HOKA Arahi 8 vs HOKA Clifton PRO
We haven't tested HOKA Arahi 8 or HOKA Clifton PRO yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
These do different jobs: HOKA Arahi 8 is a stability daily trainer, HOKA Clifton PRO a daily trainer. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.
HOKA
Arahi 8
Check priceReview Pulse · Mixed · 69/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and stability and split on the ride and upper.
HOKA
Clifton PRO
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 75/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and upper and split on the ride and grip.
The differences that matter
- HOKA Arahi 8 is 19 g lighter.
- HOKA Clifton PRO has 3 mm more foam under the heel.
- HOKA Arahi 8 is the more supportive of the two.
- HOKA Arahi 8 costs $15 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
HOKA Arahi 8
Divisive
A softer, more centered stability ride with a smooth forefoot, but the clunky heel and low energy return make it feel slow.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Divisive
A smooth, rockered max-stack ride that rolls easily through easy and long miles; one tester finds it heavy and lifeless once the pace rises, and it is not a fast shoe.
Cushioning
HOKA Arahi 8
Praised
The taller EVA stack and softer foam provide comfortable protection for easy miles and long walks.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
The tall PROGLIDE+ stack is protective and stable for easy miles, though lab energy return is only average and the ride is not plush.
Upper
HOKA Arahi 8
Divisive
A roomier, higher-volume fit than earlier Arahi models, though the thick mesh runs warm and the stiff heel counter irritates some testers.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
A padded, breathable mesh upper with a secure heel and gusseted tongue; the toe box is still pointy and the midfoot runs snug.
Durability
HOKA Arahi 8
Divisive
One lab test finds excellent upper and outsole durability, while another sees exposed foam wearing early.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
Outsole rubber and lab abrasion results are good, but the thin knit toe box is a weak point.
Grip
HOKA Arahi 8
Divisive
Traction is decent on dry roads but only average in the wet, and one tester wants more grip.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Divisive
Most testers find the podular rubber confident on wet roads, while lab wet traction is only average.
Stability
HOKA Arahi 8
Praised
The H-Frame, sidewalls and wide base give balanced medial and lateral guidance without feeling overly corrective.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
A broad base, sidewalls and stiff platform make the high stack unusually stable for a neutral trainer.
Value
HOKA Arahi 8
Divisive
At $150 it is fair for a stability trainer, but reviewers question the price given the modest pace range and durability concerns.
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
At $165, reviewers see a fair price for the upgraded foam and Clifton comfort, though some think it should be discounted.
Which one to choose
Choose HOKA Arahi 8 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you want more support
- price matters
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs at relaxed paces
- Walking and standing
Choose HOKA Clifton PRO if…
- you want more foam under you
- its upper is what you care about most
- its durability is what you care about most
- its value is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery road miles
- Runners wanting max cushion with stability
- Clifton fans wanting more bounce
Specifications
- Category
- Stability daily trainer
- Daily trainer
- Price
- $150$15 less
- $165
- Weight
- 256 g19 g lighter
- 275 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 39 / 31 mm
- 42 / 34 mm3 mm more stack
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Stability
- Neutral
- Foam
- dual-density CMEVA
- SCF foam
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE