From High Stacks to Higher Drops: The Story of the Hoka Clifton 10

It’s wild to think we’re already at the 10th iteration of the Hoka Clifton. This shoe, at least in my memory, is the one that really put Hoka on the map. Whether it was the high stack or the overall cushioned vibe, it felt like the Clifton kicked off a running shoe revolution back in the day.

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Now, here we are, over a decade later. The Clifton has become a mainstay in the running world. Walk through any busy area, and you’re bound to see people rocking a pair—it’s just that kind of shoe. While it’s stayed iconic, running shoe tech has completely exploded, and the Clifton now sits in this weird middle ground. Hoka’s understandably hesitant to mess with a good thing, but you also don’t want to risk falling behind. So, what’s the deal with the Clifton 10? Let’s dive in.

Construction

Hoka has long been cautious about making significant changes to their iconic Clifton line, and for good reason. With a loyal fanbase and a proven formula, it’s a delicate balance between staying true to what works and adapting to the evolving world of running shoes, where new foams and shifting runner preferences are reshaping the market. It’s a tricky line for any brand to walk.

Over the years, we’ve reviewed various iterations of the Clifton, including the Clifton 9, which introduced an updated EVA midsole. While it stayed true to its roots, the change felt necessary. But what about the Clifton 10?

Back and Better Than Ever: HOKA Clifton 9

Here’s where things get interesting: the Clifton 10 brings some of the most significant updates in the line’s history. And yes, that’s a bold claim, but when a running shoe company introduces a change so groundbreaking that it marks a first in their history, it’s worth paying attention.

For the first time ever, the Clifton now features something beyond a 5 mm drop. The Clifton 10 boasts an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, a notable departure from tradition. It also comes with a significant increase in stack height, taking cushioning to levels never before seen in the Clifton series. Of course, these changes come with a tradeoff: the shoe is nearly an ounce heavier than its predecessor.

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Fit

Right out of the box, the Clifton 10 feels solid. The step-in comfort is great, with a nicely padded tongue and some good cushioning around the heel collar. I noticed the wider base immediately, and honestly, I liked it. There’s plenty of room for toe splay, and the stability is on point. The Clifton is a great everyday shoe for HOKA, as it’s somehow both light and plush at the same time. Getting out there and racking in the daily miles in the Clifton reminds us why this model has been around for a decade now.

The new 8mm drop is a first for Hoka, and while it was noticeable at first (especially if you’re used to lower-drop shoes), it didn’t take long to get used to. It feels steep and propulsive but also pretty smooth once you settle into it.

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Looks

Honestly, the Clifton has never been about flash, and the 10 is no different. The colorway Matt tested was a pretty standard turquoise blue. It’s fine. It’s simple. Nothing to write home about, but nothing offensive either. Nikki loved her white pair – almost to the point where she didn’t want to wear them out and about in the murky Oregon weather.

Hoka usually offers a good range of colors, so I’m sure there’ll be plenty to choose from once it’s widely available. If you’re after something flashy, this might not be your jam—but if you’re cool with understated, it’ll do the trick.

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Specs

• Weight: 9.7 oz (Men’s size 9)
• Stack Height: 42mm (heel) / 34mm (forefoot)
• Drop: 8mm

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Upper

The Clifton 10 upper is solid—nothing fancy, but it works. The wider platform gives it a roomy, stable feel, and the jacquard mesh adds some nice softness. It’s breathable and comfortable enough without being overly plush.

It does feel a little firm at first, so give it some time to break in. If you’re someone who prefers a more structured fit, you’ll appreciate this upper. It’s not going to wow you, but it’s consistent and dependable—kind of like the Clifton in general.

Midsole

Hoka stuck with its tried-and-true compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) midsole here, and it’s fine. It’s not a foam that’s going to blow your mind, but it gets the job done for easy or recovery runs.

Due to the changing heel drop, the “roll” of the heel landing on the new Clifton will play out a bit differently than the old version, and I think this will be a big plus for heel strikers. Overall, I would say they feel very light and airy, which can’t be said of all HOKA styles.

For Matt, at first it felt a little stiff, almost like it was dead underfoot, but after a few runs, it softened up just enough. It’s not super energetic, but if you’re not pushing the pace and just looking for a comfortable daily trainer, this will do the trick. Bonus points for being great on walks, too.

Outsole

The outsole? It’s fine. There’s good rubber coverage and some exposed foam, but not enough to raise durability concerns. It grips well on most surfaces, and honestly, that’s all you can really ask for in a daily trainer.

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Overall

The Clifton 10 isn’t breaking any records or rewriting the running shoe game, but it’s not trying to. It’s here to be your dependable, no-fuss daily trainer that keeps you comfortable mile after mile. If you’re expecting groundbreaking tech or a game-changing ride, this isn’t it—but if you want a shoe that’s stable, comfy, and reliable, the Clifton 10 checks those boxes.

For us, this is a great recovery day or long walk shoe. It’s mellow, it stays out of your way, and it does its job. Everyone needs at least one shoe like that in their lineup, and the Clifton 10 fits that role perfectly.