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If you have a runner in your life or you run yourself, then you're probably familiar with the French running shoe brand HOKA, which has developed a cult following thanks to its cushioned chunky sneaker styles that many runners swear by. But HOKA makes a wide range of shoes for different purposes and goals, so we set out to help you find the right workout shoe for your needs.
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab are incredibly familiar with HOKA shoes, having tested seven different styles in our Lab. We've also sent them to our consumer testers who wear them on their runs in real-world conditions and in their daily lives to provide us with user feedback.
Our top picks:
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When evaluating the best sneakers, our team of experts considers comfort, material, construction and weight to help narrow down the top-performing shoes. We collect thousands of data points as well as robust feedback from testers who report on appearance, support, cushioning, fit, traction and more. For this story, we also interviewed brand experts and read through online customer reviews.
Continue on to read our in-depth review of HOKA shoes and learn which top styles are worth the hype. After our picks, we share what you should keep in mind when choosing the best HOKA sneakers for you.
"The Cliftons are one of HOKA's most popular shoes for both walking and running because of the cushion and lightweight feel," explains Kate Glavan, HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador and Content Creator. And our consumer testers agree, sharing that they loved how supportive and stable the shoe is. One tester said, "It feels like I'm walking on clouds." Another added that there was minimal break-in time and that the shoes were breathable on a hot day and offered good traction on a rainy run.
However, testers did not love the overall appearance of the shoe, explaining that the colors didn't feel very stylish. There is still a variety of color combinations available, including neutral shades if you want to avoid flashy, neon styles.
Weight: 7.3 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 – 12 (women's); 7 – 15 (men's)
The Solimar is the least expensive sneaker available from the brand, making it a budget-friendly option if you are new to HOKA and want to try your first pair for less. We are hoping to test the style ASAP, but for now, we appreciate the versatility of the shoe thanks to a medium-cushioned midsole and late-stage meta-rocker meant for daily runs. The shoe has a rubber outsole designed to withstand high abrasion — although we haven't confirmed this in the Lab. There may be fewer color options available compared to other HOKA shoes, but the bright and neutral shades offered will match most aesthetics.
Weight: 6.7 ounces | Drop: 6 mm | Sizes: 5 – 11 (women's); 7 – 14 (men's)
Our testers wore these HOKA Transport shoes during everyday activities like leisurely walking outdoors, slow running and lifting weights. 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)," says one tester. A regular pair of laces is included too for more styling options, and it comes in five colors that each have plenty of versatility. Testers called out the thick outsole that offers great traction but can also be a bit noisy on certain surfaces. One tester did mention 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.
Still, the versatile sneaker can be a trendy option: "If I was going on a weekend outdoorsy/camping/hiking trip, these shoes would be perfect," one tester said, while another wished the shoe was a bit more modern looking. Check out our pick for the most stylish sneaker if the Transport isn't your speed!
Weight: 9.1 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 – 11 (women's); 7 – 15 (men's)
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We included the Bondi 8 in our guides to the best walking shoes and best shoes for flat feet thanks to the style's plush cushioning. Other standout features include a breathable mesh upper and a rear crash pad for a more balanced run. Consumer testers appreciate how lightweight and supportive they are, and that they offer 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.
Note that the thick cushioning means a heavier shoe and a chunkier look and can therefore take some time to get used to. But 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.
Weight: 8.9 ounces | Drop: 4 mm | Sizes: 5 – 12 (women's); 7 – 16 (men's)
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Men, According to Experts
Glavan ran the 2023 New York City Marathon in her Mach X sneakers, "because the shoe has a great tradeoff between speed and comfort that works well for a long race like a marathon," she says. Her current fave 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,'" says one tester. While the shoes received high marks for cushioning, support and appearance, they are one of the more expensive HOKA shoes on the market. Still, you can use the sneakers for all your runs as well as running errands or working out.
Weight: 8 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 – 11 (women's); 7 – 14 (men's)
Grace Wu, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst in the GH Institute, wore the Speedgoat 5 HOKAs on two short 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 reports. She found the shoes were comfortable and fit well and was pleased with their performance on the trail. "These are the only trail running shoes I'd feel confident enough to hike a rocky, technical trail in," she says. Wu is hoping to try running in these shoes ASAP but already notes that it may take trail runners a bit to get used to the maximalist shoe design.
Weight: 8.5 ounces | Drop: 4 mm | Sizes: 5 – 12 (women's); 7 – 15 (men's)
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Best HOKA Shoe for Hiking
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Textiles experts at the GH Institute have tested their fair share of hiking shoes and recommend this HOKA style for the outdoorsy among us. While we haven't tested this pair yet, we think the Anacapa has the hallmarks of a great hiking shoe with plenty of five-star online reviews to back up its performance. A lightweight 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. In fact, 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, which is pretty steep even for a heftier hiking shoe, 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 | Drop: 7 mm | Sizes: 5 – 11 (women's); 7 – 15 (men's)
RELATED: The Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2023
In addition to the Mach X, Glavan is also a fan of the Arahi 6, calling it "a great everyday trainer for anyone with arch issues, like myself, because of its stability focus in the cushion of the shoe." Wu also tested this style and shared that the shoe felt supportive and offered good cushioning and stability — although she didn't find the design to be as attractive as other HOKA shoes. However, Wu tends to overpronate and shared, "These helped correct my gait without feeling too stiff." If you are looking for a balanced running shoe with mid-range cushioning, the Arahi 6 may be a great fit. Plus, it isn't the most expensive option available on HOKA's site which is always an added bonus.
