Whenever a brand releases a new running shoe, people are bound to have questions about all the updates and how the shoe differs from its predecessors. This is especially true with shoes that have built a loyal fanbase, such as the Hoka Clifton running shoe line.
Over 10 iterations, this daily trainer has become a fan-favorite among runners, walkers, gym-goers, and anyone looking for a comfortable, lightweight, cushioned shoe. And with the release of the Clifton 10, you may be wondering how the shoe holds up compared to its beloved predecessors.
While the Clifton 10 maintains a lot of what made the Clifton 9 so popular, it also saw a pretty significant redesign with a wide range of new design features. So what exactly makes the Clifton 10 so different from the Clifton 9, and how does this overhauled design stack up against the previous versions?
At Marathon Sports, we’re here to answer all the questions you may have about the Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9. Keep reading for a closer look at these two shoes, all their similarities and differences, and a better understanding of if the newest Clifton could be the right new shoe for you.
Hoka Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9: A Brief Overview
Since its founding back in 2009, Hoka has shot to the forefront of the running shoe world with their soft, cushioned, maximalist running shoes. And in an already crowded running shoe market, their shoes, particularly the lightweight and cushiony Clifton, have become fan-favorites among countless runners, walkers, and other athletes.
The Clifton 10 continues this legacy from the Clifton 9, offering a lightweight daily trainer with lots of plush EVA foam. And while the shoes themselves serve the same purpose, there are also a few key differences between the two versions. Let’s dive into the key specs and highlights for a better understanding of what details set the Clifton 9 and 10 apart.
Specs at a Glance
| Specs | Clifton 10 | Clifton 9 |
| Average Weight | 9.8 oz (M), 8 oz (W) | 8.7 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
| Stack Height | 42/34 mm (M), 38/30 mm (W) | 32/27 mm (M), 29/24 mm (W) |
| Heel-to-Toe Offset | 8 mm | 5 mm |
| Support Type and Purpose | Neutral daily trainer | Neutral daily trainer |
| Midsole Foam | Plush compression-molded EVA foam | Plush compression-molded EVA foam |
Now that you have a better idea of how the main details and features compare in the Clifton 10 and 9, let’s take a closer look at how all these specs play out when you put the shoe on for a run.
Hoka Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9: Midsole Foam and Cushioning
When the Clifton 9 was released, the lightweight cushioning and plush foam was unmatched at the time. But with the Clifton 10, Hoka has added even more soft cushioning, giving the daily trainer a plush, pillowy underfoot feel with each landing.
The Clifton 9 features a stack height of 32/27 mm of foam in the men’s shoes and 29/24 mm of foam in the women’s, placing it firmly in the moderate-cushion shoe category. The lightweight and plush EVA compression-molded midsole foam gave the shoe a smooth ride while creating a plush and luxurious underfoot feel for exceptional comfort and shock absorption throughout long runs and everyday mileage.
The Clifton 10 midsole is made up of the same EVA compression-molded foam, ensuring that same unparalleled comfort found in its predecessor. However, the Clifton 10 features even more of this foam, with the men’s shoe having 42 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot and the women’s having 38 mm in the heel and 30 in the forefoot.
While the Clifton 10 is still technically Hoka’s moderate cushion neutral daily trainer, this extra cushioning, particularly in the heel, gives it a much softer, higher-cushion feel that can carry you through any type of run or workout you throw at it.
If you liked the soft, padded feel and lightweight cushion of the Clifton 9, the Clifton 10 adds even more of this foam, making it perfect for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning on runs.
However, with this extra cushioning, the Clifton 10 is also slightly heavier than the Clifton 9, weighing in at 9.8 oz for men’s and 8 oz for women’s. At this weight, the Clifton 10 is still incredibly lightweight for the amount of cushion and comfort it offers. But if you’re looking for the lightest shoe possible for your workouts, you may want to look elsewhere.
Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9: Upper Design and Fit
When it comes to upper construction, Hoka excels at creating lightweight, breathable, and soft uppers to comfortably wrap your feet. While both the Clifton 9 and 10 shine in this aspect, there are some key differences between the two shoes to keep in mind.
