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Hoka’s New Clifton Is Trail-Inspired, Forecast-Proof and Long Overdue

For the first time since 2023, the brand equips its best-selling road shoe with weather-resistant materials, plus a few other upgrades.

Beige Hoka running shoe with brown logo and toggle lace system against a muted green background.Hoka
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By Jack Seemer

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It’s been a few years since the Hoka Clifton really lived up to its reputation as a “do-it-all” workhorse.

Though previous iterations of the longstanding franchise have prioritized versatility with lightweight midsoles and tried-and-true materials, Hoka made a perplexing call with the Clifton 10.

In short, it chose not to release a winterized version of the shoe, leaving fans between a rock and hard place: either suck it up or opt for a previous generation.

The just-released Clifton 11 has already remedied the issue.

Black Hoka running shoe with thick sole, reflective silver logo and accents, and toggle lace closure.
The Clifton 11 GTX is the first Gore-Tex-equipped Clifton since 2023.
Hoka

Set to drop September 1, the upcoming Clifton 11 GTX is the first Gore-Tex-equipped Clifton since 2023.

The model shares some of the specs found in the baseline Clifton model, including the same stack height (42mm), drop (8mm) and midsole material (compression-molded EVA foam).

Beige and black running shoe with red accents and a thick black sole.
The model shares the same CMEVA midsole of the Clifton 11 released in July.
Hoka
Pair of beige and black running shoes with red accents, viewed from the back showing "CLIFTON 11 GTX" text.
It also stands at 42mm tall and features an 8mm drop.
Hoka

However, it ups the ante with a lightweight Gore-Tex liner and topically applied PFAS-free coating to shield the foot from puddles and showers.

It also goes further than the 2023 Clifton 9 GTX in terms of technical attributes, as it borrows speed laces from shoes like the Mafate Speed 4 Lite Stsfy and pairs them with traction pods in the outsole that mimic the effect lugs on muddy terrain.

Pair of beige Hoka sneakers with mesh uppers and toggle lace closures viewed from above.
The addition of speed laces are new this go-around; the Clifton 9 GTX had traditional laces.
Hoka
Black and gray Hoka Clifton 11 GTX running shoe with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and textured sole.
Extra tacky pods improve the traction on wet roads.
Hoka

Although the new shoe clocks in nearly a full ounce heavier than the Clifton 11 (9.97 vs 10.8 ounces), it’s closer to the Clifton Pro (10.44 ounces) that also came out in July, despite the addition of the Gore-Tex liner.

Availability and pricing

Available September 1, the Clifton 11 GTX costs $175 and arrives in a handful of launch colorways, including “Barely Flour” beige, “Varsity Burgundy” and all black.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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