Is Hoka's Latest Cushioned Sneaker My New Favorite Walking Shoe?

A good pair of walking shoes is the most important item in my workout gear collection. I walk at least four to five days a week, oftentimes for an hour each day, so having sneakers that make my routine more comfortable both in the moment and during recovery is essential. Because of that, I have always gravitated towards shoes with plenty of cushion and a lightweight frame. I’ve tested dozens of pairs, and one of my favorite brands that consistently checks every box is Hoka.

The Skyflow has been my overall favorite walking shoe since it came out last year. But Hoka’s newest release—the Clifton 10—has given the pair a run for its money. Highly cushioned and incredibly comfortable, I can’t seem to not grab these shoes for every walk. I keep gushing about them to my friends and family. I even bought a pair for my mom who walks over 10 miles each week, and they’re wrapped up patiently waiting for her to unbox them on her birthday! 

Hoka Clifton 10 

The brand sent me a pair of these shoes the day after they launched on April 14, and I have been wearing them multiple times weekly ever since. Now, a full month later, I can confidently say that they deliver on all their claims. These shoes are an updated version of the Clifton shoe, one of the longest-standing styles from Hoka.

With a crowd-pleasing design that prioritizes cushion, the Clifton line is made to work well for walkers and runners alike. In addition to its thicker midsole (a classic Clifton feature), the tenth version has extra lift with a slightly higher heel-to-toe drop to help boost each step. 

The midsole and lift were the very first features I noticed. The moment I put the shoes on, I felt a significant amount of padding under my feet that made walking a dream, whether on the treadmill or outside on the road. With every step I took, the shoes gave me a boost, and I felt more energized on my walk than usual. Both features supported me when I ran lightly, too! I’m not much of a runner these days, but having the Clifton 10 pair on makes for a much more pleasant ride. 

Many brands struggle with shoe weight and durability when making highly padded shoes. I often find that if the foam is lightweight and soft, it’s not as durable. On the flip side, tougher materials can add some unnecessary weight. Hoka seems to have struck the perfect balance here—even after constant walking, I don’t see any wear and tear (apart from dirt marks of my own doing) on the midsole, and the shoes are light as a feather. Plus, the treaded bottom keeps me stable on a variety of surfaces,which helps justify the high price tag of Hoka sneakers. 

What sets these shoes apart from my Skyflow sneakers is that they feel more streamlined. The Clifton 10’s upper is slightly narrower in a good way, as it makes them more low profile. These aren’t support shoes for overpronaters, but I do find that their shape makes my feet feel more aligned than sneakers I own with a similar design.There’s also added structure on the back of your ankle to support your foot as it lands;  the Skyflows have this too, but not to the same extent. 

Compared to the Skyflows, the Clifton 10 shoes’ heel-to-toe drop is less intense, which makes these shoes more versatile—I can hold my balance easily while wearing them for strength training. The upper of the Clifton 10 is also more breathable. The padded tongue (and the rest of the shoe’s fabric) has airholes for flow, a feature I’ve never seen before. The Skyflow is still a spectacular shoe, mind you, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great walking sneaker. 

The main downside of the newest Hoka Cliftons? They get dirty much faster than other pairs I’ve owned. I do have a white color, so they’re already more prone to stains, but I feel like the fabric has clung to random marks and scuffs more so than other white shoes I own. I bought the black pair for my mom, who walks outside often, in hopes that they’ll scuff less. 

That said, I appreciate Hoka’s wide-size offering. You can buy the sneaker in 11 colors in women’s sizes 4 to 12 in the regular width. The brand offers wide and extra-wide widths in sizes 5 to 12. The wide sizes come in eight colors, while the extra-wide shoes come in four. There’s also a version for men.  

If you’re looking for a do-it-all sneaker that focuses on a lightweight and responsive cushion with just enough added structure to support most folks, the Hoka Clifton 10 is for you. It’s an equally excellent walking shoe and running shoe. 

Shop More Hoka Sneakers 

Hoka Skyflow 

Hoka Bondi 9

Hoka Arahi 7 

Hoka Bondi SR  

Hoka Mach 6 

At the time of publishing, the price was $150.