The Best Hoka Running Shoes

Hoka Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145

Hoka Mach 6

The Hoka Mach 6 is the best the Hoka Mach series has ever been. The Mach 6 and its bouncy super critical EVA midsole can do daily miles, speed sessions, and long runs while providing very good durability and fantastic impact protection.

If you’re a wide footer you’ll need to choose the wide version but otherwise the upper and its gully gusseted tongue is comfortable. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is both great in all conditions and durable. The Mach 6 is a shoe that does everything well and is well worth it’s $140 price. tag. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140

Hoka Skyward X

The Hoka Skyward X is easily Hoka’s most cushioned running shoe and feels like a bouncy, poofy marshmallow underfoot. It offers maximum impact protection with two types of high end foams and a suspension bridge-like carbon plate. True, it’s chunky, weighty, not great for wide footers, and has a slippy tongue; but it’ll add two inches of pure cushioning power to your runs. If you prioritize large amounts of soft, cushy foam in your running shoes then the Skyward X is your stairway to cushioning heaven. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $225

Hoka Rincon 3

Yes, we’re repeating a model right away. It’s because you get a lot for your money with the Rincon 3. We mention most of what you get in our Hoka Rincon 3 vs Rincon 2 comparison. All you really need to know is that shoes this light and this comfortable are rare at the $120 price point. True, there are several things that could be better. Like the “did they even try” string heel tab. But, even with a couple of small issues, the value here is really really good.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $120

Hoka Arahi 7

While the Hoka Arahi 7’s fit could use a little fine tuning, it’s got a great rocker and makes good on its promise of support without feeling monstrous on foot. This one’s for runners who crave stability that won’t bog them down. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145

Hoka Tecton X 2

The Hoka Tecton X 2 is a trail racer that sits atop Hoka’s trail line. The Tecton X 2 is at its best when moving fast through flat to intermediate terrain. It can also work on longer, slower runs and hikes because it’s plush and puts some extra pep in your step with the bouncy Profly-X midsole and parallel dual carbon plates.

The outsole is Vibram Litebase and provides trustworthy traction on anything except deep mud. The upper is new this year and securely locks down the foot with a minimal yet protective build. The Tecton X 2 is wide-foot friendly but does have a slightly narrower toebox so if your foot is widest at the toes you’ll want to opt for a try-on first. At $225, it’s an expensive shoe, but the pricing lines up with the majority of carbon-plated race day shoes.

The Tecton X 2 is targeted at serious trail runners and hikers who want a complete package for ascending and descending as fast as they possibly can.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $225

Hoka Challenger 7

You can try to not let the Hoka Challenger 7’s looks influence you but it’s a darn good-looking trail shoe with some fantastic colorways. Luckily, it also performs hella good on the trails.

There’s no rock plate, so you will feel some rocks, but the EVA, while not particularly squishy or soft, cushions well. The traction is GREAT. It was extremely rare to get any slippage at all even in wet conditions. Only wet, mildewy rocks caused any slippage, and even then it slipped a bit and then gripped. The upper is also very comfortable and accommodating while still locking down the foot. It can handle long-distance hikes and runs.

The Challenger 7 isn’t bouncy but it’s still a really good trail running shoe. It’s basically a slightly firmer Clifton made for the trails.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145

Hoka Rocket X 2

The Hoka Rocket X 2 is easily the best Hoka racing shoe ever. It competes with super shoes from other brands well, is fun to wear, picks up speed nicely, works well on the track, and can handle long distances without issue. It’s Hoka’s bounciest shoe (with its new Peba foam and carbon-plated midsole), and though it’s not as plush as some super shoes, it’s still soft similar to the adidas Adios Pro 3.

The upper reminds us of Nike’s Vaporweave. It won’t take on water or stretch out but also fits tight, especially through the midfoot. This race fit won’t be for everyone but at least the toebox has some solid wiggle room. Wide footers will need to try them on or go up a half size. The upper does have some dead space in the heel and a collar that not everyone will like…but the lockdown was great despite this. Your foot won’t move around inside the shoe or pop out of it.

The outsole shows wear quickly but there’s plenty of rubber so it will be just as durable as other marathon racing shoes. Hoka has taken their racing shoe game to a new level with the Rocket X 2. Both Hoka fans and long distance road runners will be impressed. Watch Kofuzi’s review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $250

Hoka Cielo X1

The Hoka Cielo X1 is made for runners that want to be on their toes and going fast. It’s got a rocker and midsole that push the wearer into a strong toe off. The Cielo X1 may be too aggressive for some runners, its laces are like gift wrap ribbon, and smaller runners may find it heavy. However, it’s comfy knit upper, Peba midsole/winged carbon plate combo, and solid outsole make it a winner on race day for anyone looking to amplify forefoot bounce. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 7mm, Price: $275

Hoka Transport X

Both the Hoka Transport X and Hoka Transport are solid casual shoes. The Transport has a Vibram outsole, an EVA midsole, a reasonable $140 price point, and is built a little tougher for more outdoorsy environments. The Transport X trades the trail focus for elements of the city casual style made famous by shoes like the Converse All-Star.

The Transport X also sports a minimal, yet comfy upper that’s breathable for summer days and a Hoka rocker that makes walking very smooth. The supercritical midsole foam (with a dual-forked carbon fiber plate inside) is dense but poppy. That’s a perfect combo for all-day walking or standing. True, the $200 price point is high, but that’s what happens when your casual shoe packs as much technology as a high-end running shoe. It’s not for everyone, but the classic style from a brand not everyone’s wearing will appeal to a fair amount of people.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $200

Hoka Mach X

The Hoka Mach X features a fantastic rocker and peppy midsole but it comes with a price, both in money and weight. It also needs a more durable outsole and it traps a lot of moisture. However, it’s a fun shoe, especially if you’re a larger runner that doesn’t care about weight. Some people will love the Mach X while others will feel like it doesn’t deliver enough value. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $180

Hoka Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 is a ton of cushion and comfort. Think of it as a $20 upgrade to the Clifton 8 that maximizes the plush on foot feel that Hoka shoes are known for. Does anyone really need this much cushion or such a lux padded upper? Probably not, but it sure feels great on foot. Now, all that comfort comes with a price both in terms of dollars and weight. We also don’t love the outsole rubber…but that’s not the point of this shoe. If what you want above all else is an insanely comfortable shoe, look no further. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $160

Hoka Mach 5

The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight, bouncy, and comfortable shoe that works for short, long, and speedy runs. The Profly+ midsole is bouncy and does a great job with impact protection despite the mid-tier stack height. The upper is soft and widens at the forefoot while allowing very good airflow. The traction is great in all conditions but the outsole is rubberized foam so durability is an issue. It won’t be the longest-lasting shoe, but the Mach 5 is a shoe that does everything well. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140