REASONS TO BUY
Smooth and steady cushioning
Stable landings
Reasonably versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Midsole feels dated
Fit runs narrow
Hoka Clifton 10 Review
A consistent and reliable daily trainer that lacks the cushioning and energy of key competitors
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
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Our Verdict
For daily running, the Hoka Clifton 10 is a solid choice. It won't wow you with an engaging ride or phenomenal cushioning, but it shows up every day ready to get in the miles like an old friend you can pass the time with. The compression-molded EVA midsole lacked both the cushioning and bounce we've come to expect from the best daily trainers, but the Clifton provided predictable and smooth landings throughout every run. The rocker works well to promote turnover, and the overall performance is solid, if not stellar. It can handle most things you throw at it, although we prefer other options for demanding workouts or races. Overall, assuming you get along with the narrow fit (it does come in a wide), this is a good choice for many runners.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We consistently use the word “reliable” to describe the Clifton 10. It doesn't wow us with an engaging ride or blow us away with top-notch cushioning. But it is a consistent shoe.
The Clifton 10 is a no-nonsense trainer. It gets the job done.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning
When the Clifton 10 was released, we were hoping for a midsole foam similar to other popular Hokas. Unfortunately, Hoka gave the Clifton a compression-molded EVA midsole that feels very dated. We measured 39 mm at the heel with a 7 mm heel-to-toe drop. Although that's a lot of foam, the shoe does feel flat as a result of a midsole that lacks the pop and bounce we've come to expect from daily trainers.
Our testers daydream about a Clifton with supercritical foam.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
On the run, the Clifton is smooth, if not plush. Turnover is easy, and the shoe protects your legs well from the pavement. The shoe never feels soft, but instead feels consistent. If you value reliable and predictable cushioning for your easy runs, this may be a good choice. However, we'd look elsewhere if your goals are more energy or pace versatility.
We think the narrow fit will be the biggest drawback for many runners.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Upper Comfort
As with most Hoka shoes, the upper fit of the Clifton 10 runs narrow, but this model is one of the more spacious through the midfoot, and it is offered in a wide fit. We noticed that our toes were a little more cramped than usual, so runners with a wide forefoot should consider trying on the wider width. We also don't love the tongue design that lacks gussets. Over the course of a 90-minute run with the shoe loosely tied, the tongue moved significantly, which could cause rubbing or irritation.
The Clifton movement from landing to toe-off is smooth.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Stability
The Clifton is a stable-neutral trainer that feels very well planted. It provides good support through the landing phase of the stride, and the rocker provides smooth guidance through toe-off. While it doesn't have dedicated stability features, this is a solid shoe for runners who want a smidge more support.
We think the CLifton doesn't feel as heavy as it is.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The Clifton 10 feels pretty nimble, which is surprising given its above-average weight of 10.57 ounces in a US M 10.5. The weight isn't a huge drawback, but it can become noticeable when you start running fast, perhaps not as noticeable as the lack of truly energetic foam.
Interestingly, we had no issues on wet asphalt in the Clifton, which has a very similar outsole to the Bondi 9 that struggled on identical roads.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
We encountered no issues with traction while running in the Clifton. The exposed portions of the rubber outsole seemed to grip well, and the lugs formed by grooves in the midsole helped to provide grip on loose gravel. However, the tread isn't very durable. It wore down and even peeled off in some areas with everyday wear and tear and limited running.
Should You Buy the Hoka Clifton 10?
Overall, the Clifton 10 is a solid and reliable shoe for logging mileage. But we think the midsole foam choice holds it back significantly. It just doesn't have the engagement we've come to expect from a daily trainer and feels flat. It's not a bad choice, but we think better options exist.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Our favorite all-around daily trainer is the Asics Novablast 5, which uses a far more energetic foam and an engaging rocker geometry to create a fun and versatile shoe. It lacks some of the support of the Clifton, though, so if that's important to you, we'd recommend checking out the Brooks Ghost 17, which doesn't have much pace versatility, but is cushioned and stable.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Hoka Clifton 10 versus top competing products:
—Nathaniel Bailey
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