Best Hoka shoes hokashoes
Hoka One One, or Hoka for short, is well known for being a popular choice amongst runners. In fact, I surveyed my followers on Instagram by asking an open, unbiased question to discover which brand of running shoe was their favourite. From the 281 responses, the results showed that Hoka was one of the most popular brands, alongside Nike, Asics, and Brooks.
Not only do Hokas shoes look the part, but what makes them stand out in my opinion is the amount of cushioning, which makes for a very comfortable ride. However, this might not appeal to all runners, particularly those that prefer minimalist shoes or barefoot running.
Owning a proper pair of running shoes is a great investment because the returns are immense. I’ve recently bought a pair of the Hoka Carbon X3’s (after sadly returning the Nike Alphafly’s due to blisters because they were too narrow in the midsole) and they’re revolutionising my training for the London marathon this year.
I’ve created this guide to help you navigate all of the choices available. I get asked which Hoka running shoes I recommend all the time, and the answer is different for every person. So, I hope that this guide and the categories I’ve selected below will help you to find your perfect Hoka running shoe.
Let’s get stuck in!
Contents
- Best overall
- Best for marathons
- Best for road
- Best for trail
- Best for racing
- Best for over pronators
- Best for wide feet
- Best for injury prevention
Best overall, best for marathons, AND best for road: Hoka Clifton 8
Weight: 250g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: balanced (medium level cushioning for both a fast and responsive toe off while feeling soft under foot)
Fit: True to size in 67% of cases
✅ Reasons to buy: Comfort, best all-rounder, 14 colour options.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Some negative reviews claim it may not be as comfortable as previous Cliftons.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.53/5 (based on 3000 reviews across Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
The crown for the best overall Hoka running shoe goes to the Hoka Clifton 8. It also wins for best marathon shoe and best road runner. The Clifton 8’s have achieved an average rating of 4.53 stars across 3000 reviews from Hoka website, SportsShoes.com and Amazon.com. The positive reviews claim that these shoes are some of the most comfortable that customers have ever owned, suitable not just for running but for everyday use too.
The Clifton 8’s feature an extended Achilles pull tab making them super easy to pull onto your feet. The reported comfort is due to the breathable mesh upper and ultra-plush tongue, which hug your feet when the lacing system is done up securely.
The extended heel crash pad and early-stage Meta-Rocker* are designed to provide a smooth landing and transition through each step. The compression moulded EVA midsole provides cushioning for a comfortable ride with high abrasion rubber for extra versatility.
67% of customers reported that the Clifton 8’s fit true to size, so by this majority it’s hopefully a safe bet ordering your usual size, rather than a size up.
*Meta Rocker is a fancy bit of jargon for sole technology that allows for a smooth heel to toe transition, like a rocking chair for your foot. Early or late refers to whether its behind or in-front of your metatarsals. Early encourages rapid forefoot transitions while late prioritises forefoot stability.
Click here to buy Hoka Clifton 8 - UK 🇬🇧
Click here to buy Hoka Clifton 8 - US 🇺🇸
Best for trail: Speedgoat 5
Weight: 291g
Heel to toe drop: 4mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: balanced (medium level cushioning for both a fast and responsive toe off while feeling soft under foot)
Fit: True to size
✅ Reasons to buy: Excellent support even on tough terrain.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Customers report less cushioning than Speedgoat 4.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.48/5 (based on 333 reviews from Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
The Speedgoat 5 will have you storming through the trails like a possessed mountain goat on a quest for trail running glory. The Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug offers next level grip for running and braking on any terrain, especially loose soil.
Enhancements have been made to the tongue, which lies flat to reduce friction build up adjacent to the ankle. This increases the comfort experienced by the top of the foot.
The Speedgoat 5 is also vegan and made from recycled materials for extra bonus points. It seems fitting that the shoes you wear are kind to the earth while you stomp all over it.
Click here to buy Hoka Speedgoat 5 - UK 🇬🇧
Click here to buy Hoka Speedgoat 5 - US 🇺🇸
Best for racing: Hoka Carbon X 3
Weight: 220g (17g lighter than the Carbon X 2)
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: balanced (medium level cushioning for both a fast and responsive toe off while feeling soft under foot)
Fit: Fits true to size
✅ Reasons to buy: Wide forefoot makes the Carbon X3 noticeably more stable than other super shoes.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Rubberised EVA wears down faster than traditional outsoles.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.57/5 (based on 63 reviews from Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
The Carbon X 3 are the clear choice if you’re looking to achieve a new personal best or gain an edge to help you run fast. The new foam midsole and carbon plate create a springy and responsive ride. Hoka describe the Meta Rocker as aggressive enabling swift heel to toe transitions.
