Best Hoka Running Shoes Review | Complete Comparisons

We’ve tested out every model of Hoka, not just this year, but literally since the very first Clifton! That’s helped us come up with our favorites for different uses. Get your best Hoka running shoes review from folks who have actually put them to the test in a variety of ways!From the original Clifton to the newest carbon plated racers and trail shoes, our team has put in the miles to give you honest feedback. For most runners, the Hoka Clifton 11 is most well known but it’s transitioning to more lifestyle with the introduction of the Clifton Pro, the Mach 7 remains great for faster training and the Speedgoat 7 a hit for trails.

But there’s no single “best” Hoka for every runner. Below you’ll find our top picks based on cushioning, stability, speed, long runs, racing and trail running, along with who we think should skip each shoe.

What Sets HOKA Apart?

There are a few key features that you’re going to find across all or most of their lineup. So let’s review those here and then we’ll dive in to the specific models!

Maximal Shoe

This is the trademark characteristic of HOKA, so it’s important to understand what it actually means.

We are talking about the stack height of the shoe, which is the height of that beautiful midsole cushion. It does NOT mean the same thing as heel-to-toe drop.

Heel toe drop is the amount of height change from the heel of the shoe to the forefoot. To visualize that just think about a high heel, running shoes are just not as extreme.

The benefits of the HOKA platform is that it creates natural stability. Instead of putting in hard rods or hard arches to control the foot this wider base does it naturally.

Podiatrist recommended

Yup, they actually have a seal from American Podiatric Medical Association on a number of their shoes. That means a group of poditrists have reviewed them and recommend them for good foot health!

Best HOKA Running Shoes | We’ve Tested Every Model

Having run in so many of these, I’m always excited to tell people more about HOKA. If you’ve been around here long, you know that I’m not a brand purist. I run in and test a TON of different brands.

But HOKA was one that took me by surprise.

Let’s be honest the first time I saw that huge stack height and heard the word Maximal shoe, I thought “not for me”. And then like any good researcher, I decided just to give it a shot.

It wasn’t heavy or clunky. It felt good. Hmmm this was intriguing!

**X models are going to be their carbon plate shoes.

👉Best Cushioned Daily Trainer – HOKA Clifton Pro

For a few years we bucked the trends recommending the Hoka Skyflow because it was so much better than the Clifton or Bondi as a long run shoe. We are not surprised at all to find that they’re swallowing that shoe into a new naming convention and the introduction of the entirely new Clifton Pro.

So what is the all new Pro?? The name makes it sound like a super shoe, but nope. This is truly the update to the Clifton technology that many of us have been waiting for the last 3 years. It finally feels like a running shoe on par with max cushion brand shoes.

While it’s a little heavier than the Clifton, this version is going to likely feel better in later miles for heavier runners and the back of the pack. It’s very stable for the amount of cushion and bounce you’ll feel underfoot.

It’s also less likely to compress as much as the Skyflow, so from our testing thus far we think it may be more durable.

• Good for those who liked the Clifton but were ready for more bounce
• Highly cushioned, a little bouncy, no plate
• Weight: 10.4 oz men’s, 8.5 oz women’s
• Stack: 42 mm
• Heel Drop: 8 mm
• Available in Wide (and extra wide in men’s)
• Available in 8 Colors
• Find it on Hoka.com for $165
• Read our full Hoka Clifton Pro review >>

👉Best Middle of the Pack Marathon Shoe – HOKA Skyward X2

The Bondi used to come in the BondiX which is a carbon fiber shoe. But they’ve upgraded it to the new Hoka Skyward X2 and it’s a real treat.

How fantastic for a shoe company to say why can’t the everyday runner have a carbon fiber running shoe?? Meaning just because you aren’t aiming for a 2 hour marathon doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits in your 5 hour marathon!

Honestly, I really enjoy this shoe.

