RTTF is reader supported. Whilst you acquire thru hyperlinks at the web site, we would possibly earn an associate fee.
As a distance runner, since 2002, I’ve attempted many alternative manufacturers of trainers. One logo that has constantly inspired me is HOKA One One. And because you regularly have questions on this funky taking a look logo, I sought after to introduce you to the most efficient HOKA Trainers.
With their center of attention on cushioning and luxury, HOKA One One has established itself as one of the most best manufacturers within the operating shoe marketplace.
Whilst they could also be more recent to the sport, they’re not the brand new child at the block with manufacturers like Altra, Topo or even Tracksmith and Lululemon leaping in to the sport.
Hoka operating sneakers are designed to supply awesome cushioning and enhanced steadiness, making them a super choice for runners of all ranges and talents. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled runner, Hoka sneakers supply the coverage and convenience you want to get the maximum out of your run.
On this article, I can be reviewing probably the most perfect HOKA One One trainers to be had and offering an outline of each and every shoe and what form of runner would revel in that shoe.
What Units HOKA Aside?
There are a couple of key options that you just’re going to search out throughout all or maximum in their lineup. So let’s overview the ones right here after which we’ll dive in to the precise fashions!
Maximal Shoe
That is the trademark feature of HOKA, so it’s essential to know what it in reality manner.
We’re speaking in regards to the stack top of the shoe, which is the peak of that stunning midsole cushion. It does NOT imply the similar factor as heel-to-toe drop.
Heel toe drop is the volume of top alternate from the heel of the shoe to the forefoot. To visualise that simply consider a excessive heel, trainers are simply now not as excessive.
Some great benefits of the HOKA platform is that it creates herbal steadiness. As a substitute of setting up arduous rods or arduous arches to regulate the foot this wider base does it naturally.
Podiatrist really helpful
Yup, they in reality have a seal from American Podiatric Clinical Affiliation on quite a few their sneakers. That suggests a gaggle of poditrists have reviewed them and counsel them for excellent foot well being!
Perfect HOKA Working Footwear
Having run in such a lot of of those, I’m at all times excited to inform other people extra about HOKA. When you’ve been round right here lengthy, that I’m now not a logo purist. I run in and take a look at a TON of various manufacturers.
However HOKA was once one who took me by means of wonder.
Let’s be truthful the primary time I noticed that vast stack top and heard the phrase Maximal shoe, I assumed “now not for me”. After which like all excellent researcher, I determined simply to provide it a shot.
It wasn’t heavy or clunky. It felt excellent. Hmmm this was once intriguing!
**X fashions are going to be their carbon plate sneakers.
👉HOKA Clifton 9
The primary shoe that will have to be discussed is the Clifton as their flagship shoe and the person who began all of it. I’ve now examined 6 other fashions of this shoe and it’s true there have been a couple of that I simply didn’t love.
However they’ve come again round and I’m certainly logging miles within the 8. I’m going to let you know that opinions are very blended at the 9. Some suppose it’s nonetheless simply best and others say, nope it’s modified and doesn’t really feel the similar.
This shoe is designed for impartial runners searching for the very best stability of cushioning and responsiveness.
The Clifton options an up to date midsole that gives a softer and smoother trip, making it best for long-distance runs. The shoe additionally has a light-weight design, which makes it splendid for many who are searching for a shoe that received’t weigh them down all through their runs. In point of fact now not at all times simple to discover a aggregate of cushion and occasional weight!
The Clifton 9 additionally has a breathable higher, which assists in keeping the ft cool and dry, making it a excellent choice for operating in sizzling and humid prerequisites.
- Impartial Working shoe
- Average Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.2 ounces ladies’s, 8.9 ounces males’s
- To be had in 14 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $140
- See all HOKA Clifton fashions (additionally features a gender impartial, suede and water-proof)
- In finding older fashions marked down (I’ve like the entirety from the 6 onward in recent times)
👉HOKA Bondi 8
For the runner who desires to really feel clouds beneath their ft, I provide the HOKA Bondi. In over two decades of operating, I nonetheless consider that is the plushiest shoe that I’ve ever run in.
The higher is designed to be light-weight and breathin a position, whilst the outsole is engineered for most sturdiness and grip. The Bondi is best for lengthy runs for more recent runners whose frame will have the benefit of the added aid of floor have an effect on. Or for many who need a fabulous restoration day operating shoe.
