Hoka Clifton vs On Cloudsurfer
Comparing the current Clifton 11 and Cloudsurfer 3. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Clifton 11 is the lighter shoe by 0.9 oz in a men's US 9, and both run the same 8 mm drop, so it is the one that feels quicker without asking your stride to change. Both sit in the same role (daily trainer). The Clifton 11 lists $5 lower.
- Hoka Clifton 11Men's at AmazonWomen's
- On Cloudsurfer 3Stock unverifiedMen's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Oct 13, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Clifton 11 | Cloudsurfer 3 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9.2 oz | 10.1 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E, 4E | D |
| Upper | Softer engineered mesh with 3D print overlays and a 3D-printed open-cell sockliner | Evolved warp-knit engineered mesh with a padded collar and tongue |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 42 mm | 45 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 34 mm | 37 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam with a MetaRocker profile | Surreal superfoam in re-engineered CloudTec Phase geometry |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $155 | $160 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Clifton has done it once in 5 versions, most recently with the Clifton 10 in 2025, and the Cloudsurfer has done it 2 times in 3 versions, most recently with the Cloudsurfer 3 in 2026. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Clifton has the steadier record.
Buy the Clifton 11
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Sep 10, 2026.
Buy the Cloudsurfer 3
Stock unverifiedAvailability last checked Oct 13, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Hoka Clifton lineage and the On Cloudsurfer lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Hoka Clifton or the On Cloudsurfer lighter?
- The Clifton 11, by 0.9 oz in a men's US 9 (9.2 oz against 10.1 oz).
- Can I switch from the Hoka Clifton to the On Cloudsurfer?
- The drop matches at 8 mm, which is the spec that usually forces an adjustment, so most runners move across without one. Check the width and toebox instead.
- Which is more cushioned, the Hoka Clifton or the On Cloudsurfer?
- The Cloudsurfer 3, on stack height: 45 mm under the heel against 42 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The Clifton 11. The Clifton 11 runs in D, 2E, 4E for men's sizes; the Cloudsurfer 3 runs in D.
- Which costs more, the Hoka Clifton or the On Cloudsurfer?
- The Cloudsurfer 3, by $5 at list ($155 against $160). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated October 13, 2026.