Clifton 10

Yes, for most runners the Clifton 10 fits true to size, so order your usual Hoka or running-shoe size. The forefoot is medium volume with room for your toes to splay, and the midfoot and heel lock down securely. If you have a wider foot, choose the dedicated wide fitting rather than sizing up, as going up a size tends to leave the heel loose. Narrow-footed runners should still get a clean fit with a slightly firmer lace.

For training and for many runners on race day, yes. Its soft, protective cushioning and smooth rocker make long miles comfortable and keep your legs fresher late in a race. It is a cushioned cruiser rather than a fast carbon racer, so if you are chasing a sharp personal best you may prefer a lighter, more responsive shoe. But as a do-it-all marathon-training shoe that can also carry you round the distance in comfort, it is a strong, dependable pick.

It is one of the easiest running shoes to recommend to a beginner. The generous cushioning is forgiving on impact, the rocker helps a developing stride roll along smoothly, and the fit is comfortable and accommodating straight out of the box. It is neutral, so it suits most new runners who do not have a specific support need. The main thing to weigh is the £140 price, which is at the premium end, though the comfort and durability help justify it.

The Clifton 10 moves to a 8mm drop and adds more cushioning, so it feels softer, plusher and more protective than the Clifton 9, with a lower, more grounded landing. It is also a touch heavier at 278g. In short, the 10 leans further into soft comfort and long-run protection, while the 9 felt slightly lighter and firmer underfoot. If maximum easy-mile comfort is your priority, the 10 is the upgrade.

It can hold a steady effort, but fast running is not its strength. The soft foam and cushioned ride feel a little vague and slow to respond when you push for a quick turnover, and at 278g it is not light on the foot. It is happiest at easy to moderate paces. If you want a Hoka that handles tempo and faster days better, the lighter Mach 7 is the sharper choice, ideally kept alongside the Clifton for easy runs.

Durability is a traditional Clifton strength and the 10 continues that. The protective midsole holds its comfort well over a training block, and there is enough rubber coverage on the outsole to see out plenty of road miles. As a cushioned daily trainer built for high mileage, it is designed to be your workhorse rather than a shoe you baby, so most runners will get a full, dependable life span of training out of a pair.