Our Review of the Hoka Clifton 10: Still Relevant in 2025?
Hoka One One is undeniably one of the most popular running brands, and the Clifton series is its best-seller. Needless to say, expectations were high for this tenth version, coming two years after the previous one.
Running shoes have come a long way since then. Are the changes made for this new version significant? Does it meet your goals?
That's what we'll be looking at in this in-depth review of the Hoka Clifton 10.
Why should you trust me?
With a personal best of 2:38 in the marathon and a substantial weekly training volume, I test a lot of running shoes, and it feeds straight back into my own training.
I put the Hoka Clifton 10 through its paces on different types of workouts to evaluate its comfort and how it feels while running. I also consulted with other runners of different skill levels to validate my impressions and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our verdict
A great neutral running shoe, comfortable and with good stability, for daily training.
- Weight: 260 g / 9.2 oz in size 42
- CMEVA Foam
- Height: 42 mm (heel), 34 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Training for All Distances
The Hoka Clifton 10 features numerous changes that justify the two-year wait since the Clifton 9. The midsole is taller (42 mm at the heel) with a more accessible heel-to-toe drop (8 mm compared to 5 mm previously). The CMEVA foam is denser and provides better energy return.
The ride feels well-balanced and shock absorption is excellent, suiting a wide range of runners regardless of your weight or experience.
The new jacquard mesh upper provides excellent comfort and a snug fit. Finally, the Durabrasion Rubber offers good traction.
In short, the Hoka Clifton 10 isn't revolutionizing the running world, but it will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the series. A reliable partner for your daily training!
Pros
- Better shock absorption with a higher stack
- Still just as comfortable (even for everyday walking)
- Good traction on all urban surfaces
- Good stability thanks to the bucket seat design
- A fit testers agree on
Cons
- Some testers are disappointed by the new dimensions, which stray from the Clifton spirit
- Durability of the outsole
- Lack of responsiveness with a higher weight
Discover the new version: Hoka Clifton 11
Cushioning
The midsole is thicker: 42 mm under the heel and 34 mm under the forefoot. This is a significant change that has thrown some testers off balance, they feel it strays from the essence of the Clifton.
But not everyone agrees. Moreover, the Clifton 10 is simply following the current market trend to satisfy runners who, on the whole, want more and more cushioning.
I didn't really notice the high stack height, but maybe I'm just used to it since I've been testing a lot of shoes this year with a similar design.
In any case, the shock absorption is excellent and will allow runners of all types (regardless of weight or running style) to comfortably increase their distance up to a marathon.
Hoka has retained the CMEVA foam from the previous version. It’s a compression-molded EVA foam with a formula that’s likely different, as it feels more balanced upon impact. This makes sense: a plush sole might have been unstable with such a high profile.
The ride should appeal to a wide variety of runners.
Also worth noting is the new midsole geometry, which features a more curved profile and a more natural stride.
Finally, the 8-mm heel-to-toe drop (compared to 5 mm for the v9) is an unusual choice for the brand, but ultimately makes sense. It has the advantage of not requiring any special adjustment, since it’s a standard drop.
Energy Return
These changes result in an increase in weight of about 20 g, bringing the total weight to 260 g for size 42. Not surprisingly, you feel it in the ride.
While the new foam composition helps address this issue (15% better energy return, according to the brand), responsiveness will not be this shoe’s strong suit.
The responsiveness will be more than enough to cover a range of paces during training, but the Clifton 10 is a better choice for moderate paces.
Finally, the Meta-Rocker geometry (with a more curved profile than on the v9) ensures smooth and fast heel-to-toe transitions.
Support and Stability
ACTIVE FOOT FRAME technology (a bucket seat design inspired by Formula 1 cars) provides the shoe with excellent stability.
Despite this, some testers feel that it isn't as good as the previous version because of its larger size. On the contrary, I found that its stability was better thanks to the wide base and the better-balanced foam.
This shoe is designed for neutral runners.
Foot lockdown
In my opinion, the new jacquard-knit upper is the shoe's standout feature.
Hoka has focused its efforts on this aspect (and less on the midsole), because it knows full well that many people will buy the Clifton 10 and wear it all day long.
