Hoka was one of the fastest-growing brands of 2023, surpassing a billion dollars in sales as its chunky, comfy running shoes went mainstream. Now, maximally cushioned shoes are not just a trend, they are the norm — and Hoka has established itself as a major player in the running industry.
There are three main technologies that define a Hoka shoe: a cushioned midsole that absorbs shock, a frame that cradles the foot for stability and security, and that curved MetaRocker geometry that assists transition with every step. Each of those features can be dialed up or down to affect performance, depending on what you’re looking for.
And while the company is mainly known for its shoes, Hoka is also consistently improving its apparel since debuting its first collection in 2020. Add to that its fashion-forward collabs with brands like Satisfy and Moncler as well as partnerships with companies like Cotopaxi and FP Movement, and you have even more name recognition outside of the running and exercise world.
But at its core, Hoka will always be a running brand — and there are so many offerings to choose from, which can make choosing a running shoe tricky. To help you narrow down which of its products will serve you best, we rounded up our favorite picks, from daily trainers and racing shoes to trail sneakers and recovery slides, as well as men and women’s apparel.
Running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8
Best all-around running shoe
The Bondi launched the maximal cushioning movement all the way back in 2010, and it remains one of Hoka’s most popular franchises. The latest iteration has been upgraded with a softer, lighter foam to better protect the legs and a wider base and extended heel for a smoother, more stable stride.
With 31 millimeters of foam under the heel, the Bondi 8 offer a firm but very cushioned ride that benefits beginners and high-volume runners alike. Men's and women's sizing is available in regular and wide widths, while men's also has three colors available in X-Wide.
Hoka Clifton 9
Best for running and walking
Another crowd-pleaser in the daily trainer category, the Clifton differ from the Bondi in a few ways: They have slightly less foam underfoot, they're a little bit lighter and the foam — which is now a compression-molded EVA — is a little bit firmer.
Which style is right for you will likely come down to personal preference, but one of the big selling points behind the popular Clifton is that they work well for everyday running and walking.
Hoka Mach 6
Best for training
A natural progression from the Bondi and Clifton, the Mach line is designed for uptempo daily training — and it’s a little more versatile than those other styles.
The Mach 6 are Hoka’s lightest and most responsive yet: They've been updated with a super-critical foam midsole for more bounce, strategic rubber outsole coverage to help shed weight without sacrificing traction and a new, streamlined upper that allows for more airflow.?
Pick up the pace in the Rocket X 2, which feature the best race day tech from Hoka. The synthetic mesh upper, with an internal midfoot cage to keep your foot locked in, offers a much sleeker fit than the brand’s daily trainers. And sandwiching the carbon plate between two layers of high-performance PEBA foam creates a really propulsive yet stable ride whether you’re racing a 5K or a marathon.
Hoka was one of the first brands to embrace a rocker — a curved bottom that helps propel you forward — and you can really see that exaggerated profile on this new race day shoe. A winged carbon plate and two-layer PEBA midsole (featuring the most cushioning on a Hoka race shoe to date) also help make these shoes feel super speedy. At 9.3 ounces, they may be a little heavy for some runners who race but work just as well for long runs or recovery runs.
Hoka Skyward X
Best for distance
Hoka’s newest shoes are super-stacked super trainers. Their extra-chunky midsole is made of PEBA and supercritical EVA, a softer combo that provides lots of bounce.
The Skyward X look almost like platform shoes, with up to 48 millimeters of foam underfoot, but a rigid carbon plate helps stabilize that foam along with Hoka’s Active Foot Frame design, which sort of wraps around the foot like a bucket seat.
Trail shoes
Hoka Tecton X 2
Best for speed
Uneven terrain shouldn’t slow you down. The Tecton X 2 were designed for speed, with a cushiony but responsive foam and two parallel carbon plates that allow for more flexibility when encountering bumps in the trail.
With a breathable upper that repels water and a sticky Vibram outsole that keeps your footing rock solid, the Tecton X 2 are great not just for dirt but also for when the streets and sidewalks are wet or icy.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Best for longer trail runs
A preferred shoe for elite trail runners, the Speedgoat are a great maximally cushioned model for anyone racking up high mileage on dirt.
The latest Speedgoat shoes feature a new and improved outsole that uses Vibram Megagrip and Traction Lug technology for increased grip, especially on drier, looser terrain; a lighter, more responsive compression-molded EVA foam; and a reconstructed upper that’s more flexible in the midfoot and forefoot.
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Best for technical trails
These trail racing shoes sit a little lower to the ground than the Tecton or Speedgoat, but their dual-density design puts a softer, more responsive layer of foam right underfoot and a firmer layer closer to the ground so you get a soft landing without sacrificing a snappy toe-off.
A rubber toe cap protects against obstacles, while the grippy outsole and 5-millimeter lugs help your feet maintain a rock-solid grip on even the most technical trails.
Hoka Stinson 7
Best for stability
You better believe Hoka makes beefy trail shoes too. The Stinson put a whopping 42 millimeters of foam between your foot and the ground. Fortunately, the combo of two compression-molded EVA foams helps promote stability.
The foam and higher side walls wrap around the foot to promote stability. All that foam sits atop an outsole with multidirectional lugs, giving these shoes a one-two punch of soft cushioning and versatile traction that translates from the road to trail.
Lifestyle footwear
Runners swear by the Ora Recovery Slides when they’re not wearing their running shoes. The oversized sugarcane EVA midsole and MetaRocker geometry are pure Hoka, just reinterpreted for a cushy, supportive post-run experience. Science may not be able to prove that these actually “boost” recovery, but the design aims to take some pressure off your already tired feet — and if that feels good to you, that’s all that matters.
Hoka Anacapa Breeze Mid
Best for hiking
Hiking shoes can feel heavy and swampy as the miles add up, but the Anacapa are surprisingly airy for their size thanks to a super-ventilated upper.
Between the extended heel (designed to better absorb impact and provide stability on uneven terrain), a rubber outsole and 5-millimeter lugs that dig into any surface to provide better footing and a higher rise for ankle protection, these shoes will provide comfort no matter how far you’re hiking.
The Transport X have a ton of running shoe tech in them — a carbon plate, a firm, responsive foam and the brand’s signature curved outsole — which means you could go for a jog in them, but they're more of a “running errands” type of shoe. If you’re on your feet all day and want a more stylish option that puts a little extra pep in your step, these crossover shoes pair better with streetwear than most of Hoka’s other comfort options.
These slip-ons are a perfect example of Hoka pushing a more avant-garde aesthetic in the recovery category. Between the chunky elastic lace system and exaggerated toe bumper, they look weird, right? But the style grows on you, especially when you experience how comfy the soft knit collar and the insulated puff upper feel on your feet.
Performance apparel
Hoka Skyflow Jacket
Best lightweight jacket
Protect yourself on chilly or breezy runs in this ultralight jacket. It’s constructed from a ripstop material, so it’s not going to snag if you find yourself tackling branches on the trail, and it has a water repellency treatment to keep you dry.
The fabric is — bless — noise-free, so you don’t have to listen to the sleeves swish every time you pump your arms. The best part: The jacket packs into the chest pocket (and weighs just 3.7 ounces) for easy stowing if you need to shed it.
Hoka Airolite Run Short Sleeve
Best base layer
A crisp, classic tee is a staple in any runner’s wardrobe. This elevated base layer features enhanced breathability and added moisture wicking— two essentials for warm weather running.
It’s made from a lightweight pinhole mesh that allows for plenty of airflow, has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent stink and a universally flattering slim fit silhouette that looks just as good paired with street clothes.
Hoka Race Day Split Short
Most comfortable running shorts
When you’re racing, the last thing you want to think about is the workout clothes you’re wearing. These split shorts are made from a "barely there" stretch woven material with a water-repellent finish.
The semi-split leg allows for maximum mobility when opening up your stride, and the elastic waistband with a hidden drawstring won’t budge. If you have to carry any small essentials, stash them in the two drop pockets.
For a relatively small piece of apparel, sports bras play a big role in comfort — and performance. The compressive fit and high neckline keep everything locked down even when you pick up the pace, while the mesh liner and recycled polyester fabric is engineered to allow air to easily flow through its threads (and there’s no excess padding to trap heat). The finishing touch: a brushed elastic band that helps prevent chafing.
If you like to run sans shirt but prefer a little more coverage than a standard sports bra, this crop bra is it. With a higher neckline and curved rear hem, you’re covered where it matters while still allowing for cooling air to reach your skin — and this cut also pairs well with athleisure apparel. A built-in shelf bra with removable cups adds extra support, making this a sturdy option even for those with larger chests.
Beat the heat in this updated staple. Constructed from 100% recycled polyester, this tank is designed to move air through the fabric, wick sweat and dry quickly (it also has a subtle texture to prevent bacterial growth). Smart reflectivity features on the front, back and side seams help keep you visible if you’re out on the road before the sun rises or after it sets.
