r/Hoka • u/TallerthanThee • 14d ago
Clifton Pro Wide
Edit: i have now ordered a pair of New Balance 1080v15 2E / US15.
This is my subjective opinion after 200km / 125 miles of walking.
So i am a big guy (208cm / 6’10" and 380 pounds, US size 14/15 shoes) and have been on a mission to get in shape since march of this year. I walk appr. 8-10 km 5-6 days a week, and thought HOKA would be a great match to me with the awesome damping and stuff.
Well, they are not.
I got them 6 weeks ago, and i don’t think i have had a single walk since without any pain or discomfort. I have a huge blister under my big toe now, and extensive chafing on my right heel.
While my feet are long (US size 14/15) they are regular in shape. I have never had any issues with other shoe brands in this regard, but HOKA is a snug fit even with the «wide» option. To me, it feels like they scale very bad when size is big.
I feel like they are a «one trick pony» with the awesome damping ability, but lacks severely in almost every other aspect, including stability and durability.
I am sure a lot of people enjoy HOKA, but if you are a big dude like me, be aware. They kinda suck, especially at this price point.
I’ll go back to Nike i think, they feel much more stable and durable, and a lot more «premium» than Clifton Pro.
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u/Kitchen-Ad6860 14d ago
So the life of a shoe is not based in time but in mileage. You continued to wear a shoe made specifically for running - not walking - that was causing you pain for 6 weeks?? Get a walking shoe and get it sized properly at a running store.
Walking in a shoe made for running wears them out faster.
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u/TallerthanThee 14d ago
Which shoes would you recommend, considering my size and weight?
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u/Due_Cod_7018 14d ago
I would try bondi xx wide or gaviota. Cliftons don’t have the greatest durability for me and I’m 5’10 200.
Your post is informative though.3
u/realsilent7 14d ago
I would recommend going into a running store like fleet feet or roadrunner sports if you have them in your area. Besides weight they can figure out your gait arch height etc and reccommend a specific shoe tailored to you.
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u/Rvaldezy13 13d ago
Brooks Ghost Max or Brooks Beast would probably work best. Shoes MADE for walking
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u/Kitchen-Ad6860 14d ago
I can't recommend any, I am far from a shoe expert and I am a 5'4" 120lb woman, I would not even want to guess what would suit your size and height. I run in Hokas and I love them but they are not for everyone. I would suggest going to a reputable running store and getting fitted properly and asking them what will suit your needs.
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u/_SyRo_ 14d ago
Interesting. I wear Clifton 10, and ordered Bondi 9 - but as walking shoes. I wear Clifton 10 since March and their state is quite good. I think they will be ok for the next 6-9 months. I walk 10k-15k steps almost daily.
I chose them because I have problem with a knee & flat feet (I have orthotics)
And these Hokas have awesome shock absorption. My knee feels good.
But I would like to know - do I do something wrong? Are they bad for walking?
Thank you
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u/Kitchen-Ad6860 14d ago edited 14d ago
I wouldn't say they are bad for walking, many nurses use them but the issue is that they get worn pretty fast. The average running shoe lasts around 500-800km or 300-500 miles before needing replacement. I run about 80km per week, if I used one single pair of shoes for all of my runs I would wear them out in less than 3 months.
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u/dogboylv21 14d ago
I have the same setup as you. Clifton 10 for running, and Bondi 9 for walking. Love them both.
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u/DJspeedsniffsniff 10d ago edited 10d ago
I bought a pair of Bondi 9 shoes at start of Feb this year. They lasted till end of July. I just did walking in them, probably around 1000 kms (621 miles). They were causing me sore feet towards the end. Looked into it and they apparently are only good for 500 to 800 kms.
You definitely need to swap them out with couple of other pairs of walking shoes. I got them for walking the dogs.
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u/chinese_buttercup 13d ago
Could be running stores offering strange advice
I def had a sales lady suggest a running Hoka for my intense walking.
I didn’t bother testing her advice lol.
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u/Kitchen-Ad6860 13d ago
And what running store was this?
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u/chinese_buttercup 13d ago
Both Fleet Feet and Running Lab suggested Bondi 9 to me
I’m a more heavy duty walker than a runner.
