Hoka Reimagines Its Most Popular Road Shoe with Rare Materials and Retro Design

The Clifton gets a heritage makeover with time-honored, quintessential natural fibers and pared-back aesthetics.

Close-up of the heel and sole of a lavender sneaker with white and purple accents against a blue background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published May 13, 2026

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Updated May 13, 2026

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Running shoes vary in capability and design but generally rely on the same suite of specialized materials.

Hoka’s latest release heads in a different direction, reworking its fan-favorite shoe with a well-known natural fiber and retro-inspired styling.

Pink and light pink running shoe with white laces and thick cushioned sole. — Crabapple / Lilac Cream is one of two fresh colorways introduced on the new Clifton One9 Aerino.

All natural

The Clifton is Hoka’s most popular road running model, and while the new Clifton One9 Aerino uses the bestselling shoe as its foundational base, it walks its own path as an elevated lifestyle shoe.

Lavender and white athletic shoe with thick cushioned sole and mesh upper. — Minimal branding lets the new merino wool blend on the upper shine.

The biggest change takes place in the upper: the typical mesh material is swapped out for a merino wool blend, which gives the shoe naturally breathable and odor-resistant properties.

Pair of pink athletic shoes viewed from the back, showing cushioned heels and textured soles. — The lifestyle model relies on the same super-smooth Clifton 9 base as its foundation.

Lavender and white athletic shoe with thick sole and textured outsole, shown from a low rear angle. — The durable Durabrasion rubber outsole maintains the performance influence of the Clifton.

The proprietary Aerino wool blend offers retro-inspired design, complemented by embroidered design lines and synthetic nubuck suede overlays on the heel and toe.

The silhouette also uses a recycled regrind TPU film on the tongue and heel, which offers flexibility and durability while avoiding the use of virgin petroleum, plus a cork sockliner for additional comfort.

Lavender athletic shoe with mesh upper and thick white sole, featuring "AERINO" label on the side. — Hoka calls the new Clifton One9 Aerino an “homage to the wild creativity of nature”.

While Hoka’s footwear usually features front-and-center branding, the One9 Aerino takes a subtler approach: a small “Hoka” patch on the lateral side of the heel lets the refined upper material shine.

The new unisex take on the longstanding favorite comes in two vibrant color options: Aster Flower/Cosmic Grey and Crabapple/Lilac Cream.

Availability and pricing

The Clifton One9 Aerino is available now on Hoka’s website, retailing for $155.

Lavender athletic shoe with textured fabric upper and thick white cushioned sole.

Hoka Clifton One9 Aerino

$155 at Hoka

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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