The best Hoka running shoes and apparel: An inclusive shopping guide
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Hoka was one of the fastest-growing brands of 2023, crossing the billion-dollar mark in sales as their 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 their 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 Women's Bondi 8
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.
From $132 at Zappos
From $133 at REI
Hoka Men's Bondi 8
With 31 millimeters of foam under the heel, the Bondi 8 offers 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.
From $132 at Zappos
From $133 at REI
Hoka Women's Clifton 9
Another crowd-pleaser in the daily trainer category, the Clifton differs from the Bondi in a few ways: It has slightly less foam underfoot, it’s a little bit lighter and the foam — which is now a compression molded EVA) is a little bit firmer.
Hoka Men's Clifton 9
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 it works well for everyday running and walking.
Hoka Women's Mach 6
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.
Hoka Men's Mach 6
The Mach 6 is Hoka’s lightest and most responsive yet: It’s been updated with a super critical foam midsole for more bounce, a strategic rubber outsole coverage to help shed weight without sacrificing traction and a new, streamlined upper that allows for more airflow.
Hoka Rocket X 2
Pick up the pace in the Rocket X 2, which features 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 Cielo X1
Best for extra cushioning
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 on race, but work just as well for long runs or recovery runs.
Hoka Women's Skyward X
Hoka’s newest shoe is a super stacked super trainer. Its extra-chunky midsole is made of PEBA and supercritical EVA, a softer combo that provides lots of bounce.
Hoka Men's Skyward X
The Skyward X looks 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 Women's Tecton X 2
Uneven terrain shouldn’t slow you down. The Tecton X 2 was 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.
Hoka Men's Tecton X 2
With a breathable upper that repels water and a sticky Vibram outsole that keeps your footing rock solid, the Tecton X 2 is great not just for dirt but when the streets and sidewalks are wet or icy.
Hoka Women's Speedgoat 5
A preferred shoe for elite trail runners, the Speedgoat is a great maximally cushioned model for anyone racking up high mileage on dirt.
Hoka Men's Speedgoat 5
The latest Speedgoat features 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 Women's Mafate Speed 4
This trail racing shoe sits a little lower to the ground than the Tecton or Speedgoat, but its 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.
Hoka Men's Mafate Speed 4
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 Women's Stinson 7
You better believe Hoka makes beefy trail shoes, too. The Stinson puts a whopping 42 millimeters of foam between your foot and the ground. Fortunately, the combo of two compression-molded EVA foams helps promote stability.
Hoka Men's Stinson 7
The foam and higher side walls wrap around the foot to promote stability. All that foam sits atop an outsole with multidirectional lugs, giving this shoe a one-two punch of soft cushioning and versatile traction that translates from the road to trail.
Lifestyle footwear
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Best for post-run
Runners swear by the Ora Recovery Slides when they’re not wearing their running shoes. The oversized sugarcane EVA midsole and Meta-Rocker 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 Women's Anacapa Breeze Mid
Hiking shoes can feel heavy and swampy as the miles add up, but the Anacapa is surprisingly airy for its size thanks to a super-ventilated upper.
Hoka Men's Anacapa Breeze Mid
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, you’ll feel comfy in these no matter how far you’re hiking.
Hoka Transport X
Best for everyday
The Transport X has a ton of running shoe tech in it — a carbon plate, a firm, responsive foam and the brand’s signature curved outsole — which means you could go for a jog in it, but it’s 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, this crossover shoe pairs better with streetwear than most of Hoka’s other comfort options.
Hoka Ora Primo
Best for recovery
This slip-on is 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 Women's Skyflow 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.
Hoka Men's Skyflow Jacket
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 Women's Airolite Run Short Sleeve
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.
Hoka Men's Airolite Run Short Sleeve
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 Women's Race Day Split Short
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.
Hoka Men's Race Day Split Short
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.
Hoka Hupana Sports Bra
Best compression bra
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.
Hoka Elaro Crop Bra
Best bra for support
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.
Hoka Glide Singlet
Best for visibility
Beat the heat in this updated staple. Constructed from 100-percent 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.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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