It wouldn’t be my top pick for a race day shoe if you’re in that sub 4 category, but there is some evidence that carbon plate shoes can reduce leg fatigue, so maybe a benefit to using on some long runs. I also don’t see the Achilles issue with this model that some are experiencing with the super bouncy cushion.

I am mildly obsessed with this shoe now and have used it on a number of longer runs!

• Good for heavier runners and not the front of the pack on race day
• Neutral Carbon Plated Running shoe
• Max Cushion
• Weight: 9.1oz women’s / 11.1oz men’s
• Stack Height: 46mm
• Heel drop: 5 mm drop
• See all HOKA Skyward X2 for $225 
  
• Checkout the full review of the Skyward X2 >>

👉Best Lightweight Shoe – HOKA Mach 7

When you’re ready to turn on the speed, the Mach is your HOKA of choice. It’s not a carbon plate shoe, instead it’s a super lightweight running shoe designed to spring off the ground and help you find that quick turnover.

With the firmer foam underfoot, there is a subtle bounce after a soft-ish landing that gets you rolling through your stride and on to the next. The rocker is not overly pronounced, it’s just enough to assist your stride whether you’re running easy or tempo/threshold efforts.

Recovery runs aren’t what the Mach 7 is best suited for. The shoe, while comfortable, lacks the plush feel in the upper and midsole for those extra easy days.

• Runners who want a more moderate cushion that can also pick up the pace, it’s a well rounded shoe
• Moderate cushion, no plate
• Weight: 7.5 ounces Women’s/ 8.37 ounces Men’s
• Stack Height: 36mm
• Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
• Available in 7 colorways
• Available in wide in 6 colorways
• Available at hoka.com for $145
• Read our full review of the Hoka Mach 7 here >>

HOKA Mach X3 – Carbon Plate Version

I was not a fan of the original Mach X because it just felt like a worse version of the incredible Mach.

But this year they have completely revamped the shoe and honestly, I feel like it needs a totally different name. It’s not quite as top end speedy as the Rocket, but it’s definitely a carbon plated shoe with some good bounce and speed. We’re seeing it on a lot of feet for very good reason!

Checkout our complete review of the Hoka Mach X3 >>

👉Fastest Carbon Plated Racing Shoe – Hoka Cielo X 1 3.0

The shoe has evolved since the first iteration, with the focus still being on keeping it a race-specific, lightweight, and aggressive racing shoe–something that could contend with adjacent brands coming out with race-specific carbon shoes

This is definitely a shoe that can take you sub 1:30:00 in the half marathon or under 3:00:00 for a marathon.

The foam feels full and robust at the ball of the food, and drops away quite substantially at the heel and toes. It’s not uncomfortable, just very distinctive. You know instantly that you’re in a shoe built for one thing: speed.

• True racing super shoe for the front of the pack
• Boucny, carbon plated
• Weight: 7.5 oz Men’s 9, 6.2 oz Women’s 8
• Stack Height: 37mm heel
• Heel Drop: 7mm
• Not available in wide
• Available in 1 color
• Available on hoka.com for $275
• Read our full review of the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 here >>

👉Original Daily Trainer: HOKA Clifton 11 

The first shoe that must be mentioned is the Clifton as their flagship shoe and the one that started it all. We’ve been on this ride with them since model 1.

The Clifton 11 is a go to neutral running shoe that’s going to be durable and handle easy runs and long mileage. As noted above while it’s still a go to for many, it may not be our absolute top pick for everyone anymore. They simply have too many other great options where they’ve better advanced the technology.

However, it’s still a classic and a bit firmer daily trainer for those who want that!

The shoe also has a lightweight design, which makes it ideal for those who are looking for a shoe that won’t weigh them down during their runs. Truly not always easy to find a combination of cushion and low weight!

It’s also the first Hoka with an 8mm drop. We will probably see more of this as higher stack heights and softer cushion seem to require it.

We love the Clifton and recommend it for both runners and walkers. It’s on many of our lists including the best Hoka Shoes for Standing All Day.

