9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (2024)

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (1)

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By now, we’re all aware of the many health benefits that come with hitting those 10,000 steps per day, but sometimes achieving that goal can seem daunting and painful—especially if you don’t have the right walking shoes. Luckily, one of our favorite sneaker brands also happens to make some of the very best shoes for walking. Hoka sneakers are notorious for delivering comfort in every step, but it’s also the brand’s constant innovation and stylish design approach that win us over every time. On our journey to find the best Hoka shoes for walking, we started with the brand’s director of product, Rebekah Broe, who shared her extensive knowledge about exactly what makes these sneakers the best in class.

“Whether you're seeking maximum cushioning for long walks or enhanced support for your daily activities, Hoka has a shoe tailored just for you,” Broe tells Bazaar. “Our commitment to biomechanics means that every aspect of our footwear is meticulously crafted to enhance your on-foot experience.” This careful attention to detail extends beyond trends, and allows customers to tread lightly (quite literally), whether they’re on a short jaunt to the neighborhood coffee shop or packing on the miles on a walking-heavy vacation.

When choosing your own pair of Hokas for walking, the main factors to consider are support, cushioning, and walking dynamics—and according to Broe, these are the top differentiators between some of the best-loved styles in Hoka’s extensive catalog. Below, we review nine of the best Hoka shoes for walking, recommended by Broe and editor-tested too. Your feet will thank you for checking it out.

Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (13)Super comfortable for long hours standing
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (14)Pull tab on the back extends higher up on the foot than other styles, which could lead to friction

“There’s a reason why this is one of our bestsellers,” Broe tells Bazaar. “The Clifton 9 features an absolutely blissful cushioning-to-weight ratio, meaning you get a light and effortlessly soft, underfoot feel so comfortable you don’t even know it’s there.” The signature MetaRocker and creel jacquard upper will keep things comfortable and breathable for miles. Broe mentions that the Clifton style is also available in a Gore-Tex version, which has become her personal favorite for rainy morning walks with her pup.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: 21, including black/black, black/white, and white/white

Widths: Regular and wide

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Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (16)Both traditional laces and quick-toggle laces for ease on the go
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (17)No mesh inserts for extra breathability in this style

“To me, this is the ultimate Hoka travel shoe,” Broe says. “When you want something stylish, functional, and comfortable for long days through airport security lines or touring a new city, the Transport is a great option.” She recommends this sneaker for urban environments where walking is a must. Responsive underfoot foam and a signature outsole (both made sustainably) give this shoe the bounce and recovery you need, and a quick-toggle lace make for easy on and off in transit. It also comes in regular and GTX material.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Seven, including white/white, black/black, and harbor mist/lime glow

Widths: Regular

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Best Cushioned

Bondi 8

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (18)

Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (19)Maximum cushion for long-term comfort
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (20)Billowed sole design can look a bit clunky

“If you’re looking for all of the cushioning all of the time, the Bondi is for you,” Broe says. “This is our iconic max-cushion silhouette, featuring a tall platform of cushioned and protective foam underfoot and a plush and comforting upper.” This style has also received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s stamp of approval, so you can walk with ease all day long. Broe also notes that the Bondi comes in wide sizes for extra volume, in addition to regular, for those who need a little extra room.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Eight, including harbor mist/lunar rock, black/black, and blanc de blanc/swim day

Widths: Regular and wide

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Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (22)Helpful for people with flat feet and collapsing arches
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (23)Toe box is very wide, according to some reviewers

“If you’re looking for plush cushioning but also need stability, you can often feel like you have to pick one or the other,” Broe says. “But not with the Gaviota. We love this style because it features H-Frame stability technology.” The key design feature is the style’s two-layer midsole, which provides a stable underfoot ride to help reduce overpronation. Also featuring Hoka’s signature cushioning, the Gaviota is one of Broe’s recommendations for running, in addition to walking.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Seven, including black/white, airy blue/sunlit ocean, and harbor mist/rose gold

Widths: Regular and wide

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Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (25)Keep feet warm in cooler temperatures as well, according to one reviewer
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (26)Run a half size big, according to the brand

“The name Clifton is a big deal at Hoka,” Broe explains. “In addition to being our iconic and long-lasting go-to running silhouette, we’ve also extended the reach of this franchise into the lifestyle space.” The Clifton LS’s formula is simple: The shoe blends performance and lifestyle by taking a previous Clifton midsole and marrying it with pebbled leather, textured suede, and streamlined lacing. One of Hoka’s most fashion-forward offerings, the Clifton still provides the same support for walking, but with a stylish twist.