The rubberised EVA on the base of the shoe is designed to provide extra grip while the carbon fibre plate efficiently propels you forward. However, the rubberised EVA also wears down faster than other traditional soles. So, the Carbon X3 is probably a shoe to reserve for special events or race day rather than everyday training.
Click here to buy Hoka Carbon X3 - UK 🇬🇧
Click here to buy Hoka Carbon X3 - US 🇺🇸
Best for over pronators: Gaviota 4
Weight: 319g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: Stable (for runners who over-pronate, or with a tendency to roll their ankle inwards)
Cushion: Plush (maximum cushioning for a soft ride with minimal impact)
Fit: True to size
✅ Reasons to buy: Very comfortable optimised for stability.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Not as fast as other shoes available.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.53/5 (based on 228 reviews from Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
The Gaviota 4 is Hoka’s premium stability shoe offering the maximum amount of cushioning. The medial side of the shoe has firmer foam to support runners who over pronate. The “J-frame” is designed to give you more stability with extended heel support and support all the way on the inner side of your foot.
The Gaviota 4 is the best option for stability and comfort. If you’re after a more responsive shoe that doesn’t sacrifice on cushioning, then you may be better off choosing the Arahi 6.
Click here to buy Hoka Gaviota 4 - UK 🇬🇧
Click here to buy Hoka Gaviota 4 - US 🇺🇸
Best for wide feet: Hoka Arahi 6
Weight: 269g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: Stable (for runners who over-pronate, or with a tendency to roll their ankle inwards)
Cushion: Responsive (lower-level cushioning for a fast and responsive toe off)
Fit: True to size
✅ Reasons to buy: Responsive trainer with great dynamic stability.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Updates on previous models may not be significant.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.52/5 (based on 327 reviews across Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
The Arahi 6 is a supportive shoe that comes in wide size (EE). Yes, shoe sizes also come in widths! Wider shoes are designed to offer additional toe box space. One review stated that his left foot used to feel like it had stepped on a lego, but not since copping a pair of the Arahi 6’s.
100% of reviews claim that these shoes fit true to size and fit as intended. And if you’re unfamiliar with shoe width sizes, here’s a chart to help you out.
Click here to buy Hoka Arahi 6 - UK 🇬🇧
Click here to buy Hoka Arahi 6 - US 🇺🇸
Best for cushioning and injury prevention: Bondi X 
Weight: 300g
Heel to toe drop: 5mm (the difference in height between the horizontal level of the heel compared to the horizontal level of the toe. Provides additional cushioning for heel strikers.)
Stability: Neutral (for runners with a normal gait, who do not need assistive technologies for over or under pronation)
Cushion: Plush (extra cushioning designed for a forgiving impact and ride)
Fit: 100% of reviews state that the Bondi X fits true to size.
✅ Reasons to buy: Carbon plate for efficient running, comfortable extra thick cushioned sole.
🙅🏻♂️ Reasons to avoid: Extra cushioned sole may not appeal to runners used to minimalist shoes.
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.50/5 (based on 284 reviews from Hoka, SportsShoes.com, and Amazon)
The Bondi X feature a higher bed of soft cushion. I actually first tried these shoes on back in October 2021 after completing my 70.3 Iron Man and I was so impressed with how comfortable they were. The sole was impressively thick which adds for longer lasting versatility.
A thicker plush sole with a 5mm heel to toe drop is helpful for heel strikers in avoiding long term injury. Heel striking results in the impact of your stride travelling up your shins and into your knees, which overtime, can contribute to injury (knee aches in particular).
The Bondi X also have a carbon plate built into the sole, which enables a stiffer, more energy efficient movement per stride when pounding the pavement.
Due to the fact that this shoe comes with extra cushioning and a carbon plate, I have to say I think this shoe is my favourite Hoka has to offer. In my opinion, I also think the Bondi X just looks incredible too.
Click here to buy Hoka Bondi X - UK 🇬🇧
| Name | Clifton 8 | Gaviota 4 | Speedgoat 5 | Carbon X3 | Arahi 6 | Bondi X |
| Terrain | Road | Road | Trail | Road | Road | Road |
| Meta Rocker | Early | Late | Late | Aggressive | Early | Early |
| Type | Neutral | Stability | Neutral | Responsive | Stability | Neutral |
| Carbon plate? | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price | ££ | ££ | ££ | £££ | ££ | £££ |
| Versatility | Good | Good | Good | Okay | Good | Good |