Best Overall

HOKA Mach X

View on Hoka.com View on Fleetfeet.com $449 at Stockx.com

Key Specs

Weight: 8 ounces Drop: 5 millimeters Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 

Who They’re For

Best for daily runs and races on pavement or treadmills, especially if you have narrow feet.

Why We Love Them

Hoka’s versatile Mach X takes our top spot thanks to its combination of cushioning, support, and durability. During testing, we found that it easily goes from the treadmill to the pavement, making it a great sneaker for daily training. We could definitely feel the shoe’s soft midsole absorb the impact of each stride, offering excellent protection for our joints. One of our testers even noticed that the shoe’s plush padding prevented her ankle and knee pain from flaring up. 

Another reason why we love the Mach X? The springy, responsive cushioning is still firm enough to provide an efficient push-off for a propulsive ride. It’s also light enough for speedwork, even though we found that it has the dependable support and comfort that’s needed for long-distance runs. Even better, the soft mesh upper hugs your foot for a custom-like fit but still feels flexible and breathable to prevent overheating. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka and Marathon Sports.

Potential Flaws

• It’s worth noting that this is one of Hoka’s more expensive models, although we think the price is justified by the shoe’s comfort, performance, and versatility. 
• These sneakers are only available in one width, and we realized during testing that they can feel snug—especially if you have wider feet.
  

Best Cushioned

Hoka Bondi 8

$200

$169 at Amazon $165 at Net-a-Porter

Key Specs

Weight: 8.9 ounces Drop: 4 millimeters Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Maximum Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 

Who They’re For

Best for runners with plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them

One of our tried and true favorites, Hoka’s Bondi 8 features the brand’s thickest cushioning, plus additional padding in the heel for even more comfort and support. During testing, we loved this shoe’s plush feel and soft, forgiving landings on easy walks, long-distance runs, and all-day wear. The shock-absorbing sole is also ideal for runners with plantar fasciitis since it reduces the load on your plantar fascia, according to podiatrist Diana Levin Valencia, DPM.

With a snug upper and a deep heel cup, the Bondi 8 kept our feet secure and stable during test runs. We also like the soft tongue and pillowy foam collar that provide a close, chafe-free fit. Made with recycled materials, the upper is extremely breathable, keeping our feet comfortable and dry on long runs. But you don’t have to take our word for it—this sneaker has also received the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning it’s also backed by podiatrists.

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka, REI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• The Bondi 8 is one of Hoka's bulkier, heavier sneakers, which makes it less responsive than other models we've researched and tested.
  

Best for Stability

Hoka Men's Gaviota 5

$190 at Amazon

$175

$140 at Zappos View on Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Weight: 10.9 ounces Drop: 6 millimeters Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Maximum Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 

Who They’re For

Best for runners with flexible arches who want a super cushioned shoe. 

Why We Love Them

If stability and comfort are your priorities, we recommend the supportive, well-cushioned Gaviota 5. Like the Arahi, it has Hoka’s signature J-Frame inside to prevent your feet from rolling inward. Plus, it has a wide, stable platform. Strategically placed rubber in high-wear areas on the outsole adds to the shoe’s durability, while a plush, padded collar and tongue prevent blisters from forming. 

When we tested this pair, we found that the thick cushioning in the midsole provided cloud-like comfort and excellent shock absorption on all different terrains. We also noticed that the Gaviota 5 feels ultra-responsive, pushing us forward with each step and reducing leg fatigue. And like some other pairs on our list, the Gaviota 5 has also earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for its smart design. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Hoka, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• The Gaviota 5 is one of the heavier shoes in Hoka's lineup, so we don’t think it’s the best option for speedwork.
  

Best for Trail Running

Hoka Men's Speedgoat 5 GTX

$170

$130 at Zappos

$155

$110 at REI $170 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Weight: 11.5 ounces Drop: 4 millimeters Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who They’re For

Best for trail runners with neutral arches. 

Why We Love Them

With the ideal combination of comfort, protection, and stability, Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 GTX is our recommendation for casual off-road running. With a waterproof upper and a durable rubber outsole, it has exactly what you need to keep your feet dry and stable on wet or uneven terrain. When testing this pair, we were impressed with their secure, comfortable fit—we didn’t experience any rubbing or blisters, even after many miles of trail running.

We also found that the thick midsole feels responsive underfoot, providing excellent shock absorption on pavement, gravel, and other surfaces. Plus, the shoe’s rubber sole has 5-millimeter lugs and rubber toe caps for even more protection. Even with the shoe’s sturdy, durable design, the Speedgoat 5 didn’t feel too bulky and allowed our feet to breathe without overheating.

Also available in women’s sizes at Hoka and REI.  

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are one of the heaviest options on our list, so they’re not the best option for speedwork.
  

Best for Trail Racing

HOKA Tecton X 2

View on Publiclands.com

Key Specs

Weight: 7.4 ounces Drop: 5 millimeters Materials: Synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 

Who They’re For

Best for runners who want a lightweight, grippy shoe to keep them nimble and fast on trails.

Why We Love Them

While some trail running shoes can feel bulky and heavy, Hoka’s Tecton X 2 is sleek and fast, making it an ideal option for racing or hard workouts on trails. During test runs, the lightweight design and grippy rubber outsole kept us quick and nimble on our feet. The shoe’s cushioning felt firm, comfortable, and not too thick, which helped us stay stable on uneven terrain. We could definitely feel the effect of the shoe’s embedded carbon fiber plate—it makes the midsole highly responsive and provides snappy strides.

