioning. Which is the lowest on their rating system. But to me I found the cushion to be plentiful. Aside from the slight rigidness that comes with the frame. It’s not bad. But you can tell it’s working!
Overall the Arahi’s ran very well. You can tell it gets a lot of its design influence from the Clifton. And I could see these being my go to recommendation for the people looking for this type of supportive shoe. Especially if you’re looking for something that feels somewhat fast.
Hoka Clifton
The Clifton is a neutral running shoe. Making the perfect choice for the majority of the runners out there. And if you’re new to running. A neutral running shoe is the place to start.
With a “balanced” cushioning, the Clifton is Hoka’s mid-sized model in its lineup. And is one of the most popular road runners on the market. They fit true to size with a medium arch and there is a wide model available. Like other Hokas they can take a few miles to break in, so they may feel a bit stiff at first.
On the feet the Clifton has plenty of cushion. And you can definitely feel the “spring” (or forward rock) that Hoka talks about if you are coming from another brand. I’m a big fan of the 5mm drop on both of these models. And overall the Clifton is a joy to rack up miles in. In fact, these are my go to training shoes. So that should say a lot.
Image Comparison
Looking at a side by side comparison of the Hoka Arahi vs Clifton you can see how similar they are. But on the Arahi you can see the teal J-Frame running on the inside side, up and around of the sole of the shoe.
Hoka Arahi Profile
Hoka Clifton Profile
The two shoes look almost identical from the top. From here you can really see the teal outline of the “j” on the Arahi.
Arahi Top View
Clifton Top View
Again, from the bottom soles of the shoes are almost identical.
Hoka Arahi Soles
Hoka Clifton Soles
Conclusion – HOKA Arahi vs Clifton
The Clifton is a classic road runner and one of Hoka’s iconic shoes. The newer Arahi, wisely takes a lot of its design influence from the Clifton. And with some many similarities between these two shoes. It’s easy to understand why a lot of people look at the two models.
Which road running shoe to buy?
For me this is pretty clear. If you are a new runner or neutral runner (don’t need corrective shoes) then you should go with the Clifton. They are my go to for a reason. And a great way to get into the Hoka brand. From there you can add more cushion like the Bonid or less like the Rincon.
If you need corrective running shoes to prevent over pronation or inward roll. Then go with the Arahi. They are an amazing road runner for a stability shoe. Taking all of the best parts of the Clifton and adding their J frame technology.
