Founded in 2009, HOKA quickly rose to the top as one of the world’s favorite running shoe brands.
Their shoes are known for their abundant cushioning, lightweight construction, and smooth ride. Most of all, HOKA running shoes are praised for maintaining optimal comfort from the first mile to the last.
Our expert reviewers tested HOKA’s current lineup to find out which are the best for varying types of running, including racing, speed training, everyday workouts, and more. Learn about their top pics and if they might be the optimal running shoes for you below.
The Best HOKA Running Shoes for 2024
- Best for Daily Training: HOKA Clifton 9
- Best for Speed Days: HOKA Mach 6
- Best for Cushioning: HOKA Bondi 8
- Best for Stability: HOKA Arahi 7
- Best for Racing: HOKA Rocket X 2
- Best for Trail Running: HOKA Speedgoat 5
- Best for Technical Trail Running: HOKA Mafate Speed 4
Best for Daily Training: HOKA Clifton 9
A daily trainer is a runner’s go-to shoe for their everyday workouts. A quality daily trainer is typically durable, lightweight, comfortable, and cushioned. The Clifton is one of HOKA’s most popular shoes, and this year’s edition, the Clifton 9, is better than ever.
The Clifton 9 features 3mm more cushioning than the Clifton 8 and an extremely lightweight construction, weighing just 8.7 ounces for a men’s size 9 and 7.3 ounces for a women’s size 8. The new compression-molded EVA foam is responsive, and the early stage MetaRocker™ makes for smooth transitions.
Our reviewers agree the Clifton 9 is more comfortable than all previous versions, offering a comfortable, smooth, and cushioned ride. In addition to being one of the best HOKA running shoes, they praised it as an ideal walking shoe or everyday sneaker for anyone seeking a cushioned running shoe, providing unparalleled comfort.
Best for Speed Days: HOKA Mach 6
The HOKA Mach 6 is a complete redo from previous Mach versions. This newest version is lighter, snugger and bouncier than before, while weighing in at an incredible 7.4 ounces for a men’s size 9 and 6.7 oz for a women’s size 8.
This is a hybrid workout and race shoe for those looking for a snug, narrow fit. It features a gusseted tongue and mild heel collar padding. The engineered mesh upper is secure and comfortable while staying light.
While this version is more responsive, and while it has a higher stack, the shoe gives an overall nimble feel with its stable midfoot and a snappy forefoot with rocker. This shoe is best for roads and our reviewers find it to be versatile and natural feeling, despite its narrower fit. It has some of the best midsole geometry compared to previous HOKA shoe models.
Best for Cushioning: HOKA Bondi 8
HOKA is known for cushioned running shoes, and the Bondi 8 is loaded with some of the industry’s lightest and softest foams. It also features a new heel geometry that’s extended for softer landings and smoother transitions. The Bondi 8’s billowed heel crashpad also offers impact protection and a bouncy, energetic ride.
The HOKA Bondi 8 features plush cushioning for runners who enjoy a soft, energetic ride. It functions well as an everyday trainer with a breathable upper and plush memory foam collar for optimal comfort mile after mile.
Our reviewers appreciated that the Bondi 8 is spacious for wider feet and extremely shock absorbent. It’s a viable option for runners with plantar fasciitis, joint pain, or injuries that require a softer, more plush ride.
Best for Stability: HOKA Arahi 7
The HOKA Arahi 7 is designed for runners whose arches tend to flatten inward, known as overpronation. The shoe’s J-Frame™ technology corrects this problem by providing added cushioning on the inner arches. It provides just the right amount of foot support without overcorrecting, and at 9.9 ounces, the shoe doesn’t add any extra weight in the process. The Arahi 7’s MetaRocker™ frame gives added support to the forefoot so that every step transitions properly from back to front.
The Arahi 7 is a great choice for any runner who needs some extra cushion or support for their feet. The extended heel tab absorbs shock and reduces impact. The breathable mesh upper and wide tongue provide added comfort. The thickness of the tongue tends to trap heat, which can make this a great choice for cold-weather runs. The Ortholite™ foam sock liner is built to be extremely durable, so the performance of the shoe won’t diminish much over time. The HOKA Arahi 7 is a corrective shoe built for people who need extra help and support for their feet and ankles.
Best for Racing: HOKA Rocket X 2
The HOKA Rocket X 2 is a super shoe ready for race day with a carbon fiber plate sitting between two layers of remarkably responsive peba foam. The combination of the carbon plate, strategic foam cutouts, and rocker geometry offers a propulsive, ultra-responsive ride. The durabrasion grip on the outsole is strategically placed to provide traction without adding weight.
Racers require comfort for logging a lot of miles as quickly as possible. The Rocket X 2’s technical synthetic mesh upper fits snuggly around the foot yet is breathable and lightweight for hot or wet race days. An ample 37mm heel stack and 31mm toe stack means the Rocket X 2 also offers plenty of cushioning for an energetic ride and soft impacts.
Our reviewers appreciated the roomy toe box for comfortable, fast-paced runs. Several also commented that they felt they ran at a faster pace thanks to the propulsive carbon plate and responsive foam.
Best for Trail Running: HOKA Speedgoat 5
Trail running requires specific shoes for superior traction and protection. The Speedgoat 5 was made for the trails, whether heading out for a leisurely run or a race. This year’s edition of the Speedgoat offers more traction while remaining lighter than ever.
Our reviewers appreciated the protective toe rand and bolstered heel collar, guarding the toes and ankles against branches, rocks, and other obstacles on the trail. The double-layer jacquard engineered mesh also protects feet from hazards and the elements while remaining light and breathable for faster drying when wet.
The new Vibram® Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug provides an unrivaled grip even on wet logs, loose soil, or snowy patches. The Speedgoat 5 is a durable, grippy, and comfortable trail shoe ready to log miles in comfort while surrounded by your favorite outdoor scenery.
Best for Technical Trail Running: HOKA Mafate Speed 4
The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is another trail runner, but this one is packed with technical features for breathability, protection, and speed. Like the Rocket X 2 super shoe, the Mafate Speed 4 features HOKA’s two-part ProFly™ midsole. The foam is responsive, lightweight, and cushioning without being bulky or too soft.
The Mafate Speed 4 is ideal for the trails with a bolstered heel collar and rubber toe cap. The single-layer woven jacquard mesh is thinner than the mesh on the Speedgoat 5 to reduce weight and provide optimal breathability. A gusseted tongue is one more feature that protects feet from trail debris.
This trail shoe features Vibram Megagrip with a Litebase construction, providing ultimate traction while remaining lightweight. Five-millimeter traction lugs add unrivaled grip for loose or wet surfaces.
Our reviewers commented that the Mafate Speed 4 reminded them a bit of HOKA’s racing shoes with additional touches for the trails. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy leisurely runs or races on technical terrain.
Which HOKA Running Shoes are Best for You?
Just as every runner is unique, so is their perfect pair of HOKAs. Our reviewers have traversed the miles and put these HOKA running shoes to the test. They’ve singled out those that truly went the extra mile in delivering exceptional comfort, enduring durability, swift responsiveness, and a tailor-made fit.
Ready to find your perfect stride? All the best running shoes can be found either in-store at Marathon Sports or with a simple click via our online store. Let’s get you moving!
