Hoka One One is the fastest growing running brand in the world. And for good reason. They’re designed to be comfortable and take the impact off your muscles and joints. While still focusing on performance. Below is a breakdown of the Hoka Rincon vs Clifton.
Below is a quick breakdown of the key differences of these two shoes. Then I’ll provide the key stats, links, photos comparison, and a more in-depth breakdown. Let’s get to it!
HOKA Rincon vs Clifton
- The Hoka Rincon is lighter than the Clifton. They are more than once light in the male versions and 0.7oz lighter in the women’s.
- Both models have a 5mm drop. This is the moderate drop the Hoka One One is known for.
- The Hoka Clifton has more overall cushion in the midsole of the shoe. This extra padding will account for the added weight.
- “Spring” is the measurement of the curvature of the shoe. IE how high the heel and toe of the shoe are off the ground. This Rincon has a higher “Spring” than the Clifton.
- Both the Rincon and Clifton are considered neutral stability. This will make both models perfect for the majority of runners. And for new runners to get started in..
- Hoka considers both of these as “Balanced” cushioned shoes. Although, as mentioned above the Clifton’s have noticeably more cushioning.
Hoka Rincon
MSRP Price: $115
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 7.7 oz
Weight Woman’s: 6.5 oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Balanced
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: 603 cm3
Women’s: 404 cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: 38 x 24 mm
Women’s: 35 x 22 mm
Hoka Clifton
MSRP Price: $130
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: 503 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
Hoka’s Rincon is a newer design launched in 2019. And you can tell Hoka built them with a purpose. The Clifton is a classic approaching 10 years of design. One the brands most popular road runners along with the Bondi. I was especially excited to write this review because these happen to be two of my favorite Hoka One One road shoes to run in. So I have a good understanding of the subtle differences between the two.
Hoka Rincon
The Rincon feels surprisingly light for the amount of cushion. And feel surprisingly fast on the feet. This has a lot to do with the increased “Spring” of the Rincon. Providing you with that almost rocking forward feeling on your feet. If you’re new to Hoka shoes this can feel a bit weird and can leave you with a bit of calf tightness after the first few runs. But it’s this combination of light weight spring that makes the RIncon feel incredibly fast for a 5mm drop. The fit is not narrow but not wide. With a decent sized toe box. I think unless you have a wide foot they will fit most people comfortably. For me, these are my go to short to mid distance races or if I want to feel fast.
Hoka Clifton
Hoka’s Clifton is one of the brand’s most popular road running models. And they are the perfect example of why a lot of people love the brand. With a 5mm drop and that comfortable cushion, they make logging big miles in training a breeze on the legs. If you’re new to Hoka shoes, the first thing you will notice is the cushioning. Which you will feel break in over the first few runs. Beyond that you won’t be feeling much of the road. And your knees will thank you over time. The down side of that, if you’re looking for a responsive and fast shoe. The Clifton is probably not the shoe for you. I’ve heard some runners go as far to say they feel clunk when they first put them on.
Image Comparison
Now let’s check out a side by side comparison of the Hoka Rincon vs Clifton. They are very similar in design but you can see the difference in the added “spring” on the Rincon.
Hoka Rincon Profile
Hoka Clifton Profile
From the top, you can see they have a similar design. The toe box, arch, and read cushion is just a bit more noticeable on the Clifton.
Rincon Top View
Clifton Top View
Here from the bottom you can the added cushion area on the Clifton even better. Besides that the two shoes have a very similar sole design.
Hoka Rincon Soles
Hoka Clifton Soles
Conclusion – HOKA Rincon vs Clifton
There is a ton to love about both of these shoes. And there is a reason I own both. Hoka One One is notorious for designing shoes that pair together. One for training and one for racing. And for me that is what you have here. The Clifton is designed to log big miles and is my go to training shoe. The Rincon is lighter, more noble, and designed with more spring. They feel faster.
Which road running shoe to buy?
If you’re logging a lot of miles in training or planning on working up to something like a half or full marathon. Then the Clifton would be a great choice. It’s great for the big mile days/weeks. On the other hand. If you want something for racing or 5k to 10k training. Then the Rincon’s light and nimble design is probably the better choice. And if you have the option, they pair well together. I train in my Cliftons and race in my Rincons.
If you have an opinion on either of these two shoes. Let us know in the comments below.
