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 Skyflow

The Hoka Skyflow looks to give the brand a more worthy competitor to the group of high-stack daily trainers currently occupying the $160 price band. More runnable than the Hoka Bondi and with more stack and durability than the Clifton, the Skyflow is best suited for easy, cruising miles during which you’re not particularly hoping to pick up the pace.

It utilizes a rocker geometry that’s reminiscent of the Hoka Skyward X (see below for more details) and a supercritical, EVA midsole foam that splits the difference between soft and firm, with just a hint of springiness. Wide-footers will want to opt for wide sizing due to the slimness throughout; and sizing could be tricky in general for some, as the Skyflow also runs a tad long. Overall, it didn’t knock our socks off and is limited in its use case, but the Skyflow accomplishes Hoka’s goal of a more competitive, durable, high-stack daily trainer at the $160 price point.

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

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 4

The Hoka Rincon 4 doesn’t feel as light or as speedy as previous versions, and while it’s a solid shoe, it’s hard to pick it over any other Hoka (unless you’re a weartester named Annie). The price is good, but it comes with a slightly pedestrian feel. It’s a completely serviceable shoe with a great price that fits true-to-size. Also, its standard width offers a more comfortable fit than most Hokas for slightly wide feet.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $125

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 Speedgoat 6

The Speedgoat line has been restored to its proper form. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a reliable and durable trail shoe that any runner on any trail can lace up and feel confident in. It’s hard to create the delicate balance of technicality and versatility that the Speedgoat 6 offers. A reworked upper also provides the assurance that this shoe will last. Any runner should be able to get ~400 miles from this shoe. 

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is solid. A good shoe that will get the job done. The days of its dominance have passed, but the performance continues to be dependable. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $155

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 Kaha 2 Frost GTX

The Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX is good looking, beefy, cold weather hiking boot that provides great grip in nasty conditions. The swallowtail makes adding microspikes a little difficult but it’s still doable (as you can see in the photo). The cushion adds a little bit of Hoka comfort while still keeping you connected to rough terrain.

The Kaha 2 Frost GTX let zero water inside either shoe during testing. That’s despite waist deep snow for one of the test hikes! It also stays warm in chilly and windy conditions.

The Kaha 2 Frost GTX fits true to size with Hoka running shoes and if you have a thumbnail of room in your running shoes you’ll have plenty of space to double sock or wear thicker hiking socks.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $280

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