• Good for those who don’t want a super cushy shoe
• High stack, but not overly soft shoe, no plate
• Heel Drop: 8 mm
• Stack: 42 mm
• Weight: 9.9 oz men’s, 8.1 oz women’s
• Available in Wide (and extra wide in men’s)
• Available in 7 Colors
• Find it on Hoka.com for $155
• Read our full Hoka Clifton 11 review >>

👉Best Recovery Run Shoe – HOKA Bondi 9

With the release of the Skyflow, I admit that for awhile we really stopped talking about the Bondi. It just didn’t seem like a necessary option, however some changes to the 9 have changed our mind.

It’s been an excellent shoe for our heavier runners (and wide foot runners) on long easy days and for those who need some extra cushion on recovery runs. We do think it should be 1 shoe in the rotation though and not the only shoe.

Is everyone going to love it? Nope. It’s big. It’s bigger than ever. It’s not a speedy shoe. But if you liked past versions we think this is an improvement.

It’s built for comfort over speed, making it an ideal choice for those longer training runs. That being said you will notice a bit of meta rocker and this is a shoe we see in athletes on marathon day for comfort.

• Max cushion daily trainer, plushest of their road shoes
• Max stack and soft cushion, no plate
• Weight: 10.5 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
• Heel Drop: 5 mm
• Stack Height: 43mm
• Available in 6 colors
• Available in wide and extra wide (in limited colors)
• Available on Hoka.com for $170
• Read our full review of the Hoka Bondi 9 >>

👉Best Stability Shoe – HOKA Arahi 8

Softer and more flexible than your usual stability shoe, the Hoka Arahi 8 maintains a solid sense of balance throughout the shoe while allowing for a smooth and comfortable ride.

It’s not the fastest shoe, but if you’re putting on the miles in training or heading out for a long run, this will be a great shoe to grab for.

One big upgrade from the previous models is the support system Hoka opted for, switching from J-Frame stability to H-Frame stability technology.

This shifted the support from just the medial side (or inside) of the foot to both the medial and lateral sides allows the shoe to keep the material directly under the forefoot and heel making it a more balanced and less stiff ride, great for overpronators.

This shoe is great for easy and long training runs, especially with extra space in the toebox.

Even with an additional 3mm of foam from previous models this shoe felt light and had a little bounce to it— if you’re someone who needs a lot of support and prefers a more rigid shoe, this might not be the choice for you.

Their other popular stability shoe is the Gaviota, so we did a full breakdown Hoka Arahi vs Gaviota.

• Stability that doesn’t feel overdone and still gives you nice cushion
• Moderately high stack cushion that’s comfortable, but not super plush, no plate
• Weight: 9.8 oz Men’s, 7.7 oz Women’s
• Stack Height: 39 mm
• Heel Drop: 8 mm
• Available in 6 colors
• Available in wide and extra wide
• Available on hoka.com for $150.00
• Check out our full review of the Hoka Arahi 8 here >>

👉Best Trail Running Shoe – HOKA Speedgoat 7

I like to say the Speedgoat is the Clifton with extra traction. While that’s not 100% true, it’s pretty close! So if you love the feel of their classic neutral trainer then the Speedgoat is going to be a winner for you as well.

It’s absolutely become one of my go to trail running shoes.

This shoe is best for trail runners who are looking for moderate cushion, plenty of protection and grip to cover a variety of terrain and distances. Great trail race day option as well.

It’s not a stability shoe. Instead, the heel base seems wider and they’ve refined the heel collar to hold you better in place. Each time my foot rolled through a rocky section I could tell there was less dipping of my heel than in the 6. It was a glorious feeling and I already know my ankles are going to be much happier. I’d say anyone with Achilles issues will also appreciate it.

The new foam is a little softer, it feels like there’s a bit more in the forefoot which is really comfortable. The shoe remains light, able to pick up the pace, but with even more energy return from this superior foam. It’s not bouncy like a super foam, it’s not crazy plush, it’s just a really perfect amount of foam for a trail shoe!

