Hoka emerged in 2009 and hit U.S. stores a year later. It’s known for kicking off the maximal cushioning trend. This cushioning supposedly makes the shoes especially comfortable for long distances. They were originally designed in France for running down steep mountains like the Pyrenees, Dolomites, and Alps.
The brand’s full name is Hoka One One, which comes from the Maori language and means “to fly over the earth.” And people do seem to fly in their Hokas, judging from athletes like Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer winning many 100-mile races in the Hoka shoe named after him. Both trail and road racers favor Hokas. Most of the brand’s shoes cost between $125-$250. Not cheap, but in a normal range for high-quality running shoes.
According to the Hoka website, “HOKA was born out of the unwavering belief that if you ignored the doubters, brushed off the critics and poured your heart into a wild idea, it was possible to create a shoe that let people fly down mountains.”
While Hoka has a base of brand loyalists, it also has its doubters and haters. So, you may ask, are Hoka shoes worth it? Let’s discuss.
Hoka Tecton X 2 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)
What people really think about Hoka shoes
“I have a love-hate relationship with them,” Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO ofWorkout Healthy, said. He likens the cushioning of Hoka’s Speedgoat model to running on clouds. “So they’re extremely comfortable and great for those long runs. But durability? That’s where I’m torn. Sure, they’re comfortable, but they don’t always last as long as I’d like. I’ve noticed the initial cushioning gets less “cushiony” after about 3 months. But yes, I’m a fan of the comfort Hoka brings to the table, but I wish they’d hold up a bit better over time.”
Aashish Rrastogi, CEO ofSportsUncle, agrees that Hokas are comfortable. “Hoka shoes are renowned for their exceptional cushioning, a boon for long-distance runners,” he said. “It helps in reducing impact stress on joints,” Rrastogi adds. “They offer excellent arch support and a comfortable fit to prevent foot fatigue during prolonged runs.”
But he also shares Pruitt’s durability concerns. “In some models, the outsole may wear down faster than expected, especially for heavy runners or those running on rough terrain,” Rrastogi said.
Rrastogi also diplomatically criticizes these shoes’ beauty. “Some runners might find the bulky appearance less appealing. The design, focused on function, sometimes overlooks fashion-forward elements.”
Are Hoka shoes right for you? Well, Rrastogi recommends them for runners seeking maximum cushioning and support, especially those prone to joint pains or recovering from injuries. Long-distance runners who need shoes that minimize impact over miles may also enjoy Hokas.
Hoka Tecton X 2 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)
Hoka haters
Some people unequivocally fall into the anti-Hoka camp. Joel Hereth, a marketing professional whoraises money for charity by running his age in mileage every year on his birthday, is not a Hoka fan.
“Hoka shoes in my opinion are overrated,” he said. “I’ve tried all the different running shoes and Hoka are one of the worst. They’re comfy for the first few miles, but if you’re doing any real distance training, they’re too heavy and will ultimately hurt your knees more than help.”
Hereth isn’t the only one to take issue with Hokas. One-star reviews on some of the brand’s shoes include complaints about discomfort and “rips in the fabric.”
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)
Benefits for non-runners
In Oregon,Original Goat Yoga founder Lainey Morse has a different use for her Hokas. “I used to be a runner, but now I just do guided tours,” Morse explains. She switched from boots to Hokas due to blisters. “I have arthritis and I’m telling you….they are AMAZING! I haven’t had any problems since I switched.”
So, there you have it. You might be a runner who wants to race down a mountain with the massive cushioning of your Hoka Speedgoats. Or maybe you just want to walk with goats in comfort. Either way, these accounts should help you determine if Hoka shoes are right for you.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Outdoors Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
