Hoka's refined daily trainer balances comfort and stability with a slightly firmer, more traditional ride than its predecessor, though the compression-molded EVA midsole lacks the liveliness some runners seek. Best suited for easy miles and long runs rather than faster efforts.
The 10th Clifton feels like the shoe is back on track after losing its way — comfortable, well-fitting, and clearly differentiated from the Bondi, though still a cruiser rather than a do-it-all trainer.
Best for: Cruising daily miles and walking for Clifton fans who want a cushioned, comfortable, mildly bouncy daily trainer.
Preferred over the Bondi 9 by both Dr. Brown and Dr. Klein — a balanced, firmer-cushioned daily trainer with a versatile ride that can handle a little pace.
A solid continuation of the Clifton lineage — lighter and more nimble than the Bondi 9 while keeping the firm, rockered Clifton DNA.
Best for: Runners wanting a lighter, more traditional neutral Hoka daily trainer
An essential, Swiss Army knife style shoe — super comfortable and stable for all-day wear plus easy runs, though not an exciting out-and-out running shoe.
Best for: A versatile work/life/running/gym shoe for people on their feet all day who also want to do easy miles up to around 8 miles.
Hoka's flagship daily trainer, but this version feels slightly stabilized and is not the reviewer's favorite Clifton — he would drop it first from his Hoka rotation.
Most disappointing #5 of 2025. Reverted to old Clifton ways — boxier, clunkier, more stable than v9. Didn't need to become another light-stability shoe when HOKA already has the Skyflow and Arahi.
A disappointing update for runners — the move to an 8mm drop without upgrading the flat, dull compression molded EVA makes the Clifton 10 feel clunky and pushes it toward the Brooks Ghost crowd rather than the fun, versatile Clifton 9.
Best for: Walkers, run-walkers and runners who prefer a lower-stack, firmer, higher-drop traditional daily trainer
Steve gives the Clifton 10 a solid two thumbs up — the bumped heel drop, slightly softer feel, and added lateral stability make it feel like a genuine new Clifton rather than a repackaged old one.
Best for: Clifton fans who want a soft, stable daily trainer and aren't looking for a performance shoe.
Steve thinks the Clifton 10 finds a good middle ground — durable, slightly softer once broken in, with added lateral support and a new 8mm drop that nicely differentiates it from competitors copying Hoka's formula.
Best for: Middle-paced cruising, junk miles, and recovery days; good for supinators who want cushion with lateral support.
A reliable, comfortable and stable daily trainer that's a good general crowd-pleaser for easy and long runs, even if the EVA midsole lacks excitement.
Best for: New runners or those wanting a reliable, stable, comfortable daily trainer for easy miles and long runs
A solid, balanced daily trainer that isn't exciting but offers slightly better long-run comfort than the Arahi 8 thanks to extra forefoot foam; one reviewer edged toward it for marathon training, the other preferred the Arahi.
Best for: Neutral runners wanting a balanced, protective daily trainer and long-run shoe with a touch of softness and bounce
Nick prefers the Clifton 10 over the Pegasus 41 for its smoother rocker, more forefoot cushioning, and slightly more versatile feel for running.
Best for: Cushioned daily training and easy miles for a wide range of runners, including newer runners.
A solid, firmer-riding cushioned daily trainer with excellent stability and a smooth rocker — good alternative for runners who found the Novablast 5 too soft.
Best for: Easy-paced daily miles and long runs, especially for runners who prefer a firmer ride or liked the Novablast 4.
The preferred pick between these two Hoka cushioned options — lighter, cheaper, smoother rolling, and more versatile than the Bondi 9 for a wider range of paces.
Best for: Runners who want a single cushioned daily trainer that can handle easy miles, progression runs, and mild tempo efforts
Compared to other road daily trainer in the same lane.
