HOKA Clifton 10 Review
Clifton 10: HOKA’s Classic Daily Trainer Refined
Likes
- Cute reliable trainer
- Lots of stable cushioning
- Lightweight with good support
Dislikes
- Slightly snug forefoot
- Less flexible midsole than Clifton 9
- Increased cushioning sacrifices some responsiveness
What's New
The Clifton 10 remains a maximally cushioned daily trainer. Built for long-lasting comfort, it continues to offer the soft, protective ride runners expect from the Clifton. While the foam compound remains unchanged, the biggest update is the heel-to-toe drop, now 8mm – an increase of 3mm in the heel compared to the previous version. This aligns the Clifton more closely with other daily trainers.
Other key updates include a new breathable jacquard mesh upper for improved breathability and a redesigned heel collar for a more comfortable fit. The forefoot fit has also been adjusted for a more secure feel. These updates refine the fit and feel without drastically changing the Clifton’s overall feel.
The HOKA Clifton 10 might not be a game-changer, but it remains a solid pick for comfort and consistency on everyday runs.
The Bottom Line
The Clifton 10 maintains a familiar fit and performance to its predecessor, featuring minor refinements rather than groundbreaking changes.
While we found the shoe’s updated cushioning comfortable and supportive, the added foam comes at the expense of energy transfer and responsiveness. As a result, the Clifton 10 is best suited for easy miles, recovery runs, or daily training rather than speed-focused workouts. The redesigned upper keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable, with grip and durability continuing to be strong points as well.
Overall, the Clifton 10 continues to provide the cushioning and all-day comfort HOKA is known for. Though runners seeking a more responsive, speed-friendly option may prefer other models, the Clifton remains a reliable choice for those prioritizing comfort, durability, and everyday mileage.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 258 g (EU size 9/EU size 42 2/3) | Women's: 221 g (US size 8/EU size 39 1/3) |
| Stack Height | 43 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Comparable Shoes
HOKA Clifton 10 vs. HOKA Bondi 9
Ava: "I chose to compare these shoes because they are both maximally cushioned shoes. However, I would only reach for the Bondi for slow recovery miles. For daily training or longer runs, I would choose the Clifton 10 because it's lighter and more versatile. Compared to the Bondi 9, the cushioning on the Clifton 10 feels more responsive and plush, but the shoe feels less stable."
HOKA Clifton 10 vs. Nike Vomero 18
Becky: "I have currently been wearing the Nike Vomero 18 as one of my other daily trainers for easy miles. The Vomero 18 feels more energetic and therefore has made for a more fun running experience for me than the Clifton 10."
HOKA Clifton 10 vs. HOKA Clifton 9
Kaitlyn: "Compared to the Clifton 9, I think most people will be very pleased with this upgrade. The midsole is softer and maintains the fan-favorite Clifton build. In comparison to other daily trainers, I personally would prefer a shoe that is somewhat firmer in the midsole, though this one is still a favorite for some nice easy miles."
Hoka Clifton 10 vs. Saucony Ride 18
Torsten: "To me, the HOKA Clifton 10 and the Saucony Ride 18 are both great daily trainers, but they deliver a different running experience. The Clifton 10 stands out with its signature HOKA cushioning - soft, plush, and incredibly comfortable for long runs. It provides a smooth and effortless ride while absorbing impact really well. The Ride 18, on the other hand, has a slightly firmer feel with more ground contact, making it more responsive, especially when picking up the pace. While I love the Clifton 10 for easy and recovery runs, the Ride 18 feels a bit more versatile when I want a more energetic ride. If you prefer max cushioning and a rolling sensation, the Clifton is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a balance between comfort and responsiveness, the Ride 18 is a solid choice."
Individual Thoughts
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 10 is a great choice if you are looking for an everyday workhorse. If you are a complete beginner and are looking for your first pair of running shoes, I would highly recommend this shoe. It is a great option for daily training with lots of cushioning and would be great for walking or long periods of standing.
However, if you are looking for a daily trainer that is more versatile with foam that is more responsive, I would look elsewhere. I would also recommend trying the Clifton first because it doesn’t work for everyone’s foot. The Clifton 10 is better suited for slightly wider feet with a medium to high arch.
The Clifton 10 continues to be a reliable daily trainer for easy miles. If you liked the Clifton 9, you will probably like the 10. It is a comfortable fit, soft cushion, and works well for slower paces and walking. It’s a shoe I would choose if I was going to spend the day on my feet. However, the foam in the midsole lacks any responsiveness for me, which is something I look for to make running more fun and feel easier. It would be great to see the next version of Clifton get a more modern foam.
This shoe makes for a great, standard daily trainer. It isn’t one with a lot of bells and whistles but is a shoe that you can rely on and put a lot of miles on. While I wouldn’t recommend doing any speed work in this shoe, I think it is a fantastic option for logging your daily miles.
For me, the HOKA Clifton 10 is the perfect all-day training shoe, offering a great combination of cushioning and responsiveness. The midsole provides a soft yet stable feel, making longer runs comfortable and smooth. The forefoot fit is slightly narrower but still secure and supportive. Whether for easy runs or long distances, the Clifton 10 delivers a well-cushioned, effortless ride that keeps my legs feeling fresh.
