Hoka® W Clifton 10

A radical transformation from a daily trainer to a maximalist silhouette – the Hoka Clifton 10

Whilst other product ranges evolve gradually, the Hoka Clifton 10 has undergone a complete redesign, leaving it looking almost identical to its predecessor on the outside, yet technically having almost nothing in common with it. The brand skipped the 2024 model and launched a version in 2025 that radically alters the stack height, heel-to-toe drop and upper construction. The result is a shoe that has transformed a modest everyday model into a fully-fledged maximalist silhouette. Nevertheless, it remains at the heart of the legendary range that defined the entire cushioned footwear segment more than a decade ago.

History: the most significant update in the range’s history

The Clifton was launched in 2014 as a model which, thanks to its combination of substantial cushioning and surprisingly low weight, earned the nickname ‘the shoe that changed running’. The tenth generation, launched in 2025, represents the most radical redesign to date following years of gradual, minor adjustments – In Hoka’s own words, this was a response to the fact that runners cover enormous distances in the Clifton, and the lower stack, combined with gradual heel compression, began to behave over time as if it had an even lower drop than originally designed.

Technology: a significant increase in stack height and a new upper

What makes the Clifton 10 so different from the previous generation are these fundamental changes:

• Stack height of 44.4 mm: Compared to the 32.7 mm of the previous-generation Clifton 9, this is a significant increase, moving the shoe from the category of moderately cushioned everyday models straight into the realm of full-fledged maximalist silhouettes.
• Heel-to-toe drop increased to 8 mm: The increase from the original 5 mm is designed to compensate for the gradual compression of the foam in the heel as mileage accumulates, and to keep the drop sensation closer to Hoka’s traditional geometry.
• Compression-moulded EVA foam (CMEVA): The midsole base remains made of durable, yet less ‘superfoam’-like, foam – harder and more stable than competing performance compounds, thanks to which the midsole retains its shape for longer, even after high mileage.
• Reinforced rocker profile: A more pronounced curve in the sole at both the heel and forefoot speeds up the transition from landing to push-off and compensates for the higher stack height, ensuring the shoe doesn’t feel clunky.

Design

The new last completely changes the shape of the entire shoe and, together with the switch from knitted mesh to a finer jacquard weave, significantly improves the fit. The upper is complemented by a double-lacing system, which keeps the heel firmly in place even with a higher stack height. Externally, the Clifton 10 retains the recognisable, sleeker silhouette typical of the entire range – so the substantial cushioning isn’t as striking at first glance as one might expect from other maximalist models.

Who is this model for?

The Clifton 10 is the running shoe for you if you’re looking for maximum cushioning for your regular daily runs and prefer a higher stack and a more secure fit over a lighter, more minimalist design – it’s also ideal as a comfortable shoe for all-day wear outside of training.