The HOKA Clifton 10 revamps the legacy of the Clifton series, offering a reliable daily trainer that puts comfort and smoothness at the forefront. With its familiar compression-molded EVA midsole, it delivers the classic Clifton feel: soft, compliant, and gentle underfoot. This latest version stands out with an increased stack height and improved cushioning, creating an even more protective and forgiving ride than previously. While it still doesn't deliver the energetic pop of some modern daily trainers, it excels at soaking up impact and providing a plush, stable ride that's especially welcoming for those prioritizing easy miles or recovery runs.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Clifton 10 isn't particularly suited for marathon racing, with a performance that leans more toward comfort than efficiency. The plush EVA foam provides impressive impact protection, but at the cost of energy return. With its heavier build and relaxed geometry, it's not a great pick for runners looking to maintain faster marathon paces or those seeking a propulsive feel over long distances. However, it can still be an acceptable option for those prioritizing comfort and stability during longer, easier efforts, or who are newer to the marathon distance and not focused on racing fast.
Super protective midsole.
The midsole feels flat and dull.
Very heavy shoe.
The HOKA Clifton 10 is a sub-par option for short races, as it doesn't offer the nimble, energetic feel that faster efforts typically demand. The midsole's muted energy return and heavy overall weight make it feel a bit too sluggish for speed-focused racing. However, for casual runners doing shorter distances at more relaxed paces, where comfort and protection matter more than efficiency, it can still cover the distance.
Relatively stiff forefoot.
The midsole feels flat and dull.
Very heavy shoe.
The HOKA Clifton 10 returns a poor amount of energy upon impact, as expected for a shoe focused on comfort rather than bounciness. The EVA foam feels flat and lacks the lively bounce of modern compounds, resulting in a ride that's more about sinking in impacts than springing it back up and forward. For runners looking for a daily trainer with a more propulsive feel, this shoe might feel a bit dull and uninspired.
The midsole feels flat and dull.
The HOKA Clifton 10 delivers impressive cushioning. Impact protection is a clear highlight of the updated tenth iteration, with a plush feel underfoot that excels at absorbing shocks during easy miles. The high stack height and compression-molded EVA midsole ensure plenty of protection, especially for heel strikers. Both the heel and forefoot cushioning are great, making it one of the more comfortable daily trainers in its class for short to mid-range efforts.
Super protective midsole.
Good cushioning for all foot strikes.
The HOKA Clifton 10 delivers good lateral stability, thanks to its super-wide outsole platform and semi-gusseted tongue. This makes it easier to maintain balance and feel secure during daily runs. Still, the high stack of soft foam negatively affects balance, but it's a very stable shoe overall. This can also be a plus for new runners or those who prefer a more secure ride.
Very wide base.
Semi-gusseted tongue.
Foam is quite soft, especially in the heel.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Oct 23, 2025:
We updated the review to include text for the Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test, which was recently added to our test bench.
- Updated Oct 23, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 01, 2025:
We updated the Heel Energy Return, Forefoot Cushioning, Forefoot Energy Return, and Heel Firmness boxes to align with the latest test bench and keep the review accurate.
- Updated Oct 01, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Clifton 10 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit. The colorway shown here is Black/White. This model is also available in numerous other colorways, including Blue Spark/White, White/White, Black/Black, Vanilla/Birch, and HOKA Blue/Skyward Blue. HOKA offers both wide and extra wide versions for men and women, with multiple color options available even in the wide fittings, which is rare. The design section applies specifically to the version we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Clifton 10 serves as a classic max-cushioned daily trainer in a market increasingly dominated by bouncier compounds. While many modern trainers chase energy return for added versatility or simply to deliver a more engaging ride, the Clifton 10 doubles down on delivering a plush but grounded ride with a focus on impact absorption over responsiveness. Its compression-molded EVA midsole provides a smooth, cushioned feel that excels during easy runs, walks, and lifestyle wear, but offers little in the way of bounce. Meanwhile, other brands have begun to move past the idea that it has to be one or the other: models like the Mizuno Neo Zen and ASICS NOVABLAST 5 show that it's possible to pair a deeply cushioned experience with a fun, lively bounce, often through more premium or modern midsole foams. Still, with a new, higher stack and improved cushioning, the Clifton 10 feels way more protective than the HOKA Clifton 9 and takes the model in a new direction.
Within HOKA's lineup, the Clifton 10 sits as the brand's classic, no-frills daily trainer, offering reliable cushioning and an accommodating fit for a broad audience. Its closely discussed partner, the HOKA Bondi 9, utilized for similar rides, gives the runner a more protective ride and bounce to create an exciting take on easy, long miles that the Clifton shies away from. Both are more cushioned but less lively than the HOKA Mach 6, their lightweight daily trainer, and less dynamic and performance-oriented than super trainers like the HOKA Mach X 2, which are better suited for runners looking to inject speed into their runs. For runners who want a soft, stable shoe for relaxed runs, long walks, or all-day wear (and who don't mind sacrificing energy return), the Clifton 10 delivers the familiar, no-surprises experience the line is known for. It may not be the most exciting option in HOKA's lineup, but it remains a safe, dependable choice for comfort-first runners.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The HOKA Clifton 10 will get you through your daily mileage with no fuss, while the HOKA Bondi 9 focuses heavily on comfort with its premium cushioning. The differences start with the midsole. The Clifton 10 utilizes compression-molded EVA foam, with a taller stack height and higher cushioning, offering a softer underfoot feel, enhanced protection, and still maintaining its versatility. However, the Bondi 9, with its new supercritical EVA foam, improves bounce, responsiveness, and energy return to the runner. The shoe's excellent cushioning and consistent forefoot firmness prioritize comfort and protection, reducing the risk of bottoming out over the Clifton 10. If you want to maintain versatility for daily mileage, the Clifton 10 is your pick; if you prefer a comfortable, fun ride, the Bondi 9 is the way to go.
