Clifton Pro 1

Yes, for most runners the Clifton Pro fits true to size, so order your usual Hoka size. The midfoot and heel are secure and the toe box is medium to slightly snug rather than roomy. If you have a wider foot, prefer a little extra room for long runs, or know that standard Hoka lasts feel tight on you, consider going half a size up or looking for a wide version where available.

It is a strong choice for the easy and long runs that make up most marathon training, where its deep cushioning and smooth rocker shine over the miles. It is less suited to your faster sessions, since at 298g it feels heavy when you push the pace. Many runners pair it with a lighter tempo or race shoe and use the Clifton Pro for recovery and long steady days. As a do-it-all marathon trainer for speed it is not the pick.

Yes, it is a very forgiving shoe for newer runners. The generous cushioning protects your legs while you build mileage, the neutral geometry suits most feet, and the stable base is reassuring despite the tall stack. The main hesitation is the £155 price, which is a lot for a first pair. If budget matters, the standard Clifton 11 offers a similar experience for less, but if you want maximum comfort from day one the Pro is a genuinely easy shoe to run in.

The core difference is the foam. The Clifton Pro uses a supercritical ProGlide+ midsole that feels bouncier and more energetic, while the standard Clifton 11 uses a more traditional, slightly firmer foam and costs less. Both share the same easy-day, max-cushion purpose and a similar fit. Think of the Pro as the premium, more responsive version for runners who want extra return underfoot and are happy to pay for it.

As a premium daily trainer built for high mileage, the Clifton Pro should return a typical 500 to 800km before the cushioning noticeably fades, in line with other max-cushion trainers. The outsole uses strategically placed rubber to protect the high-wear zones while keeping weight in check, so pay attention to the exposed foam areas if you are a heavier runner. Rotating it with another shoe and keeping it to road use will help it last towards the top of that range.

It works well for walking and being on your feet all day thanks to the deep, soft cushioning and stable, rockered ride. Plenty of people buy max-cushion Hokas as much for comfort off the run as for training. Just bear in mind the snug-ish toe box if you like a roomy casual fit, and that the £155 price is aimed at runners rather than casual wear, so there are cheaper options if running performance is not part of the plan.