They feel very comfortable right from the moment you put them on. You can really feel the ample padding, and you can comfortably wear them for several hours. They actually feel better and better as time goes on, since the shoes mold to the shape of your feet.
The upper is highly breathable, and the numerous micro-perforations ensure good ventilation. It also provides good warmth in cold weather.
Like the Bondi 9, the tongue isn't gusseted, but it doesn't slip either, even for runners with narrow feet (thanks to the lacing loop and flat laces).
The heel construction has been redesigned: it is slimmer and optimized for a better fit. The flexible lining provides comfort and good ankle support. The heel counter is rigid, and the tapered collar rises high enough without putting pressure on the Achilles tendon.
The side supports also help with foot lockdown to ensure safe riding.
Finally, note that the shoes feature a removable molded EVA insole and reflective elements.
Sizing and Fit
The fit received nearly unanimous praise from the testers, which is quite rare for Hoka.
Even I, who always have trouble finding the right size with this brand, had no issues (I went with my usual size: US 8 or EU 41 1/13).
Overall, there’s more room in the toe box, which runners have appreciated. It’s also worth noting that a wide version is available if needed. In addition, the material is stretchy, allowing the shoe to better adapt to any foot shape.
In short, the Hoka Clifton 10 runs true to size.
Traction
Hoka relies on its Durabrasion Rubber for the outsole in high-impact areas, but in a different configuration than the previous version. The Clifton 10 offers excellent traction and a secure grip.
Even on wet surfaces, the traction is excellent, no slipping at all. Flexibility is good, with plenty of deeper grooves.
The Clifton is a road shoe, but it can also handle standard trails. Just avoid technical trails, it wasn't designed for that.
Usage
Let's just say it right off the bat: the Hoka Clifton 10 won't be your top choice for race day. With a moderately responsive ride, a far cry from the bounce you get from "super shoes", it won't be the best choice for racing.
Even for daily training, there are other shoes at the same price that offer a more fun or faster ride. So why choose this shoe, like so many other runners?
The Clifton 10's biggest strength is precisely its neutral design, which offers very high levels of stability and support. No matter what your running style, there is always a use for the Clifton 10.
Beginners will appreciate a great pair to start with (and one that’s versatile enough for other sports), while experienced runners will have a great pair in their rotation for moderate-paced workouts.
In terms of distance, the excellent shock absorption means there are no limits, no problem for a marathon!
Simply put, from an easy run to a traditional long run, the Clifton 10 works for all runners.
Quality and Lifespan
The upper is sturdy, and the foam holds its cushioning over time.
On the other hand, some testers have pointed out issues with the outsole. So be careful if this is an area that tends to wear out quickly for you.
The value for money is therefore in line with market standards.
The Hoka Clifton 10 uses some recycled materials, including 80% recycled materials in the upper, and is vegan.
Hoka Clifton 9 vs. 10
The following changes are worth noting in this new version:
- New Midsole Geometry
- Larger dimensions for better shock absorption
- Weight is approximately 20 g higher
- 8 mm drop (compared to 5 mm)
- New construction optimized for the heel area
- Double lacing loop for easier on and off
- New vegan jacquard mesh upper for greater comfort, more room in the front, and better support in the back
- New outsole rubber pattern and deeper grooves
The general consensus is that the Clifton 10 is better and more refined than the previous version, so we recommend it.
However, both are good choices for daily training, and you can buy either one depending on the current deals.
Our Other Comparisons
- Hoka Clifton vs. Asics Novablast
- Hoka Clifton vs. Bondi
Conclusion
It's hard to please everyone given just how popular the Clifton is, which explains the few reservations one might encounter.
Despite that, I found this 10th version to be very well done and true to the spirit of the series, despite the many changes. That’s also the general consensus.
There are higher-performance models designed for racing or speed workouts, but the Clifton 10 is a reliable choice for daily training or just best for casual use.
Where to Buy Them
Our Field Test on Video
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 42 mm |
| Forefoot height | 34 mm |
| Weight (men) | 260 g/9.2 oz |
| Weight (women) | 240 g/8.5 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Recycled materials, Rocker |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Price | Check Prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | Durabrasion Rubber |
| Midsole | CMEVA, Meta-Rocker, Active Foot Frame |
| Upper | Jacquard Knitting |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Reference: Hoka official website
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