Hoka, one of the newest running brands on the market, is also one of the fastest growing. Releasing a wide range of comfortable road and trail running shoes that have earned them a dedicated following. Today we’ll be comparing one of the brand’s newest models versus one of their most popular. Breaking down the Hoka Kawana vs Clifton. So which one is the right shoe for you? Find out below.
Hoka Kawana vs Clifton
- The Hoka Clifton is a neutral running shoe. Making is a good choice for the majority of runners.
- While Hoka’s Kawana has an active foot frame. Which provides a “moderate” amount of support.
- The Kawana is designed to be used in the gym and on the road. And features a wider, more stable foot bed.
- Both shoes feature a 5mm drop. Which is considered moderate and good for longer distances and lots of miles.
- The Kawana is noticeably heavier with more volume. With the men’s weighing 10 oz compared to the 8.9 oz Clifton.
- Its extra weight comes in the form of an extra cushion. The Kawana is listed as a plush runner while the Clifton is listed as moderate.
Hoka Kawana
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 10 oz
Weight Woman’s: 8.4 oz
Stability: Moderate
Drop/Offset Men’s: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Plush
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: 712 cm3
Women’s: 558 cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: 33 x 32 mm
Women’s: 31 x 28 mm
Hoka Clifton
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 8.9 oz
Weight Women: 7.2 oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Mens: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Balanced
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: 655 cm3
Women’s: 502 cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: 34 x 22 mm
Women’s: 30 x 19 mm
Performance Summary
One is the brand’s first “fitness” trainers, designed to be worn in the gym and out on the roads. While the other is a more traditional road runner and one of the brand’s most popular road running shoes. Below I’ll break down the Hoka Kawana vs Clifton in a bit more detail. Including side by side image comparison.
Hoka Kawana
The Hoka Kawana is the brand’s first venture in the “gym” or “cross training” shoe market. Meant to tackle road runs and gym days without having to change shoes. Unboxing the Kawana, they are definitely a unique looking shoe. Featuring the brand’s new SwallowTail sole design. They are sure to grab people’s attention.
Once on your feet, the Kawana feels noticeably more heavy than other road runners. And the cushion is noticeable right from the start. For me the mid foot cushion took a bit to break in and felt a little stiff at first. But after about 10 miles they felt much softer. They do run a bit tight in the upper and Hoka recommends sizing up if you like more room.
Overall the Kawana is very stable compared to other Hokas and I get what they were going for in the gym. They are great for your Anytime Fitness type cross training. But shouldn’t be used for dynamic lifting like crossfit. And as a walking shoe they are perfect. Running in the Kawana they feel a bit heavy but do provide a great amount of rebound and spring which hides the weight well. I don’t think the weight would be a big deal for 10k and shorter runs. But for anything longer the weight is going to play a factor.
Hoka Clifton
The Clifton is one of the best selling road running shoes for good reason. It’s a classic design with added cushion. Just enough to be plush compared to other brands. But “moderate compared to other options, like the max cushioned Bondi. When first unboxing the Clifton, they definitely feel light compared to Kawana.
On the feet the Cliftons fit pretty true to size with what I would say is a medium sized toe box. If you have a wider foot or like a roomy shoe. Then I might recommend half sizing up on these. For me they fit dead on and I haven’t had any issues needing more room. Even after a runs a hotter days when feet can swell.
If you have ready any of my other Clifton reviews you will know that I’m a big fan of this model. They have plenty of cushion, without being too much. The 5mm drop is great for racking up a lot of easy training miles. And the upper build is breathable but sturdy. My one issue is that their soles can wear down quickly. Especially if your forms start to break down and you start missing the sweet spot. You’ll notice a wear pattern after just a few runs. More than with other brands.
Image Comparison
Below is a side by side image comparison of the Hoka Kawana vs Clifton. From the inside shot the two shoes look incredibly similar. Although part of me thinks the graphic design from Hoka “accidently” left off the noticeable rear ‘Swallowtail”.
Hoka Kawana Profile
Hoka Clifton Profile
From the top the two running shoes share a very similar design. Although the sole on the Kawana still stands out. Even from above.
Kawana Top View
Clifton Top View
Below you can really notice the Kawana’s rear “swallowtail” and wider stance.
Hoka Kawana Soles
Hoka Clifton Soles
Conclusion – HOKA Kawana vs Clifton
Whether you’re a fan of Hoka or looking for new brand of running shoes. There are a lot of good reasons to be looking at the Hoka Kawana vs Clifton. The Kawana is a stable cushioned trainer that feels good on the road and in most gym settings. While the Clifton is one of the more iconic road runners released in the last decade. So which one is right for you?
Which road running shoe to buy?
For me it’s pretty clear. If you’re looking for true running shoes and something to start jogging or running in regularly. Then go with the Cliftons. They are an incredibly comfortable, neutral running shoe. With more cushion than most without being too heavy.
If you already have a good pair of running shoes and are looking for something for the gym. The Kawana definitely have their place. They also make an incredibly good walking shoe. And with the large amount of cushion and added support, are also good if you’re recovering from an injury. They just wouldn’t be my first choice for a runner.
