HOKA Clifton 10 Review: A Decade of Cushion
Clifton 10: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 278g US 10
- W: 227g US 8
Best For:
- Daily training, best on the easy days!
- Great for all day comfort and a solid walking shoe option.
Price:
- $270 AUD
Stack Height & Drop:
- M: 42mm heel / 34mm forefoot
- W: 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot
- 8mm drop
Favourite Features:
- The new upper makes it the most comfortable Clifton to date.
- Higher drop and smooth midsole ride.
Release Date:
- April 17th, 2025
What's the Clifton 10 all about?
The Hoka Clifton franchise is one of the most recognisable names in the running shoe industry and for good reason. When the original Clifton debuted it was a real departure, breaking away from the minimalist trends of the time by introducing a high stack, ultra cushioned ride that prioritised comfort and protection. This bold shift laid the groundwork for what would become Hoka’s signature identity, a brand that fully embraced maximalist cushioning while still delivering surprisingly lightweight designs.
Over the years, the Clifton series has evolved, refining its foam compounds, fit and geometry while staying true to its core identity as a reliable, cushioned workhorse. Each iteration has brought subtle improvements without straying too far from what runners and walkers love about the model.
Now in its 10th iteration, the Hoka Clifton 10 continues to shine as a daily trainer built for easy and long runs. While it's primarily designed for running, the Clifton has also carved out a reputation as an exceptionally comfortable walking shoe, making it a go to choice for those who spend long hours on their feet looking for all day comfort. We’re glad to see this will still be the case moving into its 10th iteration.
It's been two years since the last major update, so what’s changed in the Clifton 10 and how does it stacks up? Let’s dive into the key updates.
There are two key updates in the Clifton 10:
1) Midsole drop bumped up to 8mm
One of the most notable updates in the Clifton 10 compared to the Clifton 9 is the change in the midsole pitch. For the first time in Hoka's lineup, the Clifton moves from a 5mm heel to toe drop to an 8mm drop. This change is made by the additional 3mm of stack in the heel, which subtly shifts the shoe’s feel.
Standing in the shoe, you’ll notice the difference as your heel doesn't sink into the shoe as much as in previous versions. This will be appreciated by runners who especially prefer a bit more heel pitch in their shoes or found other popular Hoka models, such as the Bondi 9 which sits at a 5mm drop, to be too low. While the difference might be subtle, we think it's a good move from Hoka.
In terms of the midsole foam, Hoka are using their CMEVA (compression molded EVA) in the Clifton 10. It doesn't get the supercritical treatment like the Hoka Bondi 9 midsole, but the foam is still decently cushioned and reliable for a daily trainer. During our testing, we've found the Clifton 10 midsole to be smooth, stable with its broad surface area and cushioned without being overly soft. It really seems as though Hoka are trying to distinctively separate the Clifton from the Bondi this year with different foams, drops and geometry, making it easier for runners to decide between the two.
One of the first things we noticed is the increased forefoot flexibility. Hoka has introduced more horizontal flex grooves through the forefoot outsole, adding a touch more give up front. It’s a bit of a surprise, considering the Clifton’s long standing reputation as having a stiffer forefoot over its previous nine versions. The good news is that the Clifton 10 still delivers a smooth heel to toe transition and it doesn’t feel overly flexible, but the shift is noticeable and worth keeping in mind if you’ve been loyal to past Clifton models.
2) Jacquard knit improves heel and forefoot fit
The Clifton 10 debuts an updated jacquard knit upper, refining both comfort and fit while maintaining the lightweight, breathable feel that Clifton fans love. The knit material delivers a snug but adaptive fit, conforming to the foot for a more dialed in experience. Notably, the rearfoot now offers more depth, accommodating a broader range of foot shapes while still maintaining a secure hold. The heel collar features just the right amount of padding, striking a balance between soft comfort and structure to prevent any unwanted heel slippage.
One of the most welcome updates is the beefed up tongue, which adds an extra layer of comfort across the instep. The benefit of this is it minimises lace pressure when you lace it up, reducing any potential discomfort during longer runs. We love when brands also incorporate a gusseted tongue as it keeps the midfoot locked down and prevents unwanted movement of the tongue. We've found this update provides a more secure fit around the heel, but offers a bit more room and volume through the forefoot compared to the Clifton 9. It makes the overall feel more relaxed and accommodating, perfect for those who found the previous version slightly snug. It's really great to see Hoka are again committing to width options, offering the Clifton 10 in standard and wide in both men's and women's sizing which allows more runners to access this shoe.
Georgia's thoughts
The Clifton 10 is the first model in the Clifton line that I’ve been able to comfortably run in. Previous versions caused rubbing on the medial side of my arch, due to the construction of the side walls, and this became noticeable after just a few steps. I’ve really enjoyed using the new model for my walk/runs as I return to running after a bone stress injury.
The added 3mm of stack height under the heel is a nice improvement, as it prevents me from sinking too deep into the midsole. It provides a high level of responsiveness compared to other Hoka mileage shoes I’ve tried in the past. Additionally, the sizing feels more accurate in this version, unlike previous Clifton models, so I highly recommend trying them on before buying - just to be sure!
Once I’m back to consistent running, the Clifton 10 will definitely be my go-to shoe for easy 30-45 minute jogs, which will be the focus of my runs in the next month or so. I’m excited to put more mileage into mine and see how they perform after 300+ kms. I also believe they’re a great option for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet at work or for walkers who rack up significant mileage each week.
Nathan's thoughts
I've had a long and positive history with the Clifton family, starting with the Hoka Clifton 5 back in 2018. Over the years, I’ve relied on the Clifton 6 and 7 for my easy runs. I've logged over 50km in the Clifton 10 now and I feel like it’s a refined evolution of the Clifton 9.
This shoe shines on easy days, especially for runs in the 30-60 minute range, where its cushioned platform and smooth ride really come through. It feels relatively lightweight for the amount of stack underfoot, making it comfortable to tick the legs over on easy days. While I’d personally reach for the Hoka Mach X 2 or their super shoes like the Hoka Rocket X 2 and Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 for any faster efforts, the Clifton 10 excels as that go to daily trainer workhorse.
While the Clifton 10 may not have a super fancy foam, plate or crazy geometry to the shoe, it’s simple and that’s exactly what makes it so valuable. A capable, reliable daily trainer is a must in any rotation and the Clifton 10 provides that experience out on the road.
About the author
Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd
I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.
My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.
