Hoka Clifton 10 review

The Hoka Clifton 10 continues the brand’s tradition of their most popular lightweight, cushioned running shoes that work outstandingly for daily mileage and long runs. The Clifton 10 looks and feels a lot like the Clifton 9 – and to the untrained eye, you would find it hard to tell the difference.

However, there are a few tweaks to the midsole geometry, upper mesh, heel-to-toe drop, weight and placement of the outsole rubber which makes the ride feel slightly different.

I’ve been testing them on easy runs and the odd dog walk around my neighborhood (because the previous version was such a great running AND walking shoe), and here’s how they stack up compared to the Clifton 9.

Key specifications

• Price: $150 from Hoka (launch date is currently set for April 15th, 2025)
• Weight: 9.7oz / 275g (Men’s size 9)
• Drop: 8mm (42mm heel / 34mm forefoot stack height)
• Midsole: CMEVA foam with rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ for stability
• Upper: Breathable jacquard knit with reflective details
• Outsole: Abrasion rubber in high-impact zones, exposed foam elsewhere
• Ideal Use: Daily training, easy runs, longer efforts

How they fit and feel

I stuck to my usual Hoka size, which ended up being spot-on for length and width – they do have a medium width just like the previous version.

The new jacquard knit upper has a soft, breathable feel, and the double-lace lock helps keep the tongue from shifting around – something that the previous model suffered from a little.

This double-lace lock feature is the first time I’ve ever seen it used on a running shoe, and thinking about it now. It totally makes sense if you want to stop the tongue from not only slipping down but also to the sides.

I also like how the heel counter is padded enough to cradle my Achilles, yet doesn’t feel overly built up – it also has flex in it which makes them very easy to slip into.

Overall, the shoe delivers that plush underfoot experience you’d expect from a Clifton, with enough firmness to avoid feeling mushy during longer runs.

Hoka Clifton 10 VS Clifton 9

While the Clifton 10 and Clifton 9 share a similar shape and ride, the Clifton 10 weighs a touch more (9.7oz vs. 8.70oz) and has a higher drop (8mm vs. 5mm).

The new heel-to-toe drop is the feature that changes the ride more than anything and i personally noticed that it felt different on my first run before looking at the specs. Slower runners and heel strikers are likely to prefer this new ride.

So, in practice, the Clifton 10 rolls through the footstrike a bit differently, especially if you tend to land on your heel.

Hoka has also adjusted the rubber placement along the outsole to offer more coverage where many runners scuff or land. There’s still exposed foam, but the most common wear zones are more protected than they were on the Clifton 9.

What’s good

One of the first things I noticed is how the higher drop helps create a smooth transition from heel to toe as it promotes the activation of the rear rocker sooner.

I usually land midfoot to forefoot, but on days when I’m a bit tired and strike farther back (like on recovery runs, or longer runs), the Clifton 10 seems to guide my feet forward nicely. This is especially true on easy or recovery runs where I just want a cushioned, comfortable ride.

Another highlight is the updated jacquard upper (pictured above).

It’s soft enough to go sockless if you ever felt the desire to do so, and it’s airy enough that my feet don’t heat up when I’m out for longer runs.

I’ve found the padding around the heel and ankle to be just right—supportive without feeling bulky – it feels just like the previous version did. It also helps that the double-lace lock keeps the tongue in place so I’m not stopping mid-run to re-adjust the tongue.

I’m happy with how stable the midsole feels for a shoe that’s this cushioned – again this was something I noted in my review of the Clifton 9 – but the Clifton 10 now has that rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ for added stability.

Sometimes heavily cushioned shoes can leave you feeling like you’re rocking from side to side due to too much compression, but that’s not the case here – I wouldn’t call it a plush ride like Hoka states, rather it feels cushioned with a good balance of responsiveness.

The Clifton 10 handles mild gravel paths and pavement transitions without feeling unsteady, and the rubber placement on the outsole is also a step forward.

I can see how it might help extend the shoe’s lifespan, compared to how the Clifton 9’s outsole wore down in certain spots (EVA foam sections) a bit faster but there’s no getting away from the fact there are still exposed areas in the midfoot which will be less durable and will wear down faster.

Finally, this remains a comfortable shoe for runners who want that classic Clifton feel: lightweight, easygoing, and suitable for everything from gentle jogs to mid-distance efforts. It might not be my top pick for speedwork, but for general mileage, it’s been incredibly dependable so far.

Things to note

As with the Clifton 9, there’s still exposed foam on the outsole. If you’re logging most of your miles on rough roads or you have a tendency to shuffle your feet, you might see noticeable wear before too long.

The added weight could also be a sticking point if you’re used to super-light trainers—though most runners probably won’t notice an extra ounce or so once they get moving – I certainly didn’t and it’s my job to pick up on these things.

Lastly, the 8mm drop might feel high if you’re used to lower-offset shoes. It’s comfortable for me, but it’s worth considering if you prefer a flatter platform.

My verdict

The Clifton 10 stays true to the Clifton line’s identity as a lightweight, cushioned daily trainer that can handle everyday miles and moderate distances without bogging you down.

The updated drop, improved outsole rubber placement, and double pinned tongue are all welcome tweaks, even if the exposed foam remains a concern for those who run on rougher surfaces.

If you enjoyed the Clifton 9 or want a soft-yet-stable daily trainer running shoe that’s reliable and comfortable, you STILL can’t go wrong with the Hoka Clifton. The Clifton 10 is set to launch on April 15th, 2025 and can be purchased via the link below.

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