Hoka Clifton 10 Review
The Hoka Clifton was Hoka’s first everyday road running shoe to make a significant impact on the running market. Ten years on from its introduction, sales continue to grow as Hoka refines its signature combination of soft cushioning and guided transitions, made possible by the brand’s distinctive rocker geometry.
Initially, Hoka running shoes were very different from the norm. The cushioning was much softer, the shoes oversized with high stack heights, and the midsoles curved, which made them feel unstable to many runners. Yet, although they felt unusual, they worked—and many of the innovations Hoka pioneered have since been adopted by other brands. Today, Hoka no longer stands out purely because of how different their shoes look or feel. However, the brand continues to make high-quality running shoes, striving to perfect the balance of comfort, protection, and propulsion.
The Hoka Clifton 10 is designed for everyday running—from easy recovery efforts to longer runs. Hoka’s designers have focused on delivering a smooth, plush ride that encourages good posture. This consistency helps runners transition more easily to faster shoes like the Hoka Mach X 2 (read our review), as both shoes promote a similar gait pattern and work the same muscles through the same range of motion.
There are significant changes in the Hoka Clifton 10 compared to the Clifton 9. With a broader road shoe lineup, Hoka has been able to assign clearer roles to each model—easy run shoe, tempo shoe, racing shoe, etc. Earlier versions of the Clifton were more versatile; you could pick up the pace in them and cruise comfortably. The Clifton 10, by contrast, is purpose-built for easy runs. If you’re looking for a more responsive, all-round shoe, the Hoka Skyflow may be a better option (read our review).
The stack height and heel-to-forefoot drop have both increased in the Clifton 10, aimed at delivering a smoother, plusher experience. The men’s version has a 42mm heel and 34mm forefoot (up from 32/27mm in the Clifton 9), increasing the drop from 5mm to 8mm. The women’s version sees a similar change, from 29/24mm in the Clifton 9 to 38/30mm in the Clifton 10.
The Clifton 10 features a rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame and a smooth Meta Rocker. In practice, I found the shoe contacted the ground slightly earlier than the Clifton 9. However, thanks to the softer midsole foam, which compresses easily on impact, I didn’t notice any increase in braking force. Instead, the ride felt very smooth, with cushioning so soft that I barely noticed the impact. Many rocker-based shoes can feel overly aggressive, especially on downhills, almost dragging tired legs forward. The Clifton 10’s rocker is gentler—I was aware of the guidance it provided but still felt in control whether cruising downhill or climbing.
Hoka has acknowledged that the Clifton 10’s soft midsole foam will compress over time. To compensate, they increased both the stack height and heel-to-toe drop, ensuring the shoe still performs well after compression has occurred. After putting over 100 miles on my pair, I’ve noticed no change in the ride—they still feel softly cushioned and smooth. I’ve primarily used them for 40- to 45-minute recovery runs, but also took them out for a long run to see if the foam softened further over time. It didn’t—they felt just as good at the end as they did at the start.
The Clifton 10 features a firm plastic heel counter and a swallowtail Achilles tab to minimise irritation. Padding around the heel, collar, and tongue sits firmly in the comfort and protection category, as you’d expect from a daily trainer. The upper is made from engineered jacquard mesh, strategically thicker in high-stress zones and thinner and more breathable in others.
The tongue includes a dual lace loop to prevent it from sliding sideways during runs. An extra eyelet allows for a snugger heel fit or butterfly lacing for added security.
Although Hoka shoes have a high stack height, they don’t feel unstable. That’s because your foot sits inside the midsole rather than on top of it, reducing the risk of instability. The soft foam also conforms to the surface beneath you, enhancing both stability and comfort. With the foot cradled in the midsole, the shoe helps guide your gait and encourages quicker cadence while discouraging over-striding—resulting in a smoother, lighter stride.
When running uphill, you naturally want to be on the forefoot. In stiff shoes, this can place a lot of tension on the calves. The Clifton 10 has some flex in the forefoot and, thanks to the soft foam, feels more flexible than it is. The foam compresses underfoot, reducing calf tension and allowing you to climb comfortably.
The Clifton 10 doesn’t make you run slowly—my mile splits weren’t off pace—but it doesn’t tempt you to run faster, either. I was quite happy to enjoy the plush, smooth ride and cruise through my easy runs. There was no urge to push after a downhill or attack the next incline. The cushioning is soft, but not so soft that you feel like you’re sinking. My posture felt strong, my cadence stayed high, and I cruised along effortlessly.
This is noticeably different from the Clifton 9, which had a more versatile feel. I found myself rolling with the Clifton 9’s rocker and naturally picking up the pace on descents or working harder uphill. The Clifton 10 is better aligned with its intended purpose—as an easy run shoe—and excels in this role.
In terms of sizing, Hoka shoes are similar in length to brands like New Balance, Inov-8, and Karhu. If you’re coming from Brooks, Saucony, Topo, 361, or Altra, we suggest trying half a UK size down to get a comparable fit (e.g. a UK11.5 in Hoka fits similarly to a UK11 in Brooks). The Clifton 10 is available in two widths for both men and women to help achieve an ideal fit. Like most Hoka running shoes, the Clifton 10 is on the narrower side compared to many other brands.
In summary, the Hoka Clifton 10 is a daily road running shoe that delivers a soft, smooth ride while encouraging good running posture at easy run paces. It does what it’s designed to do exceptionally well.
Other Considerations
Altra FWD VIA: A broad rounded toe box allows the feet the room to spread and function inside the shoes. This a complete contrast to the narrow toe box of the Clifton 10. The ride is also different. The Altra FWD Via has a firmer more responsive feel which lets the feet know they have touched the ground and stimulates them to function. The Clifton 10 is much softer. In effect Altra shoes allow the feet to function where as Hoka’s are designed to do the job of the feet. Hoka view their shoes as a piece of Athletic Equipment like a pair of Skies would be to a Skier. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-fwd-via-review/
Saucony Ride 18: A similar shape to the toe box. The cushioning isn’t as soft, deep and plush as the Clifton 10. The Ride 18 is more versatile and could be used for some quicker running as the forefoot is quite responsive. Available in two width Men’s and two width Women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-ride-18-review/
361 Meraki 6: Although the midsole feels firmer the Meraki has a similar plush, smooth ride. The midsole is more bouncy and does respond when you try to go quicker. Available in two width Men’s and two width Women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-meraki-6-review-361-degrees/
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15: A firmer more responsive feel to the cushioning. Similar stack height but, with less compression. Designed as more of an all rounder than just and easy run shoe. Available in three width Men’s and two width Women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-880v15-review/
Karhu Ikoni 3: Firmer more responsive ride. The Karhu Fulcrum provides some propulsion. A straight big toe line gives the push off a really positive feel. The Fulcrum helps you feel light on your feet and quick. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-ikoni-3-review/
Brooks Ghost Max 2: A firmer more bouncy midsole gives the Ghost Max 2 a more responsive feel to the ride. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-ghost-max-2-review/
Topo Phantom 3: Like Altra, Topo shoes have a broad rounded toe box designed to give the feet the room to spread on impact. The midsole is firmer to encourage foot function which gives the Topo Phantom a more natural ride. More of an all round shoe than just an easy run shoe. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-phantom-3-review/
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