9 Best Hoka Shoes to Make Long Walks a Breeze

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By now, we’re all aware of the many health benefits that come with hitting those 10,000 steps per day, but sometimes achieving that goal can seem daunting and painful—especially if you don’t have the right walking shoes. Luckily, one of our favorite sneaker brands also happens to make some of the very best shoes for walking. Hoka sneakers are notorious for delivering comfort in every step, but it’s also the brand’s constant innovation and stylish design approach that win us over every time. On our journey to find the best Hoka shoes for walking, we started with the brand’s director of product, Rebekah Broe, who shared her extensive knowledge about exactly what makes these sneakers the best in class.

“Whether you're seeking maximum cushioning for long walks or enhanced support for your daily activities, Hoka has a shoe tailored just for you,” Broe tells Bazaar. “Our commitment to biomechanics means that every aspect of our footwear is meticulously crafted to enhance your on-foot experience.” This careful attention to detail extends beyond trends, and allows customers to tread lightly (quite literally), whether they’re on a short jaunt to the neighborhood coffee shop or packing on the miles on a walking-heavy vacation.

When choosing your own pair of Hokas for walking, the main factors to consider are support, cushioning, and walking dynamics—and according to Broe, these are the top differentiators between some of the best-loved styles in Hoka’s extensive catalog. Below, we review nine of the best Hoka shoes for walking, recommended by Broe and editor-tested too. Your feet will thank you.

Clifton 9

“There’s a reason why this is one of our bestsellers,” Broe tells Bazaar. “The Clifton 9 features an absolutely blissful cushioning-to-weight ratio, meaning you get a light and effortlessly soft, underfoot feel so comfortable you don’t even know it’s there.” The signature Meta-Rocker and creel jacquard upper will keep things comfortable and breathable for miles. Broe also mentions that the Clifton style is available in a Gore-Tex version, which has become her personal favorite for rainy morning walks with her pup.

Pros: They are super comfortable for long hours standing.

Cons: The back, pull tab extends higher up on the foot than other styles, which could lead to some friction.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Twenty one, including black/black, black/white, and white/white

Widths: Regular and wide

Transport

“To me, this is the ultimate Hoka travel shoe,” Broe says. “When you want something stylish, functional, and comfortable for long days through airport security lines or touring a new city, the Transport is a great option.” She recommends this sneaker for urban environments where walking is a must. Responsive underfoot foam and a signature outsole (both made sustainably) give this shoe the bounce and recovery you need, and a quick-toggle lace make for easy on and off in transit. It also comes in regular and GTX material.

Pros: They come with both traditional laces and quick-toggle laces for ease on-the-go.

Cons: There are no mesh inserts for extra breathability on this style.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Seven, including white/white, black/black, and harbor mist/lime glow

Widths: Regular

Bondi 8

“If you’re looking for all of the cushioning all of the time, the Bondi is for you,” Broe says. “This is our iconic max-cushion silhouette, featuring a tall platform of cushioned and protective foam underfoot and a plush and comforting upper.” This style has also received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s stamp of approval, so you can walk with ease all day long. Broe also notes that the Bondi comes in wide sizes for extra volume, in addition to regular, for those who need a little extra room.

Pros: These have maximum cushion for long term comfort.

Cons: The billowed sole design can look a bit clunky.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Eight, including harbor mist/lunar rock, black/black, and blanc de blanc/swim day

Widths: Regular and wide

Gaviota 5

“If you’re looking for plush cushioning but also need stability, you can often feel like you have to pick one or the other,” Broe says. “But not with the Gaviota. We love this style because it features H-Frame stability technology.” The key design feature is the style’s two-layer midsole, which provides a stable underfoot ride to help reduce overpronation. Also still featuring Hoka’s signature cushioning, the Gaviota is one of Broe’s recommendations for walking or running, in addition to walking.

Pros: They are helpful for those with flat feet and collapsing arches.

