The Best Hoka Running Shoes

Hoka Bondi 9

Hoka has given the Bondi 9 a supercritical EVA midsole (with an additional 2mm of stack) that has considerably more life in it than previous versions. The upper, which Hoka describes as an engineered mesh, feels like a higher-end knit material, and the shoe has a plush and premium feel overall.

While you’re not going to be able to pick up the pace in it, the Bondi 9 is super comfortable for easy runs, recovery runs, some long runs, walking, and/or standing all day. The MetaRocker and upgraded foam allow this max-cushion, hulk-of-a-shoe to somewhat belie its bulk, making for a surprisingly smooth and stable ride.

We ultimately felt this foam and overall setup outperforms that of the recently-debuted Hoka Skyflow. Testers were split on whether the Bondi 9 truly earns its slightly higher, $170 price point compared to other strong performers in its category in the $160-$165 range. But one thing is certain: the Bondi 9 is easily the best-running Bondi that Hoka has made. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $170

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 Mach X 2

The Hoka Mach X 2 is a super trainer with a relatively reasonable price for what it packs underfoot. The midsole’s PEBA top layer (which sees an increase in stack), Pebax plate, and EVA bottom layer combine for a legitimately fun, perky ride that’s more than capable of offering smooth, bouncy landings to keep you turning over during those long progression efforts.

And the setup is equally ready to promote a strong, lively toe-off in speedier sessions. Grip is reliable, the outsole seems built to last, and there is a wide version available for those who need more room through the mid and forefoot.

Overall, the Mach X 2 is a solid performer that improves significantly on many shortcomings of the previous Mach X(such as the original’s tendency to absorb sweat and feel generally more sluggish and bulky as the distance ticked above 8-10 miles).

But while this new version is successful in many big ways, it comes with one huge caveat: the heel collar and its less-than-reliable fit may (or may not) wreak havoc on your Achilles. For that reason, we recommend trying on the Hoka Mach X 2 and only buying from somewhere with a good return policy. You’ll only know whether or not you get along with that heel collar design by giving it a test run. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $190

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 3

Hoka took a gamble with the Tecton X 3 updates, and they paid off. This shoe is an improved experience from the previous versions. Behind all the technicalities is a shoe that’s built to move quick and efficiently over terrain. It’s a relatively smooth ride with a comfortable fit that suits miles and miles of distance. The upper won’t be for everyone but it’s comfortable.

Hoka set out to create a super shoe that could handle some of the most physically demanding trail races. With that, their runners demanded a lot out of the shoe. The Hoka Tecton X 3 steps up and meets these demands. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $275

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 Clifton 10

Despite the shift from a 5mm drop to an 8mm drop and SEVERAL millimeters of added stack height to bring it more in-line with modern midsole offerings, the Clifton 10 still remains pretty much as Clifton-y as its predecessors. It’s the sort of shoe that doesn’t pack much in the way of flash or excitement, but it delivers on Hoka’s promise of being “a trusted trainer for daily maintenance miles”.

The shift in heel-to-toe drop was detectable but not overly dramatic to our testers, as the CMEVA midsole foam compresses fairly easily so as to even out some of the extra heel cushioning. The Durabrasion outsole has a good amount of rubber that seems to provide average durability and performance. But the exposed foam at the midfoot may take a significant beating, depending on your high-wear areas.

The upper is nothing special, but it’s solidly comfortable and does the job, even without a gusseted tongue. While the upper’s material closely resembles that of the Clifton 9, the Clifton 10 appears to be built on a different last. Wide-footers will want to opt for one of the additional widths Hoka will have available.

All-in-all, the Clifton 10 is a solid option for those looking for a trusty daily trainer with some long-run range, and the $150 price point seems mostly appropriate for how this latest Clifton now stacks up to its competition. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $150, Releasing April 15, 2025