Alternatives to Hoka Clifton

fennor72

Hi there I've ran in the Clifton since day one. The Clifton 1 was a brilliant runner, really light and great cushioning, but since then the next 3 versions in my opinion have gradually gone backwards.
I bought the 4 a few weeks ago and did a 20 mile run in them last weekend. They have become heavier and more responsive than I am used to. Also they seem to be showing signs of wear at an early stage.
So I'm looking for an alternative to Hoka, I also run in kinvaras and the saucony freedom iso. Both are great half marathon shoes but I always run the Dublin marathon in Hokas but now i don't know.
Any suggestions please

Nuttzz

what about the hoka vanguish? I find them a very comfortable long distance runner

fennor72

Nuttzz wrote:

what about the hoka vanguish? I find them a very comfortable long distance runner

Thanks I read up on vanguish it seem like a good option. Do you use them for races or just long training run?

Easy Rider

But the vanquish are heavier then the Clifton 4 so unsure how that solves your weight complaint. I run with the Clifton 4 for longer runs and the Adidas adizero ST 8 for shorter runs up to half marathon. I ran with the Kinvara 8 in the shop and chose the Clifton for the longer runs but I will also get the Kinvara 8 to go lighter again as I still liked them. Could you find a pair of the old Clifton 2 or 3's?

I find the Clifton 4's great for longer runs but not great for tempo and faster runs. Clifton 4's have zero problem with regards wear and I have done 250k + in them.

fennor72

Maybe it's just my running gait but I found a little bit of wear on the sole of the Clifton after the long run. The kinvara is a great shoe and I ran the Cork marathon in them, they are very light and it was the first time I ran a marathon in a different shoe other than the hoka.
But I don't know if it's the kinvaras or the saucony freedom but I've developed some heel pain which started after I ran a half in the freedom. The Clifton never gave me any troubles. I think the way the series has gone it's time to look around for alternatives, I wasn't a huge fan of the 2 or 3.
I'm wondering about the saucony zealot 3 which also is supposed to have plenty of cushioning.

Nuttzz

fennor72 wrote: »

Thanks I read up on vanguish it seem like a good option. Do you use them for races or just long training run?

I use them for anything greater than 10 miles, be it training run or a race