We’ve tested out every model of Hoka, not just this year, but literally since the very first Clifton! That’s helped us come up with our favorites for different uses. Get your best Hoka running shoes review from folks who have actually put them to the test in a variety of ways!
From the original Clifton to the newest carbon-plated racers and trail shoes, our team has put in the miles to give you honest feedback.
For most runners, the Hoka Clifton 11 is the most well-known, but it’s transitioning to more lifestyle with the introduction of the Clifton Pro; the Mach 7 remains great for faster training, and the Speedgoat 7 is a hit for trails.
But there’s no single “best” Hoka for every runner. Below you’ll find our top picks based on cushioning, stability, speed, long runs, racing, and trail running, along with who we think should skip each shoe.
What Sets HOKA Apart?
There are a few key features that you’re going to find across all or most of their lineup. So let’s review those here, and then we’ll dive into the specific models!
Maximal Shoe
This is the trademark characteristic of HOKA, so it’s important to understand what it actually means.
We are talking about the stack height of the shoe, which is the height of that beautiful midsole cushion. It does NOT mean the same thing as heel-to-toe drop.
Heel-to-toe drop is the amount of height change from the heel of the shoe to the forefoot. To visualize that, just think about a high heel; running shoes are just not as extreme.
The benefits of the HOKA platform are that it creates natural stability. Instead of putting in hard rods or hard arches to control the foot, this wider base does it naturally.
Podiatrist recommended
Yup, they actually have a seal from the American Podiatric Medical Association on a number of their shoes. That means a group of podiatrists has reviewed them and recommends them for good foot health!
Best HOKA Running Shoes | We’ve Tested Every Model
Having run in so many of these, I’m always excited to tell people more about HOKA. If you’ve been around here long, you know that I’m not a brand purist. I run in and test a TON of different brands.
But HOKA was one that took me by surprise.
Let’s be honest, the first time I saw that huge stack height and heard the word Maximal shoe, I thought, “not for me.” And then, like any good researcher, I decided just to give it a shot.
It wasn’t heavy or clunky. It felt good. Hmmm, this was intriguing!
**X models are going to be their carbon plate shoes.
HOKA Comparison Chart
Best For | Our Pick | Stack Height | Heel Drop |
Best Cushioned | 42 mm | 8 mm | |
Best Middle of the Pack Marathon | 46 mm | 5 mm | |
Best Lightweight | 36 mm | 5 mm | |
Best Lightweight (Carbon Plated) | 42 mm | 5 mm | |
Best Carbon Plated for Speed | 37 mm | 7 mm | |
Best for Recovery | 43 mm | 5 mm | |
Best for Stability | 39 mm | 8 mm | |
Best for Trail Running | 38 mm Women's, 40 mm Men's | 5 mm | |
Best for Road to Trail | 39 mm Women's, 42 mm Men's | 8 mm | |
Best Plush Trail Running Shoe | 45 mm | 8 mm |
👉Best Cushioned Daily Trainer – HOKA Clifton Pro
For a few years we bucked the trends, recommending the Hoka Skyflow because it was so much better than the Clifton or Bondi as a long run shoe.
We are not surprised at all to find that they’re swallowing that shoe into a new naming convention and the introduction of the entirely new Clifton Pro.
So what is the all-new Pro?? The name makes it sound like a super shoe, but nope. This is truly the update to the Clifton technology that many of us have been waiting for the last 3 years. It finally feels like a running shoe on par with max-cushion brand shoes.
While it’s a little heavier than the Clifton, this version is likely to feel better in later miles for heavier runners and the back of the pack. It’s very stable for the amount of cushion and bounce you’ll feel underfoot.
It’s also less likely to compress as much as the Skyflow, so from our testing thus far, we think it may be more durable.
We chose this over the Clifton 11 because it finally delivers the update runners have been waiting for…it keeps the same fit but adds a softer, more premium Supercritical EVA ProGlide+ foam and a bit more rocker, making it more enjoyable for longer miles.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Those who liked the Clifton but were ready for more bounce.
