These are best Hoka running shoes, according to our testing team
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.
That said, the brand offers more than just plush cushioning, with a full spectrum of running shoes: whether you need versatile training shoes, an ultra-grippy trail runner, or a pair of speedy kicks for race day.
The history of Hoka shoes
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?
Cushioning foam
While some companies have moved on from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam in favor of newer formulations, Hoka has stuck with its proprietary EVA foam padding. Its shoes use various blends of compression-moulded EVA (CMEVA) foam, with small variations that fine-tune the shoes for either low weight or strong energy return. CMEVA is found on shoes all across the lineup, including flagship models like the Bondi and Clifton. It creates the traditional cushioned feel that Hoka fans love.
Recently, Hoka has experimented with supercritical EVA blends, first in its speed-oriented shoes like the Mach 6, and now in its classic cushioned offerings like the Bondi 9. To create these, Hoka exposes its standard EVA foam to supercritical fluids – chemicals like nitrogen or carbon dioxide that, with intense heat and pressure, take on the properties of both a liquid and a gas. The supercritical fluid permeates the EVA, making the foam more porous to create a lighter and more responsive cushion. It’s perfect for runners who want shoes with a snappy, lightweight feel.
Hoka also recently started using polyether block amide (PEBA) foam — the same material used in super foams like Nike’s ZoomX cushion. Hoka reserves its PEBA blend specifically for top-tier racing shoes like Cielo X1. It delivers the ultimate blend of low weight, shock absorption, and resilience for a cushioned, peppy ride.
Meta-Rocker
Hoka shoes also come with a Meta-Rocker design, which combines a low heel-toe drop (around 4mm to 5mm on most Hoka shoes) and a rounded sole shape to work with your natural stride and help propel you forward.
The Hoka lineup divides into two categories: shoes with the 'Early Stage' Meta-Rocker have soles that begin to curve up under the balls of your feet, which gets you onto your toes quickly for a speedier running experience. Shoes with the 'Late Stage' Meta-Rocker have soles that curve up closer to the toe, creating a more stable feel.
Active foot frame
The third element of Hoka's running shoes is the active foot frame. This has existed since very early generations of the Bondi and describes how the side walls of the shoe come up and wrap your foot, helping you to sit within the platform, instead of just standing on top of a slab of foam.
How we choose the best Hoka running shoes
The models below represent the best Hoka running shoes available now. For this update, we reviewed our selections for technology, updated specs, and included our experience testing these shoes over the past year for any relevant feedback. Several models had minor updates, and a few (including the Mach 6) had some significant updates to both fit and materials. We drew on RW reviews, editor feedback, our own testing experience, and knowledge of the running shoe market to narrow the list down to the pairs below.
Best Hoka running shoes, tested and reviewed
Cielo X1
> Read our full Hoka Cielo X1 review <
Rather than creating a Rocket X3, Hoka chose the new model route with their race day shoe, reaching for the sky with the Cielo X1. The shoe sets out to sculpt an even more aggressive forefoot rocker to amp up the speed and create an explosive ride — and the results speak for themselves.
'As soon as I put them on I noticed how the sole rocks you onto your forefoot,' said one tester. 'I continued to notice this on my run — the shoes really kept me moving, pushed me onto my toes, and seemed to shift the effort to my quads.'
While most other racing shoes have a similar feeling when you lean forward — an aggressive toe-off angle — the Cielos have an aggressive angle in the rearfoot, too. It means on every stride, regardless of where you land, your foot strike will roll off the ground.
Putting on the shoe was the only beef testers had. The Cielo X1 has a rather snug — but cozy— ankle collar, making it a struggle to pull on. However, the overall fit is accommodating for wide feet.
Clifton 9
> Read our full Hoka Clifton 9 review <
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.
Arahi 7
Updated for this year with a foot-mapped, flat-knit upper that helps keep your midfoot locked down and increases breathability, the Arahi continues to combine stability features with ample cushioning.
As with previous versions, the centrepiece of the shoe is the J-Frame, a layer of firm foam that runs along the inside edge of the shoe and curves around the heel in a 'J' shape. The stiffer cushion supports your foot and helps counter overpronation.
It’s paired with bouncy, durable CMEVA cushioning for a responsive ride, although Hoka did add a minor amount of weight with the updated knit upper. The tongue still has extra cushioning for a more comfortable fit, and this is a great pick for recovery runs. With the locked-in upper and stable frame, we think it’s one of the best running shoes for overpronation in 2024.
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Hoka Mach 6
> Read our full Hoka Mach 6 review <
The Mach line is built for speed work sessions and, for those who don't want to entail the cost of a carbon plate, race day. Our testers raved about the previous versions, and while Hoka made some big changes between the Mach 5 and Mach 6, it’s still a fast, responsive ride with an updated fit.
The Mach 6 uses a fully supercritical foam midsole for even more energy return, along with a narrower, more streamlined shape – which, in itself, makes it feel like a ‘fast’ shoe – as well as a slightly thinner toe box. The shoe particularly comes into its own for mixed pace sessions as it can perform well, over long periods, at a range of speeds.
And while the shoe is still designed to be firmer than the brand’s ultra-plush models, a moulded EVA sockliner adds extra step-in comfort and the internal gusset hugs your foot for a custom feel.
Hoka Bondi 9
> Read our full Hoka Bondi 9 review <
Hoka’s Bondi is the OG max-cushioned running shoe. Launched in 2011, it marked the brand’s first foray into road running, quickly gaining a cult-following for its marshmallow-like cushioning – ideal for easy runs and recovery sessions.
With the latest iteration, Hoka has stayed true to the essence of the shoe, but with some smart updates. That includes a new supercritical EVA foam midsole, which creates a lighter, more resilient and dynamic package. The cushioning itself creates plenty of bounce, while the meta-rocker helps to gently ease you through your stride. On easy runs, it helps the miles to tick by, and provides cushioned relief for weary marathon-training legs. For the faster stuff, however, our testers still preferred something a little lower to the ground with a touch more firmness.
Hoka has also addressed the fit issues that have plagued many runners, with the Bondi 9 feeling wider around the midfoot. The toe box also strikes the right balance, for the most part, between feeling fitted and spacious, with a wide and extra wide fit option available.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
> Read our full Hoka Speedgoat 6 review <
In the decade since the first iteration hit the trails, Hoka’s Speedgoat series has garnered a reverential following for its blend of traction, responsiveness, stability and comfort. The v6 treads the same path but offers significant updates.
A new compression-moulded EVA midsole addresses durability/breakdown issues some runners experienced in the v5. It held up better as the miles went by, but translates to a slightly firmer ride. Another change sees a new engineered woven mesh upper, plus reinforcements through the midfoot reduce slippage and lock the foot securely to the base. The overall shape is slightly narrower, too, further adding to that locked-in feel, but one tester found the toebox pinched a little.
Along with the tighter fit and firmer midsole, arch and medial support improve on-trail stability, particularly on more technical terrain. And the 5mm multidirectional lugs on the Vibram Megagrip outsole offer brilliant traction in all conditions.
Mafate Speed 4
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.
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