Comparisons / Daily trainer

Nike Pegasus 42 vs HOKA Clifton 11

The two best-known everyday trainers. The Pegasus is the firmer, livelier option with a 10 mm drop and an Air Zoom unit for some pop. The Clifton is about 20 g lighter, softer underfoot and rolls smoothly on its rocker, though some testers find it a little flat.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

Nike Pegasus 42Nike Pegasus 42: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
NikePegasus 42Daily trainer84/100 · 2 reviews
HOKA Clifton 11HOKA Clifton 11: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
HOKAClifton 11Daily trainer87/100 · 2 reviews

Which should you buy?

Choose the Pegasus 42 if you want a durable, responsive all-rounder that can handle the odd tempo run. It runs slightly small, so try half a size up.

Choose the Clifton 11 if you want soft, protective heel cushioning and a smooth rolling ride for easy miles.

The Pegasus 42 is 20 g heavier than the Clifton 11. It has 5 mm less foam under the heel. Its drop is 10 mm against 8 mm. It costs £10 less at full price.

Side by side

SpecPegasus 42NikeClifton 11HOKA
Review score84/100 (2 reviews)87/100 (2 reviews)
TypeDaily trainerDaily trainer
Weight (men's UK 8.5)286 g266 g
Heel stack37 mm42 mm
Drop10 mm8 mm
CushioningBalancedSoft
BounceBouncyLively
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitRuns smallTrue to size
Widthsstandard, wide, extra widestandard, wide, extra wide
Waterproof versionNike Pegasus 42 GORE-TEXHOKA Clifton 11 GTX
UK RRP£130£140

Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.

What the critics say

Pegasus 42

  • Durable, versatile everyday trainer
  • Softer, more forgiving forefoot than before
  • Roomier, more generous fit
  • The Air Zoom plate adds weight
  • Heel landings can feel firm

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Clifton 11

  • Excellent heel cushioning
  • Stable, controlled ride
  • Fits true to size
  • Little energy return, so it can feel flat
  • Toe box tapers more than some expect

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

Nike Pegasus 42: Swaps the Pegasus 41's two Air Zoom units for a full-length curved Air Zoom plate and a roomier, more anatomical fit. Same ReactX foam, stack and 10 mm drop.

HOKA Clifton 11: Noticeably lighter than the Clifton 10 thanks to a simpler, non-gusseted tongue, with more toe-box height for a better fit. The foam and stack are essentially unchanged.

Prices for the Pegasus 42 Prices for the Clifton 11

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