HOKA Mach 7 vs Clifton 11
Mach 7 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 light and quick without a plate? Get the Mach 7.
Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.
Get the Mach 7 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.6 oz
Get the Clifton 11 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
On the run
Mach 7: The light, nimble do-it-all. Firm, springy and low to the ground for a HOKA. It feels fast when you pick up the pace and still works for everyday miles, though the foam firms up noticeably in real cold.
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
| Mach 7 | Clifton 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $154.95 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 37 / 32mm* | 42 / 34mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8.37 oz | 9.97 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.15 oz | 8.34 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 300–400 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
Mach 7. Runs slightly short and close-fitting, with a new gusseted tongue that locks the midfoot in. If you’re between sizes, go up a half. Wide feet should try the wide.
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 Mach 7 · Shop the Clifton 11 · Compare other running shoes