By Paul Freary
The most popular shoe in HOKA’s range, the Clifton is now in its 10th generation. As one of the most popular and original ‘max-stack’ shoes on the market, it’s become a go-to model for those seeking maximal levels of cushioning and somewhat of a benchmark in the category.
I’ve worn many versions of the Clifton over its lifespan, from the original to this model.
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The Arahi 8 has been HOKA’s long-time support type shoe, and in this latest update, we see what is the most effective version yet in terms of control and the one which I have found to be the best version of the style to date.
Here we’ll look at the features they share, how they differ and which you should choose.
Stats
HOKA | Arahi 8 | Clifton 10 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Fast training Shorter racing | Neutral runners wanting soft, high stack cushioning |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | Moderate cushioning | Max-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 40mm heel | 42mm heel |
Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
Weight | Men 276g (9.7oz) Women 218g (7.6oz) | Men 278g (9.8oz) Women 227g (8.0oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $180 | $150 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8.7/ 10 | 8/ 10 |
Design
The midsole of both the Clifton 10 and Arahi 8 is a compression-moulded EVA (CM-EVA) foam, and in that respect, is not the most advanced midsole foam on the market right now for running shoes.
This said, what these two shoes lack in terms of technical cushioning features, they make up for in the stack height of their cushioning, both being in the ‘max’ stack level.
The recently updated Clifton 10 now has a 42mm stack of foam as well as an 8mm drop. This drop is up from the 5mm of the previous model. It’s these changes that have transformed the shoe for me, and I think for many others.
The Arahi 8 sees a 40mm stack in the heel and a 32mm forefoot, so again an 8mm drop.
The cushioning in the Arahi 8 makes it the best version of the shoe to date and the one which I have found to be the easiest to get along with.
The Arahi 8 uses a new H-shaped support frame. This H-shaped framework sits along both the medial and lateral edges of the shoe’s cushioning. Held together in the midfoot by the cross-section of the ‘H’. The firmer H-frame sits around the softer CM-EVA cushioning and essentially provides stabilisation for the foot sitting in the centre of the cushioning.
Arahi 8
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Clifton 10
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Fit
Major updates to both models give them a new running experience compared to their previous versions as well as each other.
The Cliton 10 feels transformed from the Clifton 9. The extra cushioning and 8mm drop make the shoe feel significantly more cushioned than just the 3mm of additional CM-EVA would suggest.
The Clifton 10 feels super-soft and super-smooth. While it is still not a very stable ride, remember, it is a neutral model.
I have enjoyed the higher drop of the Clifton, and with the additional cushioning, it makes a great ‘easy recovery’ run shoe for me. I’ve been reaching for the Clifton on those days after races or my hardest sessions. I find the thick, soft cushioning just soaks up every stride and takes the strain off my legs!
The Arahi 8 seems a major improvement to both its cushioning and support over the Arahi 7. The higher stack of cushioning makes the shoe feel significantly softer and much smoother, compared to the sometimes ‘slappy’ feel I experienced with the previous generation model.
The new H-frame support system is also an improvement of the J-shaped support used in the Arahi 7. The H-frames from the more premium Gaviota 5, so it’s natural for it to feel an improved and more balanced, stable ride.
Sizing
Both the Clifton 10 and Arahi 8 fit true to size in terms of length and width compared to other models from the brand. As always, if in the UK, HOKA’s conversion between the US and UK sizes is just half a size, compared to many other brands that use a full-size difference.
For example, a HOKA US10 is equal to a UK9.5. (Other brands US10=UK9)
Performance
On the move, the Clifton 10 and Arahi 8 feel significantly different. While they share the same CM-EVA midsole cushioning, it’s obvious that the Clifton 10 is the neutral shoe. It has a soft feel under the foot due to the absence of the H-frame, and it can feel a little unstable to some. This is the case for me, to be honest, but I have found that limiting it to the occasional very easy recovery runs, I welcome the soft cushioning above any instability.
Both shoes have the familiar HOKA rocker and roll smoothly from heel to toe, as well as coping pretty much at most paces. These are training shoes, but being so light, they don’t hold me back, and the CM-EVA foam has a relatively responsive feel for what is now essentially a rather outdated midsole cushioning material.
My Verdict
The choice between the Clifton 10 and Arahi 8 is now rather clear-cut.
While both models share similar midsole cushioning and geometry, the Arahi 8 is the clear choice for those runners like myself requiring a more stable, supportive shoe, while the Clifton 10 is the perfect choice for neutral runners.
Neutral runners would be fine in the Arahi 8, such is the nature of the H-Shaped support frame with the midsole, but as the Clifton 10 feels more cushioned and plusher, stick to that model for a smoother experience.
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