Meet the Hoka Clifton 10, the newest evolution of one of Hoka’s most trusted daily trainers. This update brings an additional 4 mm of stack height, giving the ride a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot. It does gain a bit of weight, about 25 grams, but still stays comfortably under the 10-ounce mark, keeping it in the lightweight daily-trainer lane. The heel-to-toe drop also shifts from 5 mm to 8 mm, which many runners, especially those who want a bit more support through the lower legs, will notice in a positive way.
That extra foam paired with the steeper drop helps ease the strain on the knees and hips, creating a smoother ride during long efforts and recovery-focused days. In real use, the Clifton 10 excels at walk-run intervals, easy miles, and relaxed recovery sessions. Push the pace, and it becomes clear this shoe is built for comfort and consistency rather than speed, making it a reliable companion when you’re keeping things controlled and steady.
Table of Contents
- What’s New in the Hoka Clifton 10
- Fit and Comfort
- Cushioning and Ride Quality
- Stability and Support
- Outsole and Traction
- Quick Specs + Infographic
- Pros and Cons
- Who Should Buy the Hoka Clifton 10
- Final Verdict
- Hoka Clifton 10 FAQs
What’s New in the Hoka Clifton 10
The Hoka Clifton 10 doesn’t overhaul the formula, but it does deliver a few meaningful updates. The first thing you’ll notice is the weight. It’s slightly heavier than the Clifton 9, not enough to matter on short runs, but once you move into longer distances, those added grams start to make their presence known. Where the Clifton 9 felt light and effortless, the Clifton 10 adds a touch more substance underfoot while still staying efficient for daily miles.
The heel-to-toe drop also shifts from 5 mm to 8 mm, placing it at the higher end of a mid-drop profile. That adjustment offers better support for heel strikers and takes some pressure off the knees and hips, which many runners, especially older runners or anyone logging fatigued miles, will appreciate. It feels more stable without becoming rigid or overly structured, keeping the ride balanced and smooth.
Underfoot, the familiar CMEVA midsole returns to maintain the Clifton’s signature blend of cushioning and support. A switch to a livelier supercritical foam would have boosted energy return, but it likely would have pushed the shoe into a higher price tier, and part of the Clifton’s strength is its accessible $155 retail. The jacquard mesh upper is also more breathable this time around, offering better airflow and comfort as the miles stack up. All told, the Clifton 10 is about refinement rather than reinvention, slightly heavier, slightly higher, and still a trustworthy choice for easy and recovery-paced running.
Fit and Comfort of the Hoka Clifton 10
The Hoka Clifton 10 fits true to size, and the standout update is the noticeably wider toe box. It gives your toes more freedom to spread naturally, which makes a real difference on longer efforts or for runners dealing with sensitive feet or bunions. The heel counter and collar remain similar to the Clifton 9, offering a secure hold without unwanted pressure. Step-in comfort is excellent from the start, with no break-in period needed.
The jacquard mesh upper feels smooth, breathable, and consistently comfortable across easy runs and longer walks. It adapts well as your feet warm up or swell, helping prevent hotspots and irritation. The balance of softness and support creates a forgiving fit that stays comfortable throughout the run, making the Clifton 10 an easy shoe to reach for on relaxed, lower-intensity days.
Cushioning and Ride Quality of the Hoka Clifton 10
The Hoka Clifton 10 takes the cushioning up a notch compared to the previous version. The midsole feels softer underfoot, but it avoids crossing into overly squishy territory. Instead, it delivers a balanced blend of comfort and control that keeps the ride stable even as the foam compresses. The more pronounced rocker design also helps the shoe roll forward smoothly, making each transition feel natural and almost effortless.
The shift to an 8 mm drop does noticeably change the personality of the shoe. It provides better support for heel strikers, but it also pulls back some of the lively, evenly distributed feel that made the Clifton 9 more versatile. In this update, the Clifton leans more into its identity as a comfort-first daily trainer—steady, supportive, and dependable when you’re logging easier miles or shaking out tired legs.
