A full ten years ago, the Clifton arrived as Hoka’s first everyday road shoe to disrupt the market. Its oversized midsoles, pillowy softness, and curved geometry felt alien but worked so well that competitors soon adopted the innovations. Today, Hoka refines rather than reinvents, focusing on perfecting comfort, protection, and guided transitions rather than raw novelty.
Recently I’ve been testing out the Hoka Clifton 10 and covered just over 100km in mixed conditions. As an ultra-runner, I need cushioning, stability, and lightweight performance from every pair of running trainers I choose to wear. In this review I’ll give you my thoughts on design, fit, ride quality, durability and whether the Clifton 10 has what it takes for your next all-day effort and whether this shoe lives up to the Clifton legacy.
What’s Changed in the Clifton 10?
After retiring the more versatile feel of earlier Cliftons, Hoka has honed the Clifton 10 strictly for easy and recovery runs. Key updates versus the Clifton 9 include:
– Increased stack height and drop
– Men’s: 42 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot (up from 32/27 mm)
– Women’s: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot (up from 29/24 mm)
– A softer midsole foam balanced by a higher drop (8 mm vs. 5 mm)
– Refined Active Foot Frame that nests your foot deeper in the midsole
– Gentle Meta-Rocker geometry for guidance without aggressive propulsion
These tweaks aim to preserve a plush ride over time while encouraging a steady cadence and upright posture on easy days.
Design & Aesthetics
The Hoka Clifton 10 keeps the signature Hoka silhouette but refines it with cleaner lines and a minimal upper overlay. Key points:
– Breathable engineered mesh, offering both containment and airflow.
– Sleek colour blocking accentuates the midsole’s rocker profile.
– Subtle reflective detailing on heel and forefoot boosts visibility in low light.
In person, the shoe looks deceptively light and agile—exactly what you want when clocking long miles.
Fit & Comfort
Right out of the box, the Hoka Clifton 10 feels snug yet unrestrictive in a UK 11:
– True to size: No need to size up or down; I always go a full size up for an ultra-distance trainer though.
– Roomy toe box: Ample wiggle room for toes, even on long downhills when feet swell.
– Plush collar and tongue: Foam padding eliminates hotspots around the ankle.
Over 100km, I experienced zero pinching or rubbing. The upper breaks in instantly, making it ideal if you hate lengthy break-in periods.
Cushioning & Support
I found the Clifton 10 to be soft yet responsive: Every landing feels pillowed without mushiness. Smooth transitions: Meta-rocker geometry propels your foot forward with minimal energy loss. And balanced stability: Despite the thick foam, I never felt unstable on loose gravel or uneven trail edges.
Performance on the Run
After 100km running on park trails, roads, and muddy footpaths, the Clifton 10 proved versatile: Traction: Rubber outsole grip excels on damp grass and root-strewn woodland trails. Energy return: Slight rebound in the midsole cushions uphill repeats without feeling deadened. Weight: At roughly 245 g per shoe, it’s lighter than past Cliftons, making tempo segments feel brisk.
Whether I was pushing the pace on a flattish road loop or settling into a steady trail long run effort, the Clifton 10 adapted well and gave me confidence.
Durability & Wear
Durability is non-negotiable for ultra distances—and the Clifton 10 delivers: Outsole longevity: Minimal rubber wear on 100km; I anticipate at least 800–900 km total life. Upper integrity: Mesh shows no tears or overstretching, even after muddy downpours. Midsole resilience: Foam rebound remains consistent with no visible compression lines. This longevity means fewer shoe changes mid-season and more miles between new-shoe purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Plush cushioning with responsive rebound, Lightweight for its level of padding, Instant break-in and snug lockdown fit, Outstanding outsole grip in mixed terrain.
Cons: Not as aggressive on technical trails, slightly pricey compared to close rivals.
For any ultra runner who is looking for an everyday shoe, the Hoka Clifton 10 checks every box. Its refined rocker geometry, marshmallow-like cushioning, and thoughtful fit deliver a recovery-run dream shoe that holds up over hundreds of miles. If you crave a smooth, injury-resistant running shoe for your longest, slowest efforts, give the Clifton 10 a try.
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