9 Best HOKA Shoes, According to a Running-Obsessed Editor
Consider this your guide to some of the most cushioned shoes on the market.
Tested by Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
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When it comes to chunky (yet comfortable) sneakers, no brand is more recognizable than HOKA. The brand is beloved for its max-cushioned shoes, awash in vibrant colors, that many runners and walkers swear by. As an avid runner and marathoner myself, I've donned many pairs of HOKAs over the years—and I'm guiding you through the best ones for every activity type, pace, and preference.
Our top picks
- Best overall: Clifton 10
- Best for walking: Bondi 9
- Best for running: Mach 6
- Best for trail running: Speedgoat 7
HOKA offers a broad range of shoe styles to choose from—whether you're hitting the trails, spending hours on your feet, or lacing up for a half marathon. Its most famous style, the Clifton 10, ranks among the best running shoes for women, according to our pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab. Personally, I can't part with the Mach 6, which I've worn religiously as I train for the Boston Marathon this spring.
We've also sent several different HOKA styles to our consumer testers who wear them on runs in real-world conditions and in their daily lives, and provide us with feedback on comfort, support, and traction.
One of HOKA's best-selling styles, the Clifton 10 is a great pick if you plan to do a variety of activities like walking, running, or spending lots of time on your feet.
Our consumer testers found that the Clifton 9 (a previous iteration of this same shoe) blended comfort, support, and excellent traction—and one tester even noted that the shoe didn't flare up their plantar fasciitis. Another described these kicks as "walking on clouds." The upgraded Clifton 10 offers a more breathable upper and a slightly higher heel drop to help improve heel-to-toe transitions as you step, according to the brand.
The Clifton 10 also bears the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance—meaning they've been independently reviewed and found to be beneficial to foot health. Just note that at 8.8 ounces, these sneakers are on the heavier side for a running shoe, so serious runners may prefer the Mach 6 (keep reading) for a more lightweight and bouncy experience.
Weight: 8.8 ounces (women's), 9.8 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 8 mm | Sizes: 4 to 12 (women's), 7 to 16 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide, Extra-Wide
If you tend to go on long walks, have a significant commute or are recovering from an injury, you will likely appreciate the unparalleled cushioning of the Bondi 9. We included a previous version in our guides to the best walking shoes and best shoes for flat feet, thanks to its plush midsole. This newly released upgrade offers a higher stack height and updated cushioning—and after wearing these shoes for several months, I've found that it results in a bouncy and distinctly soft stride.
Other standout features from this popular shoe include a mesh upper for added breathability. (I've worn it on 90° hikes and found that my feet were the only thing that didn't overheat)! Plus, consumer testers found these kicks to be lightweight and supportive, offering great stability and traction. One tester, who is on their feet all day and has plantar fasciitis, calls these shoes a game-changer. Testers did note that there was a minor break-in period of a few days.
Weight: 9.3 ounces (women's), 10.5 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 4 mm | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 7 to 16 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide, Extra-Wide
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Men, According to Experts
I'm training for my second marathon, and the Mach 6 has quickly become my go-to pick for easy runs and longer efforts alike. That's because the responsive midsole pares back HOKA's traditional chunky silhouette for a more responsive ride.
Its subtle rocker shape is intended to help propel you forward, yet I've found that it provides just enough cushion to help absorb impact. Its lower stack height gives it a more grounded, lightweight feel—in fact, it's more than 2 ounces lighter than the Bondi 9—so it's particularly great for runners who prefer a springy shoe.
Its mesh upper is well-padded for comfort, yet perforated to be breathable on longer runs. Just note that its heel collar is quite high, so you may get blisters if you wear these shoes with ankle socks.
Weight: 6.7 ounces (women's), 8.2 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 to 11 (women's), 7 to 16 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide
Textiles analysts at the GH Institute have tested their fair share of hiking shoes and recommend this HOKA style for the outdoorsy crowd. While we haven't tested this pair yet, we think the Anacapa has the hallmarks of a great hiking shoe. Its EVA foam midsole and thick outsole mean you'll feel extra cushioned with each step you take, and we like that it's made with water-resistant leather. One reviewer writes, "I splashed through pretty deep puddles and watched with glee as the water rolled right off that Gore-Tex." Metal speed hooks let you secure the laces and an abrasion-resistant toe cap means extra protection in the mountains.
The shoes are close to $200, but the splurge may be worth it if you are an avid hiker and want a shoe that will make you feel sturdy and confident on the trail. Some customers did note that the shoe ran narrow and hoped that HOKA would come out with a wide version.
