It may not have been around as long as some brands, but Hoka has made huge waves in the running world since its launch in 2009. In fact, the company's max-cushioned running shoes have proven so popular that many other brands have since followed in Hoka’s footsteps.
What are the best Hoka running shoes?
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Best for shorter trails
Hoka Zinal 2
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Hoka was launched by two French former Salomon employees, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, who wanted to build a running shoe that would help them run downhill fast. They landed on the idea of boosting cushioning to never-before-seen levels – the original prototypes feature such a high stack they could almost be described as platform shoes. But the creators realised they’d landed on something unique and potentially ground-breaking, and so went forward with their idea for super-cushioned, maximalist shoes with oversized midsoles that remained stable over all types of terrain.
Hoka released its first shoe, the Mafate, designed for ultra-runners in 2010, and its first road shoe, the Bondi, in 2011. The brand is now famous for this maximalist USP – trainers with a focus on plenty of cushioning and a pillowy soft ride. The trainers are all designed in Santa Barbara, California, and the stalwarts of its range include the Mach, Clifton and Rincon. Hoka also makes a range of much-admired trail shoes, with the Speedgoat leading the charge through the mountains.
Many Hoka fans can be described as 'diehard', and would say once you’ve run in a Hoka shoe you can never go back to regular shoes. But it's worth saying that they don't suit every type of runner, in particular if you have wider feet or prefer more minimalist or barefoot-style running shoes.
What are the main features of Hoka running shoes?
While most other brands have forsaken EVA foam in favour of newer formulations, Hoka has stuck with its proprietary EVA blend known as RMAT, which is an EVA-rubber blend that’s more elastic (for better support and energy return) and more durable (it can stand up to higher mileage) than traditional EVA.
Hoka shoes also come with a Meta-Rocker design, which combines a low heel-toe drop and a rounded sole shape to work with your natural stride and help propel you forward. Other tech includes the Active Foot Frame, in which your heel and foot actually sit within the midsole, instead of on top of it. This allows the shoe to cradle your foot, providing excellent support.
The best Hoka running shoes
Our team has clocked up the miles in a number of Hoka running shoes to bring you our pick of the best ones for the trails, easy runs, tempo sessions and race days.
Pros
- Responsive underfoot feel
- Wide foot bed increases stability
- Comfortable and secure over a variety of paces
Cons
- Runs slightly small (consider going up half a size)
- Paper-thin heel counter not to everyone's liking
The Hoka Rocket X2 is a technology-packed, race-day option to rival the big guns (looking at you, Nike Vaporfly). There’s a notable sense of propulsion, with the rocker shape popping you up on your forefoot, and the carbon-plate/Peba midsole combo creating a responsive feel underfoot.
Weight-savings are made through a barely-there upper, and although the paper-thin heel counter may divide crowds, the shoe’s internal midfoot cage locks the foot in place for a secure fit you’ll value on race day.
Key specs
| Weight | 236g (M), 190g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 26mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Pros
- Good for slower and faster efforts
- Rocker profile aids toe-off
- Lightweight build
Cons
- Tongue isn't gusseted
Super-cushioned and incredibly lightweight, it’s no surprise that the Rincon is perennially popular with runners. It suits long, steady runs at a slower pace, but also provides a kick to your shorter, faster runs.
‘The Rincon really comes alive when you up the pace,’ said one of our testers. ‘The midsole delivers great bounce and energy return, and then there’s the rocker, which kicks in to aid midfoot-to-toe transition, smoothing foot strike and adding pop to take-off.’
It remains lightweight despite the huge wedge of cushioning thanks to the improved, and more breathable, vented-mesh upper. The other great thing about this shoe is the price – it’s no surprise then that we describe the Rincon 3 as ‘an absolute winner’.
Key specs
| Weight | 210g (M), 175g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33m (heel), 28mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
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Pros
- Comfortable and easy-going ride
- Impressive midfoot lockdown
Cons
- Not for faster runs
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s most popular running shoes and the latest iteration doesn’t disappoint. Designed for everyday miles, it’s a max-cushioned running shoe offering a supremely comfortable and easy-going ride.
In the 9, there’s a new midsole foam (compression moulded EVA) designed to be lighter and more responsive underfoot than previous versions. It’s this that makes the Clifton suitable for reducing fatigue during longer runs, while its rocker profile gently encourages you forward, even on easier days.
The upper of the Clifton 9 has also been tweaked and updated to provide a more secure and comfortable fit. The engineered mesh material is soft and flexible, and, with the help of the swoop-back heel counter, it wraps around the foot to provide a snug fit without any hot spots or points of irritation.
Key specs
| Weight | 248g (M), 205g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 32mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Road, neutral |
Pros
- Comfortable over long distances
- Plenty of stability
Cons
- Slightly firmer than other Hoka shoes
The Arahi 6 is designed to halt inward rolling of the foot on landing, so if you overpronate this could be a good shoe for you. They offer superior stability via the J-Frame midsole support, and are suitable for varied types of steady-paced training runs.
