What Hoka One One Say: “The CLIFTON 3 improves upon its decorated heritage with this new release. The upper features a new fit with a more accommodating forefoot, as well as a seamless speed frame construction for light weight and supreme comfort. A similar midsole geometry means that the industry leading ride remains as light and smooth as ever. When cushioning and light weight are your top priorities, look no further”.

Hoka One One Clifton 3 shoes are designed to feature a higher volume, softer density, and greater rebounding foam than standard running shoes.

This translates to, “wow, these shoes feel bouncy” when you walk or run in them.

When you first put them on, it feels almost like you’re walking on air – the impact is so soft, like a cushion under your foot each time you make a step. You get used to this quickly, and you like it.

Is it a ski resort shoe? Well Hoka One One make a range a products that would certainly cover all your needs, but the Clifton 3 isn’t a true winter, deep snow shoe. Despite this, we tested it throughout the winter all over the Alps and found it to be an ideal companion for a ski trip in partnership with a sturdier, waterproof walking / snow boot.

The fact that the upper part of the shoe is well ventilated (keeps your feet dry indoors or when active and makes the shoes super lightweight) means that snow will seep through very quickly, so it’s not for traipsing around resort in the middle of February, but here’s why we liked using the Clifton 3 through the winter:

  1. Travelling – probably the most comfortable travel shoe we have ever used and when you go through over 20 airports during a winter it helps to have something that feels great to wear and this does.
  2. Running and Exercise – I’m sure the people at Hoka One One will like this entry more than the first, as these are serious running shoes and for those of you who like to keep extra fit on your ski trips, the Clifton 3 is your ideal tool for the job.
  3. They look great – well it’s always nice to have a bit of colour on your feet.
  4. When there’s no snow around then they are great alternative to a full-on winter snow shoe that you don’t need or want when you’re in and out of bars/restaurants/hotels.
  5. Lightweight – chuck them in your bag as a second or even third pair of shoes as they don’t weight much at all.

We really like the Clifton 3 shoe and we would have scored them 10/10 had they been suitable for walking in deeper snow. It’s not an issue that they don’t work well in these conditions, but it’s worth pointing out that they are not really a winter outdoor shoe, but they are still great to have with you on a ski trip.

We are looking forward to testing them out in the mountain environment this summer.

ISPO 2017 – Snow.Guide’s Ski Editor Rob Stewart, used the Clifton 3 during the ISPO (World’s largest sports exhibition) show in Munich and said this about the experience:

I spent 4 days at ISPO this year, walking around every hall for miles and miles. It was the first time I had worn the Clifton 3’s and was concerned I’d get blisters (I always do at ISPO), especially as the shoes were brand new. I didn’t get blisters and my feet genuinely felt better than they ever had after 4 days at the show – I honestly don’t think I could wear anything else ever again – 10/10 for me at ISPO this year.

Specifications

Geometry: Offset: 5 mm, Forefoot: 24 mm, Heel: 29 mm.
Weight: 245.00g, weight is based on size EU 42 2/3 and may vary depending on size.
Technology: Ultra-Lightweight No Sew SpeedFrame Construction, Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry, Full-Length Compression Molded EVA Midsole, Full Ground Contact Design, Strategic Rubber Placement Provides Durability.

Review Summary

Hoka One One Clifton 3 shoe reviewed by Snow.Guide
Gender: Men
Good for: Running, travelling and hanging out in comfort
Price: 130 Euros
Rating: 9 out of 10