Which Hoka Shoe Is Best For Me?

As a famous running coach once said, “The right shoe can make or break your run, so choose wisely!”

With Hoka One One’s innovative shoe designs, many athletes have found their perfect match. But, with so many options available, you might be wondering: which Hoka shoe is best for me?

Our research shows that the Hoka Bondi, Clifton, and Speedgoat are among the top contenders, each designed for different running styles and preferences.

Here’s the full list of the best hoka shoes of 2023:

The Best Hoka Shoes 2023

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Best for walking and standing all day

HOKA Bondi 7

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WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Bondi 7: Plusher collar to accommodate any ankle.

Weight: 10.8 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum

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Walking and standing all day can take a toll on your feet, but with HOKA Bondi 7 you can feel a world of difference. It’s one of the most cushioned shoes that can deliver a smooth and balanced ride.

It features a thick, cushioned sole and vegan rubber outsole that is designed to absorb shock and lessen the impact on your joints.

I like my toe to spread out and the wide toe box helps me out with that. Plus breathable Open mesh construction keeps my feet dry and cool.

HOKA’s signature technology “Meta-Rocker” promotes a smooth, natural gait. A plush interior on the Bondi 7 feels like it hugs my foot for a secure fit.

“I must say, this shoe exceeded all expectations! The ultra-cushioned midsole offers exceptional support and comfort, making long days on my feet a breeze.” says a grocery store worker reviewer.

Best shoes for nurses

HOKA Challenger ATR 6

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Challenger ATR 6: Unifi REPREVE® recycled yarn, Toe rand, CMEVA foam midsole, Zonal rubber, 4mm lugs.}

^{Weight: 8.10 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Engineered mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Balanced}

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HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Challenger ATR 6 is a comfortable, supportive, and reliable choice for nursing professionals, making it a top recommendation.

A professional nurse shares how the Hoka challenger 6 became a great shoe for her morning to night activities:

Comfort: Top-notch cushioning for 12+ hour shifts, less foot and leg fatigue.

Traction: Confident grip on hospital floors, even when wet; no slipping incidents.

Fit: True to size with ample toe room; accommodates swelling after long hours.

Breathability: Mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry during long shifts.

Durability: Withstood daily wear and tear in a busy hospital setting; no signs of premature wear.

Easy to clean: Wipes clean easily after exposure to spills and dirt; maintained professional appearance.

Lightweight: Reduced leg strain and made it easier to move quickly when needed.

Best for flat feet

HOKA Gaviota 4

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Gaviota 4: Plusher, foot-hugging comfort and secure fit.}

^{Weight: 11.4 ounces (Men)/9.8 ounces (Women) | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum}

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I have a friend whose foot arch is lower than usual. That’s why I gave her the Hoka Gaviota 4 which is considered one of the best shoes for flat feet. Here are the key points of her experience:

Arch Support: Excellent arch support for flat feet; reduced discomfort and overpronation issues.

Cushioning: Plush midsole cushioning provided great shock absorption and comfort.

Stability: J-Frame technology delivered a stable and secure ride throughout the day.

Fit: Snug and comfortable fit without constricting flat feet or causing discomfort.

Lightweight: Reduced foot fatigue compared to other stability shoes; easy to wear all day.

Breathability: Mesh upper promoted good airflow, keeping feet cool and dry.

Durability: High-quality materials withstood daily wear; showed no signs of premature wear.

Style: Modern design and color options made it easy to pair with miscellaneous outfits.

Best for supination

HOKA Rincon 3 

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Rincon 3: Asymmetrical tongue, thinner pull tab, and a vented mesh upper.}

^{Weight: 7.2 ounces (Women)/ 7.70 ounces (Men) | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Engineered mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive but soft}

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Hoka Rincon 3 comes with the best cushion-to-weight ratio and is an ideal choice for supination users.

This lightweight, compression-molded EVA foam shoe combines softness, support, and responsiveness for a powerful toe-off.

HOKA Rincon 3 – A Supinator’s Perspective

Lightweight design: Appreciate the shoe’s featherlight build, making it easy on the feet during long runs.

