I’ve spent a good chunk of time testing both models to figure out what’s actually changed and whether the latest version really deserves a spot in your rotation.
Let’s break down the specific differences between these two trainers, and I’ll share my experience wearing both over many miles. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading from the 9 or picking your first pair of Cliftons, knowing what’s changed should help you make a solid choice.
Hoka Clifton 10 vs Clifton 9: Key Differences and Performance
The Clifton 10 brings some noticeable changes to the midsole and upper, while the Clifton 9 stays lighter and a bit lower to the ground. The most significant updates are the increased heel-to-toe drop, improved stability, and a roomier forefoot fit.
Cushioning and Stack Height
The Clifton 10 has a chunkier midsole than the Clifton 9. Both use the same CMEVA foam, but Hoka bumped up the stack height in the newer model for more underfoot protection.
I noticed the extra cushioning right away during my first walks. The Clifton 10 feels plusher under the heel, which some runners might find too soft for picking up the pace. The Clifton 9 sits closer to the ground with less midsole between your foot and the road.
The weight difference shows this too. The Clifton 9 weighs 7.3 oz, while the Clifton 10 comes in at 8.8 oz. That extra 1.5 oz is mostly the added midsole foam and new upper materials.
Heel-to-Toe Drop and Midsole Geometry
The most obvious change is the heel drop. The Clifton 10 uses an 8 mm drop compared to the Clifton 9’s 5 mm drop. This 3 mm jump really changes how the shoe feels when you land.
The more aggressive heel bevel on the Clifton 10 gives a smoother transition through your stride. The higher heel stack positions your foot a bit differently, and honestly, my calves needed a day or two to get used to it. Both models have Hoka’s Meta-Rocker tech, but the forefoot rocker shape is slightly different between the two.
The Clifton 10’s rear foot frame hugs the heel better. This, along with the increased drop, helps with stability on longer runs.
Fit and Upper Design
The Clifton 10 ditches the engineered mesh upper from the 9 for a new knit construction. Hoka added space up front, so my toes had way more room to spread out on longer efforts.
The toe box width is honestly one of my favorite updates. Where the Clifton 9 felt snug across the midfoot and forefoot, the Clifton 10 is just more forgiving for wider feet. The jacquard knit upper stretches and adapts better if your feet swell on hot days or longer runs.
Both versions have a non-gusseted tongue, but the Clifton 10 adds a double-lace lock. This keeps the padded tongue centered so it doesn’t slide around like it did for me in the Clifton 9. The extra collar padding also helps prevent heel slippage but doesn’t dig in.
Stability and Ride Quality
The Clifton 10 feels firmer and more stable than the softer Clifton 9. That might sound odd with the extra stack height, but Hoka’s updated frame keeps things under control.
I felt more confident on corners and quick turns in the Clifton 10. The wider forefoot and better heel counter work with the CMEVA midsole to keep rolling in check. The Clifton 9 feels a bit more nimble, and some runners will like that for tempo work and faster runs.
The metarocker geometry isn’t quite the same, which changes how the shoe pushes you forward. The Clifton 10’s rocker is less dramatic, so transitions feel smoother but maybe a little slower. The Clifton 9’s lower profile and sharper forefoot rocker give a quicker toe-off.
Practical Use, Value and Final Thoughts
Both the Clifton 9 and Clifton 10 are solid daily trainers for easy miles. The newer model offers more cushioning and comes at a slightly higher price. Stack height and durability changes do affect how each shoe holds up over time.
Everyday Running and Walking
The Clifton 10 shines for easy and recovery runs, thanks to its 42mm heel stack. That extra 10mm of foam over the Clifton 9 makes it better for longer distances when you want more underfoot protection.
The Clifton 9 feels a bit more stable for daily use. Its lower stack and firmer ride make it a good choice if you like ground feel or need a shoe for both running and walking. For walking, the Clifton 9’s 5mm drop just feels more natural at slower paces.
The Clifton 10’s 8mm drop and softer midsole are great for progression runs up to a couple hours. Still, neither shoe is really built for speedwork. If you want one pair for all your training, the Clifton 9 is probably a touch more versatile at different paces.
Durability
The rubber outsole on the Clifton 10 is just average, maybe a bit less. I saw noticeable wear on the exposed foam, especially landing on my midfoot. The Durabrasion rubber bits last longer, but overall, the outsole wears down quicker than I’d like for a shoe at £150.
The Clifton 9 held up better for me. Its outsole setup and lower stack mean less exposed foam to grind down during daily miles.
Price and Value for Money
The Hoka Clifton 10 comes in at £150, which is just £5 more than the Clifton 9. That still puts it at the lower end of the £150-£160 daily trainer range, but honestly, these back-to-back price bumps since the Clifton 8 are starting to get a bit annoying.
The Clifton 9 is still out there if you hunt around, and honestly, it’s the better deal. It’s a reliable daily trainer with solid durability, and it’ll save you a few quid. The Clifton 10 adds a bit more cushioning, but does that really make up for the extra cost? I’m not convinced, especially when you can grab the ASICS Novablast 5 for £140, which has a similar stack and an 8mm drop.
If you’re after max cushioning for easy runs, I’d say the Clifton 10 is probably worth the £150. But for most people, the Clifton 9 does almost the same job for less money.
