Ahead of the release of the Clifton 10, Hoka has created a new mash-up sneaker to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Clifton 1 taking the running world by storm.
The Hoka Clifton One9 does what the name suggests by pulling parts from both the Clifton 1 and the Clifton 9. The upper will be familiar to those who had the first Clifton, an everyday runner that debuted in 2014 and marked a flashpoint for the brand’s hallmark Metarocker shape. Nostalgia won’t come at the expensive of comfort, however, as the hybrid sneaker makes use of the contemporary Clifton 9 sole unit with its compression-molded EVA foam and Active Foot Frame.
While the Clifton 10 will continue the series’ mission of lightweight and plush everyday mileage, the Clifton One9 is targeted toward the lifestyle space with its retro look. Its debut comes in “Habanero/Black” and “Blue/Citrus” colorways, and additional variants will come in March.
Hoka took a similar hybrid approach for the Mafate Three2, which features the upper of the Mafate 3 and sole unit of the Mafate 2.
When it launches in April, the Clifton 10 will come with 3mm of added heel-to-toe drop along with a fine-tuned fit, new breathable jacquard upper and double-lace lock. Before then, another Hoka staple for everyday running will come via the January release of the Bondi 9, which gets a head-to-toe revamp including a new supercritical foam.
The widely praised Clifton 1 introduced many runners to Hoka, which was just five years old in 2014. In 2014, Hoka brought back the first Clifton in its original form to much fanfare.
The Hoka Clifton One9 is out now through Hoka’s website, stores and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $150.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
