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The best Hoka shoes for walking
We're always on the hunt for comfortable shoes that will keep our aches and pains at bay. From hip, back and foot pain to sore arches and plantar fasciitis, it can feel like there's always something going on. And has the weather cools off and outdoor walks can get a little bit longer, we'll want to make sure we're pick the perfect pair of sneakers to get the job done. Let's consider how they’re made and with what materials, what you need them for, and how you plan to wear them. Because we spend our days scouring the best of the best products the internet has to offer, we couldn’t help but take notice when Hoka shoes began to go viral with shoppers old and young not too long ago. It got us wondering: What makes Hoka shoes different? Are Hokas worth all the hype? Which are the best Hoka for walking? We had to investigate for ourselves.
Best Hoka sneaker for travel
Hoka Transport
Best Hokas for walking
Hoka Clifton 9
Best Hokas for foot pain
Hoka Bondi 8
Best Hokas for off-roading and hiking
Hoka Stinson 7
Best Hokas for wide feet
Hoka Gaviota 5
Best Hoka sandal
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Best slip-on Hoka
Hoka Ora Recovery Shoe 2
Last year, a member of our research team took a trip to Disneyland and wore a pair of Hoka Cliftons for 14 hours straight — and could not rave enough at the result. "They were the only shoes that didn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis," she wrote. That really got us thinking about these podiatrist-approved, ultra-cushioned sneakers that seemingly everyone was raving about. They’ve since released newer designs and styles, becoming even more beloved by shoppers, podiatrists and even celebrities. These days, Hokas are synonymous with comfort, style and an abundance of brightly colored options that make them hard to miss. However, the wide variety of styles can make it a challenge to know what's best for you and your specific foot health needs.
That's where we and our in-house team of researchers come in. Our research team spent countless hours speaking to podiatrists and other footwear experts to understand what the big deal is with Hokas and exactly which Hokas are best for all types of walking around, from exercise and travel to everyday walking.
To figure out which Hokas are the best of the best, we consulted brand insiders, podiatrists, hiking enthusiasts and our own shopping editors for their expert picks. They weighed in on what to look for when picking the right style for your specific needs — because there's nothing like a firsthand recommendation. Here’s what everyone had to say.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 7 | Type of shoe: Sneakers | Material: Recycled and natural materials | Best for: Hiking, walking, everyday wear
A commuter-friendly shoe that’ll take you from long walks on quiet cobbled streets to busy pavement and beyond, the Hoka Transport is the all day, every day shoe to get you through your travels. It’s made with a mixture of recycled polyester as well as natural materials like EVA with sugarcane and rubber made with 90% oil-free ingredients. It’s designed to give your foot the support it needs, without any of the added bells and whistles you don’t. That’s why we’ve dubbed this our favorite overall Hoka for traveling because it’s extremely versatile. After all, if you’re going to do one thing, do it well.
- Good for everyday wear
- Half-sizes available
- Excellent traction
- Waterproof option available
- Toggle laces for easy on and off
- Limited colors
- Narrow fit
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 21 | Type of shoe: Sneakers | Material: Recycled nylon and polyester | Best for: Everyday running, walking
When you have long days that require you to be on your feet, it’s important to have a shoe that’s lightweight, breathable and provides tons of comfort. The Hoka Clifton 9 does that and more with its foot-cushioning foam midsole and breathable knit upper. Because of the extra cushioning, this shoe also adds a bit more height without feeling bulky. In fact, it’s Hoka’s lightest weight sneaker, weighing in at just 7.3 ounces, which is why we’ve dubbed them our favorite shoe for walking around all day. For us, the sign of a good shoe is one that you don’t really have to think about at all.
- Supportive
- Lightweight
- Waterproof option available
- Tons of colors
- Wide-width available
- Narrow fit
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 17 | Type of shoe: Sneakers | Material: Recycled polyester | Best for: Running, walking, everyday comfort
When you have foot pain, whether it’s from overpronation, flat feet or simply needing better arch support, the Bondi 8 Hokas are a solid choice. The brand calls them their “hardest working shoe in the Hoka lineup” thanks to their softer, lighter foams and new extended heel geometry. In fact, they’ve received The American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know they’re good for foot health. They provide plush, pillowy cushioning that gives soft and bouncy support with each step. The memory foam collar cushions and supports your ankle along the way.
- Wide-widths available
- Half-sizes available
- Multiple color options
- Superior cushioning
- Excellent traction
- Expensive
- No waterproof options available
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 7 | Type of shoe: Trail runners | Material: Recycled materials | Best for: Trail running, all terrain running
If you prefer to spend your free time wandering the countryside going on long walks and climbing hikes, the Hoka Stinson 7 are the supportive shoes your closet needs. They’re designed with stable support and a durable toe box that’s perfect for runs and hikes on your favorite trail. Plus, they’re made especially to prevent excessive inward roll (i.e. overpronation) without overcorrecting the way you walk. And don’t worry about overheating: the jacquard mesh upper layer provides plenty of fresh air to your feet all day long.
