The Comfiest Hoka Shoes for Runs, Hot Girl Walks, and Even the Beach

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If you haven’t (yet) become a convert, odds are, you’ve heard the gospel on Hoka sneakers. It's likely you overheard from that marathon junkie colleague, your bestie’s hot girl walk TikToks, or maybe even your grandma. It's not a rare thing to spot ‘em out in the wild, thanks to their distinctively thick, rounded bottom soles and myriad bright color combos. Hokas seem to spur a special level of obsession for speed, style, or both, beloved for walking as much as higher-intensity activities. So, we’ve rounded up the best Hoka shoes for women to shop now, with expert intel on what makes ‘em feel like plush pillows and provide next-level support.

The brand, founded in 2009 by a duo of French trail runners, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, counts loyal fans among comfort shoe-seeking folks, running club types, and outdoorsy fitness enthusiasts. “Standout features that set Hokas apart from other running or walking shoes are a tremendous amount of cushioning throughout the whole sole, especially the midsole,” explains foot surgeon and podiatrist Dr. Stuart Mogul, DPM, FACFAS.

Copious cushioning makes 'em “very good at shock absorption–plus, they're very lightweight,” Dr. Mogul says, and that pronounced “rocker bottom makes the gait very fluid” and requires “less effort” or strain on the body than your typical, flatter sneaker bottom: "It takes a lot of the pressure off of the joints in the foot and encourages fluid motion, from heel contact when you first step, rolling off of the shoe, all the way to the push-off phase," he explains. That's enough to convince me to get a pair or two!

Our top picks for the best Hoka shoes for women of 2023:

For more foot-pampering shoe inspo, check out our fave comfortable sneakers and the coolest chunky sneakers (and these bulky white bbs, too.) But first, read on for 10 standout Hoka styles, including sneakers (obv), hiking boots, flip flops, and more.

Bondi 8

This ultra-popular style from the brand has tons of cushioning and that curved, pronounced rocker sole for a plush, bounce-y feel. While Hokas overall have “a wider forefoot and more toe box room” than some sneakers, per Dr. Mogul, the Bondi in particular has a “really aerated mesh upper, which has lot of stretch and give. That means a “softer and not as compressive” fit, ideal if you have bunions, hammertoes, or any sort of foot pain that stems from toes being squeezed tightly (looking at you, pointy-toed heels) because of “lateral, or side-to-side, pressure on the forefoot.” There are great for both running and walking, but opt for a style with a more stable and lower sole for activities like weightlifting or hiking.

Sizing: 5-12

Colors: 21 options, from neutrals to bright hues to muted neutrals.

Rave Review: "I use this specific Hoka style for working 12 hour shifts in a hospital. They are cushy, supportive, and cute. I get lots of compliments. My feet don't hurt or get tired. I have a different pair that I wear for everyday walking, but if those ever wear out, I will purchase another pair of Bondi."

Clifton 9

Another bestseller for the brand, the Clifton’s ninth iteration is also the lightest-weight version yet–sooo ideal for travel, hot girl walks, and runs alike–without compromising on supportiveness and shock absorption. Like all Hoka styles, these have a chunky, cushioned sole, but it’s a bit more streamlined in look and feel (with less of a dramatic curve or rocker motion) than the Bondi.

Sizing: 5-12C

Colors: 13 options

Rave Review: “I do not run but I walk at least 15,000 steps per day. I have tried all the brands and this is the best. Light & comfortable. Wearing them makes me want to continue walking.”

Ora Recovery Slide 3

The brand’s lineup extends beyond sneakers (and closed-toe styles), like this recovery slide. It’s called that for a reason, FYI–“you can’t run in them, but you can certainly stand them comfortably for long periods of time,” Dr. Mogul explains. He likens these to Crocs, constructed of a similar, structured-yet-squishy foam material, his go-to footwear when he’s in operating room for six hours daily, he notes, and “would give these a shot” as a Crocs alternative during surgeries.

Sizing: 5-16

Colors: 25 shades, from “core” neutrals to neons to cool seasonal color combos.

Rave Review: “They are really comfortable and have a really good fit. My favorite part of these sandals is that they have a lip on the back of the heel, so your feet don't slide out that easily.”

Challenger 7

For situations where stability is the priority, not speed, opt for the surprisingly versatile Challenger style: It’s got a less pronounced rocker sole shape than Hoka’s more running-focused designs like the Bondi or Clifton, with the addition of ultra grippy little rubber lugs on the bottom to help you avoid wiping out mid-hike or wobbling around during lunges or weight lifting reps. Beyond hiking trails and stability-demanding workouts, the Challenger is a trusty rain-or-shine walking shoe if you go with the optional Gore-Tex-enhanced variation which stands up to rain showers (...and stains or spills, for my fellow clumsy types!). The only downside from my experience: if your feet overheat easily, they’re great three-season sneaks but too stifling in really hot weather.

Sizing: 5–13

Colors: 12

Rave Review: “I'm a waitress so I'm on my feet for 8+ hours at a time, and these shoes are awesome. My feet never ache! They fit well and hold up (this is my second pair)!”

Gender Inclusive Ora Recovery Sport Slide

I actually prefer this older Recovery Slide version for its more textured, grip-y insoles and ribbed uppers with more airflow holes for ventilation, both essential for perspiration-prone feet. TBH I thought these were ugly in a maybe-but-maybe-not cute way when I first saw them at Nordstrom Rack last year, and worried they’d make my feet sweaty and/or cause blisters. I stand (ha) corrected: Um, I’m now on my third pair–one pair to wear at home (beats even the comfiest slippers), and two for outdoors, the more beat-up of which has replaced flip flops as my go-to beach shoe. I’ve gotten my husband hooked, too, and they’re so comfy, we don’t go anywhere without them (like, even an overnight trip). In the past week alone, I’ve worn them to ceramics class (sooo easy to rinse or wipe off clay splatters!), I’ve walked the Brooklyn Bridge in them, and I’m wearing them as I write this. Actually obsessed.

