Hoka Clifton 10 Running Shoes Review
Welcome changes to our favorite cushioned road running shoe
April 15th, 2025
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Our Verdict
After months of testing the men's and women's HOKA Clifton 10 on road runs, walks around the neighborhood, long days on our feet traveling or working at a brewery, and for active recovery days, we’ve found this model to be our favorite Clifton yet.
While the new Clifton 10 model is still a neutral, cushioned road running shoe, updates to the heel, underfoot traction, midsole geometry, forefront fit, and lacing are welcome changes.
The shoe feels like a return to the Clifton 8s, which we preferred over the 9s for its roomier, less narrow toe box (an update HOKA did, in fact, make).
Unless you’re a devout HOKA Clifton wearer, or trying the shoes side-by-side, you may not notice the updates. And if you prefer a narrow toe box, you may want to snag the Clifton 9s while they’re still available and on sale.
The Clifton 10 is also a highly accessible road running shoe, not just for its cushion and neutral ride, but because it comes in wide and extra-wide sizing too. However, the change from a 5mm drop to 8mm drop makes this now a high-drop rather than mid-drop shoe, which will benefit folks who heel strike but may be unpopular for folks who prefer running closer to their natural gait in a low or mid-drop shoe.
Hoka Clifton 10
Men's
Women's
We’ve already tested and reviewed the HOKA Clifton 8 and Clifton 9, allowing us to directly compare the newest iteration. The Clifton series is a beloved shoe for its comfort, cushion, and versatility as a daily trainer, recovery shoe, and everyday work shoe for folks who stand on their feet all day.
After about 30 hours in these recently-released shoes, from road (and even some trail) runs in Colorado and Arizona, as well as long walks and days on our feet, we’re ready to share what you can expect from the new HOKA Clifton 10.
For runners looking for a neutral, cushioned daily trainer, anyone looking for supportive shoes to wear on walks or active recovery days, and folks on their feet a lot (e.g., nurses, teachers, shift and service industry workers), the Hoka Clifton 10 may be the best fit.
Related: Best Men's Road Running Shoes and Best Women's Road Running Shoes
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Specs
Cushion: Plush
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 8 mm
Stack height: 34 - 42 mm (men’s size 10), 30 - 38 mm (women’s size 8)
Upper: Mesh
Midsole: Compression molded EVA
Outsole: Rubber
Weight (per shoe): 9.8 oz (men’s), 8 oz (women’s)
What We Liked
We tested the men's HOKA Clifton 10 on road and paved paths across the desert Southwest. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
Wider footbed and toe box
More responsive than previous model
Some runners will like the lighter weight
Same comfortable ride we’ve come to expect from the Clifton series
Overall quality daily trainer
Now available in X-wide
What Could Be Better
Higher drop, responsiveness, and lighter weight are a shift from the active recovery shoe we loved (i.e., these updates encourage faster running than previous Clifton models)
Slight price increase
Comparison table
| RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Clifton 10 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.6 oz | 1 lb | Plush | 8 mm | 34 - 42 mm (M), 30 - 38 mm (W) |
| HOKA Clifton 9 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 1.4 oz | 15.8 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 36 - 28 mm |
| HOKA Bondi 9 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 5.0 oz | 1 lb, 2 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 42 - 37 mm |
| On Cloudsurfer 2 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 1.4 oz | 1 lb | Maximum | 9 mm | 32 - 23 mm |
| Brooks Ghost 16 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.0 oz | 1 lb, 1.0 oz | Moderate | 12 mm | 35.5 - 23.5 mm |
Features
We tested the HOKA Clifton 10 on roads, paved paths, non-technical trails, city streets, and during long shifts at the brewery. We found their balance of cushion and responsiveness perfect for daily training road runs and long days walking or standing. Photo by Becca Downs
Fit
Improvements to the fit make the HOKA Clifton 10 our favorite iteration yet. The 10s shift away from the longer, more narrow toe box of the 9s and back to the roomier footbed of the 8s we loved. However, if you have preferred the narrower fit of the 9s, you may want to try on the 10s before committing to a pair.
Another big update regarding the fit is that the Cliftons now come in regular, wide, and X-wide sizing, whereas the previous models only came in regular and wide. This is a welcome change, as our men’s tester found the wide 9s not wide enough for extra-wide (4E) feet.
