The 10 Best Hoka Running Shoes, According to Our Experience (2024)

What do powder skis, mountain bikes, and Hoka running shoes all have in common? They’re all designed to provide a smooth ride over varying terrain. Founded in 2009 by French trail runners Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, Hoka was born out of their desire to bring the cushioned, floating feeling of skiing powder or riding a flowy mountain bike trail to running.

After making some prototypes and working with a Chinese company to develop a new kind of EVA foam, Mermoud and Diard came up with the basic Hoka recipe: Shoes that are soft and well-cushioned to soak up impact forces but light enough to feel peppy. The idea caught on, and now Hoka makes some of the best running shoes around.

The best Hoka running shoes cover the full spectrum of running, so whether you need a dependable trainer, a rugged trail shoe, or a pair of speedy kicks for race day, the company has models to meet your needs. To help you pick the right pair for you, I’ll walk you through the main technologies used in Hoka shoes and explain what those features do. Then, I’ll highlight the best pairs the brand makes right now for every kind of runner.

More of The Best Running Gear: Best Running Shorts ● Best Running Shirts ● Best Running Accessories

The Best Hoka Running Shoes

• Best Daily Trainer: Clifton 9
• Best Value: Torrent 3
• Most Cushioning: Bondi 8
• Best for Tempo Runs: Mach 5
• Most Stable: Arahi 6

The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. Running shoes is the category of gear I’ve written about the most, and I have firsthand experience with models from a range of brands. To write articles like this, I talk with brand reps about the company’s latest shoes and tech, consult RW tester feedback, and draw on my own experience with the running shoe industry. With direction from RW editors, I combine all that info to choose what shoes make it onto this page.

What to Consider When Shopping for Hoka Running Shoes

Hoka develops its shoes around a few basic principles: Adding extra cushioning to absorb impact forces, using light materials, and creating a wide rocker sole to preserve momentum and create a smoother ride. If you like to really feel the padding underneath your feet when you run, Hoka is the shoe for you. To compare models and zero in on the right shoe for you, it’s helpful to know a little more about the brand’s key technologies.

Cushioning Foam

While some companies have moved on from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam in favor of newer formulations, Hoka has stuck with its proprietary EVA foam padding. Its shoes use various blends of compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam, with small variations that fine-tune the shoes for either low weight or strong energy return.

CMEVA is found on shoes all across the lineup, including flagship models like the Bondi and Clifton. It creates the traditional cushioned feel that Hoka fans love.

Recently, Hoka has experimented with supercritical EVA blends in its speed-oriented shoes like the Mach 5. To create these, Hoka exposes its standard EVA foam to supercritical fluids–chemicals like nitrogen or carbon dioxide that, with intense heat and pressure, take on the properties of both a liquid and a gas. The supercritical fluid permeates the EVA, making the foam more porous to create a lighter and more responsive cushion. It’s perfect for runners who want shoes with a snappy, lightweight feel.

Hoka also recently started using polyether block amide (PEBA) foam—the same material used in super foams like Nike’s ZoomX cushion. Hoka reserves its PEBA blend specifically for top-tier racing shoes like Rocket X 2. It delivers the ultimate blend of low weight, shock absorption, and resilience for a cushioned, peppy ride.

Meta-Rocker

Meta-Rocker is a sole design that combines a low drop (most Hoka running shoes have drop measurements around 4mm to 5mm) and a rounded sole shape that complements your natural stride to encourage smooth transitions from heel to toe with each step. Every Hoka shoe features a variation on this design theme.

Right now, the Hoka lineup divides into two categories: Shoes with the “Early Stage” Meta-Rocker have soles that begin to curve up under the balls of your feet, which gets you onto your toes quickly for a speedier running experience. Shoes with the “Late Stage” Meta-Rocker have soles that curve up closer to the toe, creating a more stable feel.

Active Foot Frame

Every Hoka shoe also features a sculpted sole design that cradles the foot deeper inside the shoe’s midsole to provide more stability as you run. Hoka likens the active foot frame to sitting in the secure, low bucket seat of a race car. The shoes have a snug, stable feel that keeps your feet from wobbling in your shoes, which is especially important given that Hoka shoes usually place a lot of foam under your feet.

How We Evaluated the Best Hoka Running Shoes

The models below represent the best Hoka running shoes available now. To select them, I reviewed the Hoka shoe lineup and talked with a representative from the company to learn about its latest shoes. I drew on RW reviews, RW editor feedback, my own experience testing Hoka shoes, and my knowledge of the running shoe market to narrow the list down to the pairs below.

To create the most dynamic list and help the widest range of runners, I looked for performance running shoes that showcase the brand’s best foams, midsole tech, and other innovations.

For even more insight, check out our full-length shoe reviews (where available) to get detailed info on the performance of individual models.

The original Clifton is legendary among Hoka fans and marked a turning point for the brand—it proved that a shoe could provide maximum cushion without feeling clunky. The ninth iteration features even more cushioning–the stack height grew by 3mm–but it’s slightly lighter than the Clifton 8.

A new compression-molded EVA foam is tuned for responsiveness, a more streamlined upper helps save weight, and the Early Stage Meta-Rocker sole shape encourages smooth strides. It’s a solid pick for a neutral workhorse training shoe.

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Warning: The Torrent 3 might get you hooked on trail running. This affordable trail shoe is a solid pick for runners interested in venturing off the pavement and onto the dirt. It’s lightweight (especially for a trail model), and it boasts a lean cushioning profile that gives you a good feel for the ground.

The latest version features a revamped outsole for improved traction on varied terrain, and Hoka swapped in a single-layer mesh upper for a boost in breathability. The upper also includes a gusseted tongue, so it won’t slide around when scampering over roots and rocks, and it’ll help keep out trail debris, too.

