HOKA Clifton PRO vs On Cloudsurfer Max

The Clifton PRO is the livelier, more rockered trainer, with a 44.8mm heel stack and an aggressive roll that suits runners who want pace work and daily miles in one shoe. The Cloudsurfer Max is the softer, smoother max-cushion option, with a lower 36mm stack and a trampoline-style CloudTec Phase ride that testers praise for easy road miles. Both are neutral and come in wide 2E, so fit is close; the Clifton PRO feels firmer and faster, the Cloudsurfer Max feels plusher and more forgiving.

• Choose the Clifton PRO if you want a rockered, responsive trainer for tempo runs and daily miles, and you like a higher stack underfoot.
• Choose the Cloudsurfer Max if you want maximum softness and a smooth, rolling ride for easy and recovery runs.