Hoka Clifton 8 vs. Hoka Mach 4 (2022)
The Hoka Mach 4 was one of the biggest surprises of 2021, while the Hoka Clifton 8 is the most popular model in the Hoka collection. So let’s which one comes out on top!
Mach 4 has surprised runners so much because it has made an unexpected leap forward in terms of bounce, comfort, and durability compared to the Mach 3.
It’s lighter than the Clifton 8, and the upper offers a more structured foot lockdown. Both shoes have the same stack height in terms of cushioning, but the Mach 4 has firmer cushioning. The bounce is equivalent, with perhaps a slight advantage for the M4.
Overall, the Mach 4 has the edge, and we recommend it if you’re on the fence. However, athletes looking for soft cushioning and a flexible foot lockdown will prefer the Clifton 8.
Side-by-side comparison
Soft, high-stack cushioning, which is responsive enough for daily runs
Bigger upper suitable for runners with wider feet
Breathable (and vegan!) mesh
Lightweight shoe
The looser fit of the upper can be tricky to adjust for athletes with thin feet
Lightweight trainer
Great upper fit
Sturdy build
Soft yet stable
Upper is a bit warm
It feels heavier than it is and somewhat awkward at fast speed
Hoka Clifton 8
Hoka Mach 4
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 5 mm | 5 mm |
| Heel stack height | 29 mm | 29 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm | 24 mm |
| Weight (men) | 250 g/8.8 oz | 227 g/8 oz |
| Weight (women) | 215 g/7.6 oz | 191 g/6.7 oz |
| Release year | 2021 | 2021 |
Technologies
| Outsole | Zonal rubber, flex grooves | Rubberized EVA foam, flex grooves |
| Midsole | CMEVA, Meta-Rocker Geometry, OrthoLite | PROFLY, Early Stage Meta-Rocker, Swallow Tail |
| Upper | 100% vegan engineered mesh | Engineered mesh with heat pressed TPU embroidered yarns, anatomical design for the Achilles, slightly padded gusseted tongue |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 3 – Moderate |
Use
| Speed | Moderate | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery | Daily runs |
Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner’s Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He’s also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.