The shoes are designed with comfort in mind – the plush tongue is thicker and more padded than the previous iteration, and so remains comfortable over longer distances with no rubbing from the laces. They also perform well on shorter speed sessions, although they're not as light as speed-dedicated shoes such as the Mach Supersonic.
They provide a luxuriously comfortable ride that feels slightly firmer than some other shoes in the range, but stability and foot comfort is key, meaning you can put in workhorse miles and they will keep your feet snug and safe.
Key specs
| Weight | 264g (M), 207g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
5
Best for tempo/speed sessions
Hoka Mach 5
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Best for tempo/speed sessions
Hoka Mach 5
Pros
- Softer and snappier than previous version
- Versatile for slower and harder efforts
- Rocker shape aids propulsion
Cons
- Narrower fit than previous version
The cushioned and comfortable yet light and snappy Mach 4 got so much right that Hoka could quite justifiably have churned out the 5 by adhering to the old ‘if it ain’t broke...’ adage. Yet the brand brought in significant ‘fixes’ to turn a really good shoe into a truly great one.
There’s a new formulation of Hoka’s ProFly+ midsole foam, which testers found delivered a joyous ride – somehow both softer and snappier, cushioning landings better and delivering more pop on take-off. This meant that testers found the Mach 5 to be extremely versatile: forgiving on longer, slower efforts but with the energy return and responsiveness waiting to power you through quicker miles. All helped by Hoka’s signature rocker shape.
Using EVA for the outsole material helps shave weight (the 5 is lighter than its predecessor),and the shoe also feels smooth.
Key specs
| Weight | 232g (M), 192g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 29mm (heel), 24.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral |
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Pros
- New extended heel absorbs more shock
- Softer midsole foam
Cons
- Not good at faster paces
- Heavy
These marshmallow-like plush running shoes are the epitome of maximalist – and ideal for easy runs and recovery sessions.
Featuring humongous cushy foam, they’re not the lightest shoes on the market and with a heel stack of 39mm, there’s no hiding away from the fact that these shoes are incredibly cushioned. But they feel springy to run in and offer optimum comfort.
The midsole material is now lighter and even softer than the foam used in the Bondi 7, and the heel has been extended and reshaped to provide better shock absorption and stability.
Key specs
| Weight | 252g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39mm (heel), 35mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Type | Road/neutral/max-cushioned |
7
Best for everyday trail running
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
7
Best for everyday trail running
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Pros
- Versatility on the trails
- Breathable, accommodating upper
- Fantastic grip
Cons
- Design isn't for everyone
The Mafate Speed is a great option for trails that require comfort and versatility. The upper sides are a jacquard mesh thick enough to resist dirt without any extra overlays. Above your toes is a breathable, stretchy mesh that lets the upper expand to accommodate your foot.
Below that, the ProFly midsole puts a lightweight foam closest to your foot, which boosts comfort when you’re running along hard- packed ground, while the bottom layer is firm enough to cruise over sizeable rocks and protect the bottom of your foot. When you get into steep or muddy terrain, the shoe still shines. The outsole has been redesigned and there’s more rubber underfoot. Each lug has three distinct tiers, giving you loads of sharp edges to cling to the ground.
Key specs
| Weight | 295g (M), 241g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Type | Trail |
8
Best for marathons and ultras
Hoka Speedgoat 5
8
Best for marathons and ultras
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Pros
- Grippy outsole can handle different terrains
- Durable - good for long distance
- Superbly cushioned
Cons
- Lacks some sensitivity
Some runners are almost obsessional about Hoka's Speedgoats, buying multiple pairs every new release as they know how dependable, robust and comfortable they are over long distance on the trails.
When you lace them up, you immediately feel the trademark soft ride. Along roads, pavements and hard-packed trail surfaces, it’s pillowy soft, with enough bounce to keep your legs feeling fresh and full of life. Take them on to more demanding terrain, though, and they come alive on your feet. That new lightweight foam midsole – which Hoka claims is more cushioned than its predecessor, certainly felt softer – and combined with the grippy outsole provides a mystical combination that you can trust to carry you over any type of surface with speed.
Like previous versions, they’re durable too – we’ve got 1,000-plus miles out of old Speedgoats, and these feel no different.
| Weight | 271g (M), 234g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4mm |
| Type | Trail |
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Pros
- Lightweight and nimble
- Good for faster efforts
Cons
- Not for muddier or more technical terrains
The Zinal 2 is a little bit different to the rest of Hoka's offerings. Positioned as a more paired-back option for faster efforts and races, this relatively lightweight trail shoe has only moderate levels of cushioning, but still provides a relatively plush feeling underfoot.
The grippy outsole held up well across a variety of off-road terrain, although it’s still not a shoe for the thickest of mud and happiest on relatively dry and non-technical terrain. Runners who enjoy a little more protection on race day may feel the Zinal 2 provides the right blend of comfort and speed.
Key specs
| Weight | 227g (M), 189g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Trail |