Whilst this isn’t a steadiness shoe, you are going to listen other people point out that it supplies nice steadiness. This is going again to the broader platform that we mentioned initially.
As you’ll be able to see the business off for gaining that additional tremendous plush feeling is a couple of extra ounces in weight. And but that is nonetheless lighter than such a lot of reasonably cushioned sneakers from different manufacturers
- Impartial Working shoe
- Most Cushion
- 4 mm drop
- 8.9 ounces ladies’s, 10.2 ounces males’s
- To be had in 12 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $140
- See all HOKA Bondi fashions (additionally features a gender impartial, suede, carbon fiber and water-proof)
- In finding older fashions marked down (once more minimum adjustments on this shoe, so if you’ll be able to save moolah, revel in)
HOKA BondiX
The Bondi additionally comes within the BondiX which is a carbon fiber shoe. I’ve attempted it, and what a deal with for a shoe corporate to mention why can’t the on a regular basis runner have a carbon fiber operating shoe?? That means simply since you aren’t aiming for a 2 hour marathon doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t revel in the advantages for your 5 hour marathon!
Truthfully, I actually revel in this shoe.
It wouldn’t be my best pick out for a race day shoe, however there may be some proof that carbon plate sneakers can scale back leg fatigue, so perhaps a receive advantages to the use of on some lengthy runs. I additionally don’t see the Achilles factor with this type that some are experiencing with the tremendous bouncy cushion.
👉HOKA Mach 5
Whilst you’re in a position to show at the pace, the Mach is your HOKA of selection. It’s now not a carbon fiber shoe, as a substitute it’s a perfect light-weight shoe designed to spring off the bottom and mean you can in finding that fast turnover.
This shoe is perfect for skilled runners who’re searching for a quick and responsive shoe to tackle long-distance races or period coaching. The Mach includes a light-weight foam midsole that gives a handy guide a rough, full of life really feel, whilst the meta-rocker design is helping to inspire a extra herbal gait.
Whilst many sneakers advertise one thing like a meta-rocker to lend a hand propel you from heel to forefoot, I can say I did in reality understand it somewhat within the Mach. That’s tremendous bizarre, in most cases I’m questioning what on Earth they imply.
- Impartial Working shoe
- Responsive Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 6.8 ounces ladies’s, 8.2 ounces males’s
- To be had in 9 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $140
- See all HOKA Mach fashions (additionally features a Ironman model)
HOKA Mach X
I didn’t need to omit this latest shoe having lately spent some miles in it. I really like the Mach and it’s transform a move to shoe, so the speculation must be that including a Carbon Plate will make this shoe even higher.
Perhaps.
However for my $$ I don’t suppose I’d splurge in this carbon shoe (granted it’s most effective $40 extra). As a substitute, I’d center of attention on certainly one of their true racing sneakers just like the CarbonX or Rocket X as indexed under. Or in truth, I’d opt for one of the most different carbon plate trainers I like to recommend.
This received’t endear me to my HOKA PR crew, however it’s the reality and that’s what you must get right here!
👉HOKA Carbon X 3
For the speedster who desires that carbon fiber push off, it’s time to checkout the Carbon X.
The HOKA CarbonX is a high-performance, light-weight operating shoe this is designed for pace and agility. It includes a carbon fiber plate within the midsole that gives a responsive, energy-returning trip. The shoe may be supplied with a cushioned midsole and a light-weight, breathable higher that delivers convenience and fortify to the ft.
I admit that whilst I cherished the texture underfoot, I struggled with the tongue.
The shoe has that Nike Flyknit really feel which wraps across the foot. It seems like and wonderful, but additionally signifies that the tongue has no padding. Sadly it broke proper on my ankle and left me repeatedly with an inflammation.
That being stated, certainly one of my athletes wore the shoe for the NYC marathon and didn’t have a unmarried factor! So value attempting on to look the way it suits in your foot!

The opposite factor you’re going to note in an instant within the design is the prolonged heel. They used to name this a hubble heel and in idea it lets you make a sooner transition from heel to toe with each and every stride. I will’t say that I spotted it an excessive amount of, however I’ve additionally discovered I don’t specifically love prolonged heels for the common heel striker.
Once more, I’d give this a an identical really feel to the Clifton, however you’ll completely understand the responsiveness.
