I am a big fan of Hoka. Surprisingly, I haven’t tried the Hoka Ora Slides until now. I was actually telling a friend that it isn’t that I haven’t wanted to try the Hoka Slides. I put the Hoka Ora slides into my cart but then remove them for running shoes, and boy, does Hoka have a lot coming out recently.
I’ve reviewed dozens of Hoka shoes, and you can find them on my shoe review page. Or you can find my Guide to Hoka Running Shoes or Which Carbon Plated Hoka Shoe is Best?
I’ve also reviewed Hoka apparel and Hoka All Adventure Hat Review.
Anyway, I was excited to try the Ora Slides!
About the Brand Hoka:
Hoka actually dropped the “one one” from their branding and is simply known as Hoka. How do you pronounce Hoka? Ho-Kah (not Who-Kah).
By now, most people know about the brand Hoka. Hoka was first formed way back in 2009 but didn’t gain popularity until around 2014. When I first started working in run specialty, many people were overwhelmed with the thought of “so much shoe” now, Hoka is one of the most popular brands in the running specialty world; as I like to say, more cushion for the pushin’.
Anyway, since then, the unique design of HOKA shoes has shattered what people believed to be the limits of running shoes.
About the Hoka Ora Slides:
Weight: 6.6 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm
Features:
- Soft top layer EVA provides immediate step-in comfort
- Early-stage Meta-Rocker offers a smooth ride and a well-cushioned ride.
- Dual-layer construction incorporates a soft top layer and a resilient midsole/outsole for durability and support.
- Strategic groove placement provides more traction than the average sandal.
My Experience with the Hoka Ora Slides:
Right off the bat, we can see the Ora Slide is not the “looker” of the sandal world, but no well-cushioned recovery slide is. The point is the extra cushion. The Ora Slide has come a long way, and there are some good-looking options.
When I saw the Free People Movement X Hoka collaboration, I knew it was finally the right time for me to get a pair. To me, the most important part of sandals and slides is comfort. Do the Hoka Ora Slides “feel good”? The short answer is yes. They are one of the most comfortable slides I’ve ever owned.
There isn’t a lot to say about sandals. Either they fit and feel good, or they don’t. The Hoka Ora Slide provides a lot of cushion and comfort. Many people don’t realize that what you wear, not running, is just as important as what you wear. Your daily shoes and what you wear 8 hours a day is a huge role in recovery. Hoka realized that and created a well-cushioned sandal to help your feet and body recover faster. Is it a miracle worker? No, but will it be a factor in recovery and how you feel during runs? Yes. The little things do make a difference.
Traction and Durability: The Ora Slides have more traction than almost every sandal I’ve tried. While I wouldn’t wear them in inclement weather, you don’t have to worry about sliding around. Has anyone else ever ate it because they slipped in flip-flops? Ok, just me? Anyway, the traction is good for any sandal, which is especially helpful on the beach.
I’ve already worn them a great deal and expect to get a long life out of them (I’m thinking at least a couple of years, and I wear mine more than the average person).
I typically wear between a size 10-11 wide in running shoes. In Hoka shoes, I wear I typically wear a size 10.5. The Hoka Ora Slides are only available in whole sizes. It’s not a problem, especially with the open front. I found the size 10 in the Ora Slides to be the best fit.
Cost: $50
Believe it or not, the Hoka Ora Slide is one of the cheaper options for sandals. Many similar style sandals are anywhere from $10-$20 more expensive. Cheap sandals will simply not last as long.
Hoka Ora Slide Conclusion:
Are the Hoka Ora Slides good?
Are the Hoka Ora Slides good for plantar fasciitis?
Do the Hoka Ora Slides have a lot of cushion?
All good questions, and the answer is yes, yes, yes. Buying good quality sandals is going to help your body during the time you aren’t running. The Ora Slides are a great option with plenty of cushion to help your body recover faster and feel better. If you are injured with something like plantar fasciitis, they are a great option to wear instead of going barefoot in your house. The only “drawback” is the price. However, they are cheaper than competitor brands.
You can see more gear reviews here and purchase the Hoka Ora Slides here.
Love running? You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter or read more about running shoes in my ebook.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Ora slides?
What are your favorite sandals?