By Marnie Kunz,
NASM-certified trainer & USATF- RRCA-certified run coach

This Hoka Clifton 10 review is based on my experience running in the women’s running shoes in New York City. As a running coach who has logged thousands of miles over the years, I appreciate having a well-cushioned shoe, and I have overall had great experiences with running in Hokas in the concrete jungle. I previously ran in the Hoka Mach 6 and decided to try the Cliftons since they’re one of the most popular Hoka models. I have been doing a run streak with my Hoka Clifton 10 shoes, and this review is based on my experience and research into the technical aspects of the shoe.

Hoka Clifton 10 review woman running — Running in Brooklyn in the Clifton 10s.

Why Review the Clifton 10?

The Hoka Clifton 10 running shoe is a maximalist running shoe with ultralight cushioning and it comes in an array of pastel and neutral color options (as well as black, which I opted for in typical NYC fashion). The Clifton has been a bestselling Hoka shoe for over 10 years and is a popular daily trainer. As a runner who often pounds the pavement on my runs, I appreciate ample cushioning for shock absorption on hard surfaces. I’m also now officially a masters runner and as I continue to age, the extra comfort and cushioning are so helpful.

Hoka Clifton 10 Running Shoes

Shoe Type: Running Shoes
Shoe Category: Neutral
Weight: 8.80 ounces women, 9.80 oz. men
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8.00 mm
Stack Height: 38 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) for women; 42 mm heel and 34 mm forefoot for men
Widths: Regular, Wide
Waterproof: No

Hoka Clifton 10 Review Based on My Experience

Hoka Clifton 10 review pink shoes — Hoka Clifton 10 shoes come in many colors.

First Impressions and Fit

My Hoka Clifton 10 review would be complete without the unboxing experience. When I first unboxed these shoes, I loved the plush look that still had a sleek aesthetic with black and gold. The shoes fit true to size and felt very comfortable right away, thanks to the lightweight, ample cushioning. As with most Hokas, what stood out the most to me with these running shoes was the well-cushioned midsoles.

Hokas are known for their vibrant colors, with pastels and other bright hues, but for my Clifton 10 women’s running shoesI chose black with a gold accent. City running can get grimy and black shoes are the easiest to keep clean (or at least look clean) but I also liked the gold accent for a twist on basic black.

Performance on NYC Streets

For my Hoka Clifton 10 review, I tested out this shoe on many runs around NYC. As with other Hoka road running shoes I’ve tried, the ramped-up cushioning felt comfortable and supportive for running on pavement. I felt like the shoes were comfortable from the start and did not need any breaking-in period (I didn’t immediately go out and do a long run though- I did regular 4- to 6-mile runs in the city the first week before adding more mileage).

So far, after almost a month of running in the Hoka Clifton 10s, the shoes have held up well for running on concrete. The responsive EVA foam midsole cushioning still feels responsive and plush and I have been doing a run streak and running every day in them. These shoes work well for base runs, long runs, and recovery runs and are well-cushioned for hard surfaces.

Cushioning and Comfort

Overall I have found the Hoka Clifton 10 running shoes to be as comfortable as a second skin. The mesh upper is flexible and comfortable and the maximalist cushioning is thick but lightweight. I have slightly wide feet but generally order regular-width shoes and my regular Clifton 10s have been roomy and comfortable in the toe box.

The signature Hoka EVA foam cushioning is responsive and great at absorbing impact, helping me to log more miles than usual on city streets. These shoes are excellent for long runs as they help absorb impact and fit comfortably. The meta-rocker geometry, a hallmark of Hoka shoes, promotes an efficient, rolling stride, which helps reduce fatigue on longer runs.

The Clifton 10 features a partially gusseted tongue, which means the tongue is attached to the sides of the shoe. This helps keep the tongue in place so it doesn’t slide sideways and provides a secure midfoot lockdown without needing to overtighten the laces. The tongue has a moderate amount of padding, which adds to comfort by cushioning the top of your foot where laces might dig in. The padded tongue also helps reduce lace bite, especially on longer runs or times when your feet may swell.