- Usage: Daily Trainer, Max Cushioned Shoe
- Weight: 10.4 oz Men’s, 8.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 42 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in wide (and extra wide in men’s)
- Available in 8 Colors
- Available at hoka.com for $165
- Read our full Hoka Clifton Pro review >>
👉Best Middle of the Pack Marathon Shoe – HOKA Skyward X2
The Bondi used to come in the BondiX, which is a carbon fiber shoe. But they’ve upgraded it to the new Hoka Skyward X2, and it’s a real treat.
How fantastic for a shoe company to say Why can’t the everyday runner have a carbon fiber running shoe?? Meaning just because you aren’t aiming for a 2-hour marathon doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits in your 5-hour marathon!
Honestly, I really enjoy this shoe.
It wouldn’t be my top pick for a race day shoe if you’re in that sub-4 category, but there is some evidence that carbon plate shoes can reduce leg fatigue, so maybe a benefit to using on some long runs.
I also don’t see the Achilles issue with this model that some are experiencing with the super bouncy cushion.
I am mildly obsessed with this shoe now and have used it on a number of longer runs!
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Heavier runners and those not at the front of the pack on race day who want a neutral, max-cushion shoe.
- Usage: Super Trainer, Carbon Plated
- Weight: 9.1 oz Women’s, 11.1 oz Men’s
- Stack Height: 46 mm
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Available at hoka.com for $225
- Read our full Skyward X2 review >>
👉Best Lightweight Shoe – HOKA Mach 7
When you’re ready to turn on the speed, the Mach is your HOKA of choice. It’s not a carbon plate shoe; instead, it’s a super lightweight running shoe designed to spring off the ground and help you find that quick turnover.
With the firmer foam underfoot, there is a subtle bounce after a soft-ish landing that gets you rolling through your stride and on to the next. The rocker is not overly pronounced; it’s just enough to assist your stride whether you’re running easy or tempo/threshold efforts.
Recovery runs aren’t what the Mach 7 is best suited for. The shoe, while comfortable, lacks the plush feel in the upper and midsole for those extra easy days.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Runners who want a more moderate cushion that can also pick up the pace (it’s a well-rounded shoe).
- Usage: Daily Trainer
- Weight: 7.5 oz Women’s, 8.37 ounces Men’s
- Stack Height: 36 mm
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Available in 7 colorways
- Available in wide in 6 colorways
- Available at hoka.com for $145
- Read our full Hoka Mach 7 review >>
HOKA Mach X3 – Carbon Plate Version
I was not a fan of the original Mach X because it just felt like a worse version of the incredible Mach. But this year they have completely revamped the shoe, and honestly, I feel like it needs a totally different name.
It’s not quite as top-end speedy as the Rocket, but it’s definitely a carbon-plated shoe with some good bounce and speed.
We’re seeing it on a lot of feet for very good reason!
Read our full Hoka Mach X3 review >>
👉Fastest Carbon Plated Racing Shoe – Hoka Cielo X 1 3.0
The shoe has evolved since the first iteration, with the focus still being on keeping it a race-specific, lightweight, and aggressive racing shoe–something that could contend with adjacent brands coming out with race-specific carbon shoes
This is definitely a shoe that can take you sub 1:30:00 in the half marathon or under 3:00:00 for a marathon.
The foam feels full and robust at the ball of the food, and drops away quite substantially at the heel and toes. It’s not uncomfortable, just very distinctive. You know instantly that you’re in a shoe built for one thing: speed.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: True racing super shoe for the front of the pack who want a lot of bouncy return.
- Usage: Super Trainer, Carbon Plated
- Weight: 6.2 oz Women’s size 8, 7.5 oz Men’s size 9
- Stack Height: 37 mm
- Heel Drop: 7 mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in 1 color
- Available on hoka.com for $275
- Read our full Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 review >>
👉Best Recovery Run Shoe – HOKA Bondi 9
With the release of the Skyflow, I admit that for a while we really stopped talking about the Bondi. It just didn’t seem like a necessary option; however, some changes to the 9 have changed our minds.
It’s been an excellent shoe for our heavier runners (and wide-foot runners) on long easy days and for those who need some extra cushion on recovery runs. We do think it should be 1 shoe in the rotation, though, and not the only shoe.
Is everyone going to love it? Nope. It’s big. It’s bigger than ever. It’s not a speedy shoe. But if you liked past versions, we think this is an improvement.