- Half-sizes available
- Known as the Swiss army knife of shoes
- Excellent traction
- Stabilizing
- Supportive
- Reinforced toe cap
- Limited colors
- Expensive
- No wide-widths available
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 10 | Type of shoe: Sneakers | Material: Recycled materials | Best for: Running, everyday wear
For those who suffer from overpronation, or excessive inward roll, these shoes are designed to correct your gait without overdoing the job. Hoka Gaviotas have a stabilizing frame that cradles the foot to prevent it from rolling, and also feature a plush tongue and collar, and an ultra-cushioned insole for added comfort. Basically, if you need a supportive everyday shoe that’s also comfortable for those with wider feet, these are our top pick. Choose from fun seasonal colors like Citrus Glow and Evening Sky or their core line of everyday neutrals.
- Wide-widths available
- Half-sizes available
- Stabilizing
- Plush insoles
- Supportive
- Expensive
Sizes: 5 to 16 | Colors: 12 | Type of shoe: Recovery slide | Material: Sugarcane EVA midsole | Best for: Recovery, everyday wear
The Hoka Ora 3 are the foot-cradling comfort sandals you’ve been looking for, whether you’re a marathon runner who needs a solid pair of recovery slides, or a Joe Schmoe who wants a comfortable pair of sandals for everyday wear. This futuristic-looking silhouette includes four air-vent channels for breathability. It’s a comfort-driven style for down time. Get them in standard neutrals as well as fun colorways like Beet Root and Papaya in the most size-inclusive line you’ll find at Hoka.
- Size inclusive
- Supportive
- Unisex
- Lots of color options
- More affordable
- No half sizes
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 3 | Type of shoe: Slip-on sneakers | Material: Vegan materials | Best for: Recovery, comfort
For those seeking peak comfort, the Ora Recovery 2 has been relaunched with a new memory foam heel that adds quilted comfort and an elastic band at the ankle that delivers foot-cradling support. This travel-ready companion packs down thanks to its collapsible mesh upper that provides plenty of superior ventilation throughout the day, too. For those who want a comfortable, easy-to-wear shoe that’s low fuss, this is it. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight at just 5.4 ounces.
- Affordable
- Easy slip-on and off
- Supportive
- Good shock absorption
- No half sizes
- Limited colors
Factors to consider when choosing a Hoka walking shoe
Support: Supportive walking shoes are a must, especially when it comes to arches. The sole shouldn't twist too much, and the shoe should provide stability with every step.
Comfort: Features like extra cushioning, memory foam insoles and breathable uppers are all important in walking shoes.
Durability: With apologies to Nancy Sinatra, these shoes are made for walking. You need a pair that's built to withstand plenty of strolls and won't wear out after a few uses.
Weight: If you're trying to get your steps in, the last thing you want is a pair of heavy shoes weighing you down. Most Hokas weigh less than a pound.
Fit: A walking shoe should be wide enough for you to splay your toes for better balance and stability, but it should still be snug enough to prevent your foot from rolling while you walk.
How we chose
To figure out which Hokas were the best of the best, we consulted brand insiders, podiatrists, hiking enthusiasts and our own shopping editors. They weighed in on what to look for when picking the right style for your specific needs. We also polled this crew to find out which Hokas are their favorites — because there's nothing like a firsthand recommendation!
FAQs
Can you wear Hoka shoes every day?
Whenever we ask podiatrists to list their favorite shoes, Hokas are almost always mentioned because of how comfortable and supportive they are for everyday wear. Dr. Hillary Brenner, a New York-based podiatric surgeon, told us she loves the brand because it meets "all the criteria of a supportive shoe. I especially like that they make their shoes with the EVA material for shock absorption."
Many Hokas have also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. This means they have been reviewed and approved by podiatrists to ensure they promote foot health, so you can feel good about wearing them daily.
What sets Hoka shoes apart from other walking shoes?
If you've ever seen a pair of Hokas, you know about the thick, cushioned midsole. The shoes are also designed to work as an ultra-comfortable shock absorber that doesn't weigh you down. Meanwhile, the foot frame cradles your foot to offer extra support and keep it in place no matter the terrain. As for the MetaRocker, Jared Smith, Hoka product line manager explained it like this: "It's a curved shoe geometry that complements the natural gait cycle. It can be dialed up to create a faster transition in the forefoot or dialed down to provide more ground contact and stability."
Meet our experts
Dr. Hillary Brenner, a New York-based podiatric surgeon
Cris Hazzard, hiking expert with HikingGuy.com
Jared Smith, Hoka product line manager
Verna Volker, ultra-marathoner and Hoka ambassador
Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, a New York City-based podiatrist