The Clifton 9 has a lightweight engineered mesh upper that securely hugs the foot. The light design offers plenty of breathability, while the padding around the heel and tongue add extra comfort and security on long runs.
One of the biggest changes between the Clifton 9 and 10 can be found in this upper design. The Clifton 10 shifts to a redesigned jacquard knit upper that adds even more breathability for unmatched comfort throughout long runs in any weather. The extended heel tab, padding along the tongue and heel, and double-lock lace design keep the foot locked in place to prevent any excess movement during runs.
Hoka shoes typically fit true-to-size, and the Clifton 9 and 10 are no exception. However, runners with wide feet may prefer the Clifton 10’s slightly roomier fit and wider toe box. The Clifton 9 is also available in standard width and a wide witdth, while the Clifton 10 is available in standard, wide, and even extra-wide to accommodate more foot shapes and widths.
Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9: Drop and Geometry
In running shoe terms, drop refers to the offset between the heel cushion and forefoot cushion. Most Hoka shoes, including in the Clifton 9, feature a low 5 mm drop for a natural feel and smooth transitions throughout runs.
One of the biggest changes between the Clifton 9 and Clifton 10 is in this drop and overall shoe geometry. The Clifton 10 diverts from this standard 5 mm drop with 3 extra mm of cushioning in the heel, creating an 8 mm drop in this newest addition to the Clifton line.
While the new 8 mm drop may feel slightly different for loyal Clifton fans, it does result in extra cushioning in the heel to absorb impact for heel-strikers, reduce early wear and compression in the heel cushioning, and relieve strain in the ankle, achilles tendon, and calf.
There are also a range of other features that shape the geometry of the two shoes and set the Clifton 9 and Clifton 10 apart. Hoka has become well-known for their meta-rocker geometry, and both the Clifton 9 and 10 feature this curved sole for smooth, seamless transitions.
The Clifton 9’s flared sole did give it some slight inherent stability, but the Clifton 10 took more steps to add supportive landings and inherent stability, despite it being a neutral daily trainer. The Clifton 10 uses a rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame, incorporating raised sidewalls to cradle the heel and create more stability with every landing. The midsole geometry, including a wide platform, also contributes to even more inherent stability.
Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9: Durability
The Clifton is advertised as a daily trainer, so before adding a new running shoe to your collection, you likely want to be sure that it can handle daily miles and any type of run or workout you throw at it.
Fortunately, both the Clifton 9 and Clifton 10 take measures to increase durability and longevity.
Both shoes have a durable rubber outsole to expand the shoe’s lifespan and prevent early wear after miles and miles of use.
However, with the new 8 mm drop, Hoka also took some steps to reduce early wear in the Clifton 10. By adding more cushioning in the heel, the brand aims to prevent the cushioning from compressing and wearing down too fast so you can enjoy everything the shoe has to offer for even longer.
A Tale of Two Cliftons: Finding the Right Shoe for You
If you’ve been a loyal Clifton fan, you’re probably wondering if the newest addition to the running shoe line is the right choice for your next running shoe.
Fortunately, if you’ve liked the lightweight design, plush cushioning, and inherently stable geometry in previous Cliftons, you’ll likely find that the Clifton 10 suits all your needs. While it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor, the extra cushioning, new and improved upper, and geometric changes expand on what runners loved about the Clifton 9 without completely changing how the shoe feels and performs.
While the 3 extra mm of foam in the heel likely won’t be noticeable for many runners, anyone accustomed to a lower drop may want to reconsider a switch from the Clifton 9 to the Clifton 10 or make sure they try the shoe on before committing to this change. Luckily, if you wanted to stay in a low 5 mm drop range, Hoka has several other fantastic options, such as the higher cushion Bondi 9.
We can go over the specs and features all day, but the best way to decide which shoe is right for you is to try them out for yourself. Luckily, at your nearest Marathon Sports, you can do just that. Stop in today to try out the newest Clifton, Bondi, or a huge range of shoes from some of the other top running shoe brands.
Our dedicated team is ready to help you find your perfect fit and get you outside running in comfort. From the right pair of running shoes (whether it’s the Clifton or something completely different!), to nutrition, to the perfect running apparel, we’re excited to help you get outside and crush all your running goals.
