HOKA Skyflow vs Clifton 11
Skyflow 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 HOKA cushion with a firmer, snappier ride? Get the Skyflow.
Want the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.
Get the Skyflow if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
- You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)
Get the Clifton 11 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)
On the run
Skyflow: The firmer, snappier HOKA. Mildly firm and a bit snappier than the Clifton, with an early rocker that tips you forward. The heel can feel a little clunky until you settle into a rhythm.
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
| Skyflow | Clifton 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $154.95 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 40 / 35mm* | 42 / 34mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10 oz | 9.97 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.9 oz* | 8.34 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 350–450 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
Skyflow. Low volume and snug through the forefoot and midfoot, so it suits slim to average feet. It runs warm.
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 Skyflow · Shop the Clifton 11 · Compare other running shoes