The upper around the ankle is still cushioned and cups the heel comfortably. Other than the general updates to the fit, you won’t notice anything different about the comfort of the 10s—they still offer the same people-pleasing fit the Cliftons have been known for, designed for everyday road running.
Stability
Most runners will find the HOKA Clifton 10 work well for slight pronation or supination or for folks who use corrective orthopedic inserts. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
The Hoka Clifton 10s offer neutral support, which is ideal for most runners (and easy to add orthotic inserts too if that is your preference). So, if you have a “standard” stride—i.e., your feet land evenly rather than rolling inward, causing the arches to flatten (pronation or overpronation), or rolling outward (supination or underpronation).
A little pronation is natural and common, but it’s a good idea to have your gait analyzed by a specialist if you're curious or uncertain.
Neutral shoes also still work well for slight pronation or supination, as well as for folks who use corrective orthotic inserts. For example, I have hip dysplasia and arthritis on one side, which causes just one of my feet to pronate while the other has a more standard strike. As a result, a neutral shoe like the Clifton 10 works well for me, whether I run with or without inserts.
Cushion
HOKA updated the Clifton 10 to add 3 mm of cushion to the heel, making this an 8mm drop shoe rather than a 5mm drop shoe. Photo by Becca Downs
One of the updates to the Clifton 9 is an added 3 mm of cushion in the heel, which creates a higher heel-to-toe drop than previous models. The effect of more cushion on the heel is a little more forgiveness on the joints for heel strikers. That is, if you tend to land on your heels rather than the midsole, these shoes will soften the blow a little more than the previous models.
The EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole is compression molded for comfort and designed to reduce the impact with each step. The balanced cushion of the HOKA Clifton 10s offers give in the insole, while the Meta-Rocker encourages a smooth ride and forward movement for a more responsive feel.
Compared to the 8s and 9s, the 10s feel a little less cushioned and more responsive overall. While still a highly cushioned shoe, it’s more daily-trainer plush and less active-recovery plush. In other words, we think this model shines as an everyday road running shoe, whereas the previous models shined on active recovery days (i.e., easier and shorter efforts after tough workout days) and as walking/occasional-running shoes.
Comfort
Because of the high stack, plush cushioning, and improved fit, the Clifton 10s are about as comfortable of a daily training shoe as you can find. The balanced cushion and responsiveness help propel the body through runs without feeling like you’re dragging your feet in something clunky or stiff.
The plush midsole, which feels just as plush as previous models, also means these shoes are a good option for heavier runners. The cushion absorbs impact, while HOKA’s Meta-Rocker technology in the midsole encourages a smooth ride, both of which helps relieve some of the pressure at the joints with each stride.
Weight
There’s conflicting weight information between HOKA’s website and the spec sheet for this new shoe. According to their spec sheet, the women’s Clifton 10 weighs 8 oz per shoe and the men’s weighs 9.8 oz per shoe. Also according to their spec sheet, this means the women’s weighs 0.3 oz less than the Clifton 9s and the men’s weighs 0.4 oz more.
However, according to the specs on HOKA’s website for the Clifton 9s, the women’s Clifton 10 weighs 0.7 oz more and the men’s weighs 0.9 oz more.
In testing, my women’s pair of Clifton 10s feels lighter than the 9s. In fact, I was surprised by how light the shoes felt. Some runners may really appreciate this. However, for a daily training shoe or recovery shoe, this weight difference is subtle and likely won’t make a big difference in your training experience.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Close up on the heel-to-toe drop on the HOKA Clifton 10s. These running shoes have a higher stack that previous versions. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
The heel-to-toe drop (also known as “offset”) of the Clifton 10 is 8 mm, categorizing it as a high-drop shoe. This is a shift from previous models, which had 5 mm of drop and were considered mid-drop shoes. This change is subtle unless you’re shifting from a zero-drop or low-drop shoe.
If you’re not quite sure what heel-to-toe drop means, it’s essentially the height difference between the midsole and the forefoot. In practice, this metric can indicate how close to our “natural” gait this shoe will help our feet land, versus how much heel stability the shoe provides to correct a gait. For example, a zero-drop shoe has no stack height difference between the heel and forefoot. This means a runner’s feet would land as they naturally do, which is a good option for people with excellent form.
