The Top 9 Hoka Shoes Recommended by a Marathon Runner

01 March 2025 2206

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

In This Article

It's no secret that Hokas are among the most popular running shoes on the market. The brand's often vibrant models are seen everywhere you look — nurses love to wear these shoes during long shifts and runners don them up and down the track — but as a picky runner, I have always been somewhat of a Hoka skeptic. See, I'm an overpronator who prefers soft cushioned running shoes that take the load off of my bad knees and hips. Years ago, I tried some Hokas that didn't quite work for my stride and my situation, so I wrote the brand off entirely. But then, as the senior editor and resident running shoe expert at Shape, I was asked to review the brand's latest and greatest models.

I tested a dozen Hoka shoes for two months, incorporating them into my marathon training schedule of 50-mile weeks running on the track, road, and bridges. I also tried some of the shoes out during workout classes and walks. I researched and experienced their fit, cushioning, arch support, stability, and standout features.

To ensure I tried out the best Hoka shoes, I reached out to shoe experts like Kate Glavan, a Hoka Global Athlete Ambassador and influencer, for her recommendations and insight on how exactly the brand became such a phenomenon. 'Hoka shoes do a really good job of having that cushion and supportive feel for what people might need,' Glavan says. 'I feel like they’re a great entry-level [brand] for young women to get into shoes.'

The Mach X 2 is among my favorite Hoka shoes. Unlike the classics, these have a more noticeable cushion that adds bounce and energy to your stride. The rocker is also stellar at giving you momentum forward, without making you feel off balance. 'The Mach X has roots in the Mach, but features a more race-inspired design with extra-resilient foams; a plated midsole; lighter, sleeker, race-inspired upper; and increased rocker profile, making it an ideal shoe for uptempo speed workouts,' says Bekah Broe, senior director of product performance at Hoka. 'It features a lightweight, breathable woven upper with a sleek, race-inspired collar, and the outsole features a durabrasion rubber outsole for traction.'

The break-in period for me went very smoothly. In fact, I took them for a 19-mile run the second day I had them, and they didn't blister my feet at all. However, another editor who tested these experienced some heel pain and blistering following his runs. Mind you: he got a half-size bigger than his normal shoe and I stuck to my typical sizing. Broe says these shoes are designed with layering specifically made for propulsive running. This makes these shoes a stellar option for uptempo workouts, road races, and races. They're also a great match for people who supinate because there are supportive features along the toe box that keep your foot in place.

Also available in men's sizes at Zappos, REI, and Hoka.

They're among Hoka's most popular stability running shoes and have the brand's signature J-Frame structure that essentially keeps your foot locked in the right position while you run and walk. This makes them a solid option for people with flat feet, according to experts. 'Our patented J-Frame is designed to combat overpronation, delivering extended support and stability with a firm, J-shaped foam on the medial side where the foot typically rolls inward,' says Broe. 'The Arahi utilizes the J-Frame technology for more comfortable long runs and walks.'

'Runners with flat feet tend to have more flexible arches, which is why Fleet Feet outfitters may recommend a supportive, stable shoe. The HOKA Arahi uses HOKA’s J-Frame technology, a J-shaped 'hook' of firm midsole foam around the heel and medial side of the shoe, to reduce excessive pronation (or the inward rolling of the foot),' says Caroline Bermel, who oversees the gear and shoe review process at Fleet Feet. During my runs, I felt the ground with every step — I know some runners who prefer this feeling, but I'm just not privy to it. I enjoyed these the most on my walks and even during other workout classes.

Also available in men's sizes at Hoka, Dick's, and Fleet Feet.

When the Hoka Mach 6 first arrived on my doorstep, I had to shake the box to make sure they were inside — that's how light they are. They have a barely-there drop that's beneficial for people with flat feet and for people who tend to overstride. For people who run up to a half-marathon, these are a great option. There isn't enough cushion or giveback, in my opinion, to support feet for much longer. 'The Mach 6 is a versatile, everyday road running shoe that is lightweight, responsive, comfortable, and durable for regular miles and uptempo running,' says Broe. 'It features a single-layer super critically foamed EVA midsole, durabrasion rubber outsole, and creel jacquard upper.'

'These shoes are great for runs more than an hour where you want to feel support but are running on cement,' says Glavan. 'Because of their light weight, they also have a speed element to them if you want to pick up the tempo.' While they weren't my personal favorites, I would still recommend these to beginner runners looking for a shoe that they can wear during any workout.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Hoka.

Once you slip on the Bondis, you'll get why everyone's obsessed with Hokas. 'Our customers love the Bondi because it’s the most cushioned sneaker in Hoka's lineup and it’s just as comfortable for walking as it is for running,' says Bermel. The sneakers' ample cushioning and arch support make them a great option for people with foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet, or anyone who's just standing all day.

'Not only are the Bondis cushioned on the bottom, but they're topped off with a plush, cozy upper that wraps around your foot like a soft hug,' Bermel says. And everyone's guaranteed to find the perfect fit for them, as the Bondis come in regular and wide widths.

Also available in men's sizes at Zappos and Dick's Sporting Goods.

