is known as a light and soft alternative for your daily runs. It didn't take long before it was defined as a classic everyday trainer – and although it has held on to its roots, it's clear wants to shake things up a bit after ten years.
What's New? – Hoka Clifton 10
At first glance, Hoka Clifton 10 and Clifton 9 look quite similar. The silhouette remains. But once you put the shoe on, two things stand out immediately – one more than the other.
First of all – and top of many running enthusiasts' lists – is the change in heel drop from 5 mm to 8 mm. That's right. After nine years of consistency, Hoka has altered the drop from 5 to 8 mm. For many, this is a significant change. For me, the difference is minimal – perhaps even hard to notice, because the midsole has also been updated.
The second change is the amount of foam in the midsole. Without considering the drop, the foam height has increased significantly – by 7 mm in the forefoot, and with the drop considered, you get a total of 10 mm extra in the heel. This makes the midsole more pronounced, softer, and slightly firmer.
Together, these changes create a shoe that feels more forward-leaning, rolls more towards the toes, and offers both increased comfort and a slightly fuller sensation underfoot.
Changed – but Still a Hoka Clifton
The difference between Clifton 9 and Clifton 10 is substantial when having them side by side. But strangely, it felt like a true Clifton when I first put on Clifton 10.
The foam is soft – like a mattress – but not so soft that it feels like running on marshmallows. There's a structure in the midsole that guides the foot forward in the familiar Hoka roll and ensures stability – even with the high stack.
Clifton 10 is a daily trainer without unnecessary gimmicks. It's built to let you focus on running – and that's precisely what happened during the week. I ran, enjoyed it, and the shoe did its job in the background while I focused on nature and the pleasant spring days.
What Does the Higher Stack Mean?
More foam makes the shoe taller and gives a more voluminous feeling while running. This has influenced what I think the shoe does well.
Often, higher shoes also become more unstable, but the construction in Clifton 10 makes me feel stable throughout – even when the legs got tired on longer runs. That's clearly a strength.
The downside is the extra weight and bulk. Clifton 9 was surprisingly easy to run fast in, while Clifton 10 is more of a comfortable everyday shoe, best suited for easy days, recovery runs, and classic daily runs.
I understand why Hoka chose this direction – especially because ended very close to Clifton 9, thanks to the new supercritical foam that provided both speed and comfort in a package with less foam.
How is the Upper?
If you compare the upper of Clifton 9 and Clifton 10, you won't find many differences. But I can see some reinforcements around the eyelets, making the upper a bit more structured – which makes sense when the stack is higher.
The tongue has also received a small change, with a double locking system that keeps it securely in place over the instep throughout your run.
Otherwise, the upper is much like previous models: Comfortable, cozy, and not too warm.
The fit is true to size. I usually wear US 11, and it fits just as it should. I find the shoe a bit narrow – but that's likely because my foot tends to curve towards the big toe, making me feel the arch more.
Clifton 10 has a bit more room than Clifton 9, but most of this extra width is on the outside of the foot (laterally). Therefore, the first run gave me some warm sensations around the arch, but after a longer second run, the shoe began to adapt to my foot – so I expect no problems moving forward.
What Can You Use Hoka Clifton 10 For?
Daily miles. Simple and honest. Clifton 10 is a lightweight daily trainer that can handle most of your runs.
I personally wouldn’t use it for the fastest days, intervals, or races – but I would gladly use it for long runs, daily runs, and recovery.
For many, it can still be a versatile “do-it-all” shoe. But as mentioned earlier: would be a perfect supplement if you want one shoe for fast runs and one for slow ones. And we know by now that rotating between multiple running shoes can help reduce injury risk.
Regardless – Hoka Clifton 10 is a shoe that does what it's supposed to: It guides you forward, adapts to your foot, and helps you enjoy your daily runs.
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