Mid-drop shoes (around 5 mm) and high-drop shoes (8+ mm) offer more cushion at the heel to help ease the blow of heel striking and encourage a smoother stride. A few millimeters may not sound like much, but over the course of a run (and especially over many runs) it can have a big impact on how you feel.
You may encounter discourse (and notice marketing) in this arena claiming one option is better than another, but ideal drop is dependent on your needs as a runner or walker. Knowing what is best for your feet can be difficult, especially if you’re new to running, and may take some trial and error. Many running stores have setups (e.g., a treadmill and camera) to help assess your needs.
For anyone new to running, or looking for an everyday walking shoe, a mid-drop shoe is usually a good place to start. However, high-drop shoes are also effective options for many new runners who may want that extra heel cushion. This, in addition to the neutral stability and high cushion, makes the HOKA Clifton 10 a good option for beginners.
Reflective Material
The HOKA Clifton 10s are not reflective. If you run or walk in the dark, check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide for safety tips.
Plush tongue
The tongue is plush, adding to the over comfort of the fit.
Performance in the Field
The Meta-Rocker midsole technology in the HOKA Clifton 10s encourages a smooth ride and gentle forward propulsion. Photo by Becca Downs
Break-In Time
Since the HOKA Clifton 10 is a neutral shoe with a balanced cushion, we found you really don’t need much time to break them in. Perhaps the only exception would be if you’re shifting from a road running shoe with very different specs, like a zero-drop shoe. In that case, we recommend starting off alternating between short runs or walks in the Cliftons with a couple runs in your old shoes before shifting over completely.
For example, most Altra shoes have a 0 mm drop, whereas the Hoka Clifton 10 has an 8mm drop. Switching from a pair of Altras to the Clifton 10s as a trainer would call for an adjustment period.
Fortunately, as this shoe is pretty middle-of-the-road in most categories, it shouldn’t take long for anyone to break in.
Ride
The Meta-Rocker structure HOKA uses is a curved sole that prevents the foot from impacting flat and hard while offering propulsion in the stride. The Clifton 10s still have an “early-stage Meta-Rocker,'' which means the heel-to-forefoot motion of the foot rocks smoothly, as opposed to the “late-stage Meta-Rocker,” which puts the rocker point closer to the toe to increase stability.
In addition to allowing for a smoother ride, the Meta-Rocker adds versatility to the HOKA Clifton 10s. They are highly cushioned yet responsive enough to perform well as daily training shoes. However, this also means if you want a specialized shoe for different purposes–i.e., a speed workout shoe or a recovery shoe–you may want to look elsewhere. A heavier, plush, and less responsive shoe, like the HOKA Bondi, will encourage better recovery, and a lighter, more responsive shoe like the HOKA Mach 6 will encourage faster running for workout days.
A slight change to the ride also comes from the higher heel-to-toe drop of the 10s. Since HOKA added 3 mm off stack to the heel, the drop to the stack height at the toes is now 8 mm instead of 5 mm, shifting the Cliftons to the “high-drop” shoe category rather than “mid-drop"). This change may sound small, but folks sensitive to drop—particularly if you’re moving away from a zero-drop shoe like the Altra Torins—easing into shoes with higher drops should be done slowly. This means the Cliftons may no longer be the best option for people who generally prefer low or mid-drop shoes.
Grip and Traction
While the HOKA Clifton 10s are designed for the roads, they can handle some crossover on non-technical trails. These shoes shine as a road running trainer for everyday miles. Photo by Becca Downs
The outsole of the Clifton 10 offers the same reliable traction for road running. I would not, however, recommend them for technical trail running. Both our men’s and women’s testers found they worked fine on non-technical trails if you’re occasionally crossing over from the roads, but they work best on pavement.
Durability
The HOKA Clifton 10s continue to offer the same level of durability we’ve found standard among most of the running shoes we test. That is, the upper, midsole, and outsole all last about 300-500 miles, depending on a variety of factors (e.g., the runner’s gait and frame, or the terrain on which they run).
Personally, I spent about 30 hours testing these shoes on runs, walks, and long days on my feet and they hardly show signs of wear (other than dirt, naturally). The main concern is the amount of exposed midsole foam, which could break down faster than shoes with less exposed foam. Our men’s tester agreed that durability seemed typical for road running shoes with exposed midsoles.