Sizes: 5–15, all gender sizing

Colors: Four, including black/asphalt, limestone, and shifting sand/dune

Widths: Regular

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Most Supportive

Arahi 7

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (27)

Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (28)Have a lightweight feel while still maintaining stability
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (29)Some customers found that the shoe runs a little narrow.

“When all you crave is stability and support, look no further than the Arahi,” Broe says. “With our stabilizing J-Frame technology underfoot, the Arahi helps reduce overpronation to keep you feeling strong.” She also notes that this style is extremely lightweight and has a beautiful, sleek silhouette, making it a nice choice for long days on your feet.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Seven, including vanilla/cream, papaya/coral, illusion/dusk, and black/white

Widths: Regular and wide

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Best for Outdoor Environments

Challenger 7

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (30)

Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (31)Offered in plenty of cool color combinations
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (32)Since the bottom is designed for the outdoors, it might feel a bit stiffer.

“Not entirely sure where your walk is going to take you? The Challenger 7 is a great option for those uncertain days when no paths are off limits,” Broe says. “This style features great cushioning and was designed to adapt well for the stresses of running on both the road and the trails.” The all-terrain sole, inspired by gravel tires, is ideal for anywhere your walk takes you, whether that be the local park or a mountainous hike. She notes that this style is available in a Gore-Tex version too, for rainy days or slick surfaces.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: 11, including harbor mist/spruce, black/black, and forest floor/beet root

Widths: Regular and wide

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Best Slip-On

Restore TC

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (33)

Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (34)Easy to throw on for quick walks and errands
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (35)No wide sizes

“Sometimes walking is all about recovery, and that’s when we go for a style like the Restore TC,” Broe tells Bazaar. “We love this shoe for its full-knit, sock upper for barefoot-friendly breathability.” This laceless style features an insole and outsole partially made from sugarcane-based ethylene vinyl acetate, to provide comfort and durable traction, whether you’re on the street or the treadmill.

Sizes: 5–12, all gender sizing

Colors: Four, including dune/oxford tan, black/black, and illusion/dusk

Widths: Regular

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Best for Low-Impact

Kawana 2

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (36)

Pros
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (37)Geared for side-to-side movement, keeping the foot balanced and stable
Cons
  • 9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (38)Some size discrepancy between how this shoe runs in customer reviews

“The Kawana was originally built with gym workouts and light running in mind, but the geometries of this sleek style make it a great option for walking, as well,” Broe says. “A responsive midsole provides a firm but cushioned ride, while our Swallowtail heel geometry encourages a super smooth transition in the rear foot—perfect for dreamy walking miles.” This one is a no-brainer.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Four, including white/nimbus cloud, vanilla/sandstone, and black/black

Widths: Regular

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What to look for

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (39)

Support: “One crucial factor to consider is the type of support you need,” Broe says. “Depending on your biomechanics and walking style, some individuals may require more stability, while others may prefer a neutral and balanced shoe.” Take a look at which of these fit best with the descriptions above.

Cushioning: “The level of cushioning is another important consideration when choosing a Hoka sneaker for walking,” Broe explains. “While Hoka shoes are known for their plush cushioning, the amount and type of cushioning can vary between models.” We supply a range above, including those with maximum comfort and impact absorption.

Walking dynamics: Broe recommends also considering your gait pattern (your personal style of walking). “Factors such as pronation (the inward rolling motion of the foot) and foot strike pattern can influence the type of shoe that best suits your needs,” she says.

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Why choose Hoka?

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (40)

“Hoka shoes offer an unparalleled on-foot ride experience,” Broe says. “With a focus on innovation and comfort, each pair incorporates three core technologies: a Cushioned Midsole, our Active Foot Frame, and MetaRocker design.” Accordingly, these features work in harmony to deliver both a cushioned and supportive sensation through each stride—whether that’s a grueling trail hike or a few miles on the treadmill at the gym.