Cons: The toe box is very wide, according to some reviewers.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Seven, including black/white, airy blue/sunlit ocean, and harbor mist/rose gold

Widths: Regular and wide

Clifton L Suede

“The name Clifton is a big deal at Hoka,” Broe explains. “In addition to being our iconic and long-lasting go-to running silhouette, we’ve also extended the reach of this franchise into the lifestyle space.” The Clifton LS’s formula is simple: the shoe blends performance and lifestyle by taking a previous Clifton midsole and marrying it with pebbled leather, textured suede, and streamlined lacing. One of Hoka’s most fashion-forward offerings, the Clifton still provides the same support for walking, but with a stylish twist.

Pros: They can keep feet warm in cooler temperatures, as well, according to one reviewer.

Cons: They run a half size big, according to the brand.

Sizes: 5–15, all gender sizing

Colors: Four, including black/asphalt, limestone, and shifting sand/dune

Widths: Regular

Arahi 7

“When all you crave is stability and support, look no further than the Arahi 6,” Broe recommends. “With our stabilizing J-Frame technology underfoot, the Arahi helps reduce overpronation to keep you feeling strong.” She also notes that this style is extremely lightweight and has a beautiful, sleek silhouette, making it a nice choice for long days on your feet.

Pros: They have a lightweight feel while still maintaining stability.

Cons: Some customers found that the shoe runs a little narrow.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Seven, including vanilla/cream, papaya/coral, illusion/dusk, and black/white

Widths: Regular and wide

Challenger 7

“Not entirely sure where your walk is going to take you? The Challenger 7 is a great option for those uncertain days when no paths are off limits,” Broe says. “This style features great cushioning and was designed to adapt well for the stresses of running on both the road and the trails.” The all-terrain sole, inspired by gravel tires, is ideal for anywhere your walk takes you, whether that be the local park or a mountainous hike. She notes that this style is available in a Gore-Tex version too, for rainy days or slick surfaces.

Pros: These are offered in plenty of cool color combinations.

Cons: Since the bottom is designed for the outdoors, it might feel a bit stiffer.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Eleven, including harbor mist/spruce, black/black, and forest floor/beet root

Widths: Regular and wide

Restore TC

“Sometimes walking is all about recovery, and that’s when we go for a style like the Restore TC,” Broe tells Bazaar. “We love this shoe for its full-knit, sock upper for barefoot-friendly breathability.” This laceless style features an insole and outsole partially made from sugarcane-based ethylene vinyl acetate, to provide comfort and durable traction, whether you’re on the street or the treadmill.

Pros: They are easy to throw on for quick walks and errands.

Cons: They don't come in wide sizing, in addition to regular.

Sizes: 5–12, all gender sizing

Colors: Four, including dune/oxford tan, black/black, and illusion/dusk

Widths: Regular

Kawana 2

“The Kawana was originally built with gym workouts and light running in mind, but the geometries of this sleek style make it a great option for walking, as well,” Broe says. “A responsive midsole provides a firm but cushioned ride, while our Swallowtail heel geometry encourages a super smooth transition in the rear-foot—perfect for dreamy walking miles.” This one is a no-brainer.

Pros: It is geared for side-to-side movement, keeping the foot balanced and stable.

Cons: There is some size discrepancy between how this shoe runs between customer reviews.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Four, including white/nimbus cloud, vanilla/sandstone, and black/black

Widths: Regular

What to Look for?

Support: "One crucial factor to consider is the type of support you need," Broe says. "Depending on your biomechanics and walking style, some individuals may require more stability, while others may prefer a neutral and balanced shoe." Take a look at which of these fit best with the descriptions above.

Cushioning: "The level of cushioning is another important consideration when choosing a Hoka sneaker for walking," Broe explains. "While Hoka shoes are known for their plush cushioning, the amount and type of cushioning can vary between models." We supply a range above, including those with maximum comfort and impact absorption.

Walking Dynamics: Broe recommends also considering your gait pattern (your personal style of walking). "Factors such as pronation (the inward rolling motion of the foot) and foot strike pattern can influence the type of shoe that best suits your needs," she says.

Why Choose Hoka?

"Hoka shoes offer an unparalleled on-foot ride experience," Broe says. "With a focus on innovation and comfort, each pair incorporates three core technologies: a Cushioned Midsole, our Active Foot Frame™ and MetaRocker™ design." Accordingly, these features work in harmony to deliver both a cushioned and supportive sensation through each stride—whether that be a grueling trail hike or a few miles on the treadmill at the gym.

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