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The Bondi is Hoka’s most cushioned road shoe with a downright beefy midsole. The latest version of the Bondi keeps the formula that has won this shoe such a devoted following: maximum cushioning for an ultra-plush ride. The midsole foam is lighter and even softer than the Bondi 7. Like with previous versions, an open mesh upper increases breathability, and a memory foam collar lends a better fit and feel around the ankle.

The eighth iteration also packs a new pillowy tongue. Lower down, Hoka extends and reshapes the heel to provide better shock absorption and stability. For a faster ride, consider the Bondi X, which provides a similar cushioned feel but includes an embedded carbon fiber plate for a snappier, speedier ride.

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The Mach line is built for speedwork sessions and race day, too. Our testers raved about the previous version, and thankfully Hoka made only slight changes to version 5.0. The Mach 5 retains the dual-density cushioning setup, which places responsive supercritical EVA foam closer to your foot for a snappy ride, and the Early Stage Meta-Rocker sole shape helps you transition quickly from landing to toe-off. Although the shoe is designed to be firmer than the brand’s ultra-plush models, a molded EVA sockliner adds extra step-in comfort.

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Like the Gaviota, the Arahi combines stability features with cushioning, but it ups the ante with a more responsive ride at a lower weight. As with previous versions, the centerpiece of the shoe is the J-Frame; a layer of firm foam that runs along the inside edge of the shoe and curves around the heel in a “J” shape. The stiffer cushion supports your foot and helps counter overpronation.

It’s paired with bouncy, durable CMEVA cushioning for a responsive ride. Hoka trimmed some weight on the shoe thanks to a new mesh upper, and the tongue has extra cushioning for a more comfortable fit. It’s a great pick for recovery runs, and we think it’s one of the best stability shoes of 2024.

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The Rocket X 2 is technically a follow-up to the 2020 Rocket X, but it’s a totally new shoe from top to bottom—the result of a development process that began in 2021. The beefy midsole features an all-new PEBA foam for excellent response and low weight. Underneath the cushion, a spoon-shaped carbon fiber plate creates a snappy feel and prevents the shoe from flexing too much.

Hoka slimmed down the mesh upper and heel collar for an improved fit: It allows your foot to sit farther back in the shoe, so you get more room in the toe box. For maximum performance on race day, this is the Hoka shoe to reach for.

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The Challenger is a do-it-all trail shoe that’s built to perform on dirt and pavement alike. The latest version is a significant revamp: Hoka increased the Challenger’s stack height and used a softer CMEVA foam to create a plusher ride and trim a little extra weight at the same time. The mesh upper is designed for breathability, and the rubber outsole features 4mm lugs for confidence-inspiring grip on mixed terrain.

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The Kawana is a great choice for runners who need a single do-it-all pair of shoes: It’s a plush trainer that’s comfortable enough to wear all day. Hoka’s CMEVA foam absorbs impact and offers good energy return, and the early stage Meta-Rocker sole shape ensures smooth strides. The shoe also features Hoka’s SwallowTail crash pad geometry in the heel—the wide, asymmetrical shape and beveled edge promotes even, fluid landings. We named it one of our favorite cushioned shoes of 2022. As one of our testers said during the review process, “it made running on roads feel effortless.”

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An homage to ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, this is Hoka’s flagship trail shoe, and it’s ideal for long jaunts off-pavement. Hoka gave the fifth version of this racy trail shoe a hefty update. The outsole is equipped with a new Vibram Megagrip lug pattern for improved traction on loose ground, and a beefed-up double-layer jacquard mesh upper provides added protection from debris. Hoka also swapped in a new CMEVA foam in the midsole, which helps save weight—the Speedgoat 5 is about half an ounce lighter than the Speedgoat 4.

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In our review, we declared the Mafate Speed 4 to be Hoka’s best trail shoe. It serves up an excellent combo of strong traction that eats up steep, technical terrain along with a dual-density midsole design for a cushioned-yet-responsive ride. It’ll protect your feet from obstacles and keep them comfortable during longer efforts, but it’s also well-suited for going fast. In my testing, I found the shoe’s relatively firm ride created a good platform for picking up the pace. The only downside? The technicolor upper designs might not be your style.

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Q+A With Running Shoe Expert Michael Charboneau

RW: I’m an overpronator. Will Hoka shoes work for me?

MC: Hoka’s Active Foot Frame design—a sculpted footbed that extends upward on either side of your foot—creates a relatively supportive, stable feel in all of its shoes. If you overpronate and need extra support, consider Hoka’s dedicated support models, most notably the Arahi 6. It uses a layer of firmer foam around the heel and on the medial side of the shoe to counter overpronation and keep your feet aligned as you run.

RW: Can I race in Hoka shoes?

MC: Absolutely. Lately, elite racing shoes have trended toward thick, lightweight, well-cushioned midsoles with embedded carbon fiber plates, and Hoka has embraced that trend with its own suite of race-oriented super shoes. The Rocket X 2 is currently the pinnacle racer in the brand’s lineup, and it features a generous wedge of foam, a carbon fiber plate for snappy response, and low overall weight to keep you pushing forward.

RW: Will Hoka shoes prevent joint injuries?

MC: While some runners feel that softer shoes with lots of cushioning are easier on the joints, research doesn’t really back that up. One study suggests that running in maximalist shoes actually encourages you to land harder with each step, putting more stress on your joints. Your shoes alone probably won’t be the pivotal factor in avoiding injuries. If you’re worried about running injuries or currently dealing with one, see our guide to treating common running injuries.