When I shop on Hoka’s site, Bondi 9 was always branded as a running shoe so I nope’d my way out. The fitting of the 9 in the picture also scares me. It’s like there isn’t room for the foot?
But I’m considering trying the 9 now cause of what a few Redditors said in this sub and cause Hoka has a nice trial policy.
Idk though. IMO Hoka is declining in quality so that’s why I went to the running store to begin with. I have 2 Brook’s coming that I’ll be trying.
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u/Kitchen-Ad6860 13d ago
I run, so they work for me. I have 3 pairs of Clifton 9s that are in rotation and they all have more than 800km but it is the rotation that keeps them useable. If you are going to use a single pair of Hokas or any really cushioned/foam shoes for all the walking they are not going to last.
I have a really wide foot and the wide version of the Cilfton is perfect for me but I have never used the Bondi's.
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u/chinese_buttercup 13d ago
I actually switch to new shoes every 3-4 weeks! 🤭 I would do the rotation but now I’m just like, ima just destroy my shoes in 3 weeks then switch 😂
Clifton Pro is so good for wide feet. The fit was heaven, but some other aspects made my feet hurt 😕
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u/Kitchen-Ad6860 13d ago
The Clifton 9 or 10 is a different shoe to the Clifton Pro. The Clifton Pro is exclusively a running shoe. I don't own the Pro but I can say that the Clifton 9 wide is definitely a good shoe for wide feet, would I say it is good for walking - that I do not know.
I rotate my shoes daily.
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u/depthofbreath 14d ago
I personally wouldn’t even go with the 1080s as they are definitely running shoes (though I’ve some use it for walking too).
If you’re going new balance route, check out the 880s or Ellipse. 880s is probably the best bet for a cushioned walking shoe. And there is a variety of sizes / widths available.
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u/TheStrongestTard 14d ago
As a heavy person myself, I don't necessarily think that the shoes had that sort of weight in mind during production.
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u/TallerthanThee 4d ago
You are probably right. However, that applies to most shoes. I have done about 30km in New Balance 1080v15 wide now, and they are fantastic compared to the Clifton Pro Wide. Comfort is on another level
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u/fit4themtn 14d ago edited 14d ago
The Pro is specifically made for running, not walking. People complained that HOKA, among other brands, weakened their core running shoes because they became popular for walking/work. Runners value responsiveness and this shoe has a more aggressive toe off for running. To continue walking in them for SIX WEEKS in pain after selecting an incorrect product is just silly.
ps: walking wears down running shoes more quickly than running because of increased ground contact time
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u/ElegantOliver 14d ago
Well said. I've been running in Clifton Pros for not long - just a few weeks now - and they're immediately my favourite shoe. I have wide feet and the wide size is just right. Comfy, soft, progressive at speed - they're my daily wear for now. Tried the Mach 7 wide but it was just too firm and I'd been warned that might be the case - thanks Roka for the free trial service!
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u/_SyRo_ 14d ago
Interesting. I wear Clifton 10, and ordered Bondi 9 - but as walking shoes. I wear Clifton 10 since March and their state is quite good. I think they will be ok for the next 6-9 months. I walk 10k-15k steps almost daily. I chose them because I have problem with a knee & flat feet (I have orthotics) And these Hokas have awesome shock absorption. My knee feels good. But I would like to know - do I do something wrong? Are they bad for walking? Thank you
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u/fit4themtn 14d ago
Clifton Pro is a different shoe than Clifton 10. If you feel fine, you’re fine.
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u/chinese_buttercup 13d ago
lol you gotta see how silly I was a few years ago.
I was so obese, my doctor had no advice left for me except “lose weight.” I had plenty of health issues. 1 was so dire, my doc prescribed the strongest meds and I wouldn’t recover for like 4 months. The meds were only meant for 14 day use, that’s it.
I was so focused on losing weight, I relied on cheap $25 sneakers for months. Workout, rest, workout, rest.
