Comparison:
Hoka Clifton vs Hoka Rincon
The Clifton is Hoka’s versatile, neutral daily trainer; the Rincon is Hoka’s light, fast trainer. Here we will be comparing these two trainers.
Comparison:
The Clifton, now in its 10th iteration, is the shoe that put Hoka on the map. It is known for its high level of cushioning.
The Rincon is in its 4th iteration and is a lightweight, versatile trainer which has taken the running world by storm. It is cheaper than the Clifton and is much lighter.
Which of these Hoka trainers is the right one for you?
Similarity and differences: Clifton 10 vs Rincon 4
Expert score
7/10
8/10
Weight
9.1 oz
8.04 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
5 mm
Verdict
The HOKA Clifton 10 is a firm, light-stability trainer that guides your rearfoot with its active foot frame. It still has an EVA midsole so its ride doesn't possess much bounce or energy return but it has 3 mm more heel stack height. Version 10 has a wider forefoot than its predecessor which makes it more comfortable but it also has a firmer ride and stability features that might put some runners off.
The Hoka Rincon 4 is a good lightweight trainer which performs best at steady paces. It has a firm ride and lacks the bounce and energy return of the Hoka Mach 6 but at only $125, it represents great value. Version 4 is a completely different beast to previous versions. It has a full-length rubberised EVA outsole, making it more durable and 3 mm extra stack height, increasing its cushioning and versatility.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Responsive
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
buy half size bigger
Retail price
US$149.95
US$125
Sole unit: Clifton 10 vs Rincon 4
The midsoles of both the Clifton and the Rincon are made of compression moulded EVA foam. The main difference between the two midsoles is that the Clifton’s is much thicker which results in a softer, more cushioned ride.
The Clifton is better suited to longer, slower runs because it has more long-distance comfort and more cushioning depth.
Conversely, the Rincon is better suited to shorter, faster runs because its midsole is more responsive and it has a lighter weight compared to the Clifton.
The Rincon is more flexible than the Clifton and this translates to a snappier forefoot and a faster feeling shoe than the sluggish feel of the Clifton.
Ride transitions are smoother in the Clifton than the Rincon because it has a thicker, Ortholite insole which gives it a plusher-feeling ride.
The Clifton has better stability than the Rincon because it has midsole sidewalls which are raised and act as guide rails to keep your foot centred. The Clifton also has a built up rearfoot area which is better for flat-footed runners who over pronate.
On the outsoles, the big difference is that the Clifton has a lot more rubber on its outsole for extra durability and grip.
The Rincon has exposed midsole foam as its outsole which shreds over time as it scrapes surfaces.
The Clifton with the added outsole rubber is much more durable than the Rincon but both their midsoles are made of EVA and will lose cushioning over time.
Upper unit: Clifton 10 vs Rincon 4
The upper of the Clifton is more padded and plusher than the Rincon. It has a padded non-gusseted tongue for a better fit and it feels more luxurious than the upper of the Rincon.
The upper of the Rincon is more minimal and more breathable than the Clifton’s upper. It is better for shorter distances but doesn’t have the long-distance comfort that the Clifton upper has.
Both trainers fit true to size but have the signature Hoka narrow fit so you will need the wide version if you have wide feet.
Which one to buy: Clifton 10 vs Rincon 4
If you’re a runner looking for a highly cushioned daily trainer for mostly easy or recovery runs, the Clifton is the right shoe for you. It has deep cushioning, a comfortable, plush upper and a relatively light build.
If you’re a runner looking for a more versatile trainer which is lightweight and responsive, the Rincon is the shoe for you. It can handle short, tempo runs as well as long runs. The Rincon is cheaper than the Clifton but it is less stable and not as durable.
Best price online: Clifton 10 vs Rincon 4
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African marathoner based in Malaysia, where the humidity is high and his shoe rotation is even higher. He’s a runner with a full-blown addiction to running shoes. Most people buy shoes to run—Brandon runs to justify buying more shoes. If there’s a new drop, he’s probably already logged 100km in them.
