Our verdict

The Hoka Clifton 10 took nearly two and a half years to arrive—a long stretch compared to the yearly cycles of some competitors. Yet despite its familiar looks, we discovered a full overhaul under the hood. Hoka raised the stack to maximalist levels, widened the toebox, and increased the drop to favor heel strikers. There are downsides too, as the weight gain, outdated foam, and flatter ride make it less lively than before. Still, for comfort-seekers chasing a stable, everyday option, it remains a solid pick that’s likely to sell fast once again.

Pros

  • Superb joint protection
  • Wider toebox improves toe splay
  • Comfortable upper
  • Stable ride despite its high stack height
  • Works well for heel strikers
  • Ideal for long runs
  • Versatile for daily walking or jogging
  • Achilles-friendly heel collar design

Cons

  • Needs a better foam ASAP
  • Notable weight gain from v9
  • Feels more Bondi than Clifton
  • Non-gusseted tongue

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Who should buy

After testing the Hoka Clifton 10 in the lab and on the road, we believe it's perfect for:

  • Runners who found the Clifton 9 undercushioned and wanted a thicker, more protective ride.  
  • Heel strikers needing a stable, hard-wearing daily trainer with a comfort-first design.  
  • Marathoners looking for a go-to option for long, slow miles that works for casual use too.
  • Those who skipped past versions of the Clifton due to a narrow toebox—this one finally fixes that.

Hoka Clifton 10

Who should NOT buy

The biggest letdown of the Clifton 10 is its midsole. Over two years since version 9, it still relies on plain CMEVA foam while rivals move toward high-performance compounds like those in the ASICS Novablast 5 or Adidas Adizero EVO SL.

We also feel Hoka may have overdone the stack, pushing it past 40 mm. That’s a big leap from earlier versions, and many runners might prefer something more balanced like the Nike Pegasus 41 or Saucony Ride 18.

Hoka Clifton 10 parts

On top of that, the extra foam brings noticeable weight gain. For runners who prioritize a lightweight feel, the Hoka Mach 6 might actually be the Clifton 10 that never existed.

Cushioning

Heel stack

The change in stack height from the Clifton 9 to 10 is absolutely staggering. It jumps from 32.7 mm to a sky-high 44.4 mm, and this is an ultra-cushioned leap we didn’t expect. We found that this is even more than the 42 mm HOKA lists in their official spec sheet, though it's not unusual that our lab measurements differ from their numbers.

As a result, the shoe shifts from being a moderately-cushioned daily trainer to a full maximalist beast. In fact, this shoe is higher than the Bondi 9, which used to be Hoka's max-stack daily trainer.

But why this change? It’s all about selling more shoes—this shift clearly mirrors the trend dominating the market, where today’s best-selling daily trainers now hover around the 40 mm mark.

Hoka Clifton 10 Heel stack
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 44.4 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 405 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot also comes pretty high at 32.0 mm, though it feels less dramatic than the heel. Still, no matter how you land, we found the impact absorption to be top-tier—but at the cost of ground feel.

This ultra-thick setup delivers massive joint protection yet removes all sensory feedback, turning it into a double-edged setup. In fact, runners who enjoy a feedback-rich, ground-connected ride may find the Clifton 10 overly muted.

Hoka Clifton 10 Forefoot stack
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 32.0 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 405 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We measured the drop in our lab using the World Athletics-specified points. However, Hoka appears to calculate it from farther back, closer to the midfoot. That likely explains the result we found: a steep 12.4 mm drop instead of the stated 8 mm.

This marks a major shift from earlier versions, as the Clifton had always been a medium-drop shoe with Hoka listing 5 mm in the specs. Now it leans toward heel strikers more than ever before.

Hoka Clifton 10 Drop
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 12.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 405 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

While the updated drop answered a long-standing request from fans wanting a more heel-friendly Clifton, the foam choice didn’t follow suit. Hoka kept the same midsole, offering no performance boost for those chasing a livelier ride.

That means no modern PEBA or even the supercritical EVA used in models from the brand like the Skyflow. Instead, we found the same compression-molded EVA, rated at 17.1 HA in softness. It feels cushiony and protective but clearly lacks spark—and for a 2025 shoe, it feels a bit behind the curve.

We believe Hoka opted for a low-risk, low-cost approach here. Most Clifton buyers aren’t chasing state-of-the-art foams, and for daily runs, this cheap CMEVA foam delivers while keeping margins high and differentiating this shoe from premium offerings from the brand.

Hoka Clifton 10 Midsole softness
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 17.1 HA
Average 21.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 332 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

We placed the Clifton 10 in the freezer for 20 minutes and retested the foam. It became 19% firmer—a respectable outcome for an EVA-based shoe and better than what we usually see with this material.