The HOKA Clifton 9 and the HOKA Clifton 10 share the same DNA, but the 10 refines the formula in ways that make it a better daily trainer for runners who prioritize softness and protection. The Clifton 10 has a higher stack height and is more cushioned. However, the added stack means it's less stable than the Clifton 9 despite its wider platform. It also runs longer and offers a softer underfoot feel, perfect for easy daily runs. In contrast, the Clifton 9 is lighter and a bit more compact, giving it a more nimble feel that may suit runners who prefer a firmer ride. While both shoes are fine at relaxed paces, the Clifton 10 feels like a clear upgrade for those seeking a plush, forgiving trainer with more protection for everyday mileage.
The HOKA Clifton 10 and the HOKA Mach 6 represent two distinct takes on daily training within HOKA's lineup. The Clifton 10 is the brand's classic, comfort-oriented daily trainer, built around a higher stack of compression-molded EVA foam that prioritizes protection, impact absorption, and a plush underfoot feel. It's heavier, softer, and ideal for runners who want maximum cushioning for easy runs. The Mach 6, on the other hand, is HOKA's lighter, more stripped-down daily trainer, offering a simpler, more minimal feel underfoot that's also a bit more stable. Its midsole is more energetic, giving it a noticeably more efficient ride overall. If you're after cushioning and softness, the Clifton 10 is the way to go; if you prefer a lighter, more energetic ride, the Mach 6 is the better pick.
The Brooks Glycerin 22 and HOKA Clifton 10 both deliver a cushioned, comfortable ride, but they feel quite different underfoot. The HOKA Clifton 10 is lighter and rolls forward more easily thanks to its firmer foam and pronounced rocker, giving it a smoother, more versatile ride across a range of paces. The Brooks Glycerin 22 feels denser and more traditional, focusing on deep cushioning and a stable, planted feel. Runners who want an easy, efficient turnover will prefer the Clifton 10, while those who prioritize softness and consistent comfort will appreciate the Glycerin 22.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The HOKA Clifton 10 is on the heavier side for a daily trainer. It also weighs notably more than the HOKA Clifton 9, which felt nimbler on foot but offered less protection. That said, this added weight is the tradeoff for a more cushioned, max-stack platform. For runners prioritizing impact absorption over speed or efficiency, the weight is unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
This version introduces a significantly higher stack in both the heel and forefoot, pushing the Clifton 10 towards max-cushion territory. This new geometry also increases the drop, which slightly alters the feel when transitioning from heel to toe.
The HOKA Clifton 10 has a wider platform than the HOKA Clifton 9, adding confidence during landings and transitions. This helps offset the higher stack height and limits the overall loss of stability in this iteration a bit.
Fit is more generous in the Clifton 10, with extra width at both the forefoot and heel providing a more accommodating feel compared to the HOKA Clifton 9. However, the shoe also runs noticeably longer than the Clifton 9, which might require sizing adjustments.
This model has poor heel energy return, with the compression-molded EVA midsole prioritizing absorption over rebound. It doesn’t snap back in a way that propels you forward; this is a shoe that soaks up impact rather than giving much back, which limits its performance at higher speeds.
The forefoot performs similarly to the heel in terms of rebound and still falls short of offering any real pop. The ride feels flat under load, especially compared to bouncier daily trainers like the ASICS NOVABLAST 5. If you’re looking for a fun, energetic trainer, this isn’t it.
Heel cushioning is one of the shoe's standout strengths. The added stack height and EVA foam deliver a protective landing, which is ideal for recovery days and suitable for runners with a heel strike pattern. This level of impact absorption firmly places the shoe within the max-cushioned category.
While it's a bit less plush than the heel, the forefoot still delivers very good underfoot protection. The forefoot provides a forgiving feel that holds up well over shorter, slower efforts, making it a solid choice for easy cruising. That said, runners who apply a lot of force when running will find it a bit less plush than less powerful runners.
The heel is soft, contributing to the forgiving ride but also reducing stability. This helps soften landings, but may not be ideal for runners who prefer a firmer base.
In contrast to the heel, the forefoot is firmer. This adds some structure to the toe-off phase and helps balance out the overall ride. It also gives the shoe a slightly more stable feel up front, which helps offset the squishier heel and high stack. That said, it still feels noticeably softer than firmer models like the Nike Vomero 17 and the HOKA Clifton 9, particularly when more force is applied.
The HOKA Clifton 10 feels plush and well-cushioned initially, such as when trying it on, but its basic EVA midsole quickly shows its limits over distance. The shoe’s energy absorption drops sharply early in a long run, meaning that while it still provides acceptable protection up to about 20 km, it becomes noticeably less cushioned beyond that point. Despite its high stack height, the midsole compresses heavily and loses much of its initial cushioning, resulting in a harsher feel reminiscent of earlier Clifton versions on longer efforts.