HOKA Clifton 10 Review

Upper

Ava: "The upper is very easy to get a comfortable and secure lockdown. It is built for comfort. In version 9, I did notice that after 150 kilometres there was a hot spot on my inner arches. I was not able to get enough miles in the Clifton 10 to see if the same issue occurred but have had no issues so far. I will say that the insole’s arch comes up pretty high in the shoe."

Becky: "The upper on the new Clifton fits my foot well with a secure midfoot and enough space in the forefoot. The upper mesh has multiple targeted perforations to keep my feet from getting hot. The tongue and heel collar have padding for added comfort points."

Kaitlyn: "HOKA shoes tend to always hit the mark on the fit of the upper for me. Having a slightly wider foot, I really enjoyed being able to have plenty of room for my toes and forefoot even after inserting my insole. The heel counter is not extremely cushioned which surprised me, but the lack of cushion did not bother me, and I didn’t experience any heel slippage."

Torsten: "From my perspective, the upper of the HOKA Clifton 10 feels incredibly lightweight and breathable. The mesh material keeps my feet cool, even on longer runs, while providing a great mix of flexibility and support. I really appreciate the seamless design—it helps prevent any rubbing or discomfort. Overall, the upper is super comfortable, adapts well to my foot, and offers a secure and stable running experience."

Midsole

Ava: "I have mixed feelings about the midsole on the Clifton. The Clifton 10 feels almost identical to the Clifton 9. The amount of foam and cushioning of the foam feels the same, even though this version has a larger drop. I did not notice the difference in the drop from version 9."

Becky: "While the foam is pretty soft, it feels dead to me in regard to energy return. My feet seem to sink into the soft midsole when I run. It’s quite comfortable to walk in or if I must stand for extended periods of time. "

Kaitlyn: "The underfoot feel of the 10 is definitely softer than the 9. But it is not a plush feeling where I feel like I am sinking into the shoe. I don’t think there is much of responsiveness to the foam that I wouldn’t suggest doing any type of speed work in the shoe, but it is great for some good easy miles."

Torsten: "For me, the midsole of the HOKA Clifton 10 strikes the perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The updated foam feels softer yet more energetic, providing a smooth and effortless ride. It absorbs impact well, making my long runs feel lighter on the legs, while still offering enough bounce for a lively push-off. Whether I'm covering easy miles or picking up the pace, the Clifton 10’s midsole ensures that every stride remains comfortable and efficient. I really enjoy the new midsole material – it makes running in this updated version a lot of fun."

Outsole

Ava: "The outsole gets its job done. Great traction and protection. I did not get to test this shoe in the rain, but it is very comparable to the Clifton 9 so I have no doubt it will hold up with use.”

Becky: "The outsole has minimal visible wear after several runs. I would not feel comfortable running on trails in the Clifton due to it not having enough rubber coverage on the outsole and too much exposed EVA."

Kaitlyn: "The outsole has a fairly standard layout. I never noticed any slipping or worried about traction on the roads, even with rain. Due to the amount of cushioning underfoot, the shoe felt very protective."

Torsten: "The outsole of the HOKA Clifton 10 provides great grip, especially on wet surfaces. While it's designed as a road shoe, I find it also works well on wide forest paths. It feels stable and reliable, giving me confidence with every step. I mostly run on pavement, but I appreciate that the outsole can handle the occasional detour onto softer ground without any issues."

Comparable Shoes

HOKA Clifton 10 vs. HOKA Bondi 9

Ava: "I chose to compare these shoes because they are both maximally cushioned shoes. However, I would only reach for the Bondi for slow recovery miles. For daily training or longer runs, I would choose the Clifton 10 because it's lighter and more versatile. Compared to the Bondi 9, the cushioning on the Clifton 10 feels more responsive and plush, but the shoe feels less stable."

HOKA Clifton 10 vs. HOKA Clifton 9

Kaitlyn: "Compared to the Clifton 9, I think most people will be very pleased with this upgrade. The midsole is softer and maintains the fan-favourite Clifton build. In comparison to other daily trainers, I personally would prefer a shoe that is somewhat firmer in the midsole, though this one is still a favorite for some nice easy miles."

Hoka Clifton 10 vs. Saucony Ride 18

Torsten: "To me, the HOKA Clifton 10 and the Saucony Ride 18 are both great daily trainers, but they deliver a different running experience. The Clifton 10 stands out with its signature HOKA cushioning - soft, plush, and incredibly comfortable for long runs. It provides a smooth and effortless ride while absorbing impact really well. The Ride 18, on the other hand, has a slightly firmer feel with more ground contact, making it more responsive, especially when picking up the pace. While I love the Clifton 10 for easy and recovery runs, the Ride 18 feels a bit more versatile when I want a more energetic ride. If you prefer max cushioning and a rolling sensation, the Clifton is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a balance between comfort and responsiveness, the Ride 18 is a solid choice."