Hoka Clifton 10 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 19%
Average 25%
Compared to 331 running shoes
Number of shoes
1%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole is a plain EVA design with an average 4.8 mm thickness. It feels minimal and offers no standout features—just a standard, no-frills footbed that gets the job done.

Hoka Clifton 10 Insole thickness
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 4.8 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

The rocker in the Clifton 10 feels slightly more pronounced than in the previous version. That’s mostly because of the thicker midsole, which demands a sharper curve to offset the added stiffness from its sky-high platform.

We found that the "Early-Stage Meta Rocker" kicks in a bit later than expected, although that's something that helps smooth out transitions and maintain a steady, forward-rolling feel.

Hoka Clifton 10 side

The heel also features a rounded shape designed to support heel strikers better. In our view, this becomes more relevant with the new drop and geometry targeted at that specific group.

Hoka Clifton 10 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

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Toebox width - widest part

Runners wanted a higher drop, and Hoka gave them just that. At the same time, many loyal users of previous Clifton models were asking for a roomier toebox.

We made an exact gel replica of the toebox and measured it with precision. The first result, taken at the widest point, confirmed a big shift—from a narrow 92.2 mm in version 9 to a generously-wide 97.2 mm in version 10.

Hoka Clifton 10 Toebox width - widest part
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 97.2 mm
Average 95.4 mm
Compared to 160 running shoes
Number of shoes
88.5 mm
Toebox width - widest part
102.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

But the most noticeable shift in fit doesn't come from the widest part of the toebox—it happens in the big toe zone. Here, we observed a jump from a tight 68.9 mm to a wider (yet still average) 73.1 mm.

Hoka Clifton 10 pov

This reshaped area removes the overly-pointy taper, making room for better toe splay. Combined with the previous measurement, we’re convinced that this makes the Clifton a much better pick for long runs.

Hoka Clifton 10 Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 73.1 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 160 running shoes
Number of shoes
66.7 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.6 mm

Toebox height

On the flip side, Hoka slightly reduced the vertical clearance for the toes.

Still, at 27.3 mm, it sits right around average and should feel fine for the vast majority of runners.

Hoka Clifton 10 Toebox height
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 27.3 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 159 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

It’s fair to wonder whether the towering foam stack of this update compromises stability. But through our lab evaluation, we discovered more than enough support to satisfy most neutral runners without raising concerns.

Thanks to its high-rise midsole sidewalls and extra-wide midfoot area—a signature of this series—we believe that even mild pronators can benefit from the Clifton 10.

Torsional rigidity

We discovered that the higher stack brought a clear jump in torsional rigidity going all the way up to 5 out of 5, on par with carbon-plated supershoes like the Hoka Rocket X 2. This stiffened build makes it a bit less appealing for those eyeing the Clifton 10 for easy runs or even casual wear.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 384 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter in the Clifton 10 is generously padded for comfort and feels very close to what we see in daily trainers. Unsurprisingly, we gave it a 3/5—right in the average.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 368 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

While the Clifton 10 gained extra stack height, the midsole stayed moderately wide without a lateral expansion. And why? If Hoka had gone that route, this model would’ve stepped 100% into Bondi territory.

We measured 116.9 mm in the forefoot. Still, the Clifton's stability comes from the broad midfoot, a signature feature we’ve seen since the first model in 2014.

Hoka Clifton 10 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 116.9 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 406 running shoes
Number of shoes
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

Same feel in the heel area—slightly wider than average at 97.8 mm, yet it stays under the 100 mm mark unlike some mega-cushioned options. We believe that this mid-range width offers a reasonable balance.

During our runs, the Clifton 10 it proved stable enough in the heel without pushing the shoe into clunky territory. That makes it a proportioned design that still feels somewhat agile.

Hoka Clifton 10 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 94.5 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 406 running shoes
Number of shoes
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

So many runners use their Cliftons for casual wear or all-day comfort that we were a bit concerned about the added stack height.

However, we discovered that the Clifton still delivers a nicely balanced 14.7N of longitudinal flexibility, making it a wearable option for pairing with your favorite jeans or relaxed tracksuit. It also works well as a one-shoe solution for travel, handling everything from city tours to occasional runs.

Hoka Clifton 10 Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 14.7N
Average 15.7N
Compared to 126 running shoes
Number of shoes
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
28.5N

Weight

Another big downside of keeping CMEVA foam and skipping a nitrogen-infused EVA upgrade is that adding stack height inevitably means adding weight.

We found that the Clifton 10 is, at 9.7 oz or 275g, 10% heavier than version 9. That may sound minor, but the shift is very noticeable—transforming it from a lightweight daily trainer into an average-weight option. We’re clearly not thrilled about this change.