Cushioned support: The ample cushioning offers great shock absorption, particularly beneficial for supinators.

Responsive feel: Despite its plush cushioning, the shoe still feels responsive and doesn’t compromise on energy return.

Breathable upper: The mesh upper provides excellent breathability, keeping feet cool and comfortable.

Durable outsole: The outsole features improved durability, handling wear from supination better than previous models.

Wide toe box: The roomy toe box allows for natural toe splay, helping to improve balance and prevent injury.

Improved arch support: The Rincon 3 has better arch support compared to previous models, accommodating supination effectively.

Best for overpronation

HOKA Mach 4

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Mach 4: Soft, lightweight foam on top. Rubberized foam beneath.}

^{Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive}

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Mach 4’s low-profile cushion bed keeps your foot close to the ground, and its firmer material helps you push off quickly.

It also features Anatomical achilles construction for maximal comfort and support.

Let’s see the Overpronator’s Experience with HOKA Mach 4:

Cushioning: Excellent cushioning with the dual-layered ProFly midsole, providing good shock absorption for overpronators.

Stability: Adequate stability, but might require additional support, like orthotic inserts, for severe overpronators.

Comfort: Upper part is breathable and comfortable, with a secure fit; no issues with blisters or hotspots.

Responsiveness: Good energy return, making it suitable for daily training or longer runs.

Durability: High-quality materials and construction; shoes hold up well even after significant mileage.

Weight: Lightweight design for a stability shoe

Traction: Multi-surface traction is reliable, but might struggle in extremely slippery or muddy conditions.

Best shoe for knee pain

HOKA Gaviota 2

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Gaviota 2: Arch-lock wings, Molded Ortholite sockliner, Flat-waisted geometry.}

^{Weight: 10.60 ounces (Men)/ 8.80 (women) | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Balanced}

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Hoka Gaviota 2 would be a great investment for runners dealing with knee issues. According to a lot of users, this shoe noticeably reduced knee pain and they have recommended it for comfort, stability, and support.

Pain Relief and Support: Significant reduction in knee pain during and after runs. Exceptional support for arches and knees

Cushioning and Comfort: HOKA’s signature midsole provides ample cushioning. Comfortable and snug fit without feeling heavy

Traction and Durability: Trustworthy traction on various terrains. Rubber outsole with zonal patterns for increased grip

Fit and Sizing: True to size with options for wider feet, accommodates flat feet or mild overpronation.

Best for high arch support

Hoka ONE Clifton 7

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Clifton 7: Open-engineered sandwich mesh construction, New vertical pull tab, Moderate heel bevel}

^{Weight: 7.10 ounces (Women)/ 8.70 ounces (Man) | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Balanced}

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Hoka Clifton 7 has become my go-to shoe for daily runs and long distance training, providing the support and comfort I need for my high arches.

Arch support: Excellent – provided ample support for my high arches, minimizing discomfort and preventing foot strain.

Cushioning: Superior – Hoka’s signature cushioning offers a plush yet responsive feel, reducing impact and fatigue during runs.

Lightweight: Impressive – Clifton 7 feels lightweight and comfortable on the feet, promoting natural movement and agility.

Breathability: Good – the engineered mesh upper allows for adequate air circulation, keeping feet cool and dry during long runs.

Stability: Satisfactory – for a neutral shoe, the Clifton 7 offers decent stability, but high arch users with overpronation may need additional support.

Durability: Above average – the shoe’s high-quality materials and construction ensure it lasts for many miles.

Traction: Solid – performed well on various surfaces including pavement, gravel, and light trails.

Aesthetics: Stylish – the Clifton 7 features a sleek, modern design that is both functional and visually appealing.

Best hiking boots

Hoka Speedgoat 5

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Speedgoat 5: Less weight and more traction. (A half-ounce lighter, to be exact.)}

^{Weight: 10.3 ounces (Men)/ 8.50 (Women) | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Jacquard mesh upper, Vibram rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive but soft}

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Looking for the best hiking boots? We have got you covered with the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Let’s see why backpackers thought this is the best value for money and could give you a safe exit while hiking:

Grip: Excellent – The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides superior traction on a variety of surfaces, including rocky terrain and muddy trails.

