Yes, Hoka’s new jewel of the historic Clifton only bears traces in its name.
The brand new Clifton Edge is, to all intents and purposes, a totally original and different model from the best-selling and best-known model of the French-born brand.
What are the differences? It’s quickly said!
Let’s make the most important thing clear right away: the Clifton Edge IS NOT the new version of the Clifton 6! After the sixth edition, the arrival of the seventh is actually planned for the coming months.
The new Clifton Edge is therefore positioned parallel to the most iconic model of the Hoka house in a completely independent and original manner.
The aspect that is most striking at first glance is undoubtedly the elongated shape of the rear of the shoe, which is inspired, albeit with less extreme forms, by the recent TenNine (Hoka’s trail shoe that guarantees maximum running efficiency, especially downhill).
The objective, in this case, is to anticipate the foot’s stance in order to obtain an even easier and more homogeneous roll, capable of guaranteeing greater fluidity of running.
The Clifton Edge, left, and the TenNine, right
In addition, the midsole is designed with a double compound: the one positioned at the top, in contact with the foot, is made of the new softer, lighter and more resilient foam created by Hoka, while the lower part, coloured differently, is made of denser and more stable EVA.
These features result in a significant lightening, especially considering the generous amount of foam used in the rear heel area: in fact, in the men’s version we reach 252 grams, while in the women’s version we are just over 200 grams, in both cases well below the weight of the Clifton 6.
The drop, on the other hand, is still 5 mm, with 29 mm at the heel and 24 at the toe (26 – 21 in the women’s version).
In terms of fit, it is slightly more snug and less roomy than the traditional Clifton, but has a padded collar at the back that considerably improves ankle comfort, while the raised vertical tongue on the heel favours quick and easy donning.
The eyelets for the laces, normally 7 pairs, are instead 6 and this results in a more snug and protective lacing, leaving more space for the forefoot, even in the presence of greater elasticity of the midsole in the front, which allows good flexibility when pushing.
Cushioning will certainly be excellent, as is the Hoka tradition, but in the case of the Clifton Edge there will be a certain compactness in the stance and take-off, which places the new model somewhere between the reactivity of the Mach, the protection of the Elevon and the softness of the Clifton.
All in all, with the Hoka Clifton Edge we are faced with shoes with a strong personality and their own, original and innovative characteristics, ready to meet the needs of a further segment of customers looking for protection, fluidity and running pleasure. A bet that Hoka, as often happens, knows it can win and that could further revolutionise a market in continuous evolution.
Buy them online now or visit us in our shops in Conegliano and Pordenone to try them out!