Hoka Clifton 10 Weight
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 9.70 oz (275g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 406 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Breathability was one of the areas where we felt Hoka could have pushed things further. The previous version scored 3 out of 5 in our smoke test, and this one stayed exactly the same. That score might not sound bad, and it’s actually decent if you don’t live in sun-scorched climates. But in our view, it would have benefited from a more breathable feel.

We tested the Clifton 10 under the same conditions and confirmed the same 3/5 result. So while airflow is acceptable, it’s not ideal for runners planning to wear this in summer. Thin socks and purchasing a light colorway should help.

We found that Hoka clearly prioritized stability over ventilation. Some areas of the upper are thick, which showed clearly in our light test where hardly any beams passed through.

Hoka Clifton 10 microscope

Afterward, to examine the jacquard mesh in detail, we placed it under the microscope.

Hoka Clifton 10 mesh

What we discovered was a cleanly-engineered, ultra-durable design that feels robust for the price. However, it's clear the ventilation holes could be more open.

Still, the upper really feels comfort-driven and solid, definitely well-suited for daily use. While we would’ve liked just a bit more breathability, we wouldn’t trade its pillow-like padding or solid construction for it either.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 335 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

As we found before, it’s definitely not a super-breathable upper, but it brings something valuable to the table—durability. We tested it with our Dremel and it held up really well, earning a solid 4/5.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 4
Average 2.6
Compared to 269 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding was stellar, earning a perfect 5/5—our highest rating for this test. So anyone concerned about premature wear here can relax and confidently wear their favorite socks without worry.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 5
Average 3.3
Compared to 264 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The outsole design is unmistakably Hoka—featuring green rubber placed over the most abrasion-prone zones. We also noticed a few extra reinforcements across the midfoot and heel, while some sections of the foam remain exposed to keep weight down.

Hoka Clifton 10 outsole design

We appreciated the generous amount of well-placed flex grooves, which help the shoe maintain a smooth, easy-going ride even with its skyscraper-high stack. That’s especially helpful for walking or recovery runs where flexibility is more noticeable.

As for grip and hardness, we measured the rubber at 79.3 HC, which is pretty much average. This safe decision compound strikes a nice balance between traction and decent durability for daily wear.

Hoka Clifton 10 Outsole hardness
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 79.3 HC
Average 79.6 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
55.5 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

We had a strong feeling the outsole would hold up well, but of course, we fired up the Dremel for the third and final time. The rubber compound showed just 1.0 mm of wear—a solid outcome for a daily trainer!

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 1.0 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 247 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Good news for those who go hard on outsoles: the Clifton 10 packs 3.6 mm of rubber, making premature wear highly unlikely.

Hoka Clifton 10 rubber

Once again, Hoka takes the ultra-safe route, even if it adds a bit of extra bulk.

Hoka Clifton 10 Outsole thickness
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 3.6 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 402 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Price

The price of the Clifton 10 sees a small increase over its predecessor—which makes sense after 2+ years and some inflation—and now sits around or slightly above most daily trainers. We think it’s fair within Hoka’s lineup, though somewhat high for the foam provided.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 $150
Average $147
Compared to 406 running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$285

Reflective elements

A thoughtful detail from Hoka is the addition of reflective elements across the entire shoe, improving safety for early morning or nighttime runs.

We still recommend wearing hi-vis clothes at night, but these touches are a welcome bonus that adds some peace of mind.

Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 Yes

Tongue padding

From the first moment we handled the shoe, it became clear that Hoka prioritized plush comfort over featherlight weight in the Clifton 10. The tongue alone is a great example of this comfort-focused decision.

Hoka Clifton 10 laces tongue
The tongue features two lace loops instead of one, which help anchor the tongue in place. It's a feature we’ve previously seen in shoes from Topo Athletic and now see here too.

We discovered a pillow-like tongue that measured 7.6 mm with our digital calipers. This thickness helps relieve pressure on the instep—especially during long runs where thinner designs often fall short.

Hoka Clifton 10 Tongue padding
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 7.6 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Despite the slight price bump, there are some step backs in the Clifton 10—and this is one of them. The tongue switches from a semi-gusseted setup to a non-gusseted one, and not even the dual lace loops can convince us that this was a positive change.

Hoka Clifton 10 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 None

Heel tab

The signature extended heel collar seen on most Hoka training shoes remains untouched. It helps reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon and makes it easier to slip the shoe on thanks to its grab-and-go design.

Hoka Clifton 10 Heel tab
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 Extended heel collar

Removable insole

The Clifton 10 features a removable insole, and with its average width and moderate thickness, you can replace it with most third-party insoles if you prefer a personalized fit or added support.

Hoka Clifton 10 Removable insole
Test results
Hoka Clifton 10 Yes