Whether I’m planning to get in some running time on my travels, or I just want an excellent, comfortable shoe for walking around in a new place, I usually bring along a pair of running shoes. With better stability than dress shoes (as well as the ability to wear them all day without tiring my feet out), and more flexibility than hikers, running shoes are my staples for reliable travel gear.
My recent favorite is the Hoka Clifton 8, from the brand’s beloved Clifton franchise. The updated shoe kept favorite elements of the line, while improving other areas and adding a new midsole compound with one of Hoka’s lightest foams to date.
The shoe is an optimal combination of soft and light, offering maximal cushion in a lighter package. That means you can comfortably wear them all day, and when you have to pack them on your travels, you’re barely adding any weight (7.20 ounces) to your bag. The updated shoe also offers a smoother ride for a broader range of athletes.
The Clifton 8 has an upgraded heel and tongue designed for plush, breathable comfort. The engineered mesh upper also delivers lightweight breathability. No sweaty feet after hoofing it around town all day, or wearing the shoes on the plane. The compression-molded EVA midsole gives feet that signature soft Hoka cushioning.
An extended heel crash pad gives you a softer landing, whether you’re walking or running. The extended Achilles pull tab helps for a quick off and on when you’re at the TSA checkpoint.
The women’s Clifton 8 shoes come in white/white, black/white, aquarelle/eggshell blue, cantaloupe/silver peony, outer space/Atlantis, and a color combo called “together.” They list for $130 on the Hoka site. The men’s version lists for the same price and comes in white/white, black/black, black/white, evening primrose/charlock, fiesta/blazing orange, real teal/aquarelle, outer space/Vallarta blue, and “together.”