Fit: Comfortable – The engineered mesh upper and gusseted tongue offers a snug yet comfortable fit, while the padded collar and cushioned midsole ensure all-day hiking comfort.

Stability: Better – The wider platform and improved heel-to-toe transition make the Speedgoat 5 more stable on uneven surfaces than its predecessors.

Lightweight: Quite a bit – these shoes won’t weigh you down on long hikes.

Durability: Super – The reinforced TPU overlays and rubber toe cap protect the shoe from trail debris and sharp rocks.

Cushioning: Balanced – The PROFLY midsole provides a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness, allowing for a smooth ride on various terrains.

Drainage: Good – The quick-drying materials help keep your feet comfortable and dry in wet conditions.

Pricey: The Speedgoat 5 is on the higher end of the price spectrum for trail shoes.

May run narrow: Some users have reported that the fit can be narrow, especially in the toe box area.

Best for wide feet

Hoka Mach 5

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Mach 5: A little more “oomph” in both performance and ride.}

^{Weight: 8.2 ounces (Men)/ 6.80 ounces (Women) | Drop: 5 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive}

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The great successor of Mach 4 built for performance and ready to race. It’s an excellent choice for wide feet, let’s see why:

Overall Fit: Comfortable and snug for wide feet, accommodating extra width without any issues

Upper Material: Breathable and flexible mesh adapts well to wider feet, providing an excellent fit

Toe Box: Spacious and non-constrictive, allowing for natural toe splay and movement

Midsole: Responsive and well-cushioned, offering ample support for longer runs

Arch Support: Adequate for both neutral and mild pronators, suitable for various foot types

Heel Counter: Secure and stable, keeping the foot in place without causing discomfort for wide feet

Outsole: Durable and provides great traction on various surfaces, even with extended use

Weight: Lightweight design, making it suitable for daily training and longer runs

Break-in Period: Minimal to none, with immediate comfort right out of the box

Sizing: Order true to size or half a size up for the best fit with wider fee

Best shoe for bunions

Hoka Bondi 8

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^{WHAT’S NEW With Hoka Bondi 8: Amplifying core performance features, the Bondi 8 is upgraded with an extended heel, brand-new foam, and pillowed tongue.}

^{Weight: 10.8 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum}

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Though we have listed hoka bondi 8 as the best shoe for bunions, however, it’s actually a game changer for all types of runners.

Hoka directly mentioned that it’s “One of the hardest working shoes in the HOKA lineup”.

Now let’s see why it could be a great running shoe for bunion users –

Generous toe box: The Hoka Bondi 8 provides ample space in the toe box, allowing for the comfortable accommodation of bunions without causing any discomfort or pressure.

Soft upper material: The upper mesh material is soft and flexible, conforming to the foot shape and providing additional comfort to bunion sufferers.

Excellent cushioning: The Bondi 8’s plush midsole cushioning provides great shock absorption, which helps to alleviate pain and stress on the bunion area during runs.

Arch support: Adequate arch support helps to distribute pressure evenly, further reducing stress on the bunion area.

Wide sizing options: Hoka offers wide sizing options in the Bondi 8, making it easier for those with bunions to find the right fit.

Reduced irritation: The seamless construction of the upper minimizes potential irritation points for bunion-sensitive areas.

Durable: The Bondi 8’s quality construction ensures that the shoe lasts for a significant number of miles, even with the extra stress from bunions.

Understanding Different Types of Runners

Before delving into the selection process, it is essential to recognize that runners have varying needs, preferences, and running styles. Keeping this in mind, we categorized runners into three primary groups:

1. Road Runners: Those who predominantly run on paved surfaces.
2. Trail Runners: Individuals who prefer running off-road, on uneven terrain, and in nature.
3. Track and Field Athletes: Runners who engage in competitive events on a track or field.

By considering these categories, we ensured that our selection of the best HOKA running shoes catered to a diverse range of runners.