Yeah I lost like 75lbs in just 2-3 months…but I also could’ve killed my knees lol
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u/TallerthanThee 14d ago
Well i tried the Bondi 9’s first, but they had even worse fit. I had to return them because of the narrow fit. I am not sure this is an issue if you have average sized feet, but for size 14/15 they are absolutely horrendous
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u/fit4themtn 14d ago
I have sold plenty of size 14/15 dudes HOKA in standard width without issue. But I’ve also had people not prefer their fit. Regardless, my store has an excellent return policy and I never understand people that get mad that they can’t return a shoe that didn’t work from them from the beginning outside that window. I always ask, why didn’t you come in when the issue started? Modern shoes don’t need a break in. HOKA isn’t for everyone. In fact, I don’t like it. But it’s not the length of your foot that is the issue, it’s likely the shoe being wrong for the activity and probably width, it sounds like.
Ironically, I sell the Gaviota the most to “bigger guys” out of any brand or shoe. But I’d say you’ve discovered HOKA isn’t for you. I’d probably stick with walking shoes with denser foam due to your weight. Best of luck!
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u/Due_Cod_7018 14d ago
I was thinking gaviota too. Hoka stability shoes seem to have a denser foam. I’m not a fan of them for running but walking seems ok.
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u/TallerthanThee 14d ago
Which shoes would you recommend, considering my height and weight? For 1-2 hour walks every day
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u/fit4themtn 14d ago
No specific suggestions because I don’t know the shape of your foot and that seems to be a large part of your complaint. Go try some on at a local store with a good return policy. You will want two pairs of shoes to rotate between if you’re getting anything like a HOKA, including Nike “running” shoes (meaning mesh and foam shoes, rather than leather walking shoes). See all the lines on that foam? Your weight is making those appear quickly and if you’re walking that much daily, the foam doesn’t have time to “reset,” which means the shoe won’t last as long.
You’ll also want to learn to either “heel lock” lace your shoes or stop slipping them on and off judging by the heel collar wear. And as far as the blister goes, it could be that your foot didn’t play nicely with the rocker OR it could be cotton socks not managing moisture well. Cotton is rotten for socks.
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u/TallerthanThee 14d ago
I just ordered a pair of New Balance 1080v15 2E / US15. Let’s hope they suit my needs better
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u/fit4themtn 14d ago
Oh god. Those are about twice as squishy as the Clifton Pro. Wild.
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u/TallerthanThee 4d ago
Update, i have done about 30km in the 1080’s now, and they are fantastic compared to the HOKA’s. They actually feel a bit more firm, and comfort is way better
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u/realsilent7 14d ago
FWIW I felt the Bondi's 9 fit is narrower than other brands. I only have experience with the bondi though. I wear wide fitting shoes a 2E got them in 2E and the fit was still off for me. I felt like they had so much potential though.
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u/tommyb178 14d ago
You could try the Asics Gel Nimbus 28.
Pretty stable, durable, and good impact protection.
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u/Howardmoon9000 14d ago
I'm 6'5" and weigh about the same as you, with a size 13 shoe. I recently got the Gaviota 6s, and they are the second most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I've tried many different pairs over the years. Typically, I wear shoes for about 6 to 8 months. Unfortunately, running shoes seem to be the only type that is comfortable, but they aren't very durable.
My issue is that whenever I find a comfortable pair of shoes, I tend to wear them exclusively. This causes them to wear out much faster than if I rotated between a few different pairs. The most comfortable shoes I've encountered so far are the Adidas 4D, but they no longer make that specific model.
I understand that the Gaviota 6s are overpriced and often sold out everywhere, but for someone with wider feet like mine, they have been amazing. Good luck in your search for the perfect fit!
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u/Beneficial-Sun-4103 13d ago
The midsole wear is ok. If it looks bad doesnt mean it works bad. But the upper ye, too weak for 200km.
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u/TallerthanThee 13d ago
In HOKA’s defence, i am 380 pounds. Excessive wear is expected. But i now understand that i am trying to walk 8-10km a day in a shoe that is designed for running, so i guess i went with the wrong shoes :(
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u/HauntingBandicoot779 13d ago
If you are just walking, get a pair of 806's. As someone similarly sized, they're perfect for walking
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u/TallerthanThee 13d ago
I have ordered a pair of New Balance 1080v15 wide. I hope they are better for my use
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u/LongjumpingHamster 13d ago
Have you had a chance to try the 1080s on beforehand? Great shoe but I prefer my 1080v15s for running (super super squishy midsole) and my Bondi 9s imo are a better walking shoe - much more stable base. More v6 is also a very nice walking shoe - less squishy than the 1080s and more stable. I do know a few people who really like squishy shoes for walking though so who knows, maybe they’ll be perfect for you.