- Impartial Carbon Fiber Working shoe
- Responsive Cushion (which is to mention lower than different sneakers)
- 5 mm drop
- 6.6 ounces ladies’s, 7.8 ounces males’s
- To be had in 8 colours
- $200
- See all HOKA Carbon X fashions (additionally features a Ironman model)
👉Hoka Rocket X2
I’m an enormous fan of HOKA, however didn’t just like the Hoka Carbon X and the Hoka Bondi X was once a excellent shoe, however now not a best pace racer. So I used to be actually excited to check out this shoe and proclaim it certainly one of my favorites, however I’m simply now not positive that might be completely truthful.
Having JUST spent a couple of weeks doing runs on this shoe I’m torn…
- The heel doesn’t cup really well and consequently I used to be repeatedly scared of blisters or even stopped one longer term to move house. Perhaps it’s because they don’t have a male/feminine model, simply all gender.
- It has nice jump and cushion, you’re getting that Nike feeling that the majority manufacturers are striving for
- You’re getting the HOKA wider have compatibility that such a lot of love
- 5mm drop certainly a choice and feels mild
I really like the texture, however the concern across the heel would possibly stay me from the use of this shoe. This might be a subject matter with being Unisex or just the have compatibility of the heel, which is why Saucony Endorphin Elite added that little little bit of padding.
- Unisex
- 5 mm heel drop
- 8.3 ounces
- $250
👉HOKA Speedgoat 5
I love to mention the Speedgoat is the Clifton with additional traction. Whilst that’s now not 100% true, it’s beautiful shut! So for those who love the texture in their vintage impartial teacher then the Speedgoat goes to be a winner for you as smartly.
It’s completely transform certainly one of my move to path trainers.
Chances are you’ll suppose with the stack top that it makes trails more difficult and it HOKA is among the most popular sneakers for ultramarathon runners. Which I consider is because of the nice aggregate of cushion and steadiness.
The Speedgoat 5 includes a sturdy design that gives a at ease and solid trip on any terrain. The shoe additionally includes a breathable higher, which assists in keeping the ft cool and dry all through runs.
- Impartial Path Working shoe
- Average Cushion
- 4 mm drop
- 8.5 ounces ladies’s, 10.3 ounces males’s
- To be had in 11 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $140
- See all HOKA Speedgoat fashions (additionally features a water-proof choice)
👉HOKA Arahi 6
The Arahi is a steadiness operating shoe designed for runners who want fortify for overpronation.
This shoe includes a J-Body generation that is helping to lead the foot and scale back overpronation, whilst the froth midsole supplies a cushioned and responsive trip. In point of fact it’s now not regularly you discover a shoe with this quantity of cushion that’s additionally designed with steadiness in thoughts.
The mesh higher is breathable and versatile, and the shoe includes a broad base for extra steadiness. The Arahi is a smart selection for runners who want fortify and steadiness, and who need a at ease, cushioned shoe for his or her day-to-day coaching.
Since I’m really not a steadiness shoe runner, this and the Gaviota have now not graced my ft. I’m sharing with you comments from different runners who’ve used them!
- Steadiness Working shoe
- Average Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.6 ounces ladies’s, 9.3 ounces males’s
- To be had in 11 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $140
- See all HOKA Arahi fashions
👉HOKA Gaviota 4
The Gaviota 4 is the perfect degree steadiness shoe presented by means of HOKA, proper at the side of that plush cushioning really feel from the Bondi! All of that blended does make it their heaviest shoe.
The Gaviota is a most cushioning operating shoe that gives a easy, cushioned trip with some steadiness for lengthy distances. This shoe is perfect for runners who want additional cushioning for his or her ft, particularly for many who be afflicted by joint ache or who’re searching for a shoe that may lend a hand them to get better after a protracted race.
The Gaviota includes a thick foam midsole that gives a cushioned trip, whilst the broad base and steadiness options lend a hand to cut back overpronation. The breathable mesh higher is light-weight and versatile, making this shoe a at ease selection for lengthy runs.
- Steadiness Working shoe
- Most Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 9.3 ounces ladies’s, 11.4 ounces males’s
- To be had in 6 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $170
- See all HOKA Gaviota fashions
👉HOKA Challenger 7
The Challenger is designed to be a road-to-trail operating shoe, very similar to the Nike Terra Kiger...however with extra cushion.