Key Criteria for Selecting the Best HOKA Running Shoes

Read on to learn how we picked the top models based on comfort, support, durability, and more:

Comfort

You’ll be spending hours in them, so you want your sneaks to be comfortable. We assessed the overall fit, cushioning, and in-shoe feel of various HOKA models. Particular attention was given to the shoe’s upper material, heel collar padding, and tongue design, as these contribute significantly to a runner’s comfort.

• Cushioning: HOKA shoes are known for their thick midsoles that provide ample cushioning. We looked for shoes with a balance of softness and responsiveness to ensure maximum comfort.
• Breathability: Running shoes that allow air to circulate freely help keep your feet dry and comfortable. We looked for shoes with breathable uppers that allow for proper ventilation.
• Fit: We also looked for shoes that fit well, with ample room in the toe box and a snug fit around the heel.

Performance and Responsiveness

Next, we evaluated the shoes’ performance in terms of energy return, responsiveness, and stability. HOKA shoes are known for their Meta-Rocker technology, which promotes a smooth and efficient stride. We carefully analyzed the effectiveness of this feature across different models, ensuring that our top picks provided an optimal running experience.

Support

Proper support can help prevent injuries and provide stability during your runs. When evaluating the support of HOKA running shoes, we looked at several factors, including:

• Arch support: Running shoes should provide proper arch support to help prevent foot pain and injuries.
• Stability: Overpronation, a common problem among runners, can be prevented with proper running shoes. We looked for shoes with features such as a wide base, rigid heel cup, and medial post to provide stability.
• Flexibility: Running shoes should also be flexible enough to allow for natural foot movement.

Weight and Flexibility

The weight of a running shoe can significantly influence a runner’s performance. We compared the weights of different HOKA models while also assessing their flexibility and ease of movement. Our goal was to find shoes that struck the perfect balance between lightweight construction and flexibility.

Durability

The longevity of a running shoe is essential, as it directly impacts the value for money. We inspected the materials and construction of different HOKA models to gauge their durability. This appraisal included examining the wear and tear on the outsole, midsole, and upper after extensive use.

• Outsole: Running shoes with a durable outsole can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. We looked for shoes with a high-quality rubber outsole that can handle different types of terrain.
• Upper: An upper made of durable materials can withstand repeated wear and exposure to the elements in running shoes. The shoes we searched for featured a strong upper material, such as mesh or synthetic leather.
• Midsole: A durable midsole allows running shoes to retain their cushioning and support over time. Our goal was to find shoes with high-quality midsole materials, such as EVA or polyurethane foam.

Traction and Grip

Traction is particularly important for trail runners who need a firm grip on uneven and slippery surfaces. We scrutinized the outsole patterns and materials of HOKA trail shoes to identify models that offered superior grip and stability on various terrains.

Top HOKA Running Shoes for Different Runner Types

Based on the criteria mentioned above, we have identified the best HOKA running shoes for each runner category:

Best for Road Runners: HOKA Clifton 8

The Clifton 8 stands out for its exceptional cushioning and lightweight design. Its breathable mesh upper, well-padded collar, and gusseted tongue ensure a comfortable and secure fit. With an updated midsole that delivers improved energy return, the Clifton 8 is perfect for road runners seeking a responsive and durable shoe.

Best for Trail Runners: HOKA Speedgoat 4

The Speedgoat 4 offers unmatched grip and stability on challenging trails, thanks to its Vibram Megagrip outsole and multi-directional lugs. The shoe also boasts a protective, yet breathable, upper that shields the foot from debris while maintaining comfort. With its balanced cushioning and responsive ride, the Speedgoat 4 is an ideal choice for trail runners who require a reliable and high-performance shoe.

Best for Track and Field Athletes: HOKA Rocket X

Designed for speed and agility, the Rocket X features a lightweight and responsive design that caters to the demands of track and field athletes. The shoe is equipped with a carbon fiber plate, providing excellent propulsion and energy return. Its breathable mesh upper and secure lacing system ensures a snug and comfortable fit during high-intensity workouts and races.