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Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (41)

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze (2024)

FAQs

9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze? ›

Hoka Arahi 7

Ideal for walking and everyday running, these sneakers offer balanced cushioning and a frame designed to prevent feet from rolling inward as you step. “I overpronate, so I prefer the Hoka Arahi for its additional stability,” says Parthasarathy.

Which style of Hoka shoes are best for walking? ›

Hoka Arahi 7

Ideal for walking and everyday running, these sneakers offer balanced cushioning and a frame designed to prevent feet from rolling inward as you step. “I overpronate, so I prefer the Hoka Arahi for its additional stability,” says Parthasarathy.

Are Hokas good for walking long distances? ›

If you choose to pick up a pair of Hoka running shoes, expect to find thicker and softer cushioning than most traditional running shoes on the market. This design is intended to reduce the impact on joints and muscles during running, making it a popular choice among walkers, too.

Are Hoka Bondis good for walking? ›

For everyday walking, Hoka's Bondi 8 sneakers are a great option. They are supportive and plush with a rocker that makes every step feel a tad easier. The shoes are also great for people who stand for long periods at a time.

Why has Hoka become so popular? ›

HOKA kicks are beloved for their comfort thanks to lightweight foam soles which is especially helpful for runners thanks to the cushioning that helps slow the velocity of the foot as it hits the ground.

Is Hoka Bondi better than Clifton for walking? ›

The Bondi just has more of it, making for a taller stack height, a plusher feel and a stiffer shoe. Some reviewers found that this makes the Clifton a bit more versatile for faster paces, and prefer the Bondi for easy days, time spent on their feet traveling or working long shifts.

Which HOKA is best for seniors? ›

When it comes to the best cushioned shoes for walkers, we always recommend Hoka's Bondi Sneaker. The thick, full-length midsole offers a plush yet supportive feel and protective shock absorption. And despite its ample cushioning, we found that the mesh upper still offers great breathability and blister prevention.

What is the difference between Hoka Bondi and Gaviota? ›

Ben: "The Gaviota is HOKA's stability offering to compliment the neutral Bondi, and though I think the Bondi provides more midsole protection, the Gaviota is lighter and more versatile with the ability to cover nearly every daily training run. Compared to other stability shoes, I think the Gaviota is one of the best.

Is Hoka Clifton 8 good for walking? ›

The Clifton 8s are a great shoe for runners who want comfort and some bounce. Many running shoes are less comfortable for walking. The Hoka Clifton 8s are an excellent crossover shoe and make a great walking shoe or shoe for runners looking for active recovery.

What are Clifton Hokas good for? ›

In a way, the Clifton is a great jack of all trades: It's light, it's fast, it's nice and cushy to recover in and it's got a pretty good 'barely there' fit. Is it a good shoe for tempo workouts? Yes, it's felt great at speed.

Which is better, HOKA or Brooks? ›

The price point of each brand is comparable, so consider what type of cushioning and stability you prefer before making your final shopping decision. If you prefer more hefty, stacked cushioning, grab a pair of Hokas. For those who prefer a more grounding stability shoe, Brooks is the answer.

Is HOKA owned by Nike? ›

The brand's original, highest-cushion models are now accompanied in the Hoka lineup by lighter-weight shoes that retain much of the brand's cushion, lightweight training and racing shoes, and track spikes. Hoka was purchased on April 1, 2013 by Deckers Brands, the parent company for UGG, Teva and other footwear brands.

What are the cons of Hoka shoes? ›

The Downsides of Hoka Shoes
  • Lack of Stability. While the thick midsoles in Hoka shoes do offer unparalleled cushioning, they often come at the expense of stability. ...
  • Durability Issues. Hoka shoes may not be the most durable option on the market. ...
  • Weight. ...
  • Limited Terrain Versatility.
Sep 23, 2023

What is the most versatile HOKA shoe? ›

Hoka's versatile Mach X takes our top spot thanks to its combination of cushioning, support, and durability. During testing, we found that it easily goes from the treadmill to the pavement, making it a great sneaker for daily training.

What is the difference between Hoka Arahi and Clifton? ›

Due to the nature of the firmer section of midsole, the J-Frame, the Hoka Arahi 7 will feel a bit firmer than the Clifton 9, as you don't sink into the cushioning quite so much. It actually makes the ride is smoother, which feels better when you pick up the pace if you fancy doing so!

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