An optimized pulse shaping clock data recovery system is provided that includes a slicer configured to receive a signal and provide an initial set of tentative decisions to a decision feedforward equalizer, where the decision feedforward equalizer provides a fully equalized output signal. The slicer may be incorporated as part of decision feedback equalizer to provide better quality tentative decisions. The clock data recovery system also receives the first output signal that is partially equalized in such a way as to optimally shape it for a clock to sample it at an ideal location by providing an adjustment signal to the analog to digital controller.