Hoka Clifton 10

After a wait of more than two years, the Hoka Clifton 10 arrives with a radical change underfoot: no less than 42 mm of stack height at the heel, which effectively makes it a fully fledged max-cushioned shoe. The question is inevitable: is it still a Clifton, or has it become something else? The short answer is that for those who wanted more cushioning, this version is exactly what they asked for; for those who valued the lightness and nimble feel of earlier versions, the extra weight and higher platform may feel like a step back.

Compared with its predecessor, the Clifton 9, the changes run deep even if the looks are deceptive. The midsole still uses compressed EVA (yes, the same as ever) in a market where brands such as Asics and Adidas have already moved to nitrogen-infused foams with far more energy return. The official drop goes from 5 to 8 mm, a clear shift towards heel strikers. The good news is that Hoka has listened to the complaints about the narrow fit and has noticeably widened the toe box, giving the toes more room on long runs. The jacquard mesh upper puts durability and comfort ahead of breathability, and the tongue loses its partial gusset in favour of two lace loops, which is debatable.

The most interesting thing about the Clifton 10 is how Hoka has solved stability despite such a towering stack height: the midsole sidewalls and the extraordinarily wide midfoot keep the shoe steady even for mild overpronators. The outsole gains traction over the v9 and durability is outstanding in all the most exposed areas. Against rivals such as the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 or the Saucony Triumph 23, the Clifton 10 offers more natural stability and a price that keeps it competitive, although the lack of a modern midsole compound leaves it somewhat behind in energy return compared with new-generation foams such as the Nike Vomero 18. Ideal for easy runs, long runs at conversational pace and neutral runners who put comfort above everything else. Either way, its rather high weight and softish character make it a poor fit for intervals or faster paces; that is what the Mach 7 is for, if you are a real fan of the Hoka brand.