The New Balance 990 and the HOKA Clifton are built for different priorities, so the right choice depends on what you need most. The 990v6 is a lower-profile, higher-drop shoe with a 39.1mm heel and 23.8mm forefoot stack (15.3mm drop), firm PU-backed support in the rearfoot, and a design geared toward all-day comfort with built-in arch and stability support, making it a strong pick for flat feet or overpronation. The HOKA Clifton 10, by contrast, has a much taller stack at 42mm heel and 34mm forefoot with a lower 8mm drop and soft CMEVA foam, favoring plush cushioning and a rockered, low-effort ride over structured support. Neither is a performance running shoe in the technical sense — both are best understood as comfort-first, all-day options.
Key Takeaways
- The NB 990v6 has a 15.3mm drop with firmer, more structured support suited to flat feet or overpronation.
- The HOKA Clifton 10 has a much taller stack (42mm/34mm) with an 8mm drop and softer, plusher cushioning.
- The 990 leans toward stability and all-day lifestyle wear; the Clifton leans toward maximum cushioning and a rockered ride.
- At roughly 12.9oz (M9), the 990 is a moderately weighted lifestyle shoe rather than a lightweight trainer.
- Neither model is marketed as a dedicated performance running shoe — both suit everyday, low-impact wear.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | New Balance 990v6 | HOKA Clifton 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel stack | 39.1mm | 42mm |
| Forefoot stack | 23.8mm | 34mm |
| Drop | 15.3mm | 8mm |
| Foam / support | FuelCell + firm PU rearfoot insert | CMEVA foam |
| Best for | Flat feet, overpronation, stability | Maximum cushioning, rockered ride |
Which shoe offers better support?
Direct answer: the New Balance 990v6 is the more supportive, structured option of the two, largely due to its firm PU-backed rearfoot insert and higher drop.
Explanation: the 990’s design combines FuelCell foam with a firmer support element in the heel, which keeps the ride more controlled and grounded compared to a purely soft, high-stack cushioning setup.
Nuance: “support” here refers to structural stability rather than a corrective medical device — people with flat feet or mild overpronation often find the 990 comfortable, but anyone with a diagnosed condition should still consult a podiatrist rather than choosing a shoe based on marketing descriptions alone.
Recommendation: if you know you need a firmer, more grounded ride or have flat feet, the 990 is the shoe to try on first.
Which shoe offers more cushioning?
Direct answer: the HOKA Clifton 10 offers noticeably more cushioning, with a heel stack roughly 3mm taller and a forefoot stack over 10mm taller than the 990v6.
Explanation: HOKA’s CMEVA foam at this stack height is designed to absorb impact and create a soft, rockered ride that reduces perceived effort, especially over long periods on your feet.
Nuance: a taller stack and lower drop change how the foot sits relative to the ground, which some wearers find takes a short adjustment period compared to a lower-stack, higher-drop shoe like the 990.
Recommendation: if all-day plushness and shock absorption matter more to you than structured support, the Clifton is the stronger fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New Balance 990 good for overpronation?
Its firmer rearfoot support and stability-oriented design make it a common recommendation for flat feet or mild overpronation, though it isn’t a medical device — check with a professional for a diagnosed condition.
Is the HOKA Clifton a running shoe?
It’s positioned primarily as a comfort and everyday cushioning shoe rather than a dedicated performance trainer, though many people do run in it casually.
Which shoe is heavier?
The 990v6 weighs around 12.9oz in a men’s size 9; HOKA does not consistently publish a directly comparable spec for the Clifton 10, so weight alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
Can I wear either shoe all day?
Yes — both are designed with all-day comfort in mind, just with different approaches: the 990 through structured support, the Clifton through maximum cushioning.
Which shoe has a lower drop?
The HOKA Clifton 10 has an 8mm drop, notably lower than the 990v6’s 15.3mm drop.
Curious how the 990 compares to another New Balance model instead? Check our New Balance 990 vs 2002R comparison.
Ready to compare them in person? Cecile Milan carries both New Balance shoes for men and a HOKA selection for men.
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[…] Curious how the 990 stacks up against a maximalist HOKA? See our New Balance 990 vs HOKA Clifton comparison. […]