It’s built for comfort over speed, making it an ideal choice for those longer training runs.
That being said, you will notice a bit of meta rocker, and this is a shoe we see in athletes on marathon day for comfort.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Runners who want the plushest Brooks road shoe lineup with a max stack.
- Usage: Daily Trainer, Max Cushion
- Weight: 10.5 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Stack Height: 43 mm
- Available in 6 colors
- Available in wide and extra-wide (in limited colors)
- Available on hoka.com for $175
- Read our full Hoka Bondi 9 review >>
👉Best Stability Shoe – HOKA Arahi 8
Softer and more flexible than your usual stability shoe, the Hoka Arahi 8 maintains a solid sense of balance throughout the shoe while allowing for a smooth and comfortable ride.
It’s not the fastest shoe, but if you’re putting on the miles in training or heading out for a long run, this will be a great shoe to grab for.
One big upgrade from the previous models is the support system Hoka opted for, switching from J-Frame stability to H-Frame stability technology.
This shifted the support from just the medial side (or inside) of the foot to both the medial and lateral sides, allowing the shoe to keep the material directly under the forefoot and heel, making it a more balanced and less stiff ride, great for overpronators.
This shoe is great for easy and long training runs, especially with extra space in the toebox.
Even with an additional 3mm of foam from previous models, this shoe felt light and had a little bounce to it. If you’re someone who needs a lot of support and prefers a more rigid shoe, this might not be the choice for you.
Their other popular stability shoe is the Gaviota, so we did a full breakdown: Hoka Arahi vs. Gaviota.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Runners who want stability that doesn’t feel overdone and provides moderately high stack cushion that’s not too plush.
- Usage: Stability Shoe
- Weight: 9.8 oz Men’s, 7.7 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 39 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in wide and extra-wide
- Available in 6 colors
- Available on hoka.com for $150
- Read our full Hoka Arahi 8 review >>
👉Best Trail Running Shoe – HOKA Speedgoat 7
I like to say the Speedgoat is the Clifton with extra traction. While that’s not 100% true, it’s pretty close! So if you love the feel of their classic neutral trainer, then the Speedgoat is going to be a winner for you as well.
It’s absolutely become one of my go-to trail running shoes. This shoe is best for trail runners who are looking for moderate cushion, plenty of protection, and grip to cover a variety of terrain and distances. Great trail race day option as well.
It’s not a stability shoe. Instead, the heel base seems wider, and they’ve refined the heel collar to hold you better in place. Each time my foot rolled through a rocky section, I could tell there was less dipping of my heel than in the 6.
It was a glorious feeling, and I already know my ankles are going to be much happier. I’d say anyone with Achilles issues will also appreciate it.
The new foam is a little softer; it feels like there’s a bit more in the forefoot, which is really comfortable. The shoe remains light, able to pick up the pace, but with even more energy return from this superior foam.
It’s not bouncy like a super foam, it’s not crazy plush, it’s just a really perfect amount of foam for a trail shoe!
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Runners who want a trail shoe with no plate that can handle a variety of terrain comfortably.
- Usage: Trail Running
- Weight: 8.3 oz Women’s, 9.7 oz Men’s
- Stack Height: 38 mm Women’s, 40 mm Men’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Available in GTX
- Available in 3 colors
- Available in wide in some colors
- Available at: hoka.com for $165
- Read our full Hoka Speedgoat 7 review >>
👉Best Road to Trail – HOKA Challenger 8
The Challenger is designed to be a road-to-trail running shoe, similar to the Nike Terra Kiger...but with more cushion.
In fact, it may almost be my favorite trail shoe over the Speedgoat now.
This makes sense from the lug design, which would easily handle trails or crushed gravel paths.
I tend to prefer to keep my shoes with lugs off the pavement, but that’s what they designed this one to do. It’s not designed for super technical trails and may feel a bit narrower than other models based on tester feedback.
The shoe offers plenty of cushioning and support, making it great for those looking for a comfortable ride when hitting those local trails, crushed gravel paths, or dirt roads.
The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and dry, and the outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. I also like the extended heel; fewer issues with my foot slipping out.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Runners who want a well-cushioned, very stable shoe with lugs that handle some rocky terrain but are small enough to stay comfortable on the road.
