I went to the US Open last week fully expecting to see some seriously impressive footwork on the court. But after spending the day in my new Hoka Clifton UTL sneakers, I think my feet deserve a little applause too. I’ve been loyal to Hoka for years, purchasing multiple pairs of its uber-popular Clifton and Bondi shoes, so when the brand offered me a chance to test its new lifestyle spin on the Cliftons, I jumped at it.
Hoka
These cushy sneakers made my marathon of a day much more comfortable, but without the polarizing, look-at-me colors you’ll find on other Hokas.
- Very comfortable with no break-in period
- Sleek, pared-back design is less flashy than the brand’s other styles
- Lightweight and cushioned enough for hours of walking
- Expensive
- Not supportive enough for intense workouts
First, some background. Sneakers are non-negotiable for my annual trip to the Open. As someone who’s attended for more than a decade, trust me on this one: Ignore the TikToks encouraging you to wear heels or cute sandals with a trendy outfit. Unless you have suite seats — or no plans to venture beyond a single court — your feet will be begging for a timeout before the first match is over.
My Clifton UTLs arrived just one day before I went, so I was a little nervous about wearing them without a proper break-in period. But after 20,000 steps, countless laps around the grounds and hours spent bouncing from match to match, they were the real MVPs of the day. They deliver the cloud-like cushioning Cliftons are known for, but serve it up in a street-style design made for everyday wear. Hoka may be famous for bright colors and oversized logos, but this pair is refreshingly understated, which means it plays much more nicely with the non-activewear side of my closet.
These cute kicks made 20,000 steps surprisingly easy.
(Yahoo/Rebecca Carhart)The breathable mesh upper offered plenty of airflow and stretch, and both were essential on the hot, humid day I attended the Open. The plush footbed softened my steps, while foam padding beneath the tongue and around the ankle collar kept me comfortable after hours of pounding the pavement. I finished a full day of spectating with no blisters, aching arches or desperate searches for the nearest seat.
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What’s the catch? Well, as much as I loved them, I probably wouldn’t choose the Clifton UTLs for running, intense workouts or serious hikes. My Clifton 10s feel springier and lighter, and my Bondi 9s offer more stability and support, so I’ll continue reaching for those when my plans involve more than leisurely laps. But for dog walks, errands and days when I know I’ll be racking up plenty of steps just going about my daily routine, the UTLs will be my new go-tos.
The other major downside: They’re $155 a pair. That’s undeniably steep, especially for sneakers I don’t plan to exercise in. Still, if you want an everyday shoe that can comfortably carry you through hours of walking without looking too sporty or flashy, they might be worth the splurge.
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More Hoka Cliftons to shop
If that price gives you sticker shock, you’re not out of the match just yet: I found plenty of other Cliftons starting at $105. Discounted colors and sizes disappear quickly, though, so don’t sit on the sidelines for too long.
