7 Best Hoka Running Shoes in 2023
If you’re seriously ready to replace your old running shoes and you haven’t given Hokas a try yet, let this be your sign. With all the hype around their style (Bright colors! Pillowy soles!), it’s easy to overlook that Hoka sneakers are designed for runners first. And, as the brand’s range of options continues to expand, there’s likely a pair that suits your personal preferences.
What should you look for in a running shoe?
According to SELF’s sneaker buying guide, a good running shoe will accommodate your foot’s length, width, and overall shape, including the arch. There needs to be room to wiggle your toes, your heels should be secure (like they’re not going to slip out), and your arch should feel cradled (not like it’s collapsing or lifting above its natural height).
Beyond a shoe’s fit, you can also look for features like cushioning, durability, flexibility, and responsiveness. A beginner-friendly shoe will have a good blend of those elements, Nicola S. Corbett, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist at Connecticut Orthopaedics, tells SELF. That combination will give you a solid foundation for your runs, and as you gain experience, you may develop more specific preferences depending on your goals.
If speed is your priority, look for more responsive shoes with a springy midfoot or rocker bottom (a.k.a. curved sole), says Dr. Corbett. She explains that these designs will help propel you forward, and prevent your feet from landing flat. A lighter-weight shoe will also help you conserve some energy—heavier shoes require you to spend more effort lifting your feet and moving them through the air, which can make your run feel harder, as SELF reported previously.
On the other hand, if you mainly want to stay comfy on everyday runs, look for shoes with plenty of cushioning and shock absorption, says Dr. Corbett. You may sacrifice a bit of speed—extra padding adds to the shoe’s weight—but many high-quality sneakers strike a balance between comfort and spring.
Finally, consider your shoe’s outsole: Do you need it to grip damp pavement or keep your footing sure over rocky paths? If so, Dr. Corbett recommends looking for shoes with extra traction. Or, if you’re taking them on the trail, she says to choose a pair with a deep tread (which will help the shoe bite into the ground and keep your steps steady).
If possible, it’s always a good idea to try running shoes on in person so you can get a real feel for them—but if you’re set on buying online, consider shopping at retailers that have reliable return policies so you can test a few pairs before committing.
What are Hoka running shoes best for?
In previous years of SELF Sneaker Awards, Hoka’s shoes have earned top marks from testers for their cloudlike cushioning and ability to make even the dullest runs more enjoyable. The most popular pairs are easy to spot, with their chunky, outsize soles—and they’re probably best suited for runners who want a super plush ride.
However, there are other Hokas that only have a moderate amount of padding, and additional highlights like sturdier support or a lighter-weight feel. So although Hoka is an obvious pick for fans of maximalist shoes, it has a lot to offer other types of runners too. As podiatrists have previously told SELF, the brand’s sneakers are also a great choice if you have plantar fasciitis (a common source of stabbing heel pain) or flat feet.
The best Hoka running shoes
- Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 9, $145
- Best Cushioning: Hoka Bondi 8, $165
- Best for Beginners: Hoka Solimar, $125
- Best for Support: Hoka Arahi 6, $140
- Best for Lightweight Cushion: Hoka Rincon 3, $125
- Best for the Trail: Hoka Speedgoat 5, $155
- Best for Picking Up Speed: Hoka Mach X, $180
Ready to see what all the Hoka hype is about? We’ve selected the best options, according to the aforementioned expert criteria as well as feedback from SELF Sneaker Award testers and staffers.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Hoka1
Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 9
Dr. Corbett considers the Clifton 9 “the best Hoka shoe for everyday training, thanks to its combination of big cushioning and featherlight weight.” According to the brand, it has a “balanced” amount of padding, which should effectively absorb the impact of your steps while helping you feel energized to keep moving. SELF’s executive editor, Alisa Hrustic, was also struck by its slimmer design compared to previous iterations of the Clifton. Despite this, it felt as cushy as ever, and even helped alleviate her plantar fasciitis pain.
- Dick's2
Best Cushioning: Hoka Bondi 8
The Bondi 8 not only comes recommended by Dr. Corbett, but it also won Best Max-Cushion Road Running Shoe in last year’s Sneaker Awards. Our tester described it as having a pleasantly marshmallow-y feel. “The shoes feel like sinking into soft memory foam upon each landing, but they still have just enough responsiveness that toe-offs don’t take a ton of effort,” she wrote, adding that she wouldn’t wear the Bondi 8 on race day, but it’s excellent for logging “everyday miles.”
- Zappos3
Best for Beginners: Hoka Solimar
If you’re just getting started as a runner, and don’t want a sneaker that’s too much of any one thing, try the Solimar. It’s both lightweight and breathable. Plus, it has enough padding to keep you comfortable, and a rocker-shaped sole to propel your steps forward. This sneaker checks a lot of essential boxes, making it a top-notch starter shoe.
- REI4
Best for Support: Hoka Arahi 6
Designed to prevent overpronation (where your feet roll inward when you walk or run), the Arahi 6 can help keep your foot in alignment without overcorrecting your stride. Even with that additional stability, this sneaker is still relatively lightweight, flexible, and has balanced cushioning. If you’re shopping with support in mind, Dr. Corbett recommends paying extra attention to the shoe’s width. Flat feet often need more room through the midfoot of the shoe, so make sure it fits, without chafing or causing blisters around your arch.
- Dick's5
Best for Lightweight Cushion: Hoka Rincon 3
If you want a level of padding that doesn't make you feel you’re wearing marshmallows, the Rincon 3 is a great option to try. Its midsole is designed to be lighter than the Hoka standard, so it still feels plush—but not clunky. Plus, its upper has vented perforations for added airflow, so your feet won’t get sweat-logged on long, hot runs.
- REI6
Best for the Trail: Hoka Speedgoat 5
In her review of the Speedgoat 5 for the 2022 SELF Sneaker Awards, our tester wrote that this sneaker simultaneously padded her feet to the point that she didn’t sense rocks underfoot, and provided enough springiness for the entirety of her trail runs (it’s no easy feat for a shoe to do both). On top of that, she said the Speedgoat felt rugged enough to take on more technical trails too (think: rocky, challenging terrain).
- 7
Best for Picking Up Speed: Hoka Mach X
Want to put more “pop” in your steps? The Mach X impressed Christa Sgobba, SELF’s director of fitness and food, with its bounciness and responsive cushioning, which made it easy for her to get going and maintain solid speed during slightly more challenging runs. It also felt smooth on easier efforts: “When I slowed my tempo pace to a recovery jog, I was surprised when I glanced down at my watch and saw I was about 20 seconds per mile faster than my usual recovery pace,” she said. “I definitely didn’t feel it.”
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
