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Hoka Finally Made the “Pro” Running Shoe I’ve Waited Years for It to Release

The brand’s most important model finally steps into the modern age with the help of new-age foam and an aggressive rocker.

Close-up of a blue and navy sneaker with white sole featuring "PROGLIDE+" text and large white logo on the side.Hoka
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By Jack Seemer

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Without the Clifton, there might no Hoka. At least not the Hoka we know today.

The brand, founded less than 20 years ago in the French Alps, has become nothing short of a footwear Goliath.

According to parent company Deckers, Hoka sold nearly $2.6 billion worth of merchandise in the last fiscal year.

Welcome to Power Moves: Diving deep into the product and brand moves that can change where a category is headed. Discover more here.

No shoe was more responsible than the Clifton, which receives a “next-gen remake” in the form of the Clifton Pro, Hoka says.

Gray HOKA running shoe with thick white sole and "PROGLIDE+" text on the midsole.
Available this month, the Clifton Pro (pictured) is the most premium version yet of Hoka’s longstanding flagship trainer.
Hoka

Standing tall … and still

As someone who covers the industry almost daily, I’ve closely followed Hoka’s trajectory over the years.

I’ve seen it go from a small brand making unique shoes to one of the main protagonists defining broad trends. (Max-stack trainers, anyone?)

But, recently, I’ve noticed something else: stagnation.

Black Hoka running shoe with white thick sole and white Hoka logo on the side.
The Clifton 11 (available) is also available this month. It features the same specs and foam, EVA, as previous versions of the Clifton.
Hoka

The upcoming Clifton 11, announced this month, shares more or less the same specs as the version Hoka released last year … and the year before that.

Sales clearly show that the previous Clifton is a good shoe. And I have no reason to believe the core “update” won’t be a popular one.

But from where I’m standing, it uses an outdated foam that Hoka’s competitors dropped by the wayside long ago.

Fortunately, it turned out to be just a warmup for the real upgrade, which arrives on its heels via the Clifton Pro.

Close-up of a white and black sneaker sole with "PROGLIDE+" text and textured black rubber tread.
The new Clifton Pro debuts a new supercritical foam called Proglide+.
Hoka

Between a rock and a soft place

Simply put, the Clifton Pro is the shoe I’ve waited years for Hoka to release.

It debuts a new supercritical foam called Proglide+, fashioned into one-piece midsole with a stack height of 42mm and 10mm drop.

Close-up of olive green and black HOKA running shoe with white midsole labeled "PROGLIDE+
The heel measures 42mm.
Hoka
Navy blue and bright blue athletic shoe with white sole and white logo on side.
The shoe features a more aggressive geometry for a smoother ride underfoot.
Hoka

Importantly, it also features an updated rocker profile, designed for a more fluid roll underfoot.

While midsole technology usually defines a shoe, the Clifton Pro does introduce a pair of upgrades elsewhere.

Up top, the shoes comes with a breathable engineered mesh upper in some of Hoka’s best colorways to date, while extra-durable rubber brings additional coverage to the bottom of the heel and forefoot.

Top view of white Hoka running shoes with blue and green accents and blue insoles.
A premium engineered mesh upper helps to complete the “pro” makeover.
Hoka
Pair of white athletic shoes with neon green accents and bright orange soles shown from the back.
The shoe also features more durable rubber in the outsole.
Hoka

Availability and pricing

Even if took Hoka longer than other brands to release an everyday super trainer, the Clifton Pro isn’t a total surprise.

Brands like Adidas, Nike and Asics have all introduced premium running shoes for enthusiasts unfazed by premium price tags. See the Hyperboost Edge, Vomero Plus and Superblast 3, which range between $180 and $210.

What is surprising, though, is the cost.

The Clifton Pro arrives for just $165, a small $10 jump from the Clifton 11.

At the end of the day, the new model leans into Hoka’s biggest strength as a brand: state-of-the-art cushion, made for the masses. It’s about time.

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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