A recent trip to downtown Ames scored a pair of Clifton 3 running shoes from Brown’s Shoe Fit. The first thing I noticed handling this $140 shoe from Hoka One One was how light it was. Once I got it home and put it on the scale I found it came in at 9.2 ounces for a 9 1/2 size shoe. The same trip I had “bounced” a pair of Brooks and Asics in my hands and you could tell immediately how much heavier they were in your hands.

They were imbalanced heavy in the sole. The Clifton’s were “balanced” in the sense the uppers were the same felt weight as the soles. After the first mile they broke in and you got past the “clump, clump”, and each footfall brought a nice ‘cush’ feeling and spring in the step. During a Sunday morning run, they were as kind to old peoples feet as is possible in a shoe.

Now I want to get another Hoka, the Clayton to see how they compare. I’ve found out in my short time as a runner, that weight is a BIG factor in how enjoyable your running experience is. Another shoe I’ve heard a lot about is the Saucony Kinvara. Despite my sentimental attachment to the Brooks Ghost 6 that got me into running, they are just to heavy to justify. That’s one thing that bugs me about shoe reviews, don’t “describe” how heavy they feel, give us the ounces.

[5/29/17 update. I’ve noticed that after just 6 months of running in the Clifton 3, and those were over the less frequent running winter months, they are nearly worn out! I’ve noticed after looking at my New Balance that even though a year old, they are hardly worn! Same with the Nike. Hoka while making a very nice shoe, does not make a durable shoe. Its even less of a bargain when you consider their higher initial price. So no matter how nice a shoe they are, it’s ridiculous to pay $150 for a shoe you only get 6 months out of. The thin layer of rubber on the outsole they had to know wouldn’t last long. You are overpriced and under made Hoka.]