Assessment of Hoka One One Clifton 6 Running Shoe
Hoka One One Clifton 6: A Comfortable and Durable Road Runner
The Hoka One One Clifton 6 has hit the market, offering a neutral design with a flexible upper and thick midsole that is suitable for various terrains. According to KOSSMANN, who tested the shoe for spring 2019, the Clifton 6 is a comfortable road runner right out of the box.
The Clifton 6 retains the rockered shape of its predecessor, the Clifton 5, while Hoka has made some tweaks to the flexible upper. The overlay has been trimmed down, encouraging breathability and reducing weight. The upper build is identical for both men's and women's models, with the men's version coming in different colorways.
One notable change is the removal of the thin strips of TPU found in the Clifton 5. Instead, the Clifton 6 features a very thin overlay at the tip of the toebox and bottom edges of the heel cup. This change contributes to the shoe's improved breathability and lighter weight, as the Clifton 6 weighs an average of half an ounce less per pair than the Clifton 5.
The Clifton 6 also boasts a tall stack height of 27mm heel/22mm forefoot, providing excellent shock absorption on training and recovery runs. The shoe's neutral design and thick midsole make it a good choice for those who want a stable and cushioned ride, but it does not lend itself to rolled ankles on road, gravel, or cobblestone paths.
The Clifton 6 is impressively comfortable, but some users may experience a pressure point at the inner edge of the midsole. Hoka caters to those with higher-volume feet by offering both the men's and women's Clifton 6 in wide versions.
The Clifton 6 weighs 14.8 ounces for the pair, undercutting many popular trainers like the Asics Gel-Cumulus 21, Brooks Ghost 12, and Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36. The shoe is built to withstand regular long-distance use, with no significant breakdown observed thus far.
The Clifton 6 fits true to size, with a length that is perfect for the reviewer and a fit that effectively locks the heel and foot in place. The men's Clifton 6 is slightly heavier at 18 ounces per pair compared to the women's version.
The Clifton 6 features a redesigned tread pattern and altered colorways. Hoka offers the older Clifton 5 with a knit upper, but the new Clifton 6 is currently only available in the one mesh-heavy variation (for both men and women).
In summary, the Hoka One One Clifton 6 is a comfortable, lightweight, and durable road runner that offers excellent shock absorption and a stable ride. It is a great choice for those looking for a cushioned shoe that can handle regular long-distance use.