Breathability
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild tested the breathability of the HOKA Clifton 10 by running in them for several months in Arizona. Photo by Sam Schild.
Updated from the previous model, the Clifton 10 now has a Jacquard knit upper. It’s tightly woven, lightweight, and breathable, so the shoes perform well over long outings.
Jacquard knit uppers are known for being more comfortable and flexible than engineered mesh uppers, but less breathable. In testing, we didn’t notice a big difference in breathability between the Clifton 10s and shoes with engineered mesh uppers. However, if you regularly run somewhere exceptionally hot, this may be worth taking into consideration.
Warmth
This shoe is not designed to keep feet warm and dry, and is therefore not designed for frigid conditions. If you’ll be running in cold temperatures, you’ll want to pair this shoe with some merino wool blend socks, like our Best Winter Running Socks in our Best Running Socks guide, the Darn Tough Run Ultra socks.
Laces/Lockdown
The long laces of the Clifton 10s can pull the shoe tight enough around the midfoot and ankle to stay stable. This model was also updated with a double-lace lock for an even more secure fit.
Meta-Rocker
As described in the Ride section, Hoka still uses its early-stage Meta-Rocker in this model of the Clifton to guide the foot through a smooth landing. One purpose of the Meta-Rocker is to reduce hard, flat-footed pounding on the pavement that could cause pain or injury. This technology is most beneficial for folks who have experienced plantar fasciitis or other foot injuries, as this structure eases and redistributes the pressure on the soles of the feet.
In testing, I’ve found I appreciate the Meta-Rocker in HOKA shoes not just for the smoother ride, but also for the responsive stride it encourages. I’ve found I fatigue less during a run when a shoe is both cushioned and responsive, like the HOKA Clifton 10 is, because I’m using a little less energy and not pounding the pavement as hard.
Value
As with the Clifton 9s, the price of the 10s increased $5 and cost $150. This is a little more expensive than other neutral, balanced, and cushioned running shoes. For example, the Brooks Ghost 16, Asics Gel-Cumulus 27, Nike Pegasus 41, New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v15, and the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 are all $140—and have held that price for the last couple model updates.
For how often road running shoes are updated, we hate to see the cost jump each time with this shoe. If you want to save $10, those other models (as well as previous versions of the Cliftons) are also solid options as daily trainers. But if you find the HOKA Clifton 10s the most comfortable, they’re still worth the price.
Brand Sustainability and Responsibility
The HOKA Clifton 10s are made of recycled materials and are vegan shoes. HOKA has been part of the United National Global Compact (UNGC), a corporate sustainability initiative committed to responsible labor standards and environmental practices, since 2016. HOKA publishes their goals and reports on clean energy, carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste. This transparency and tracking are vital steps toward sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
Differences from the HOKA Clifton 9
The HOKA Clifton 10 (left) and the HOKA Bondi 9 (right) are both maximum cushioned shoes that work well both as daily trainers and recovery shoes. When worn side-by-side, we found the Clifton 10s to be a bit more responsive. Photo by Becca Downs
We’ve found the HOKA Clifton 10 to be our favorite Clifton yet.
The HOKA Clifton 10 brings updates to the heel, underfoot traction, midsole geometry, forefront fit, and lacing. The Clifton 10 feels like a return to the Clifton 8s, which we preferred over the 9s for its roomier, less narrow toe box
Unless you’re a devout HOKA Clifton wearer, or trying the shoes side-by-side as we did, you may not notice the updates. We think the Clifton 10 is the way to go unless you prefer a narrow toe box, in which case, you may want to snag the Clifton 9s while they’re still available and on sale.
HOKA Clifton 9
Men's
Women's
One benefit of the Clifton 10 is it is available in more size options, including a wide and extra-wide sizing version.
The notable change is the Clifton 10 is an 8 mm drop shoe, compared to the Clifton 9, which was a 5mm drop shoe. That makes the Clifton 10 a high-drop rather than mid-drop shoe, which will benefit folks who heel strike but may be unpopular for folks who prefer running closer to their natural gait in a low or mid-drop shoe.
Should I buy the HOKA Clifton 10?
