Meet the Hoka Clifton 10, the latest update in one of Hoka’s most popular daily trainers. This version packs 4 mm more stack height than its predecessor, giving you extra cushion to sink into, like adding an extra pillow under your feet. Yes, it’s also a little heavier (about 25 grams / 0.8 oz more), but with the weight still under 10 oz, it stays in the “light daily trainer” category.
The heel-to-toe drop shifts from 5 mm to 8 mm, a change that older runners especially may appreciate. That added foam and steeper drop smooth out the load on your knees and hips, making long efforts and recovery days feel kinder to the lower kinetic chain. In practice, the Clifton 10 shines for walk-run intervals, easy miles, and recovery runs. Try to sprint in it, and you’ll quickly find it’s more “relax and cruise” than “go for broke.”
Contents
- What’s New in the Clifton 10
- Fit and Comfort
- Cushioning and Ride Quality
- Stability and Support
- Outsole and Traction
- Weight, Stack Height, and Drop
- Pros and Cons
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Hoka Clifton 10
- Final Verdict: Hoka Clifton 10
What’s New in the Hoka Clifton 10
The Hoka Clifton 10 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does roll out a few key updates worth noting. First up: weight. It’s a little heavier than the Clifton 9, nothing dramatic for short runs, but stretch it out to double digits and you’ll notice those extra grams tagging along. If the Clifton 9 felt like cruising in a hybrid sedan, the 10 leans a touch closer to a compact SUV, still efficient, but with a little more bulk underfoot.
The heel-to-toe drop now sits at 8 mm, up from 5 mm in the last model. That puts it squarely in the higher end of the mid-drop range, which means better support for heel strikers without feeling like you’re running on stilts. The bonus? It’s still gentle on knees and hips, giving older runners (and tired runners) some extra biomechanical kindness.
Underfoot, the familiar CMEVA midsole foam returns, delivering that middle ground between cushioning and support. Do we wish Hoka had borrowed the more energetic supercritical foam from the Bondi? Absolutely. But then again, that would have nudged the Clifton 10 into a pricier bracket, and part of its appeal is the $155 price tag, which undercuts most “premium foam” options.
On top, the jacquard mesh upper is noticeably more breathable than the Clifton 9, keeping feet cooler and less swampy when the miles pile up. Small detail, big difference in comfort.
Overall, the Clifton 10 is less about dramatic overhauls and more about subtle tweaks—slightly heavier, slightly higher, but still a dependable daily trainer for easy and recovery miles.
Fit and Comfort
The Hoka Clifton 10 fits true to size, but here’s the big win: a wider toe box than the previous model. Your toes finally get some elbow room, no more mid-run negotiations between pinky and big toe. For runners with sensitive feet or bunions, this extra space is a quiet game-changer.
The heel counter and collar haven’t changed much, and that’s a good thing. Padding and lockdown are about the same as the Clifton 9, which means your heel stays put without feeling squeezed. Step-in comfort is excellent right out of the box, no awkward “break-in dance” required.
As for the upper, the jacquard mesh feels smooth and forgiving, especially during long walks or easy runs. In other words: no hotspots, no weird rubbing, no excuses not to keep going. It’s plush where it needs to be, breathable where it matters, and forgiving enough to handle those days when your feet decide to swell like balloons.
Cushioning and Ride Quality
The Hoka Clifton 10 softens things up a bit compared to the last model. The midsole is noticeably softer, but not in that marshmallow, “am I running on pudding?” kind of way. It’s cushy without being sloppy, striking a nice balance between comfort and control. Add in a more pronounced rocker shape, and the transitions feel smooth and effortless, like your stride has cruise control built in.
That said, the move to an 8 mm drop does change the vibe. While it offers better heel strike support, it trims away some of the lively, evenly distributed ride the previous model delivered. The Clifton 9 felt a bit more versatile; the Clifton 10 leans harder into its role as a comfort-focused daily trainer.
On the plus side, this shoe has serious foot health credentials. It’s APMA-accepted and even snagged a 2025 Women’s Health sneaker award. Much of that praise goes to its forefoot design: the early-stage meta rocker encourages a smooth heel-to-toe transition, while the slightly stiffer forefoot prevents overbending at toe-off.
For runners dealing with metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, or other forefoot issues, that design is a lifesaver. And for everyone else? It just makes long miles feel a little less punishing. The Clifton 10 is best suited for long runs, walk/run intervals, and recovery days, basically, the times when you want your shoes to do the heavy lifting while you focus on getting the miles in.
Stability and Support
The Hoka Clifton 10 is technically a neutral shoe, but it doesn’t leave you hanging when it comes to support. Thanks to the built-in sidewalls on both the lateral and medial sides, it feels a little more guided than your typical “do-it-all” neutral trainer. Think of it as a neutral shoe that secretly sneaks in some stabilizing guardrails, like bumpers at the bowling alley, but subtle enough that nobody notices.
