HOKA Clifton 11 vs Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
Our pick: HOKA Clifton 11 takes it — 81 vs 76.
Both are strong — the call comes down to what you prioritise:
- HOKA Clifton 11 — You coach easy-day and recovery clients, or heavier heel strikers, who want soft, protective cushioning in a neutral daily trainer.
- Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III — Buy if you want maximum ground feel for lifting and functional training and you are ready to transition to barefoot gradually.
HOKA Clifton 11
A lighter, softer and better-fitting Clifton for easy miles. The foam is unchanged, so it is still protective rather than lively, and outsole wear is an open question.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is the reference barefoot gym shoe: a wafer-thin, zero-drop platform with class-leading ground feel that makes it superb for lifting, functional training and hard-floor work. It is polarizing though — the adaptation curve is real, versatility is limited, and the price is steep for what it is.
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