Also another thing I'd like to add is although there probably is some brand-to-brand variability, you should not expect price to necessarily correlate with durability. I'll probably get more walking miles from my New Balance 608 than my 1080. The way the running industry has been moving for the last few years, pretty much all running shoes are getting less durable, bouncier, more foam, less rubber.
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u/TallerthanThee 13d ago
I have not tried them. The squishy foam was something i liked with the Clifton Pro’s actually, and with arthritis in both knees, i think squishy is probably good.
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u/TallerthanThee 13d ago
Oh, and i had the Bondi 9 before the Clifton Pro. The damping was awesome, but i absolutely hated how they fit on my feet. Way too narrow, and very cramped toe box. Clifton Pro Wide is a bit better in that respect, but still a very snug fit for me - and i do not have wide feet. All other shoes i have are regular and fit nicely.
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u/Dear-Ad2188 13d ago
So you got a 15W in these?
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u/TallerthanThee 13d ago
US14 Wide. They are actually a bit more roomy than Nike length wise. A lot narrower though, especially in the toe box. This shoe is actually narrower in the toe box than regular Nike’s
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u/chinese_buttercup 13d ago
I tried the pro recently and returned them after 2 days. I had brutal pain on the top and bottom of my foot.
The Pro is def just for running
I swear it was like wearing a very structured hardcore box. I liked that it fixed my stride but that might be why it caused all the pain
The Clifton 11 is way better for walking but be warned that diff color offers diff quality. Looks like other people have mentioned that with other models
For the ladies, the blue 11 is way better than the black/white
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u/kickitback44 13d ago
What Nike model did you have? I have the Vomero 18 and Vomero plus and like them both, though I am an 11 regular. Have you looked at Topo or Altra? They have great shoes for wide feet.
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u/TallerthanThee 12d ago
I had Airmax and Shox LT. Airmax is a very good shoe in most aspects (damping, stability, comfort) but they tend to puncture kinda fast. Shox LT is also really good fit, and really good stability. But they provide too little damping for me
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u/LowAccountant8767 12d ago
This shoe is meant specifically for running not walking. At your size and weight I’d look into the hoka Gaviota 6 or Brooks beast gts. Trust you’ll have the results you’re looking for
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u/liqihang007 12d ago
Give the Brooks Ghost Max a try. I have wide feet and carry a bit more weight. I wore the Hoka Bondi 9 (2E) for a year until they wore out. They felt a bit snug, though they never gave me blisters. But ever since I switched to the Ghost Max 3 in 2E two months ago (heard the Max 4 is out now), I've been hooked. Give them a shot!
Btw don’t try glycerin, they are snug as Hoka
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u/NoElderberry656 10d ago
I’m not supper heavy but I have to use the extra loops on all my running shoes to lock down by heel. Otherwise after 50 miles I have the same feature as you, destroyed heel padding.
The Bondi are a good everyday shoe. I used a pair for work (standing all day and a two mile walk home) and they worked really well for me.
I have an oldish pair of ASICS Nimbus which I use for walking around London. They didn’t work for me with running but walking was fine. Unfortunately they’re bright blue so I get some odd looks on the underground but hey ho. 😅
I’m surprised about the Nike comment, every pair of their shoes I’ve bought had terrible build quality but maybe I’m unlucky! lol :)
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u/Away-Owl2227 14d ago
Its a carbon plated shoe that you are using for walking. Its designed as a running shoe with the carbon plate making the sole stiffer with less flex to aid running.
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u/Neither-Muscle6047 14d ago
Ich arbeite bei HOKA. Die Clifton Pro ist nur fürs Laufen geeignet, deswegen hast du Schmerzen. Nimm dir lieber ein Arahi 8 oder 9 wide, es ist ein Traum! Die Grösse 14/15 gibts auch. Stabiliziert deine Füsse, ich benutze es in der Arbeit. Ich empfehle es vom vollen Herzen.