The CMEVA midsole foam does its job well, offering a blend of cushioning and structure that keeps the ride smooth without feeling overly rigid. This setup makes the Clifton 10 a great option for older runners or those with mild pronation, as long as there aren’t major foot issues in play.
Heel fit is another strong point: it’s secure with zero slippage, so no annoying “heel escape attempts” mid-run. Overall, the Clifton 10 delivers a stable, supportive ride while staying true to its neutral DNA, a comfort-focused daily trainer with just enough structure to keep things steady when fatigue sets in.
Outsole and Traction
Hoka gave the Clifton 10’s outsole a little makeover with durable abrasion rubber that not only lasts longer but also adds a softer feel underfoot compared to the Clifton 9. It’s like getting new tires that also somehow improve your suspension.
On the run, the grip is dependable across pavement, park paths, and even treadmill belts (because yes, treadmill miles still count). The traction isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable—you won’t be skating around corners unless you’re running in a rainstorm on polished marble, and if that’s the case, the shoes aren’t the problem.
As for durability, the Hoka Clifton 10 is no lightweight in the longevity department. Expect it to hold up for around 400 miles before showing serious signs of wear, which is solid for a max-cushion daily trainer. In other words: it’ll stick with you through plenty of easy miles, long runs, and those “just one more loop” walks.
Weight, Stack Height, and Drop
- Weight: 8.8 oz (women), 9.8 oz (men)
- Stack height: 42/34 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
The midsole has gained 10 mm of additional foam compared to the previous model. Despite the higher drop, the forefoot still carries 7 mm more cushioning than before.
The Clifton series has moved from a 5 mm to an 8 mm drop. This adjustment provides added cushioning for heel strikers while still maintaining efficiency for midfoot and forefoot runners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- More cushioning than ever (4 mm extra stack) for a softer, joint-friendly ride
- Wider toe box = happier toes, especially for sensitive feet or bunions
- Breathable jacquard mesh upper keeps things cool on long runs and walks
- APMA-accepted + award-winning design for foot health and comfort
- Smooth transitions thanks to the rocker geometry and stable midsole sidewalls
- Durable outsole with reliable traction—up to ~400 miles of use
- Still under 10 oz, which is light for a max-cushion daily trainer
Cons
- Heavier than the Clifton 9 (+25 g / 0.8 oz) and noticeable on long runs
- Less lively ride than its predecessor due to the higher 8 mm drop
- CMEVA midsole feels solid, but lacks the “superfoam” bounce found in Hoka’s pricier models
- Not built for speed—tempo runs or races will feel like work
- Midfoot fit is neutral-friendly, but may feel snug for very wide-footed runners
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Hoka Clifton 10
Buy it if:
- You want a soft, cushioned daily trainer for easy runs, recovery miles, or long walks
- You’re an older runner (or just a runner with older joints) who appreciates a forgiving ride and the new 8 mm drop for knee/hip relief
- You have sensitive feet, bunions, or forefoot issues—the wider toe box and forefoot rocker design are a big win here
- You like a shoe that’s versatile enough for walk/run intervals, gym sessions, and casual wear
- You’re looking for a durable, max-cushion trainer under 10 oz that won’t flatten out in 100 miles
Skip it if:
- You want a fast, snappy trainer for tempo runs or racing—this one prefers “cruise mode” over “turbo mode”
- You loved the livelier feel of the Clifton 9 and don’t want to trade bounce for more foam and a higher drop
- You prefer superfoam energy return (Bondi X, Mach X, or even carbon-plated racers) over traditional EVA cushioning
- You have very wide feet—the toe box is roomier than before, but it’s not a true wide-fit solution for everyone
- You want a budget trainer—at $155, it’s reasonably priced for what it offers, but not the cheapest daily shoe on the market
Final Verdict: Hoka Clifton 10
The Hoka Clifton 10 stays true to the Clifton DNA: soft cushioning, smooth transitions, and all-day comfort. The updates, more stack, a higher 8 mm drop, and a wider toe box, make it friendlier for older runners and those dealing with sensitive feet or forefoot issues. It’s still light enough to qualify as an excellent daily trainer under 10 oz, and the outsole durability means you’ll get plenty of easy miles before retirement.
But let’s be honest: this isn’t a shoe that wants to go fast. The Clifton 10 shines in walk/run intervals, long easy efforts, recovery days, and casual wear. If you want snappy tempo sessions or a bouncy superfoam feel, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
At $155, it’s priced fairly for what it delivers: dependable comfort, foot-health credentials, and a versatile shoe that feels as good on a Sunday long run as it does on a grocery store stroll. In short: the Clifton 10 is like that reliable friend who never flakes, maybe not the life of the party, but always there when you need them.
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