The Clifton 10’s collar also adds to the comfortable feeling of the shoe. The collar has generous foam padding that cushions the ankle and Achilles area, prevents irritation and rubbing, and adds a feeling of “step-in comfort.”

At the top of the eyelet row, the Clifton 10 features dual lace loops on each side instead of one. This gives you the option to use a “runner’s loop” (heel lock lacing) or customize the lacing tension around your ankle for added comfort.

Breathability and Upper Material

The Hoka Clifton 10 features a lightweight engineered mesh upper that offers solid breathability, making it a reliable choice for hot, humid conditions that we get in NYC in the summer. The mesh allows for good airflow across the foot, helping reduce overheating and sweat buildup during long runs or walks.

The upper construction feels soft and flexible, conforming comfortably to my foot without creating hot spots. While it's not the most ventilated shoe on the market, the Clifton 10 holds up well in urban summer heat, balancing airflow with structure and support. Running in the Clifton 10s in June in NYC feels comfortable and my feet do not get any more heated than usual in the summertime.

Hoka Clifton 10 review gold shoes — The Clifton 10s include some of Hoka’s signature pastel shades.

Durability and Traction

I have worn the Clifton 10s for about 100 miles so far and they have held up well and the cushioning remains fluffy and comfortable feeling. It has been very rainy in NYC and the outsole grip performs reliably on wet pavement, slick subway steps, and uneven city sidewalks, thanks to strategically placed rubber zones that provide decent traction without weighing the shoe down.

While it’s not built for technical terrain, the grip holds up well in typical urban conditions, including light rain and mixed pavement. This shoe would also work for light trail running on beginner-level terrain like dirt paths or paved trails.

Who This Shoe Is Best For

In summary, the Hoka Clifton 10 is ideal for runners who run on a lot of concrete or paved surfaces and want maximalist cushioning for daily workouts. The Hoka Clifton 10s are extremely well cushioned and surprisingly lightweight for the amount of cushioning. They’re excellent for neutral runners who do not have significant pronation issues.

Whether you’re a beginner or a marathon or ultra-marathon runner, the Hoka Clifton 10 shoes offer a comfortable, well-cushioned ride for regular base runs at a relaxed pace, long runs, and recovery runs. They’re also great for walking. If you want super fast shoes, I wouldn't recommend these for extensive speed workouts or short distance races under 5K as they’re a bit bulky for speed training and short races.

Clifton 10 vs. Previous Models

The Clifton 10 made a big change in the drop from previous Cliftons, with a 3 mm drop added to the heel. The higher drop is designed to provide more cushioning from the predecessor, the Clifton 9. The Clifton 10 is also firmer, providing more stability than the previous version while still being a neutral shoe.

If you run in New Balance, I would say the firmness of the Clifton 10 is not as firm as the New Balance 860 stability shoe but more firm than the neutral 880 shoe.

Hoka Clifton 10 Shoe Review Recap

Pros: Very comfortable, lots of supportive cushioning, lightweight, no break-in time required, breathable, excellent for running on pavement, many colorful options
Cons: Can be bulky, not the best for speed workouts

Final Verdict

The Hoka Clifton 10 has become one of my favorite shoes for getting in daily miles and long runs. As a runner in the concrete jungle, I appreciate the extra cushioning and the comfort of these shoes. They’re versatile and work well for easy runs, recovery runs, light trail runs, long runs, and races.

If you want a neutral running shoe that’s comfortable for conquering concrete miles, I highly recommend the Hoka Clifton 10s. On the other hand, I wouldn’t use them for short races under 5K or for speed workouts if you are really dialed into getting your fastest times as they can feel bulky and inhibit speed a little bit. These shoes are great for daily runs and walks and also for long runs if you want a well-cushioned, comfortable ride.

Ready to hit the ground running? Whether you’re just getting started or training for your next big goal, pair your new kicks with a personalized plan! Check out my 4-week hybrid strength and cardio program designed to boost endurance, build strength, and keep your workouts fresh. Let’s run strong together! 💪🏃‍♀️

Stay in touch by following my Runstreet YouTube Shorts and @Runstreet Instagram for shoe review videos, workouts, and motivation. Happy running to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer, USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

Hoka Clifton 10 Review: A Running Coach’s Take After Miles in NYC