Are you looking for a guide to Hoka running shoes? While Hoka makes several running and walking shoes, they are all different. Saying: I want a Hoka shoe can mean drastically different things. Do you want a racing Hoka shoe? A good walking Hoka shoe? A Hoka daily running shoe? It could mean so much. In this guide to Hoka running shoes, I’ll share some of the most popular running and walking models. More exist, but this is a guide to Hoka running shoes using their most popular models.
A few common questions I’ve received are:
Which Hoka shoe should I buy? They are all good but serve different purposes.
Is it Hoka or Hoka One One? Hoka rebranded to just “Hoka”.
Which Hoka shoe has the most cushion? The Bondi or Gaviota.
Guide to Hoka Running Shoes Introduction:
Hoka has a wide range of models designed to cater to different types of runners and terrain; there is a shoe for everyone. (like almost any running brand out there). I’ll share several models designed for walking or running in this Hoka running shoe guide. Remember this is not *every* Hoka model, but most of them and the most popular ones.
Road Neutral Shoes:
Hoka Clifton 9: The Featherweight Cruiser
Review here
The Clifton 9 is renowned for its lightweight design and plush cushioning, making it a favorite among neutral runners. The Clifton is what put Hoka on the map. It makes up something like 40% of Hoka sales! (Wow!).
Who should buy the Hoka Clifton? If you are a runner or walker looking for a cushioned but lightweight shoe.
Hoka Bondi 8: The Cushion King
Review here
When people ask: Which running shoe has the most cushion? I usually say the Hoka Bondi 8. For maximum cushion and comfort, the Bondi 8 is a go-to shoe, perfect for those long-distance runs. The cushion is more dense, so it won’t feel as soft as many other models.
Who should buy the Hoka Bondi 8? If you are looking for the most cushion in a running or walking shoe.
Hoka Rincon 3: The Lightweight Speedster Trainer
Review here
Are you looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe for speed? The Rincon 3 has you covered. It doesn’t have a carbon plate but is an excellent option for those who want a lightweight shoe that is more like a traditional trainer. It’s also a great option if you want to try Hoka running shoes but don’t know where to start. It also isn’t updated much so you can love your favorite version for a while.
Who should buy the Hoka Rincon 3? If you are new to Hoka and want a shoe similar to a trainer. Or if you are looking for a lightweight shoe for training or workouts.
Hoka Mach 5: Swift and Responsive
Review here
The Mach 5 is about agility and responsiveness, perfect for tempo runs and races. It’s more responsive than the Clifton, Bondi, or Rincon but still has plenty of cushion so that you don’t feel like you’re running flat on the ground.
Who should buy the Hoka Mach 5? If you are looking for a multipurpose daily trainer that can do it all.
Hoka Mach X: Swifter and “Responsiver”
Review here
Is responsiver a word? LOL. Needless to say, the Mach X is the Mach 5 but with a carbon plate. The Mach X is an excellent option if you are looking for a faster tempo trainer. Sure you *could* race in it, but there are better options for running your absolute fastest.
Who should buy the Hoka Mach X? If you are looking for a tempo or workout shoe.
Racing Shoes:
Hoka Rocket X2: The Marathon Champ
Review here
The Rocket X2 is the fastest of Hoka racing shoes. If you want to set a PR at any distance or want the benefits of the carbon plate, the Hoka Rocket X2 is your staple shoe.
Who should buy the Hoka Rocket X2? If you are looking for a fast racing shoe.
Hoka Carbon X3: Long Distance Speed
Review here
The Carbon X3 is engineered for speed, featuring a carbon-fiber plate to propel you forward. But it’s also a niche shoe and the best use is for road ultra marathons and long runs/workouts.
Who should buy the Hoka Carbon 3? If you want a cheaper carbon-plated shoe that can handle long workouts or road marathons.
Trail Shoes:
Hoka Torrent 3: Agile Trail Warrior
Review here.
Torrent 3 offers a perfect blend of agility and traction for nimble trail running. This year has more cushion and more durability.
Who should buy the Hoka Torrent 3? If you are looking for a faster, agile trail shoe without a carbon plate.
Hoka Zinal 2: The Minimal Trail Guy
Review here
If you are looking for Hoka’s lightest trail offering, the Hoka Zinal 2 is a great option. It’s lightweight but has plenty of traction and a socklike upper to breathe well.
Who should buy the Hoka Zinal 2? If you are looking for the lightest trail shoe from Hoka or want a nimble trail shoe that can run fast.
Hoka Speedgoat 5: Trail Dominator
Review here
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is designed for rugged trails. It offers exceptional grip and plenty of cushion, whether hiking a few miles on the trails or running an ultra marathon. It’s Hoka’s most versatile trail shoe because of that.
Who should buy the Hoka Speedgoat 5? If you are looking for a trail shoe with plenty of cushion to handle almost any trail.
Hoka Challenger ATR 6: Versatile Trail Companion
A versatile trail shoe that excels on various terrains, the Challenger ATR 6 is an all-rounder. This shoe has the most cushion and is popular for ultra marathons or long hikes.
Who should buy the Hoka Challenger ATR 6? If you are looking for an ultramarathon trail shoe or one made for long hikes.
Hoka Tecton x2: The Trail Speedster
Review here
If you are looking for the carbon-plated trail racer from Hoka, look no further than the Hoka Tecton X2. Designed to run fast, this trail shoe is the speedster of the trail world.
Who should buy the Hoka Tecton X2? If you are looking for the fastest trail running shoe.
Stability Shoes:
Hoka Gaviota 3: Supportive Stability
If you need stability without sacrificing cushion, the Gaviota 3 is an excellent choice. Like the Bondi 8, the Gaviota has the most amount of cushion. The difference between the two shoes is the Hoka Gaviota also has arch support.
Who should buy the Hoka Gaviota 5? If you are looking for the Hoka shoe with the most cushion and arch support.
Hoka Arahi 5: Dynamic Support
The Arahi 5 combines support and responsiveness, making it ideal for overpronators. It has changed the game with stability shoes because it’s light and has plenty of arch support. It’s lighter and faster than the Gaviota making it a more favorable daily trainer.
Who should buy the Hoka Arahi 5? If you are looking for a light running shoe with plenty of arch support.
Gym Shoes and Casusal:
Hoka Transport: The Communters Crush
Review here
If you are someone who finds themselves walking around in the city a bunch, the Hoka Transport is a great option. It’s not designed for running but for daily life and keeping your feet protected.
Who should buy the Hoka Transport? If you are walking a lot or find yourself on your feet often.
Hoka Solimar: The Fitness Queen
Review here
The Hoka Solimar is an excellent option for those who want a lightweight shoe to do it all. The gym? A few miles? It is truly a jack of all trades.
Who should buy the Hoka Solimar? If you are someone who likes to go to the gym, run a few miles, lift weights. And he wants one shoe to do it all.
Conclusion:
Hopefully, you’ve found what you are looking for in this guide to Hoka running shoes and the model that best fits your needs. Of course, it’s always best to go to a local running store to figure out which model is suitable for you, but this guide can help narrow it down.
You can see more shoe reviews here.
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Question for you:
What is your favorite Hoka running shoe?
What is your favorite running shoe?
I love the Hoka and the On stories…the Swiss and the French Alps…..and One One lol…..I’ve actually had people asking for the One One shoe,…….