A nimble glimpse at the average “Running Shoe Bestseller”- Database promptly reveals it. Since its launch in 2014 the Clifton has become Hoka One One’s Powerhouse and seemly a cult shoe within the scene. 9 years ago i had the pleasure to try this shoe and since then i have ran in every Clifton model the company released. 
It seems that i was not the only one that fell in love with the “Max cushioning – lightweight” plan of attack. Hokas interpretation on how a lightweight trainer should look like called for a lot of assertive and divers comments and came during a time the barefoot approach was at a high. The Clifton 1 was so successful that, just lately, this model got a re-issue. But more on this in another post on this part of the internet at a later stage. Here we go with the sixth edition of this young classic. 
The first noteworthy deviation or upgrade to the past Clifton models is the upper. Hoka updated it with a thin mesh material (“Engineered mesh upper”) that I have never seen before at any other product in their range. It has a pretty soft feeling to it but still is robust enough to lock the feet in while striding. I liked it and it creates a comfy fit. Maybe the best in the Clifton program until now. 
The heel elevation comes in with a bare of 30 mm and a fresh design to the heel neckband that keeps the foot nicely in check and creates a pretty nice feel to the backend of the shoe. 
The general design approach to the updated 6th edition is not really groundbreaking. Hoka updates tasteful little details to this light weight trainer. 
A slenderly softer full compression EVA foam is provided with the fresh midsole. The sensation is a little bit more springy then it was in older version. The sole feels a bit more condensed to me which is pleasant and creates a great impression during the stride and the landing phase. 
Just another heel shot with a better angle on the collar update. Moderate heel bevel provides a smooth transition. 
Hoka was found in 2009 by two former Salomon employees and US giant Deckers Outdoor Corporation purchased the company in April 2013. This significantly speeded up the consciousness of the brand in the running scene. 
As previously mentioned, the upper is one of the key updates. In this image you can see the mesh material with the patterns that optimise the air flow of the shoe. While the material is pretty new to this series, the fit is just about the same. While some reappraisals claim that the toe box is larger, I did not feel a difference to former models in the 6th version. 
25 mm is the front height of the Clifton 6. This results in a 5 mm drop. 
An elaborated look at the tongue and lacing of the shoe. The style of the tongue is the same as before with a cozy but not too heavy cushioning. 
A look at the tires of the fresh Clifton. This is the base that maintains a soft, smooth and responsive ride that made this shoe well liked and famous amongst runners of all levels. A noteworthy difference though: The brand-new EVA foam is observably softer then it has been in previous versions. 
Over the last couple of years, the Cliftons can been seen at different sorts of runners. From pro level to hobby runners. Not many shoes combine snug padding with such less weight and top it up with an impressive responsive level. The performance range of this shoe is pretty big and the new type continues on this path. 
Last assumption: With its 6th type, the Clifton looses some weight, creates a compacter but more responsive sole layout and comes in with an upgraded upper that will be admired by fans and concerned newbies likewise.
Tune of the day: Bop & Subwave – Space Warp X Solitary Dancer – An Angel For Everyone