Weight: 7.6 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 – 12 (women's); 7 – 15 (men's)
We haven't tested this particular Bondi style yet, but a 4.2-star rating across more than 1,760 online customer reviews suggests the everyday shoe is a popular choice for many. It also happens to be the most cushioned HOKA road shoe, making it a great option if your job requires you to be on your feet all day. The shoe is made with water-resistant leather and features an EVA foam midsole for all-day comfort as well as a slip-resistant rubber outsole designed to withstand the demands of a medical job. One five-star review describes the shoes as "easy to wipe clean" and they shared that they saw a "noticeable difference in the way my feet and even back feel after a 12-hour shift."
The Bondi SR is pricier than other HOKA shoes, but your feet may thank you after a long graveyard shift. Some sizes in the white and black colors are currently out of stock, so make sure to monitor HOKA's site for when the shoe's inventory is replenished.
Weight: 11.5 ounces | Drop: 6 mm | Sizes: 5 – 11 (women's); 7 – 15 (men's)
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The same price as our best-value HOKA shoe, the Rincon 3 is another budget-friendly style that offers 11 more colors from neon hues to more neutral shades. And it's now on sale for just under $100! Though we haven't evaluated these shoes yet, they are popular among HOKA fans, with a 4.3-star rating across more than 1,650 online customer reviews. The shoe has an asymmetrical tongue for added flare, as well as an early stage meta-rocker meant to improve speed while running.
One reviewer writes that they "love this style," adding that "the colors are happy" and the fit is perfect. While many shoppers emphasize the beautiful colors and overall aesthetic appearance of the shoe, not everyone found the shoe to be the most comfortable.
Weight: 7.2 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 5 – 12 (women's); 7 – 16 (men's)
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," says one tester. 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 25 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 | Drop: 6 mm | Sizes: 5 – 16
What to look for when shopping for HOKA shoes
Before homing in on the specific features to consider, Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst 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 to be more comfortable when you’re on your feet all day. We recommend opting for a more versatile shoe without super thick cushioning for cross-training as they are more lightweight and better for quick movements.
The brand offers a shoe finder to help you narrow down the options. You can also compare shoes on the site by clicking the "compare" icon underneath a style and selecting up to four shoes to see how terrain, heel-toe drop, cushion, stability and weight differ.
Glavan emphasizes how helpful the shoe finder tool is since "shoes are so individual." She also stresses the benefit of shopping in person. "You should head to your local running shoe store to get fitted in running shoes with an employee to assess your gait which will help inform what shoe works best," she explains. If you prefer to order online, HOKA has a 30-day return policy, so you can try them on at home and see how they fit.
Here are some features to keep in mind as you shop for your perfect HOKA shoes:
✔️ Maximalism: HOKA shoes have a maximal (rather than minimalist) design with thick cushioning for shock absorption and typically a heel drop of 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.
✔️ Cushioned 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.
✔️ 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.
✔️ An active foot frame cradles your foot to help keep it in place and secure your heel. You can choose between a rearfoot active foot frame for everyday use or a midfoot active foot frame for faster runs.
✔️ Extended heel: Certain HOKAs like the Bondi 8 have an extended heel that some find supportive while others note can feel too chunky.
✔️ Price is also important to consider, as HOKAs 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.
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Are HOKA shoes worth the hype?
"Based on our extensive testing, yes, HOKAs are worth the hype for many runners," says Seymour. Our testers have worn the shoes for a variety of activities from running short distances to marathons. Glavan exclusively wears HOKAs: "I really enjoy the rocker and maximum cushion true to HOKA that makes me feel like I'm flying when I run."
While Glavan and others find HOKAs to have comfortable and supportive cushioning, shoes are very personal, so not everyone may find the popular shoes comfortable. Most HOKAs 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.
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 out HOKAs 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?
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she works closely alongside product analysts to ensure our shopping guides reflect the most current information. She has reported on the best tennis shoes for men and women, and has personally tested HOKA's Bondi 8 to run 2- to 5-mile runs. HOKA's are her go-to shoe when walking around the city.
To write this article, Elizabeth collaborated with Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst at the GH Institute, who oversaw testing for the category and even put the Bondi 8, Clifton 9 and Mach X to the test herself. Elizabeth also interviewed Kate Glavan, a HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador and Content Creator. You can follow Kate on TikTok @kateglavan and on YouTube @kate.glavan.
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Reviewed byEmma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at 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.
