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HOKA is one of the most popular running brands right now - and it’s fair to say that the Clifton Running Shoes are one of HOKA’s most sought-after models. The HOKA Clifton 10 Running Shoes are designed to be the most cushioned version to date. This article details the updates and how the latest edition feels to run in. We’ll also cover what the Clifton 10 Running Shoes are best suited to.
The men’s and women’s HOKA Clifton 10 Running Shoes are available at Run4It on the 15th of April.
HOKA Clifton 10 Tech
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Men’s approximate weight: 278 grams
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Women’s approximate weight: 227 grams
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Drop: 8 mm
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Midsole: CMEVA (compression moulded EVA)
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Upper: Jacquard knit
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Smooth MetaRocker™
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Rearfoot-focused Active FootFrame™
Midsole construction
The HOKA Clifton 10 Running Shoes' midsole is still a compression moulded EVA. This is a lightweight foam that offers a relatively protective and responsive feel. The big change in the midsole is the extra 3 mm of cushioning in the heel. As the forefoot stack is the same as the previous version, this means the drop has increased from 5 mm to 8 mm.
We’re not stating the total stack heights as HOKA hasn’t confirmed this yet. However, the Clifton 10 midsole is not overly thick. While it offers good protection, it’s not a max-cushioned midsole.
The adjusted midsole geometry is also designed to deliver smoother transitions from landing to take-off. HOKA’s signature smooth MetaRocker™ geometry rolls your feet forward and helps lower the stress on your working muscles.
Finally, a rearfoot-focused Active FootFrame™ improves the inherent stability of the midsole. Even though the Clifton 10 are neutral running shoes, the midsole rises up at the sides and cradles the feet.
Upper construction
The upper has changed from a knit material to a jacquard knit. Simply put, this is a more premium design which should deliver more comfort.
Notably, HOKA has stated the Clifton 10 Running Shoes offer an improved forefoot fit. This is good news as the Clifton 9 Running Shoes’ forefoot wasn’t the most accommodating. However, it’s worth noting that the Clifton Running Shoes are always available in wide-fit.
Finally, the Clifton 10 upper is also meant to offer an improved heel fit. We’ll come back to the fit points later on in the article.
Outsole construction
The outsole is still made from a durable abrasion rubber. The tread and outsole coverage is also very comparable to the previous version. However, it looks like there’s slightly more coverage at the lateral part of the heel.
This could be very beneficial for heel strikers, as it should increase the durability in a key wear area.
How does the midsole feel?
The new midsole feels very comparable to the last model. It offers a protective feel that isn’t overly soft or firm. While the increased heel stack isn’t that noticeable, previous Clifton wearers will notice the difference.
Is the increased heel stack a good thing? Well on a slight negative, it has increased the weight of the Clifton 10 versus the Clifton 9. This means the midsole feels a little less agile and slightly bulkier. However, the new geometry does feel exceptionally smooth underfoot - which feels great when you’re running along at a relaxed pace. It also offers a bit more protection for heel strikers.
Importantly, the midsole feels very stable - and more supportive than the previous geometry. Again, the adjusted heel structure and rearfoot-focused Active FootFrame™ favours heel strikers and those who have some instability at the start of the gait cycle.
How does the upper fit?
On a very positive note, the forefoot feels more spacious than the Clifton 9. This means it should suit more runners. You can still opt for the Clifton 10 Wide Running Shoes if you need more space.
The new upper material is very comfortable. The lockdown at the midfoot and ankle area is also really good.
In comparison to other running brands, we may want to choose half a size bigger. This is mainly because the US to UK conversion is slightly different to the norm. For example, most brands will convert a men’s US to UK size by a full size - whereas HOKA only adjusts it by half a size. If you go by the UK size, it’s likely they’ll come up a bit small.
What are the HOKA Clifton 10 Running Shoes best suited to?
The Clifton 10 Running Shoes should feel most comfortable for everyday miles at slow to steady speeds. This is because the cushioning offers a protective, yet relatively responsive ride which can cope with a range of paces.
This won’t be the case for everyone, but the Clifton 10 Running Shoes are not the best option for long-distance runs. The responsive nature of the cushioning is likely to feel pretty firm if you’re out for a longer session. This is where the HOKA Bondi 9 Running Shoes should feel more comfortable, as they are a lot more cushioned than the Clifton 10 Running Shoes.
But, this is why we’ve stated this won’t apply to everyone. If you prefer a responsive ride, the Clifton 10 Running Shoes could work very well for long-distance runs. We’re just making it clear that you’ll be a bit disappointed if you buy the Clifton 10 Running Shoes with the expectation that they’ll feel ultra-soft and plush underfoot.
Summary
Overall, the HOKA Clifton 10 Running Shoes are going to work for a lot of runners. They offer a very balanced underfoot feel - and lots of runners enjoy that sensation. While the stack has increased, the Clifton 10 are not max-cushioned running shoes. In fact, they’re far from it.
At Run4It, we believe this is a good thing as it means there’s choice. As popular as max-cushioned running shoes are, some runners don’t enjoy training in them, or only like to use them for a small proportion of their training.
If you’re looking for an ultra-smooth ride for your easy to steady-paced miles, we highly recommend the HOKA Clifton 10 Running Shoes.
