As someone who has been running for nearly a decade, it has become 50 percent of my personality. If you’re a runner, I’m sure you can relate—although my running shoe rotation beats yours (sorry). I have zero shame in admitting I upload my post-run stats on my Instagram story, but my daily gloating days have come to a halt thanks to every runner’s worst nightmare—the dreaded stress fracture.

A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone, caused by repeated impact over time. In my case, I was training for a half marathon, slowly building my mileage back up since my last training cycle. Clearly, something went wrong along the way, because now I’m sporting a bulky orthopedic boot to heal my second metatarsal foot bone.

This injury has been tough both mentally and physically, but having a solid pair of walking shoes (well, one left shoe) to help keep me level and comfortable has been key in keeping me able to walk seamlessly around the city. I’ve tried a few that caused knee and ankle pain from posture imbalances, but I finally found my secret weapon for serious stomping sessions: the new Hoka Clifton 10.

The Clifton series has been an iconic sneaker in Hoka’s lineup for 10 years for its firm yet substantial supportive cushioning that isn’t over the top, making it a winner for many. It has become a daily trainer staple among runners and walkers of all levels, so much so that its first-ever model was relaunched. I’ve been wearing the Clifton since the eighth edition, and can confirm the 10 is the most comfortable yet—and it’s the first version I may keep in the rotation. With that, read on for my extensive thoughts after wearing them for a month during daily walks and gym sessions.

How The Hoka Clifton 10 Performed

As a diligent power walker, I was worried about how I’d get my daily 10,000 steps with a clunky boot for a month (don’t tell my podiatrist). But rest assured, the Hoka Clifton 10 makes it possible. I feel balanced and secure, and like I’m not even injured. Most importantly, my right knee and ankle stopped cramping. I’ve only been wearing these for a month and feel major benefits, I just wish I had worn them sooner (I’ve been injured since March). I’m not a huge fan of the Clifton 9, so this new variation has been a pleasant surprise, especially in my time of need *cue the small violin*.

Compared to the last iteration, it’s extremely squishy and more flexible with each step. The 9 is stiffer and firmer, and I’m not imagining it—the Hoka team completely revamped the cushioning from “balanced” to “plush,” which is the same cushioning type found in the beloved Bondi series. It’s still the same resilient EVA foam, just more of it. And, ironically, it’s heavier at 8.8 ounces compared to the Clifton 9, weighing 7.3 ounces, but it feels significantly lighter.

SHOP THE HOKA CLIFTON 10

Despite my boot, I feel as if I’m being launched forward as I weave through all the city people. Proudly, I’ve been walking faster than numerous people on the streets, with one random man shouting, “You look like you’re healed!” I’m usually against unsolicited street messages, but that gave me a boost of confidence as I continued to strut.

I’m also a fan of the traction on the sole. I never feel like I’m going to slip while wearing these, especially when going down slippery subway stairs. Aside from walking, I wear these (on both feet) when on the stationary bike. The sole grips the pedals and never slides off when I’m aggressively putting the pedal to the metal.

Fit: My cursed bunions never throb.

Hoka notably runs narrow, but fortunately, the Clifton 10 offers wide sizing. I made the mistake last time of getting the standard fit in the 9, and my bunions felt miserable. I learned my lesson and opted for the latter—I have zero complaints. The toe box is spacious for pain-free walking all day, every day. I haven’t experienced the dreaded throbbing sensation, so I hit the jackpot.

SHOP THE HOKA CLIFTON 10

Stability: Despite my heavy boot, these keep me leveled and planted.

The Clifton 10 isn’t designed to be a stability shoe, meaning it lacks support for overpronators (those with collapsing arches). Although these are not designed with the brand’s stabilizing J-Frame, which is found in the Arahi 7, the Clifton 10 still does a good job of keeping feet aligned. That said, if you have severe overpronation or flat feet, these are probably not ideal, but you won’t know until you test them out. For what it’s worth, my feet feel planted to the sole when wearing these, which says a lot since I wear a heavy boot on the other side.

SHOP THE HOKA CLIFTON 10

Alternatives: The Bondi 9 is also a treasure.

While the Clifton 10 already provides a marshmallow-like feel, the Bondi 9 boasts the thickest midsole of them all for extreme support. Specifically, these are amazing plantar fasciitis shoes. The midsoles on these babies hug my high arches and feel incredible after a long day on my feet. Plus, they’re more aesthetically pleasing and less bulky than the last iteration.

And, of course, you should consider our 2025 Women’s Health Fitness Awards winner, the Mach 6. It won the best overall walking shoe and has proved to be a workhorse during mundane errands, runs, and at the gym. If you’re seeking firmness, less cushion, but similar support, this is the ideal model for you.

Final Verdict

I may be on the sidelines from training at the moment, but the Clifton 10 keeps me sane by improving my walking mobility. I had to have walked at least 100 miles while wearing these. Plus, it complements my ever-so-ugly boot. Aside from my current foot woes, these feel a hundred times better than the previous model, and anyone would benefit from wearing them. Injured or not, I will continue to gravitate toward these for long-haul walks and gym sweat sessions. I’m excited to run in these once I’m healed—stay tuned for my comeback.

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