REASONS TO BUY
Breathable upper
Comfortable right away
Smooth heel-to-toe feel
Absorbs impact
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as supportive
Heel strike feels early
Hoka Clifton 11 - Women's Review
These are decent shoes with plenty of comfort right out of the box, but they lack the support that we want for longer walks
Credit: Becca Glades
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ November 10, 2026
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The initial comfort of the Hoka Clifton 11 had us excited. However, the lack of support was underwhelming on longer walks. The shoe feels very neutral and will accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes. Most will be happy with them just based on the cushy feel, but they still lack the wow factor (aka support) that we are after for athletic walks. We enjoyed these more on jogs. If you want a shoe to transition from walking to running, this could be it. Otherwise, we suggest a more supportive walking shoe for other uses.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hoka Clifton 11 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Walking Shoe |  Best for Support and Stability | Best for Outdoor Urban Walks |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |
| Price | $155 List Check Price at REI | $145 List Check Price at REI | $155 List Check REI (on sale!) | $155 List Check REI (on sale!) | $80 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | These are better as running shoes, as we weren't able to clear the heel with a natural stride | These supportive shoes are a joy to walk and run in, and they are ready to go right out of the box | These supportive shoes feel great once you get used to the stability features | These are a solid choice for outdoor walks where a little extra traction is helpful | Despite the low price, these shoes are ready to walk. They keep your feet comfortable but have minimal support |
| Rating Categories | Hoka Clifton 11 | Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | Brooks Adrenaline GT... | Hoka Transport 2 | Asics Gel-Contend 10 |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Hoka Clifton 11 | Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | Brooks Adrenaline GT... | Hoka Transport 2 | Asics Gel-Contend 10 |
| Best Use | Athletic walking | Athletic walking, everyday casual | Athletic walking, everyday casual | Athletic walking, outdoor, casual | Athletic walking |
| Width Options | Regular, wide, x-wide | Regular, wide | Narrow, regular, wide, x-wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Support Design | Neutral | Neutral, underpronation | Structured stability: GuideRails | Neutral | Neutral, underpronation |
| Measured Weight | 7.25 oz | 7.06 oz | 8.1 oz | 8.85 oz | 8.28 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 11 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm | 9 mm |
| Closure Type | Lace | Lace | Lace | Quick-toggle, lace | Lace |
| Upper Material | Mesh | Mesh | Mesh and flatknit | Cordura | Mesh |
| Midsole Material | CMEVA | FF Blast MAX foam | DNA Loft v3 | Sugarcane EVA | Amplifoam |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | Fluidride EVA/rubber | RoadTack Rubber | Vibram EcoStep | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Pull tab | None | Finger loop | Finger loop | None |
| Measured Heel Stack | 40 mm | 39 mm | 36 mm | 33 mm | 35 mm |
| Measured Width | 4.2 in | 4.4 in. | 4.5 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.4 in. |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
Out of the box, they were comfortable. They require no break-in period to get going. Our feet felt like they were walking on a plush marshmallow. Yet, we didn't have the “sinking in” feel either.
These have a larger heel-to-toe drop at 11 millimeters (measured by us). Despite this larger drop, we didn't feel off-center or unbalanced. The shoe moves from the heel to the toe smoothly, thanks to the rocker and wide base.
We felt balanced and comfortable in the Hoka Clifton 11. Credit: Becca Glades
We loved the fit and feel of the upper. Everything feels high-quality, and our feet were able to breathe. The shoe surprisingly fits a wide variety of foot shapes. The midfoot and toe box are wider, yet the laces can be cinched tight for a narrower or neutral foot, without causing bunching in the fabric. The laces can also be let out enough to accommodate a swelling foot.
Our toes weren't squished in the Hoka Clifton 11. Credit: Becca Glades
Dislikes
We don't have much to complain about with the Clifton 11, but they are also not the most exciting shoe we tried. We felt no arch support unless we landed harder in the shoe, like during jogs. We recommend an aftermarket insole if you plan on walking in these and prefer more support.
Check out the difference between the exterior foam vs what you actually walk on.
The most noticeable downside is the heel strike; while very cushioned and impact-absorbing, it happens almost too soon. We had to adjust our stride to accommodate this heel strike, as the outsole sticks out behind the heel by a few millimeters.
The too-soon heel strike took some adjustment. Credit: Becca Glades
Should You Buy the Hoka Clifton 11?
If you are after plush and neutral, these are a good pick. If you are after support, keep on searching. These have more support when compressed with more impact, like during runs.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 has plenty of cushion under the heel but doesn't require a change in stride with the outsole not sticking out as far. It is also much more supportive and comfortable for long walks. We also love this shoe for running and walking. The Hoka Bondi SR is a better pick for working on your feet. It is more supportive throughout the midsole and upper, and it has a slip resistant bottom.
—Becca Glades
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