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These Are Now the Best Hoka Shoes for Running and Walking

Hoka continues to release new models for every kind of runner and walker. These are the best ones to buy right now.

hoka running shoePhoto by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

By Jack Seemer

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Hoka has become so prolific in recent years that it’s easy to forget the brand has only been around since 2009. Founded by two former Salomon employees, Hoka (formerly Hoka One One) now makes dozens of shoes for running, walking, hiking and even resting, with sales close to $2 billion per year. In other words, the brand is pretty dang popular.

Are Hoka shoes any good?

If there’s one common through line running across Hoka’s entire catalog, it’s the brand’s signature oversized midsoles.

Since the beginning, Hoka has always aimed to deliver high degrees of cushioning without a lot of weight. It’s a delicate ratio that comes courtesy of advanced foams, often employed in unique ways (such as contrasting densities in different parts of a shoe).

hoka running shoes
If there’s a single through line across Hoka’s lineup, it’s the brand’s signature oversized midsoles.
Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Hoka also has a few other tricks up its sleeve. The first is something it calls a MetaRocker — basically a taper toward the front of its shoe that propels wearers forward, instead of sinking into the thick midsoles. There’s also the brand’s Active Foot Frame that cradles the sides of each foot for extra support.

One of the simple reasons Hoka continues to gain popularity comes down to the sheer variety of models and colorways.

At the end of the day, though, one of the simple reasons Hoka continues to gain popularity among all demographics comes down to the sheer variety of models and colorways on offer. Here are the best ones for different activities, tested over the course of years and, quite literally, thousands of miles.

Learn more about our testing process and methodology.

Best Hoka Shoe for Daily Training

When people talk about Hoka shoes, they mean shoes like the Clifton — heavily cushioned, lightweight, durable.

Now in its ninth iteration, the Clifton has also remained relatively affordable, making it longtime stalwart for easy miles at a wide range of paces.

To be clear, the Clifton is not the fastest shoe in Hoka’s lineup, nor does it offer the plushiest ride. It also doesn’t boast the brand’s most advanced materials. But it can do a little bit of everything, and it will last a long, long time.

If you don’t rotate your shoes or run workouts at fast paces, the Clifton is one of the most well-rounded models Hoka offers.

Best Hoka Shoe for Long Runs

Released in 2024, the Skyward X has so much cushioning that it’s technically illegal in the eyes of the World Athletics — meaning it can’t be worn in competition by professional athletes. But it’s not like anyone will stop you from taking it out on your next long run.

With a stack height that measures 48mm, this is definitively Hoka’s plushiest ride ever, and it makes use of both EVA and PEBA foams, as well as a carbon fiber plate for stability and structure. The Skyward X also features a breathable knit upper, external TPU heel counter and integrated ghillie system for a secure fit across the midfoot.

Best Hoka Shoe for Workouts

The Mach X 2 is the fastest shoe in Hoka’s Mach series of everyday trainers designed to pick up the pace. It features a plate, state-of-the-art PEBA foam and the kind of minimalist upper you typically only find on race-day shoes that cost upward of $300.

That said, $190 is still pretty pricey for an everyday trainer, so you might want to save this versatile shoe for key workouts, such as track intervals or fartleks.

Hoka Shoe with the Best Value

No running shoe will last forever, no matter what a brand tells you. If you eat up a lot of miles and just need a well-rounded workhorse that won’t break the bank, the Rincon is the shoe to beat.

But it’s not just affordable. Thanks to a simple formula — jacquard upper, EVA midsole, durable outsole — the Rincon also one of the lightest models in Hoka’s entire lineup, appealing to minimalist runners who want a taste of Hoka’s cushioning prowess without the fuss.

Best Hoka Shoe for Marathons

Hoka doesn’t break as many records as Nike or Adidas, at least on the road, but models like the Cielo X1 have all the makings of a bona fide super shoe.

Carbon fiber plate? Check. Multiple layers of advanced PEBA foam? Check. Ultralightweight upper? Check, check, check.

Marathon racers are all a matter of preference and with an impressive list of ingredients, the Cielo X1 deserves be on the radar of any runner looking for a new personal best, especially if they do the rest of their training in Hoka shoes.

Best Hoka Shoe for 5Ks

If the Cielo X1 is Hoka’s take on the Nike Alphafly, the Rocket X 2 is the Vaporfly. With a plate, PEBA foam and streamlined upper, it can race marathons but really shines at distances ranging from the 5K to the half, providing a bit more pop and propulsion than your typical shoe.

At $250, it’s not cheap. But it’s right in line with offerings from other brands promising PR-ready footwear.

Best Hoka Shoe for Walking

The truth is that most Hoka shoes designed for runners also work wonderfully for walkers. In fact, Hoka even sells popular models like the Clifton in muted colorways that wouldn’t look out of place on your daily commute or stroll around the block.

But when it comes to a true walking shoe, it’s hard to beat the Transport, which doesn’t just look like a lifestyle shoe but functions the part, too.

The package includes a durable Cordura upper, neutral 5mm heel-to-toe drop, versatile Vibram outsole and quick-toggle laces for easy on and off. Hoka even sells a variant of the Transport with Gore-Tex for multi-season protection.

Best Hoka Shoe for Long Walks

Before the Skyward X, the Bondi wore the crown as Hoka’s chunkiest, most maximalist shoe. But compared to what you’ll find with most other brands, it’s still an absolute unit.

It’s a bit more versatile than the Transport, as it’s made for walking and running, and its extra foam means it can go further, too. It also comes in a whopping 20 colorways (and three widths), making it a great choice for pretty much everyone.

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