Hoka Clifton 10 Preview | Will it Last?

Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Amanda Brooks

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A clever pun really makes my day, but until you read the review that headline may not make sense! So let’s not beat around the foam, there are some massive changes coming to the Hoka Clifton 10. Some folks are going to love it…a lot of runners might be looking for a different model. Hoka Clifton 10 Preview

I was one of the first running in the original Clifton. Fighting it all the way because it seemed so ridiculous and SO UGLY. But jokes on us because all the shoes are taller and softer than ever!

And the changes to the Clifton 10 are going to make both of those true once again. Here’s what we know so far thanks to chatting with the HOKA team and holding the new model at The Running Event (TRE) in Austin.

Specifications

As soon as we receive them for testing, you’ll get a complete review with any updates to weight or colorways!

Heel Drop: 8 mm
Stack: 42 mm
Weight: 9.8 oz men’s
Available in Wide (and extra wide in men’s)
$150
Available April 15, 2025

Read our current comparison of the Clifton Vs Bondi >>

Checkout the current available Clifton models (and possibly stock up if you love it because this will be different!) Clifton 10 heel

What’s New and Different in the Hoka Clifton 10

The HUGE change here is to the last and the heel drop.

Let’s start with what the heck it means to change the last. A shoe last is what the entire design is built upon. The shape of the last plays a big role in how the shoe fits, performs, and feels, while also defining its style.

The Clifton is getting an entirely NEW last, which generally means the shoe is going to have a different feel and we think it’s clearly moving to a different usage.

With the expansion of their line to the HOKA Skyflow (which we love for long runs), the Clifton seems to be moving more towards a casual runner shoe or an incredible option for those who are on their feet all day. Clifton 10 leak With the new last you’ll find more room in the forefoot and instep, which will appeal to wider feet, but again being on your feet all day they swell so this will increase comfort.

Next up to increase comfort, more foam.

OF COURSE MORE FOAM. Everyone is still adding foam.

The shoe will be a gargantuan 42mm stack height, the goal of which is to provide a better longer last feeling to the shoe. Not only will it have a new last, but a change to the foam. The foam compression should be lessened, giving it a longer lifespan.

The result of all that foam? The first ever Hoka shoe with an 8mm heel to toe drop.

Part of the Hoka ethos originally was keeping to more minimal 5mm drops, which help the big cushioned shoes feel stable and are often better for helping prevent knee pain while running. So this again, makes us believe the Clifton is moving more towards a walking shoe, casual shoe and not so much a “cornerstone running shoe”.

That’s not bad and most folks won’t notice the drop change much.

But those of us who have been in the shoe since model 1, well…it’s not the same shoe and I think you’re going to want to start considering other options.

We’ve reviewed so many, here is where we’d start:

Hoka Mach 6 – Absolutely adore the Mach for being that lower drop with cushion, very light and a great running shoe.
Hoka Skyflow – This is going to be your super cushioned long run trainer that gets their tech updates
Hoka Skyward X – This is their carbon plated shoe for the masses and boy is it fun!

Hoka Clifton 10 Changes

Who is This For?

It’s long been in our lest of best shoes for standing or walking all day and these updates will keep it firmly a top that list.

Wide Feet: The new last should improve the room in the forefoot and we love that they do Wide options
Heavier Runners: These updates should make the Clifton more durable for our taller and heavier runners.
Long Runs: Honestly, we have other shoes we’d recommend now
Front of the Pack: Unlikely you’ll be putting in miles on this shoe

All right, that’s your Hoka Clifton 10 preview coming in 2025. A whole new last and possibly a whole new future for this shoe.

What do you think?

Are you excited? Are you feeling a little like, why are you messing with my favorite shoe??