is known for being a light and soft alternative for your daily runs. It didn't take many years before it was defined as a classic daily trainer – and even though it has stayed true to its roots, it's clear that wants to shake things up a bit after ten years.
What's new? – Hoka Clifton 10
At first glance, the Hoka Clifton 10 and Clifton 9 look quite similar. The silhouette looks familiar. But once you put the shoe on, two things immediately stand out – and one more than the other.
First and foremost – and at the top of many running enthusiasts' list – is the change in heel drop from 5 mm to 8 mm. That's right. After nine years of continuity, Hoka has changed the drop from 5 to 8 mm. For many, it's a significant change. For me, the difference is minimal – and 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 included, you get a total of 10 mm extra in the heel. This makes the midsole more pronounced, softer, and slightly stiffer.
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 big when they are side by side. Yet, strangely enough, 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 a marshmallow. There is 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 the run – and that's exactly what happened over the week. I've run, enjoyed it, and the shoe has done its job in the background while I've focused on nature and the good spring days.
What impact does the higher stack have?
More foam makes the shoe higher and gives a more voluminous sensation during running. It 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 all the way – even when the legs got tired on longer runs. It's clearly a strength.
The downside, however, is the extra weight and bulk. Clifton 9 was surprisingly easy to run fast in, while Clifton 10 has become more of a comfortable daily shoe, best for easy days, recovery runs, and classic daily runs.
I understand why Hoka chose this direction – especially because ended very close to Clifton 9, partly thanks to the new supercritical foam, which 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, which make the upper a bit more structured – which makes sense when the stack is higher.
The tongue has also received a slight change, with a double locking system that keeps it securely in place over the instep during your entire run.
Otherwise, the upper is very similar to previous models: Comfortable, cozy, and not too warm.
The fit is true to size. I usually wear US 11, and it fits just right. I find the shoe slightly narrow – but that's probably because my foot tends to curve towards the big toe, causing me to feel the arch more.
Clifton 10 has a bit more space than Clifton 9, but most of this extra width is on the outside of the foot (lateral). Therefore, the first run gave me some warm sensations around the arch, but after a longer second run, the shoe already began to adapt to my foot – so I expect no problems going forward.
What can you use Hoka Clifton 10 for?
Daily miles. Simple and honest. Clifton 10 is a daily trainer with low weight that can handle most of your runs.
I wouldn't personally use it for the fastest days, intervals, or races – but I'd 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 complement if you want one shoe for fast runs and one for slow runs. And we know by now that rotating between multiple running shoes can help reduce the risk of injuries.
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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