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild running in the HOKA Clifton 10 in Arizona as part of a ultramarathon training plan. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
The HOKA Clifton 10 is a great everyday trainer for road runners who want a lightweight, neutral, cushioned shoe. Previously, we dubbed the Clifton 8s and 9s our favorite Active Recovery Shoe in both our Best Women’s Road Running Shoes and Best Recovery Shoes guides. While they would still work well as active recovery shoes—i.e., shoes to wear walking or on light jogs to recover from harder efforts—we think the updates to this model shift it more solidly into the everyday trainer category.
Like the previous models of the Clifftons, and like a lot of HOKA shoes in general, these are a great option for folks who are on their feet all day. Educators, healthcare professionals, and service industry workers can all benefit from the high cushion, grippy outsole, and overall comfort of the Clifton 10s.
Additionally, these shoes are best suited for roads. In addition to paved paths, we tested them on gravel roads and even single track trails and you could manage non-technical trails in them. But they are not designed for trail running. If you’re interested in trail running shoes, check out our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes and Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guides.
HOKA Clifton 10
Men's
Women's
Similar Models/ Other Shoes to Consider
HOKA Bondi 9
Price: $170
Upper: Engineered mesh with 55% recycled polyester
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: 80% rubber/20% EVA
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz (women’s), 1 lb, 5.0 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
Cushion: Maximum Cushion
Stability: Neutral
The HOKA Bondi 9 is a neutral, plush, mid-drop shoe with a more energetic supercritical EVA foam midsole. Previous models of the Bondis were clunkier and more plush, whereas the 9s (which we are currently testing) are more agile and equipped for daily training rather than walking.
In testing the Bondi 9s and Clifton 10s side-by-side, the Clifton 10s feel more cushioned and the Meta-Rocker midsole feels more noticeable, making the shoe feel more responsive. However, the differences are so subtle we sometimes forgot we were wearing two different shoes. You can read our review of the HOKA Bondi 8. Stay tuned for our in-depth review of the HOKA Bondi 9 coming soon.
HOKA Bondi 9
Men's
Women's
ON Cloudsurfer 2
Price: $160
Upper: Breathable mesh upper
Midsole: CloudTec
Outsole: Helion foam
Weight: 7.2 oz (women’s), 8.6 (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Neutral
Due to the On Cloudsurfer’s plush cushioning and general comfort, we’ve featured the On Cloudsurfer in our Best Road Running Shoes and Best Recovery Shoes for Runners guides. We also have a full, in-depth review of the On Cloudsurfer.
In terms of comfort, fit, and cushion, the On Cloudsurfer is similar to the HOKA Cliftons. closest comparison for the HOKA Bondi 8 of shoes we’ve tested. The Cloudsurfer is also a high-drop shoe, with 10 mm of drop.
We are currently testing the updated On Cloudsurfer 2 and look forward to seeing how those compare as well.
ON Cloudsurfer 2
Men's
Women's
Brooks Ghost 16
Price: $140
Upper: Polyester (88% recycled)
Midsole: Helion Superfoam
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 1 lb (women’s), 1 lb 1.4 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
We dubbed the Brooks Ghost 16 our Best Road Running Shoe for Beginners in our Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guide for its reliable fit, ride, and cushion, and its value ($140). This is an even higher drop shoe at 12 mm.
Brooks Ghost 16
Men's
Women's
Saucony Ride 18
Price: $140
Upper: Recycled engineered mesh
Midsole: TPU
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 1 lb, 0.8 oz (women’s), 1 lb, 3.8 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
The Saucony Ride is another great neutral, cushioned road running daily trainer, and the winner of our Best Budget Road Running Shoe in our Best Women’s Road Running Shoes guide. The Ride 18s weigh the same and have the same 8mm drop as the HOKA Clifton 10s, but cost $10 less.
Saucony Ride 18
Men's
Women's
New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v14
Price: $140
Upper: Synthetic/mesh
Midsole: Fresh Foam X with bio-EVA
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: oz (women’s), (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v14 is a neutral, cushioned road shoe that also has 8 mm of drop. It’s a little heavier and offers more stability than the HOKA Clifton 10s.
New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v14
Men's
Women's
About the Author / Why you should trust us
Becca ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification for coaching running and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt in 2020, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, writing, crewing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it.
You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page. You can follow her on Instagram at @beccad___.