Although it’s designed for trails, we noticed that the Tecton X 2 also feels great underfoot on the pavement. The shoe’s upper is made with a synthetic material that’s durable, abrasion-resistant, and water-repellent for effective protection in cold, wet weather. At the same time, the shoe’s ventilation prevented our feet from overheating when we warmed up.

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka and REI.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are the most expensive sneakers on our list. But they’re very durable and have a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, so we think they’re worth the additional investment.

Best APMA-Approved Trail Shoe

Hoka Women's Stinson 7

$175 at Zappos $175 at Zappos $175 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Weight: 10.8 ounces Drop: 5 millimeters Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Maximum Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 

Who They’re For

Best for overpronators, especially if your training schedule includes a mix of road and trail running.

Why We Love Them

Not many trail shoes have earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, which is why we recommend Hoka’s Stinson 7 for trail runners with flat feet or joint pain. These stability shoes have a spacious toe box that fit our wide feet well, even though they only come in one width. Hoka’s signature J-Frame in the midsole helps gently align your feet, making this sneaker one of our top picks for overpronators. 

The Stinson 7’s ultra-thick cushioning absorbs shock well, leading to less joint pain and foot fatigue during testing. We were also surprised to find that this shoe protected us from feeling small pebbles and other debris underfoot while we ran for a smooth ride. The mesh upper is highly breathable to prevent sweat and odors from building up over time. And they’re very durable: After over 80 miles, they still look (and feel) like new. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka and REI. 

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we found that the Stinson 7 can feel a little bulky. 
• Since these shoes are so supportive, they’re not as responsive as some other Hoka models we’ve tested. They prioritize stability over a springy feel. 
  

Best for Narrow Feet

Hoka Solimar Running Shoe

$125 at Zappos $125 at Zappos

$125

$100 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Weight: 6.7 ounces Drop: 6 millimeters Materials: Recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners with neutral arches who prefer a more minimalist running shoe.

Why We Love Them

If you have trouble with your feet sliding around in your sneakers, Hoka’s Solimar is our top pick. It has a streamlined silhouette that’s more slender than other Hoka models. Plus, we noticed during testing that the shoe’s stretchy, recycled mesh upper conforms to the shape of your foot for a comfortable, secure fit.

With a lightweight design and moderate cushioning, this shoe offers great support and comfort without weighing you down. It’s also equipped with extra rubber in high-abrasion areas, creating a more durable sole that can stand up to daily runs. We also found during our runs that the Solimar feels very similar to Nike Free running shoes—but it's sturdier, making it a great choice for runners who want to try Hokas but like slimmer, flatter shoes. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Zappos, Hoka, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• The Solimar has a thinner, firmer midsole than other Hokas we’ve tested. This means it isn’t as responsive and doesn’t have that springy, bouncy feel that some other Hoka models do. 

Best for Wide Feet

Hoka Clifton 9

$214 at Amazon View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on Kickscrew.com

Key Specs

Weight: 7.3 ounces Drop: 5 millimeters Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate

Who They’re For

Best for neutral runners who run daily or anyone who enjoys the run/walk method.

Why We Love Them

For some extra space in your running shoes (whether you have wide feet or wear orthotics), we recommend Hoka’s Clifton 9. It comes in wide sizes and has a spacious toe box with plenty of room for your toes to spread out. We love that these sneakers have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means a group of podiatrists has decided that the shoes help promote better foot health. 

Although we haven’t tested the Clifton 9 yet, we loved the previous model (the Clifton 8) for its springy midsole that felt extra responsive. And if you’re worried that Hoka’s signature soles might be too bulky or clunky, rest easy: After wearing the Clifton 8 all day long, we forgot we even had them on. Weighing just over 7 ounces, the lightweight Clifton 9 has additional padding in the collar and tongue for even more comfort and support. Wear them for short jogs, long-distance runs, or walks around your neighborhood—your feet will thank you. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hoka.

Potential Flaws

• While we like that the high heel tab makes it easy to get these shoes on and off, it may feel uncomfortable for some.
  

Best Lightweight

Hoka Women’s Arahi 7

$150 at Amazon

$145

$117 at REI View on Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Weight: 7.6 ounces Drop: 5 millimeters Materials: Mesh upper and lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Maximum

Who They’re For

Best for overpronators who need a sneaker with extra stability. 

Why We Love Them

For a lightweight sneaker that’s also surprisingly stable, Hoka’s Arahi 7 is our top pick. This shoe contains Hoka’s J-Frame, a system of firm, dense foam on the inside of the arch that helps prevent your feet and ankles from rolling inwards as you run (also called overpronation). We also like its streamlined design and moderate cushioning—plus, like many other shoes on our list, this sneaker has received the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. 

When we tested the previous version of this shoe (the Arahi 6), we loved how stable it was. It offered maximum comfort and balanced padding for a smooth, responsive ride. For a snug, secure fit and a significant reduction in knee pain, the Arahi 6 were our go-to shoes. The new and improved Arahi 7 has a similar design that’s ideal for overpronators who want a sneaker with a barely-there feel.

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka.

Potential Flaws

We noticed during testing that the Arahi’s outsole doesn’t have the best traction in wet conditions. In rainy weather, we recommend wearing them on the treadmill instead.