are cliftons flexible?

Decent amount of flexibility after break in. But because it has such a thick sole it's not quite as flexible as the kinvara or shoes along that line.

Agreed -- not nearly as flexible as other non-max shoes. I love the cushion and lightweight of the Clifton, but there are some major design flaws for me: not flexible enough, too much heel (especially if you are a forefoot striker), poor shape (narrow in the wrong places), and stupid tongue.

DC Wonk wrote:

Agreed -- not nearly as flexible as other non-max shoes. I love the cushion and lightweight of the Clifton, but there are some major design flaws for me: not flexible enough, too much heel (especially if you are a forefoot striker), poor shape (narrow in the wrong places), and stupid tongue.

I am a forefoot/mid foot guy. I tried a few Adidas and for long runs there's just not enough cushion. Kinvara and GoRun have been good to me but I'd like something just a bit more for other uses. Particularly long and easy

check out the saucony zealot. also, i love the hoka huaka. it's a 2mm drop but to me it feels like a kinvara 4 in terms of fit with more and better cushioning.

DC Wonk wrote:

Agreed -- not nearly as flexible as other non-max shoes. I love the cushion and lightweight of the Clifton, but there are some major design flaws for me: not flexible enough, too much heel (especially if you are a forefoot striker), poor shape (narrow in the wrong places), and stupid tongue.

Don't know what pair this guy got^^, but I went from training in super-minimal racing flats to the Clifton and find them plenty flexible, good last (awesome "ride" characteristics), and perfect heel setup for me, a definite mid-foot striker (800-1500 guy). I now do all nearly all my strider work (down to 400 cadence) in these due to great responsiveness, especially on pavement. It's like having a Mondo track under you wherever you go.

As for the tongue- WTF? all it needs to do is keep dirt out.

Maybe he needs to check that he is talking about the right shoe.

nbskis wrote:

check out the saucony zealot. also, i love the hoka huaka. it's a 2mm drop but to me it feels like a kinvara 4 in terms of fit with more and better cushioning.

Is the huaka flexible?

Yeah, you can fold it right up, there's not a lot of structure to it anywhere. the foam is different than what most of the other hokas use, more bouncy and responsive (and longer lasting).

n00f wrote:

nbskis wrote:

check out the saucony zealot. also, i love the hoka huaka. it's a 2mm drop but to me it feels like a kinvara 4 in terms of fit with more and better cushioning.

Is the huaka flexible?

I run in the Huaka, and it's now my all-time favorite shoe. It's quite flexible, especially for all the cushion it has, but everything's relative with running shoes, and to each his/her own.

Sounds like it's what I'm looking for, is it huaka more cushioned than Kinvara? I don't want to buy another Kinvara w/ Lower drop

Guessing it won't hold up as long as Clifton either. but I believe they're cheaper?

The regularly priced Huaka is actually 20 dollars more than the Clifton. I got two pairs at Running Warehouse for 59 dollars each, though, with a coupon. IF you are size 11 and up, you can still get the deal on the silver ones, while the wild colors are all 150 dollars. And yes, the Huaka is more cushioned than the Kinvara. I have 50 miles on my first pair of Huakas (the other is still waiting new in the box), and they show very little signs of wear, but I've always been easy on shoes, no matter how many miles I put in them--the cushion is usually gone long before I wear out the soles or uppers. Here's a link for you, and you can read my review at the same link. Try the coupon I mention in my review because it may still be good:

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/HOKA_ONE_ONE_Huaka/descpage-HOHM3.html

n00f wrote:

DC Wonk wrote:

Agreed -- not nearly as flexible as other non-max shoes. I love the cushion and lightweight of the Clifton, but there are some major design flaws for me: not flexible enough, too much heel (especially if you are a forefoot striker), poor shape (narrow in the wrong places), and stupid tongue.

I am a forefoot/mid foot guy. I tried a few Adidas and for long runs there's just not enough cushion. Kinvara and GoRun have been good to me but I'd like something just a bit more for other uses. Particularly long and easy

wat

Glide boost not enough cushion?

too much heel to toe drop, also they're almost too responsive haha

n00f wrote:

too much heel to toe drop, also they're almost too responsive haha

i'm loving mine, the 6's can be had for sale for like $50 so I stocked

let me know how the cliftons compare if you do get them please.

No problem, I'm between the clifton and huaka, yet to make a decision.

Clifton are lighter and softer

Huaka are heavier and more responsive

I believe this may be Hoka's issue, their products seem very very similar.

I can't really think of a reason to buy one over the other..colors!? price?

Anyway, yeah I'll let you know what I think. Ive ran in hoka's and still own a pair of bondi's. I can already say, both will be less responsive and not have the same glove fit as adidas. Adidas feels like a race flat and that's a big attraction. The issue for me is I end up struggling to run slower. Having a more cushioned shoe with less blown rubber makes it easier to well, run easy. The weight being an oz or two less would be noticeable. The biggest difference would come from the heel to toe drop. Going from 9 to 2 or 9 to 4... if you were interested in running on your midfoot (the clifton ) would be a great introduction/transition shoe to lower drop. I find I scrape my heel prematurely in the contact/load phase in shoes >5mm difference. Lowering my heel allows my foot to easily come under my bodyweight as it makes contact. This is more economical to my mind, and why I choose low drop shoes. If you're looking for a plush ride, and a possible change in gait, the clifton is for you.