Weight: 14.7 ounces (women's), 18.0 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 7 mm | Sizes: 5 to 11 (women's), 7 to 15 (men's) | Widths: Regular
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Grace Wu, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst in the GH Institute wore the Speedgoat 5 (a previous version) on two hikes—and gave the shoes perfect scores in almost every category. "The shoe allows for fluid, uninterrupted movement regardless of the obstacles along the way," she says.
Wu also found the shoes were comfortable and fit well, and was pleased with their performance on the trail, saying: "These are the only trail running shoes I'd feel confident enough to hike a rocky, technical trail in."
It may take trail runners a bit to get used to the maximalist shoe design, so be prepared for a small adjustment period if you're used to a low-profile pair of kicks.
Weight: 8.5 ounces (women's), 9.7 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 7 to 15 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide
For those who are training for a longer race like a half marathon, marathon, or even an ultra, long runs are crucial. That's what makes the Mach X3 a favorite of mine: It has the cushioning and grounded construction of your favorite trainer, plus a built-in Pebax (high-performance plastic that's flexible and springy) plate that helps propel you forward without losing momentum. What this means? You can wear it for easy runs, tempo workouts, and long-haul efforts alike.
This pick is also a popular choice among our consumer testers who found the shoes to be springy when they ran long and short distances. "I initially thought the shoes were intimidating due to the stack height, but the dense foam actually makes the shoe more comfortable and 'springy,'" one tester said.
While the shoes received high marks for cushioning, support and appearance, they are one of the more expensive HOKA shoes on the market.
Weight: 8.6 ounces (women's), 10.2 ounces (men's)| Heel drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 to 11 (women's), 7 to 14 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide
If you tend to over-pronate or require extra arch support, the Arahi 8 may be the right HOKA shoe for you. This pair features extra stability in the midsole to help prevent excess ankle rolling and a plush heel cushion for comfort.
I've worn this shoe mainly for walking and hiking, and I'm impressed by its outsole traction, which has gotten me through multiple Arizona hikes on dirt and loose rock without slipping. It also has an additional 3 millimeters of heel cushioning compared to other HOKA styles, which feels comfortable for walking but, I've found it a little clunky for running. Wu also tested a previous version of this style and shared that the shoe felt supportive while offering good cushioning and stability. "These helped correct my gait without feeling too stiff," she shares.
Just note that, if you aren't an over-pronator, we don't recommend wearing the Arahi 8 for running as it may restrict your natural movement.
Weight: 7.7 ounces (women's), 9.8 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 8 mm | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 7 to 15 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide, Extra Wide
Our testers wore the HOKA Transport shoes during everyday activities like leisurely walking outdoors, slow running, and lifting weights—and found that the lifestyle shoe is comfortable and easy to slip on. "I love the stretch laces with the no-tie pull tab (perfect for my laziness)," one tester reported.
The brand touts these shoes as a "city-to-trail" option, since its water-resistant exterior and tractioned outsole make it a solid pick for hiking. Still, the shoe earns style points with its chunky construction and cool colorways. "If I was going on a weekend outdoorsy/camping/hiking trip, these shoes would be perfect," one tester said. (Just note that testers found that the thick outsole offers great traction but can also be a bit noisy on certain surfaces.)
Another tester mentioned that the bunion on her left foot ached the next day after wearing her Transport shoes. She adds that even if she had the wrong size, this shoe may not be the best shoe for bunions.
Weight: 9.7 ounces (women's), 11.3 ounces (men's) | Heel drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 to 11 (women's), 7 to 15 (men's) | Widths: Regular, Wide
If you've run a half marathon or longer in the last few years, you've probably heard of a "super shoe." These race day kicks have a carbon plate inside the sole that's designed to help propel you forward without as much effort (or strain) on your legs. The catch? It can be a challenge to maintain your natural stride without practice—which is why I'm a huge fan of the Rocket X 3.
After wearing this pair while training for a half marathon last fall, I found that while they are springy and quick, they have the support and stability of a daily trainer. Its cushion bed is relatively low to the ground compared to others, so I don't feel like I'm wobbling or losing contact with the ground—especially when I'm starting to tire at the end of a hard run. I also appreciate that the outsole has rubber grips on the soles to provide better traction in slick conditions. After wearing similar styles from Brooks, Adidas, and New Balance, this is the pair I'll keep coming back to on race day.
