ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 vs HOKA Clifton 10

Which Running Shoe Is Better?

Products

ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27
HOKA Clifton 10

Tested using Methodology v0.8.2

Updated Nov 27, 2025 01:59 PM

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Asics.com

Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Oct 31, 2025 01:11 PM

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Hoka.com

Our Verdict

ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27

HOKA Clifton 10

The ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 and the HOKA Clifton 10 are two classic daily trainers that both prioritize underfoot protection and comfort, and they weigh about the same. However, the Clifton 10 has a higher stack and softer midsole, offering a plusher, more cushioned ride that excels at easy and recovery runs where impact absorption is key. In contrast, the ASICS sits a bit closer to the ground, with a slightly firmer feel that provides more ground contact and a more traditional running sensation. While both are well-suited for daily mileage, the Clifton 10 leans more toward maximum comfort and protection, whereas the CUMULUS 27 appeals to runners who prefer a lower-profile, more stable ride without sacrificing too much cushioning.

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Variants

  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Black/Concrete - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Black/Concrete - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Carbon/Nova Orange - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Concrete/Winter Sea - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Glacier Grey/Mid Grey - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Glacier Grey/Mid Grey - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Guava/Lime Green - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Illusion Blue/Blue Coast - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Indigo Blue/Cool Grey - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Indigo Blue/Cool Grey - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Lite-show/Huddle Yellow - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Mineral Beige/Huddle Yellow - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Pure Aqua/White - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Pure Aqua/White - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Saxon Green/Coral Reef - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (Taupe Grey/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (White/Greyish Purple - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (White/Lake Grey - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-CUMULUS 27 (White/Lake Grey - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Black/Black - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Black/Rose Gold - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Blue Spark/White - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Blue Spark/White - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Blue/Skyward Blue - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Carnation/Starlight Glow - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Cosmic Grey/Stardust - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Droplet/Druzy - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Mint Fluorite/Luna Moth - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Navy/White - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Oat Milk - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Orange Zest - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Orange Zest - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Skyward Blue/Cielo Blue - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (Stellar Grey/Stardust - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (Vanilla/Birch - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (White/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (White/Cielo Blue - (Women - US 7))
  • Clifton 10 (White/Skyward Blue - (Men - US 9))
  • Clifton 10 (White/White - (Women - US 7))
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Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 

5.6
6.4

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

1.2
4.4

Heel Energy Return 
 

1.1
4.4

Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

5.8
5.5

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

Left Shoe Weight Photo  

Weight 
 

266.7 g (9.41 oz)
273.3 g (9.64 oz)
Show Text 

Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

Heel Stack Height 
 

38.9 mm
41.6 mm

Forefoot Stack Height 
 

30.2 mm
31.7 mm

Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

8.7 mm
9.9 mm

Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

8.0 mm
8.0 mm
Show Text 

External Shape 
 

3D Model Full Shoe  

Outsole Heel Width 
 

101 mm (4.0")
94 mm (3.7")

Outsole Arch Width 
 

83 mm (3.3")
85 mm (3.3")

Outsole Forefoot Width 
 

119 mm (4.7")
113 mm (4.4")

Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

2.60
2.26

Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

3.94
3.56
Show Text 

Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

Internal Length 
 

278 mm (10.9")
280 mm (11.0")

Internal Heel Width 
 

66 mm (2.6")
62 mm (2.4")

Internal Forefoot Width 
 

95 mm (3.7")
98 mm (3.9")

Wide Sizing Available 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Semi-gusseted
Semi-gusseted

Plate 
 

None
None
Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

1.1
4.4

Heel Compression Video  

Heel Energy Return  

See details
See details

Heel Energy Return 
 

64.9%
71.1%
Show Text 

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

1.2
4.4

Forefoot Compression Video  

Forefoot Energy Return  

See details
See details

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

65.7%
71.1%
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Heel Cushioning 
 

6.6
8.4

Heel Cushioning Picture  

Heel Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 550N 
 

2.70 J
3.84 J

Energy Absorbed At 1100N 
 

8.35 J
10.26 J

Energy Absorbed At 1900N 
 

15.04 J
17.10 J
Show Text 

Forefoot Cushioning 
 

6.5
7.8

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

Forefoot Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 800N 
 

3.69 J
4.82 J

Energy Absorbed At 1300N 
 

6.97 J
8.42 J

Energy Absorbed At 2050N 
 

10.90 J
12.38 J
Show Text 

Heel Firmness 
 

5.9
4.9

Heel Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 550N 
 

61.6 N/mm
44.1 N/mm

Firmness At 1100N 
 

114.4 N/mm
107.8 N/mm

Firmness At 1900N 
 

224.2 N/mm
238.5 N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Firmness 
 

8.1
7.8

Forefoot Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 800N 
 

118.3 N/mm
101.8 N/mm

Firmness At 1300N 
 

214.4 N/mm
199.9 N/mm

Firmness At 2050N 
 

387.5 N/mm
397.1 N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning 
 

5.9

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning  

See details

Energy Absorbed At 10km 
 

6.70 J

Energy Absorbed At 20km 
 

6.41 J

Energy Absorbed At 30km 
 

6.20 J

Energy Absorbed At 40km 
 

6.04 J
Show Text 

ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27

HOKA Clifton 10

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ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 vs HOKA Clifton 10: Main Discussion

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