Hoka Clifton 10 vs Nike Pegasus 42:
Which to Choose

The clearest split is cushioning character. The Clifton 10 leans max-soft: deep, compression-molded EVA (rated 5/6 for cushioning) that soaks up impact for a quiet, forgiving ride, with roughly 32mm of foam under the forefoot to keep long miles comfortable. The Pegasus 42 is deliberately firmer (4/6), pairing ReactX foam with a full-length Air Zoom unit over a lower forefoot stack of about 22mm, so you sit closer to the ground and get a distinct pop that wakes up as you lift the pace. That difference shows up in responsiveness too — the Pegasus edges it at 4/6 versus the Clifton's 3/6, because the Clifton's soft EVA is protective rather than springy and tends to flatten out when you push, while the Air Zoom stays lively at tempo. Geometry is the other big divider: the Clifton runs a balanced 8mm drop with a smooth meta-rocker that rolls you heel-to-toe, whereas the Pegasus sits at a tall 14mm, a heel-biased offset you feel on every footstrike and one that favors committed heel strikers. Weights are close, with the Clifton around 278g and the Pegasus around 286g (both men's US 9), and both use breathable engineered mesh uppers over wide, planted, equally stable (4/6) platforms. One practical note on longevity: the Clifton's plush EVA tends to compress and lose its softness over high mileage, while the Pegasus's firmer foam and Air unit are built to hold their feel for the long haul.