The Hoka Clifton is one of those rare running shoes that has transcended its category. It is not just a daily trainer. It is the daily trainer that converted an entire generation of runners to the idea that more cushion is not weakness — it is intelligence. Eight versions in, Hoka had built something close to a perfect product. So naturally, with version 10, they changed it.
And the running community has opinions.
What Hoka Actually Changed — and Why It Is Causing Arguments
The most significant update in the Clifton 10 is the drop. Hoka has increased the heel-to-toe drop from 4mm to 8mm — a change that sounds minor on paper and feels substantial on a run. For years, the Clifton’s low drop was part of its identity. It encouraged a more midfoot-forward stride, gave the shoe a distinctive rolling sensation, and made it appealing to runners who wanted the cushion without the heel-heavy geometry of traditional trainers.
The 8mm drop changes that dynamic meaningfully. The Clifton 10 now rides and feels closer to a conventional cushioned trainer. For heel strikers — which, again, is the majority of recreational runners — this is likely a positive change. The landing feels more natural, the transition smoother, the overall experience less demanding on the calves and Achilles.
For runners who chose the Clifton specifically for its low-drop philosophy, this feels like a betrayal. Both positions are defensible. Where you land depends entirely on your stride.
The midsole foam is a CMEVA compound — softer and spongier than the previous version, delivering more of Hoka’s signature pillowy sensation. The Clifton 10 is heavier than its predecessor as a result, which is worth knowing if weight is a factor in your decision-making.
The Forefoot Update That Does Not Get Enough Attention
Beyond the drop change, the Clifton 10 has a roomier forefoot than version 9 — and this is genuinely good news for Indian runners. Foot width is a persistent frustration in this market, where many premium running shoes arrive cut for narrower Western lasts. The Clifton 10’s updated toe box accommodates a broader range of foot shapes without sacrificing the midfoot lockdown that longer runs demand. This is a practical, meaningful improvement that deserves more coverage than the drop debate tends to allow.
Pricing and Value in the Indian Market
In India, the Clifton 10 sits at approximately ₹14,500 to ₹17,000 depending on retailer and colourway. That puts it in direct competition with the Asics Novablast 5 and the Brooks Glycerin 22 — two shoes that, frankly, offer comparable or superior foam technology at similar or lower price points.
Hoka’s premium in India has always been partly brand-driven, and that remains true here. You are paying for the Hoka name alongside a genuinely excellent product, which is a fair trade if the brand matters to you and a questionable one if it does not.
Who the Clifton 10 Is For
If you are a heel striker who logs 40 to 60 kilometres a week on Indian roads and wants the most forgiving, impact-absorbing daily trainer available at this price point, the Clifton 10 remains an outstanding choice. It is also excellent for runners who spend long hours on their feet professionally — the cushioning holds up across extended use in a way that few shoes at this price match.
If you are a midfoot or forefoot striker who valued the old Clifton’s low-drop character, version 10 is worth trying before committing. The shoe you loved has shifted in a direction you may not follow.
For runners new to Hoka, this is still one of the best entry points into the brand. The ride is immediately comfortable, the learning curve is zero, and the heel counter provides enough structure that the maximalist stack never feels sloppy or unstable.
The Honest Verdict
The Clifton 10 is a very good shoe that has made one genuinely divisive decision. The drop increase will win Hoka new fans among conventional heel strikers while frustrating some of the loyalists who built the Clifton’s reputation in the first place. The foam is better, the forefoot is roomier, and the overall experience is more refined — but the soul of the shoe has shifted.
If you have never run in a Clifton before, buy this one without hesitation. If you are upgrading from a Clifton 9, try it on a treadmill first. Your calves will tell you everything you need to know within ten minutes.
Best for: Daily training, recovery runs, high-impact protection Terrain: Road Price in India: ₹14,500 – ₹17,000 Drop: 8mm | Weight: ~284g (Men’s UK 9)