What really elevates this model is its foot-friendly design. It’s APMA-accepted and has already earned recognition, including a 2025 Women’s Health sneaker award. The early-stage meta rocker helps guide the foot through a smooth heel-to-toe transition, while the slightly firmer forefoot limits excessive bending at toe-off. That combination is especially helpful for runners dealing with issues like metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, or bunions, but it benefits anyone who wants long miles to feel less taxing. In practice, the Clifton 10 is at its best during long runs, walk-run intervals, and recovery days, those moments when you want the shoe to support the effort so you can simply focus on moving forward.
Stability and Support of the Hoka Clifton 10
The Hoka Clifton 10 is technically a neutral shoe, but it offers more guidance than what you’d expect from a standard neutral trainer. The lateral and medial sidewalls create a subtle sense of structure, helping the foot stay centered without feeling forced or confined. Combined with the CMEVA midsole, the cushioning feels supportive yet flexible, giving the ride a smooth, balanced feel that works well for runners who want a touch of stability without switching to a true stability model.
This design makes the Clifton 10 a solid match for older runners, mild pronators, supinators, or anyone who appreciates a bit of extra support during easy miles. The heel fit adds to that confidence—secure, locked in, and free from slippage even on longer runs. Altogether, the Clifton 10 delivers a comfort-focused experience with just enough structure to keep things steady as fatigue builds, while still staying true to its neutral roots.
Outsole and Traction of the Hoka Clifton 10
Hoka updated the Clifton 10’s outsole with a more durable abrasion rubber, giving it both improved longevity and a slightly softer feel underfoot compared to the Clifton 9. The result is a smoother, more cushioned step without sacrificing ground contact or stability. On the run, the grip feels consistent across pavement, park paths, and treadmill belts, offering the kind of dependable traction you want in a daily trainer. It’s not designed to be aggressive, but it handles everyday surfaces with confidence.
Durability is another strong point. You can expect the Clifton 10 to deliver around 400 miles before noticeable wear sets in, which is impressive for a max-cushion shoe in this category. It’s built to go the distance on easy runs, long efforts, and those extra walking loops you add when the stride feels good. Overall, the outsole reinforces the Clifton 10’s identity as a reliable, comfort-focused trainer that’s ready for consistent mileage.
Quick Specs + Infographic
- Weight: 8.8 oz women / 9.8 oz men
- Stack height: 42/34 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Midsole: CM-EVA
- Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
- Category: Neutral Daily Trainer
- Price: $155
The Hoka Clifton 10 packs in noticeably more cushioning, with the midsole gaining 10 mm of additional foam and the forefoot alone carrying 7 mm more than before. Along with that, the series moves from a 5 mm to an 8 mm drop, a shift that offers extra protection for heel strikers while still feeling smooth and efficient for midfoot and forefoot runners.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a balanced look at the strengths and trade-offs of the Hoka Clifton 10, and what those mean in real-world running.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning with improved softness — The midsole gains substantial additional foam compared with the prior model, delivering a noticeably softer, more comfortable ride without feeling unstable.
- Well-balanced heel-to-toe drop — An 8 mm drop offers added support for heel strikers while remaining smooth and efficient enough for midfoot or forefoot runners.
- Smoother transitions — The rocker geometry helps the foot roll forward fluidly, making easy runs, recovery miles, or walk-run intervals feel effortless.
- Thoughtful fit and comfort — Upgrades to the toe box and breathable upper improve fit comfort; heel lockdown remains secure, and no break-in period is required.
- Supportive yet neutral — Built-in sidewalls add light stabilizing support, helpful for mild pronation, supination, or runners who want a touch more structure without shifting to a full stability shoe.
- Durable outsole with reliable grip — The updated abrasion rubber and outsole design deliver dependable traction across roads, paths, and treadmills, and the outsole is built to last.
- Ideal for recovery, long, or easy days — The overall ride profile makes the Clifton 10 a strong daily trainer for easy runs, recovery workouts, and long, steady efforts.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than before — The added cushioning and structure add a bit more weight, which becomes more noticeable on longer or faster runs compared with lighter trainers.
- Less responsive / “liveliness” reduced — The softer midsole and comfort-first focus strip away some of the snap or bounce you might expect from more performance-oriented shoes.
- Less suited for speed work — Don’t expect the Clifton 10 to excel in fast tempo runs or intervals; it leans into comfort over quick turnover.