- Usage: Road to Trail
- Weight: 8.7 oz Women’s, 9.7 oz Men’s
- Stack Height: 42 mm Men’s, 39 mm Women’s
- Heel drop: 8 mm
- Available in 5 colors
- Available in wide for some colorways
- Available in low and waterproof GTX
- Available on hoka.com for $155
- Read our full Hoka Challenger 8 review >>
👉Best Plush Trail Running Shoe – HOKA Mafate 5
When Hoka said plush, they meant plush. The Mafate 5 is the first update to the trail franchise since 2022, and it’s built for all day, all the miles comfort.
Hoka dropped the “Speed” from the name, bumped the stack height from 33 mm to 45 mm, and increased the heel-to-toe drop from 4 mm to 8 mm. That’s a big change, so it might feel like an entirely different shoe to some.
Even with all that foam, it isn’t an overly bulky shoe like it easily could have been. The midsole is a dual-density foam with a supercritical layer on top and a softer layer underneath. It sounds weird, but it works.
This shoe is so soft it feels like that “new shoe softness” every time we put it on, while also feeling wider than other Hoka models, giving your toes lots of room.
When you hit a rock, the soft foam wraps around it and the top layer cushions your foot, so we never complained about a single rock. And it is extremely grippy.
However, all that cushion comes at a price. We found it to be too cushiony for the most technical trails, and not quite able to handle race-day speed. But for long slow miles and less technical dirt, it’s a top-tier choice.
Details
- Who Is It Good For: Runners who want plush comfort for long trail runs and ultras but don’t need a shoe for the most technical terrain.
- Usage: Trail Running, Ultra
- Weight: 8.1 oz Women’s, 11.7 oz Men’s
- Stack Height: 45 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in 1 color
- Available at hoka.com for $185
- Read our full Hoka Mafate 5 review >>
What Hoka Shoe is Best for Marathon?
- Front of the Pack
- Middle of the Pack
- Back of the Pack
For the front of the pack runners, the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 is the one if you’re chasing a time. It’s a true racing super shoe, built to be lightweight and aggressive, and it can take you under 3:00:00 for the marathon.
It’s also the priciest of the bunch at $275, so we’d save it for race day. But once you’re in it, you know instantly you’re in a shoe built for one thing: speed.
For middle of the pack and back of the pack runners, the Hoka Skyward X2 is our pick for everyone and anyone that falls into either of those categories (those not aiming for a 2-hour marathon). It’s a neutral, max-cushion shoe with a 46 mm stack, and it’s especially good for heavier runners.
With some evidence that carbon plate shoes can reduce leg fatigue, these can also be a nice option on longer training runs.
It’s got a little bounce, a little roll, and great stability that keeps your legs feeling fresh. The underfoot feels nice without sucking you down into the cushion (overly soft shoes can result in lower back pain).
How We Tested Hoka Running Shoes
Our Run To The Finish testing team has run in Hoka shoes for more than a decade, including every generation of the Clifton and dozens of road, trail and race models. Our recommendations come from actual training miles across easy runs, long runs, workouts, races, and trails rather than manufacturer specifications alone.
We have a team of 20+ testers, which allows us to hit the technical trails, put the front of the pack in their racing shoes, and everything in between to give you fit, feel, and our top picks.
There you have it! A breakdown of the best Hoka running shoes! As you can see, HOKA One One offers a variety of running shoes designed for different types of runners and running styles.
In the last few years, they’ve slimmed down the overall product line, which is why the best HOKA running shoes isn’t 50 models long! I appreciate this as it means they’re focused on what works.
In fact, I even recommend them as great walking shoes! Check out the most comfortable Hoka walking shoes.
Here’s a video breakdown of many of the best Hoka running shoes as well!! New update with recent models in progress.
What to read next?
- Hoka Transport Review | All-Day Walking Shoe Where Lifestyle Meets Performance
- Running Shoe Rocker Explained: Why These Curved Soles Are Everywhere Now
- 4 Hour Marathon Training Plan and Training Tips
The post Best Hoka Running Shoes Review | Complete Comparisons appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
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