HOKA Arahi 8 vs Clifton 11
Arahi 8 or Clifton 11? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want soft cushioning with quiet support? Get the Arahi 8.
Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.
Get the Arahi 8 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You need a roomier fit
Get the Clifton 11 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (3mm more at the heel)
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
On the run
Arahi 8: Soft stability, the HOKA way. The softest Arahi yet, with a smooth rocker. The support comes from a frame on both sides of the heel, so it guides you without feeling like a traditional stability shoe.
Clifton 11: The soft cruiser, refined. The same soft, steady Clifton ride. It’s comfortable and consistent rather than bouncy, and a new insole and a more flexible forefoot make it a touch smoother than the 10.
Specs side by side
| Arahi 8 | Clifton 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 (was $150) | $154.95 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 39 / 31mm* | 42 / 34mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.8 oz | 9.97 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.7 oz | 8.34 oz |
| Support | Stability | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 450–550 miles | 350–450 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Arahi 8. True to size with a roomy toebox and a snug midfoot. Some runners find the volume generous, so lace it firmly. Wide and extra-wide available.
Clifton 11. True to size. Reviewers find the forefoot roomier than the 10’s, but lab measurements show the toebox still narrows to a point at the very front. Wide and extra-wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Arahi 8 · Shop the Clifton 11 · Compare other running shoes