Weight: 8 ounces | Heel drop: 7 mm | Sizes: 6 to 15 (unisex sizing) | Widths: Regular
We sent these recovery shoes to testers, and they gave the slides perfect scores for comfort and traction. Testers also found the shoes to be comfortable and supportive and said that they would most likely continue to wear them. "They were surprisingly lightweight for how thick they were and had a soft cushioning feel when walking," one said. Another added that the slides were comfortable to slip on after a tiring run outside. "I find myself wearing them all the time," they said.
Although there are several colors to choose from, our consumer testers didn't find these slides to be the most attractive of the ones we tested. You can check out our guide to the best slides if you're looking for more stylish slip-on shoes.
Weight: 7.8 ounces | Heel drop: 6 mm | Sizes: 5 to 16 (unisex sizing) | Widths: Regular
How to find the best HOKA shoe for you
Before honing in on the specific features to consider, Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director at the GH Institute, recommends you think about the activities you plan to use your HOKA shoes for.
If you're a runner, look for styles designed for speed and distance that’ll help propel you forward. Some find a shoe with extra cushioning (like the Cliftons) to be more comfortable on long runs, whereas others may think the Cliftons are too heavy, and prefer the bouncy, responsive stride of a shoe like the Mach 6 or Mach X3.
Avid walkers or those on their feet all day will want to prioritize shoes with ample cushioning and a rocker shape to help propel you forward with less effort. You also may find it beneficial to look for a shoe with a ventilated upper to help prevent your feet from overheating. If you have a neutral stride, opt for the Bondi 9; If you tend to over-pronate, the Arahi 8 will help keep excess ankle movement in check.
If you plan on doing trail runs or hiking, HOKA has plenty of shoes to choose from with lugs on the outsole (a.k.a. the raised ridges that are designed to help improve traction). These styles are specifically designed to provide better grip on uncertain, slippery, or rocky terrain.
When you’re on your feet all day, we recommend opting for a more versatile shoe without super thick cushioning (like a cross-training shoe) as they are more lightweight and better for quick movements.
HOKA also has a 30-day return policy, so you can try them on at home and see how they fit.
HOKA's key features
Here are some features to keep in mind as you shop for your perfect HOKA shoes:
✔️ Cushion: HOKA shoes have a maximal (rather than minimalist) design with thick cushioning for shock absorption and typically a heel drop between 4 and 6 mm. "The brand’s signature cushioning is thick and plush, making them a household name from Gen Z to Baby Boomers," Seymour explains. While all HOKA shoes have cushioning, some styles have more than others. The amount of cushion you opt for will depend on your intended use and how much spring you prefer in your step.
✔️ Midsole: The midsole is cushioned with options including "plush," "balanced," or "responsive." "Plush" is the most cushioned of the three and is a great option if you have an injury, as it's designed to minimize impact and pressure. "Responsive" is the least cushioned and designed for speed, and "balanced" is a middle-ground option. Just note that the more cushioned your midsole is, the heavier it will likely be.
✔️ HOKA's signature meta-rocker is a curve built into the sole to propel you forward and provide a smooth run. The early stage meta-rocker is meant for speed while the late stage meta-rocker is meant for everyday runs.
✔️ Price is also important to consider, as HOKA shoes can be close to $200 depending on the style you choose. Our research suggests that you can find a top-performing HOKA shoe for between $125 and $150.
You can read more about HOKA's design technology on its site.
Are HOKA shoes worth the hype?
"Based on our extensive testing, yes, HOKAs are worth the hype for many runners," Seymour says. Our testers have worn the shoes for a variety of activities, including running short distances, hiking, and even completing marathons.
Shoes are very personal, so not everyone may find the most popular shoes comfortable. Most HOKA shoes fall around $150 or more, which is why our experts recommend trying them on at home at night—since your feet can swell throughout the day—before you commit to your purchase. We also recommend selecting a half-size up from your typical shoe size if you plan to run in them; this helps accommodate for natural foot swelling while minimizing the chance of getting blisters.
Overall, HOKAs are a great choice for someone who prefers ample cushioning and wants to invest in a top-performing shoe. Those devoted to running or walking for exercise can try an appropriate pair from this list to see if they are a good fit. But if you prefer a minimalist shoe or sneakers with a higher heel drop, another brand may be the way to go.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Samantha Jones is a senior commerce editor at Good Housekeeping. A former Division I track athlete who is currently training for her second marathon, she holds over 13 years of experience in running both recreationally and competitively. She's personally worn five different shoes on this list, including her go-to daily trainer, the Mach 6.
To write this article, Samantha also collaborated with Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director at the GH Institute, who oversees shoe testing. Seymour put the Bondi, Clifton, and Mach X to the test herself.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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