• Trail shoe for the masses, it can handle a variety of terrain comfortably
• Moderate cushion, no plate
• Weight: 8.3 oz women’s, 9.7 oz men’s
• Stack Height: 38mm women’s, 40m men’s
• Heel Drop: 5mm
• Available in GTX
• Available in 3 colors
• Available in wide in some colors
• Available at: Hoka.com for $165
• Read our review of the Hoka Speedgoat 7 here >>

👉Best Road to Trail – HOKA Challenger 8

The Challenger is designed to be a road-to-trail running shoe, similar to the Nike Terra Kiger...but with more cushion.

In fact, it may almost be my favorite trail shoe over the Speedgoat now.

This makes sense from the lug design, which would easily handle trails or crushed gravel paths. I tend to prefer to keep my shoes with lugs off the pavement, but that’s what they designed this one to do. It’s not designed for super technical trails and may feel a bit more narrow than other models based on tester feedback.

The shoe offers plenty of cushioning and support, making it great for those looking for a comfortable ride when hitting those local trails, crushed gravel paths or dirt roads.

The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and dry, and the outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. I also like the extended heel, less issues with my foot slipping out.

• Ideal road to trail shoe, the lugs are enough to handle some rocky terrain, but small enough for comfort on the roads.
• Well cushioned, but very stable, no plate
• Weight: 8.7 oz Women’s, 9.7 oz Men’s
• Stack Height: 42mm mens, 39mm women
• Heel drop: 8mm
• 5 colors available
• Available in wide for some colorways
• Check it out on Hoka.com for $155(including low and waterproof GTX)
• Read our full review of the Hoka Challenger 8 here >>

👉Best Speedy Carbon Plate Trail Shoe – HOKA Tecton X4

My first thought about a carbon plate trail running shoe was “I’m not fast enough to need this.” But then I looked a number of reviews from fellow runners, who reminded me that one of the benefits is saving energy and potential reduction in muscle fatigue.

The Tecton x2 broke my skepticism, but then they went and created a whole new look with the X3…and I had to start all over again, to realize I was wrong and it’s fabulous!

The gaiter kept all the pebbles out of my shoes, it’s got such a nice cushion and I really could feel the pick up when I hit dirt road, but plenty of grip on the technical areas.

The shoe has a good grip and I actually found that in muddy spots it didn’t clog up in the lugs, which is always a win. So if you are looking for a faster trail shoe, I’m not mad about this one. It’s still got enough cushion to be enjoyable for long miles.

• Good for a fast trail race with more cushion and different elements (sand, pebbles)
• Carbon Plate Trail Running shoe
• Weight: 8.3 oz women’s, 9.7 oz men’s
• Stack Height: 40mm
• Heel Drop: 5 mm drop
• Available in 1 color
• See all HOKA Tecton X4 models for $275
• See our full HOKA Tecton X4 review >>

How We Tested Hoka Running Shoes

Our Run To The Finish testing team has run in Hoka shoes for more than a decade, including every generation of the Clifton and dozens of road, trail and race models. Our recommendations come from actual training miles across easy runs, long runs, workouts, races and trails rather than manufacturer specifications alone.

We have a team of 20+ testers which allows us to hit the technical trails, to put the front of the pack in their racing shoes and everything in between to give you fit, feel and our top picks.

There you have it!  A break down of the best Hoka running shoes! As you can see HOKA One One offers a variety of running shoes designed for different types of runners and running styles.

In the last few years, they’ve slimmed down the overall product line, which is why the best HOKA running shoes isn’t 50 models long! I appreciate this as it means they’re focused on what works.

In fact, I even recommend them as great walking shoes! Checkout the most comfortable Hoka walking shoes.

Here’s a video breakdown of many of the best Hoka running shoes as well!! New update with recent models in progress.

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