When Hoka launched its first shoes in 2010, many dismissed the brand as a gimmick. Its debut, the original Mafate trail shoe, featured an oversized midsole and a curved sole—flying in the face of the minimalist trend dominating running at the time. But Hoka’s philosophy was simple: More cushioning meant better shock absorption, reducing the impact on a runner’s legs and ultimately providing greater comfort.
Little did we know that, in time, Hoka’s maximal approach would completely upend running shoe design. Today, nearly every brand has embraced high-stack cushioning, making it a defining feature of modern running shoes. What was once an outlier is now a staple, and Hoka has gone from an upstart to one the most popular shoe brands of the moment.
Whether you’re considering your first pair or looking to re-up with a new Hoka shoe, here are our recommendations based on experience and testing.
The Best Hoka Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Hoka Mach 6
- Best Value: Hoka Rincon 4
- Best Daily Trainer: Summer Running Gear
- Best for Long Runs: Hoka Skyward X
- Max Cushioning: Hoka Bondi 9
The Expert: I’m a long-time running shoe geek and have spent over a decade testing and reviewing them. I test more than 75 pairs every year for top publications like Runner’s World, Outside, and Gear Junkie, bringing expert insight to every review.
My interest in shoes is rooted in competition. I’ve been racing since 1993 and, as a former Division I athlete at Villanova University, I earned national rankings in the 3K. In addition to reviewing gear, I’ve worked as a personal running coach for the last decade. My company, Hoka Skyward X, is an online coaching platform dedicated to helping adult runners improve and reach their goals.
mm / 29mm
Hoka has become remarkably popular in the last five years or so, as casual runners and walkers have embraced the brand’s innovative approach to cushioning. Its shoes have thick soles that maximize shock absorption, reducing impact forces, and keeping your legs fresher mile after mile. Hoka hasn’t abandoned its roots in trail running, but it is now one of the top names in road running shoes and that has become its focus.
Like most shoe brands, it has a playbook full of proprietary midsole materials and design features that amplify its high-stack shoes.
How We Selected
I chose the best Hoka running shoes after running in every shoe the brand currently makes. I wore them on multiple test runs to evaluate aspects such as overall comfort, fit, and performance. I also compared the latest models against their predecessors to determine which shoes have changed drastically, and evaluate how the changes impacted their feel. In addition to my personal testing, I received additional feedback on many of these shoes from RW wear testers and consulted our other editors’ reviews.
Full Reviews
Hoka Mach 6 Running Shoe
Pros
- Lightweight and nimble
- Credit: Trevor Raab
- oz. men’s; 6.8 oz. women’s
Cons
- Runs a little narrow
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.2 oz. (men’s); 6.7 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 37mm (men’s); 35mm (women’s) |
| Drop | 5mm |
The Hoka Mach has been one of our favorite Hoka running shoes for a long time, but an entirely new supercritical EVA midsole has elevated the Mach 6, making it the lightest and most responsive version yet. One RW tester said it’s like “that annoying but amazing person you know who is good at everything.”
The Mach is a bit unconventional compared to the highly padded shoes that have become Hoka’s signature. It feels more traditional and responsive underfoot, striking a perfect balance between providing protection to feel comfortable, while leaving some sensitivity so you can feel connected to the ground. That balance makes it very dynamic. The Mach 6 is a rare shoe that’s really good at any pace you throw at it—light and responsive enough to pick up speed when needed, but with enough cushioning and structure for daily use.
A new breathable creel jacquard upper with an internal gusset that keeps the tongue in place is a huge improvement. The fit leans slightly on the narrow side, though, so keep that in mind when you try them on.
Hoka Rincon 4 Running Shoe
Pros
- Lightweight enough for faster running
- 3Hoka Bondi 9
- Improved upper fits better
Cons
- Summer Running Gear
- Runs a little small
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.0 oz. (men’s); 6.8 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 36Hoka Mach 6 |
| Drop | 5mm |
The Hoka Rincon 4 delivers a smooth, natural ride at a slightly lower price than shoes like the Mach 6 and Clifton 9. Like our top pick Mach, the Rincon 4 eschews Hoka’s signature max-cushion profile in favor of a more grounded feel.
Its dual-layer EVA midsole steps firm, but not in a harsh way: It’s more responsive, allowing for a quick turnover. “I was pushing off the ground effectively, easily generating the force I needed in order to meet the demands of the pace,” said one wear tester.
A plus side of less cushioning is that you get a remarkably lightweight shoe. At 8 ounces for men and 6.8 ounces for women, the Rincon is light enough to handle uptempo and speed work with ease.
The upper is an engineered double jacquard that runs both narrow and short–enough that I’d consider sizing up half a size. I wouldn’t say this is the most exciting option in the Hoka lineup, but it’s one heck of a value if you’re looking for an entry-level running shoe.
Summer Running Gear Running Shoe
Pros
- Lighter than Clifton 8
- Gains 3mm of stack height
Cons
- Not very responsive
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz. (men’s); 7.3 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 32mm / 27mm |
| Drop | 5mm |
The Clifton is Hoka’s iconic shoe–for both longtime fans of the brand and folks who have embraced it as a trend, this is the very epitome of a max-cushion daily trainer. In a rare feat of magic, the Clifton 9 adds 3mm to the stack, but manages to shed weight at the same time, thanks to a streamlined, but still well-padded upper.
The change is noticeable. A new compression-molded EVA cushion feels much more lively underfoot than the previous midsole. It’s still not a practically fast shoe, but it’s certainly got more pep than its predecessor. The lighter weight also makes it feel slightly less bulky.
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s top selling shoes for a reason. It’s a great all-arounder that will work wonders as an everyday trainer or a comfortable, casual walk/running shoe.
Full Summer Running Gear Review
Hoka Skyward X Running Shoe
Pros
- Unbelievably cushioned
- Fun, poppy ride
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.3 oz. (men’s); 9.2 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 48mm / 43mm |
| Drop | 5mm |
The Hoka Skyward X embodies everything the brand is known for—thick cushioning, plush comfort, and a luxurious ride. As Hoka’s most cushioned shoe, it gobbles miles like a high-performance pillow for your feet. Kitted out with a carbon-fiber plate and high-energy PEBA foam, the Skyward X has all the hallmarks of a super shoe: It is both intensely soft and energizing at the same time, adding a pop to your stride that makes long outings a lot of fun.
It’s extra-plush in the upper, too, wrapping your foot in a soft, flat knit material that comfortably holds the foot for even the longest of runs. The Skyward X has a hefty price tag, but you’ll feel the luxury on your feet once you slip them on for the first time.
Hoka Bondi 9 Running Shoe
Pros
- New, bouncier midsole padding
- Very stable for a high-stack shoe
Cons
- Altra’s Lone Peak 9+ Gets Tackier Traction
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz. (men’s); 9.3 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 43mm / 38mm |
| Drop | 5mm |
Hoka’s explosion in popularity has revolved around two of their top selling shoes–the Clifton and its slightly thicker cousin, the Bondi. The ninth version of the latter gets significant upgrades to both its cushioning and comfort, thanks to a 2mm layer of a new supercritical EVA material in the midsole. The addition creates a noticeably softer and more responsive ride, creating a sense of bounce that wasn’t present in previous iterations of the shoe.
Historically, the Bondi has always felt a little weighty, but this new midsole gives it a livelier ride. Don’t get me wrong: It’s not an especially speedy shoe, but the updates certainly make it feel faster.
Max comfort continues throughout the redesigned upper. The engineered mesh and heavy padding along the heel collar create a plush, inviting step-in feel. If the idea of sinking into a thick, ultra-cushioned foam gets you giddy, then the Bondi 9 is for you.
Pros
- Fairly lightweight for a stability shoe
- J-Frame provides stable platform
Cons
- Some may find it too firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.9 oz. (men’s); 8.1 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 34mm / 29mm |
| Drop | 5mm |
For runners who want or need a little extra support, the Arahi 7 is Hoka’s most supportive stability shoe. As with previous Arahis, the centerpiece here is the J-Frame, a layer of firm foam that runs along the medial edge of the shoe and curves around the heel. The stiffer cushion supports your foot and helps counter overpronation. It’s paired with durable, compression-molded EVA cushioning for a firm and stable ride. Its transitions aren’t as smooth as a neutral road shoe’s, but that’s often the cost of extra support.
Updated for the seventh generation is a foot-mapped, flat-knit upper that helps keep your midfoot locked down comfortably. The tongue is nicely padded, preventing any uncomfortable tension from the laces.
The Arahi 7 offers strong stability, and is a solid choice if you need a lot of support. Runners who don’t overpronate and just prefer a little bit of guidance will probably be better off going with the Bondi 9 above, which offers a stable platform and a much smoother, more cushioned ride.
Pros
- Extremely bouncy ride
- Improved upper fits better
Cons
- Heavy compared to super shoes from other brands
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz. (unisex) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 39mm / 32mm |
| Drop | 7mm |
If there’s one gap in Hoka’s lineup, it’s a true lightweight race-day contender. The brand makes two competition-grade racing shoes, the Rocket X2 and Cielo X1, both of which have struggled to make an impact among professionals and record-chasers alike. They are both currently among the heaviest super shoes in production right now.
After dropping over an ounce in the update, the Hoka Why You Need Under Armour’s “Mileage Monster” Shoe inches closer to the pack. Like with the original Cielo X1, the ride is by far one of the bounciest shoes on the market. With its PEBA midsole, hitting your stride almost feels like jumping on a trampoline–you bound forward through each step.
This shoe is made for fast running, not easy miles. Its sharp rocker profile forces a midfoot landing, which feels a bit odd and unstable at slower paces. Once you speed up, though, it becomes a slingshot that propels you forward with every step.
The redesigned jacquard mesh upper, now featuring printed overlays, offers a significant upgrade in comfort and security. While it’s still fairly heavy for a super shoe, its propulsive design will have you feeling light(er) on your feet.
Pros
- PEBA midsole is bouncy without feeling unstable
- Gaitor prevents debris from getting into the shoe
Cons
- Difficult to get on
Key Specs
| Weight | 10 oz. (men’s); 7.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Stack Height (Heel) | 40mm / 35mm |
| Drop | 5mm |
Carbon-plated shoes are typically reserved for special efforts, the ones you want to push your limits and perform at your best. They often feature aggressive geometry and soft, unstable foam made specifically for faster running, at the expense of stability at more pedestrian paces.
For every rule, though, there’s an exception. The Hoka Tecton X 3 features proprietary parallel carbon-fiber plates with winglets embedded in a dual-layer PEBA midsole, which allow it to excel in virtually every type of trail running. From smooth California single-track to rocky, technical trails back East, the Tecton X 3 felt secure, comfortable, and was just a ton of fun to run in.
The upper combines high-tensile synthetic fiber with an ultra-soft, sock-like knit that extends up the ankle. Initially, I was skeptical about the gaiter-style design–I worried that it might cause irritation. After several runs without any discomfort, though, I came to appreciate how well it kept trail debris out.
Carbon-fiber plates are a high-end feature, and the Tecton X 3’s price reflects that. If you’re looking for a less expensive option from Hoka, the Speedgoat 6 gives you a cushioned midsole and a smooth ride, but isn’t quite as fast.
Q+A
With Running Coach Cory Smith
Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Hoka Skyward X, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K.