Sizing: 5-12

Colors: 4

Rave Review: "Wearing these around the house are a dream. They are comfy without being too squishy, and the bright color is always a joy to wear! My sister had a pair and in one day she inspired four people to order them because they are so wonderful!"

Trail Code Gore-Tex® Hiking Boot

This sneaker-boot hybrid can handle basically any weather and any terrain, thanks to its water-repellent Gore Tex uppers, internal waterproof membrane, and super-grippy, textured soles. A high top design like this is a must for uneven or slippery conditions because it has “lateral stability, ankle support, and helps prevent ankle issues and sprains,” per Dr. Mogul.

Sizing: 5–13

Colors: 2

Rave Review: “No breaking in needed! I put them on brand-new and hiked a 14-mile trail in Colorado in them with no problems, they felt great! They are very light, and have good ankle support without feeling heavy or too much!”

Restore TC

Sometimes, laces are just...one step too many. Socks? Ditto. Enter: this kinda ugly-cool pair with super-stretchy sock-like uppers that require zero tying and can be worn barefoot, for the laziest of mornings, dog walks, or errand runs. Just note that slip-on kicks like these are designed for before or after more hardcore activity, not during. Since there's no lacing system, "they don't lock your foot into the shoe’s sole and heel cup,” Dr. Mogul explains. “But they still have the cushioning, support, wide base, shock absorption, and rocker bottom"—features that make Hoka so foot-friendly. Bonus: they're sustainably constructed with a sugarcane-based EVA material blend in both the insoles and outsoles.

Sizing: 5-15

Colors: 4

Rave Review: "These are absolutely comfortable yet stable! It's an incredible go-to shoe that gives me all the benefits (and actually more) of plush cushion and comfort of Hoka's recovery shoes and the stability of Hoka's walking shoes. I have some lower back nerve pain issues that also affect my lower legs so walking on hard surfaces such as concrete can be very rough. Thankfully, I discovered Hoka products about five or six years ago. With these, I'm comfortable walking on the hardwood floors in my house, and walking my dog outside the home. It's a walk-off, grand slam, home run to win the World Series 0f a shoe."

ORA Recovery Flip

In addition to various slide silhouettes, Hoka’s recovery shoe options also include flip flops like these. "The thong sometimes irritates between the toes so some people can’t tolerate them,” Dr. Mogul says of flip flop designs. But if you’re a diehard flip flop fan and not into slides, these are a great option! Dr. Mogul has seen tons of flip flop-related injuries, particularly in New York. He explains "thin foam soles are not uncommon" in other styles so ofc, there will be injuries from "puncture wounds, nails, and glass.” (Um, WTF?! Ouch.) These Hoka versions offer a thicker, more rigid sole (versus a typical thin-soled foam style) that provides “a layer of protection” you just can’t get from most flip flops, Dr. Mogul explains.

Sizing: 5-11

Colors: 6

Rave Review: "I would absolutely buy these sandals again and again and again. I am able to wear these all day and even stand and cook in my kitchen and not be in any pain at the end of the day. I've highly recommended these to all my family, friends and coworkers."

Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Shoe

I mean, first things first: how pretty is this pale mauve hue?! The monotone pink shade on these waterproof, all-weather hiking boot-sneaker hybrid kicks softens those classic clunky Hoka proportions a bit, and the leather detailing will elevate any 'fit. According to reviews, you'll wanna size up in these, FYI.

Sizing: 5-15.5

Colors: 2

Rave Review: "Love them. No break-in period. The soles feel bouncy as if I'm walking on clouds. I got these to hike Zion in Utah, and I’ve been wearing them for training—both running and hiking. I'm obsessed with them thus far. I did order a half-size up (normally I'm a 6, and I ordered a size 6.5) to account for wool socks. They fit perfect."

Gender Inclusive Clifton L Sneaker

Think of these as a less ubiquitous alternative to New Balance's 993 style, aka the ultimate ugly-cool dad sneaker. Or, the Balenciaga trainer aesthetic...without the four-figure price tag. That signature chunky Hoka silhouette is v chic (and slightly more sleek) in monotone light gray suede trimmed in leather. And, thanks to their sturdy, slip-free rubber outsoles and super-supportive compression molded midsoles, these will feel as good as they look.

Sizing: 5–13

Colors: 2

Rave Review: “The shoes are worth every dollar! I am overweight, have bad feet and back, and these shoes are gloriously comfortable. Plus, I got a lot of compliments at work too...we wear uniforms, and these shoes look fantastic with khaki trousers.”

Are Hokas recommended for specific foot types or issues?

"They're a great choice for a wide range of podiatry woes and foot shapes," says Dr. Mogul, who recommends them often in his practice–and sees their popularity firsthand, as the brand’s kicks are “probably the most common running or walking shoe among my patients,” he notes. For pronated feet, aka flatter feet, Hokas offer “a lot of support, a pretty deep heel cup, and a wide base so they're pretty stable.”

The brand’s ultra-cushioned designs are also great for high arches (aka under-pronated feet). “High arched feet are less adaptive, it's a much more rigid foot [shape] that doesn't absorb shock very well, so all the forces in the ground are transferred up through the legs” unless you’re wearing well-cushioned shoes.

While Hoka sneakers offer great built-in support, right out of the box, they can be customized further “to control pronation even more” with a custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles, per Dr. Mogul.

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