When you wake up on race day morning — whether you’re running a 5K or a marathon — you’ll want to reach for the Hoka Cielo X1 running shoes. The exaggerated rocker bottom is basically banana-shaped, and it’s super propulsive; you almost can’t help but run when you’re wearing these shoes. The cutouts on the sole add a little flexibility to your stride, and there’s a carbon plate sandwiched between two layers of foam for extra energy return. You’ll feel bouncy and ready to PR wearing these Hokas.

'The Cielo X1 encompasses the Hoka brand’s best race day learnings and most innovative technologies to provide a reliable, trustworthy race day option with signature design elements that support stability and control when running at top speeds,' says Broe. I tried these out first on a 14-mile run throughout Manhattan, and they soon became one of my favorite running shoes in my closet. Unlike other carbon-plated running shoes, these are structured in a way that will support my effort from start to finish. These fit true to size, and if you usually go a half-size up, I recommend sticking to your typical size. Even when my feet puffed up during double-digit runs, these shoes kept me comfortable.

These are all-gender shoes available in sizes equivalent to men's sizes 4.5 to 14.

Plantar fasciitis is no match for the super supportive Gaviotas, which offer maximum stability and cushion. 'If you [live with] plantar fasciitis, your feet can benefit from a high stack height (or the amount of material between your foot and the ground), extra cushion, and additional structure. And these features make the Gaviota one of our top recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis,' says Victor Ornelas, the senior director of vendor management at Fleet Feet. In our testing, we noticed that the Gaviotas offered excellent stability; the support was especially top-notch in the heel (perfect for runners with plantar fasciitis).

I found them to have softer, almost foam-like material on the inside, which shaped around my feet similar to the way my Tempur-Pedic pillow shapes around my head. Don't worry, though. There's no overheating in these. They're a bit clunky for longer jogs, and heavier than the typical race day shoe, so I recommend them for recovery runs or for walks. And like the Cliftons, these also feature an early-stage meta-rocker. The meta-rocker can also help with the stabbing heel pain that folks with plantar fasciitis are all too familiar with. 'The thick cushioning feels comfortable under your feet, and you can further customize your shoe with additional support by adding a structured insole, such as one from Superfeet or Currex,' Ornelas recommends.

Also available in men's sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick's Sporting Goods.

This marathon training season, my knees have been mad at me. Perhaps I'm giving them too much attention with all of my long runs and they need space. Perhaps they don't enjoy the 5 a.m. wake-ups. Regardless, I have been on the hunt for the best running shoes for bad knees since this behavior began, and the Skyflows have been among my favorites.

They have a classic Hoka-style stack height at a large and in-charge 38 mm but don't make my feet or ankles feel off balance. I'd describe this cushion to be hard in that it doesn't feel supremely responsive to each step, and doesn't feel plush or pillowy like other Hoka models. However, because there's so much between your feet and the ground, they take a good amount of pressure off your joints. I found this to be most enjoyable during recovery runs and for distances less than 7 miles. The Skyflows are great to walk in, too. I think the stack height almost gives them a platform-esque look, which makes the sneakers feel a bit more fashion-forward.

Also available in men's sizes at Fleet Feet and Hoka.

Trail running challenges both the body and mind, and you need a shoe that'll keep up with you through rough terrains and tough descents. 'The Tecton X offers a responsive ride, thanks to two parallel carbon-fiber plates in the midsole, plus a grippy outsole that offers aggressive traction and durability,' says Nate Helming, the head of content marketing at Fleet Feet and member of the gear and shoe review team

The Tecton X gained major points in our trail running tests because they're extremely grippy and provide excellent traction when transitioning between different types of terrain. It's easy to switch direction and stay light on the feet with these on, and we actually really liked wearing them on paved roads, too. They're quite sticky on indoor floors and have a really nice grip, which makes them ideal for running over uneven surfaces. Fit-wise, these had plenty of room in the toe box; they didn't require any break-in time and still, we didn't experience sliding or rubbing while wearing these. Major bonus: We found it very easy to get dirt off the fabric — simply wipe it off or rinse it under the sink — so these sneakers will stay looking relatively new.

Also available in men's sizes at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Move over, Uggs, I've found a new comfy and cozy fall shoe that I'll be wearing nonstop inside and outside. The Hoka Ora Primos is the brand's recovery shoe that truly feels like a comfortable slipper. It's a true treat for your feet. I wear them every morning taking my dog out and slip them on after my long runs on the weekend and they help my aching feet feel better pretty much instantly. In addition to the recovery features inside the shoe, the outside has a futuristic fashionable look to it thanks to the puffer upper and zig-zag stitch detailing.

However, I didn't love the heel closure. You have to stretch this section around your foot, and it's a lot easier said than done. I often have to try a few times to get my heels locked in. It's annoying and usually I'll just wear them like a clog and smush the heel part downward and it works fine.

These are all-gender shoes available in sizes equivalent to a men's size 5 to 14.

Summer Cartwright is a marathon runner, certified cycling instructor, and the senior editor at Shape. She has raced in the Houston Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, Columbus Marathon, New York Mini 10K, and dozens of other events. She has expertise in running shoes, performance gear, and recovery equipment.

Sudden Weight Loss in Older Adults Could Indicate Increased Dementia Risk Later...

Nationwide Recall Issued for Nasal Wash Due to Staph Infection Concerns...