Hoka, one of the newest running brands on the market, is also one of the fastest-growing. They have released 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 to 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 8.7 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 Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: 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: $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
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 a side-by-side image comparison.
Hoka Kawana
The Hoka Kawana marks the brand’s initial foray into the ‘gym’ or ‘cross-training’ shoe market, aiming to handle both road runs and gym workouts without necessitating a change of shoes. Upon unboxing the Kawana, its distinct appearance is immediately noticeable, featuring the brand’s new SwallowTail sole design—a feature sure to capture attention.
Once on your feet, the Kawana feels noticeably heavier than other road runners, and the cushion is evident right from the start. The midfoot cushion took a bit to break in for me, feeling slightly stiff initially, but softened considerably after about 10 miles. They run a bit tight in the upper, and Hoka recommends sizing up if you prefer more room.
Overall, the Kawana offers excellent stability compared to other Hokas, making it suitable for cross-training at Anytime Fitness. However, it’s not recommended for dynamic lifting, such as in CrossFit. As a walking shoe, it’s perfect. Running in the Kawana, they feel a bit heavy but provide a significant amount of rebound and spring, masking the weight well. While the weight might not be a significant concern for 10k and shorter runs, it becomes a factor for anything longer.
Hoka Clifton
The Clifton stands out as one of the best-selling road running shoes for good reason. Its classic design, combined with added cushioning, provides a plush feel compared to other brands—moderate compared to options like the max-cushioned Bondi. When unboxing the Clifton, they feel noticeably lighter compared to the Kawana.
On the feet, the Cliftons fit true to size, with what I would describe as a medium-sized toe box. If you have a wider foot or prefer a roomier shoe, half-sizing up might be recommended. Personally, they fit perfectly for me, with no need for extra room, even after runs on hotter days when feet can swell.
If you’ve read any of my other Clifton reviews, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of this model. It offers plenty of cushion without being overwhelming. The 5mm drop is great for accumulating easy training miles, and the upper build is breathable yet sturdy. My one issue is that the soles can wear down quickly, especially if your form starts to break down, and you miss the sweet spot. You’ll notice a wear pattern after just a few runs, more so than with other brands.
Image Comparison
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 exploring a new brand of running shoes, there are many compelling reasons to consider the Hoka Kawana vs. Clifton. The Kawana is a stable, cushioned trainer that performs well on the road and in most gym settings, while the Clifton stands out as 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 seeking true running shoes and something for regular jogging or running, go with the Cliftons. They are incredibly comfortable, neutral running shoes with more cushion than most, without being too heavy.
If you already own a good pair of running shoes and are in search of something for the gym, the Kawana definitely has its place. It also makes an excellent walking shoe and, with its substantial cushioning and added support, is a good choice if you’re recovering from an injury. However, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a runner.