- Foam trade-offs when compared to premium alternatives — The cushioning is generous, but it doesn’t match the energy return or softness of more expensive “super-foam” models, which might matter to those chasing maximum performance.
Who Should Buy the Hoka Clifton 10
Who should buy the Hoka Clifton 10
- Runners who prioritize comfort over speed. If you mainly log easy miles, recovery runs, or walk-run sessions, the Clifton 10 shines thanks to its plush cushioning and smooth ride.
- Heel strikers and older runners. The higher 8 mm drop and cushioned midsole relieve pressure on joints, making it a solid choice for those who want extra protection for knees, hips, or lower legs.
- Runners with supination or those who want gentle guidance. Built-in sidewalls offer a degree of support without shifting the shoe into “stability” territory, useful if you want a neutral shoe that feels a bit more stable over long miles.
- Anyone seeking a reliable daily trainer. If you want one dependable pair for everyday runs, easy miles, recovery days, or long slow efforts, the Clifton 10 plays exactly that role: comfortable, durable, and low-maintenance.
- People valuing comfort, fit, and durability over flashy performance. With a wider toe box, breathable upper, and durable outsole, this shoe works well for runners whose priority is long-term comfort, foot health, and consistent mileage.
Who shouldn’t buy the Hoka Clifton 10
- Runners chasing speed, tempo, or interval performance. The Clifton 10 is tuned for comfort and smoothness. It won’t offer the bounce, responsiveness, or ground feel that a lightweight or race-oriented shoe provides.
- People who prioritize peak energy return or snappy ride. The softer midsole sacrifices some zest and responsiveness, so if lively propulsion or a springy feel is a must, you might feel limited.
- Runners who dislike heavier shoes on long or fast runs. Even though the Clifton 10 stays under “light daily trainer” weight, some may notice the added grams over longer distances or at faster paces.
Final Verdict
The Hoka Clifton 10 leans fully into its role as a comfort-first daily trainer, delivering a softer midsole, smoother transitions, and a more accommodating fit than previous versions. It’s a shoe built for consistency rather than flash, offering dependable cushioning, light guidance, and a secure fit that holds up well across easy runs, long efforts, and recovery days. With its updated drop and improved upper, it supports a wide range of runners, especially those who value joint protection, relaxed pacing, and all-day comfort.
It’s not the most energetic or responsive Clifton to date, and it won’t be the shoe you reach for when speed is the priority. But if you want a reliable workhorse that feels gentle on the feet and legs, stays stable as fatigue sets in, and delivers excellent comfort for daily mileage, the Clifton 10 stands out as one of Hoka’s most approachable and user-friendly trainers yet.
Hoka Clifton 10 FAQs
Here are the most common questions runners ask about the Hoka Clifton 10, along with clear, practical answers to help you decide if it’s the right daily trainer for your needs.
Is the Hoka Clifton 10 good for beginners?
Yes. Its soft cushioning, smooth transitions, and forgiving fit make it an excellent option for new runners who want comfort and protection as they build mileage.
Can I use the Clifton 10 for speed work?
You can, but it’s not ideal. The shoe is designed for easy, recovery, and long-run pacing. Runners who prioritize tempo or interval sessions may prefer a lighter or more responsive model.
Does the Clifton 10 work for mild overpronation?
Yes. While technically neutral, the built-in sidewalls offer gentle guidance that helps mild pronators stay centered without needing a full stability shoe.
How does the fit compare to the Clifton 9?
The Clifton 10 has a slightly wider toe box and a more breathable upper. Heel lockdown remains similar—secure, comfortable, and free of slipping.
Is the Clifton 10 good for walking?
Absolutely. The soft cushioning, rocker geometry, and secure fit make it just as comfortable for long walks as it is for steady runs.
What’s the expected durability?
Most runners can expect around 400 miles before significant wear appears, which is solid for a max-cushioned daily trainer.
Is the Clifton 10 suitable for runners with forefoot issues?
Yes. The early-stage meta rocker and slightly firmer forefoot help reduce bending stress, offering relief for conditions like metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, or bunions.
What surfaces does it perform best on?
Primarily roads, pavement, treadmill belts, and light park paths. It’s not designed for technical trails or uneven terrain.
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