This is smart from the lug design, which might simply take care of trails or beaten gravel paths. I generally tend to wish to stay my sneakers with lugs off the pavement, however that’s what they designed this one to do. It’s now not designed for tremendous technical trails and would possibly really feel somewhat extra slim than different fashions in response to tester comments.

The shoe provides masses of cushioning and fortify, making it nice for the ones taking a look for a at ease trip when hitting the ones native trails, beaten gravel paths or dust roads.
The breathin a position higher is helping stay your ft cool and dry, and the outsole supplies very good traction on a selection of surfaces. I additionally just like the prolonged heel, much less problems with my foot slipping out.
- Impartial Path Working shoe
- Most Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.7 ounces ladies’s, 8.9 ounces males’s
- To be had in 6 colours
- To be had in Vast in some colours
- $145
- See all HOKA Challenger fashions(together with low and water-proof GTX)
👉HOKA Torrent 3
The Torrent is a flexible, light-weight path operating shoe that gives a cushioned and responsive trip on quite a few terrain sorts. This shoe is perfect for runners who love to take on difficult trails, desires to consider pace and who desire a shoe that may take care of quite a few prerequisites.
The Torrent includes a competitive outsole with multi-directional lugs that offer traction and grip on quite a few surfaces. The froth midsole supplies a cushioned and responsive trip, whilst the breathable mesh higher is sturdy and versatile.
The Meta–Rocker design is helping to create a easy transition from heel to toe, making it a nice selection for lengthy–distance runs.
The Torrent is a smart selection for runners who need a path shoe that may take care of anything else they throw at it. With the stripped down cushioning, it’s a shoe that’s going to mean you can really feel extra of the bottom, which many runners love for higher proprioception.
- Impartial Path Working shoe
- Minimum Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.5 ounces ladies’s, 8.7 ounces males’s
- To be had in 4 colours
- $145
- See all HOKA Torrent fashions
👉HOKA Tecton X2
My first thought of a carbon plate path operating shoe was once “I’m now not speedy sufficient to wish this.” However then I regarded quite a few opinions from fellow runners, who jogged my memory that one of the most advantages is saving calories and attainable aid in muscle fatigue.
A couple of runs later and I’m fairly satisfied that is now in my path operating rotation.
It’s indexed as minimum cushion, however in comparison to the HOKA Zinal (which is meant to be a minimum path racer) I disagree. I’d say it felt similar to the Challenger and I actually loved a few 10 mile path days in trying out.
The shoe has a excellent grip and I in reality discovered that during muddy spots it didn’t clog up within the lugs, which is at all times a win. So in case you are searching for a sooner path shoe, I’m now not mad about this one. It’s nonetheless were given sufficient cushion to be stress-free for lengthy miles.
- Carbon Plate Path Working shoe
- Average Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.4 ounces ladies’s, 8.8 ounces males’s
- To be had in 4 colours
- $225
- See all HOKA Tecton X2 fashions
There you could have it! A spoil down of the most efficient Hoka trainers! As you’ll be able to see HOKA One One provides quite a few trainers designed for various kinds of runners and operating types.
Whether or not you’re searching for a light-weight and responsive racing shoe, a steadiness shoe for overpronation, a most cushioning shoe for lengthy distances, a path operating shoe, or a flexible street operating shoe, HOKA One One has a shoe that may meet your wishes.
Take a little time to believe your operating objectives and desires, and check out on a couple of pairs of HOKA One One sneakers to search out the most efficient have compatibility for you.
In the previous couple of years, they’ve slimmed down the entire product line, which is why the most efficient HOKA trainers isn’t 50 fashions lengthy! I admire this because it manner they’re desirous about what works.
Actually, I even counsel them as nice strolling sneakers! Checkout the perfect HOKA strolling sneakers (for the ones on their ft all day!).
Since I do know a part of purchasing a brand new pair of trainers is determining how they may really feel in comparison to what you now run in, I’ve accomplished a ton of facet by means of facet comparisons. Pitting other manufacturers and fashions towards HOKA that will help you in finding the fitting shoe:
Alternative ways to hook up with Amanda
Instagram Day-to-day A laugh: RunToTheFinish
Fb Neighborhood Chatter: RunToTheFinish
Signal As much as Obtain a Weekly E-newsletter with Most sensible Working Pointers and Laughs