I Just Changed My #1 Hoka Walking Shoe Recommendation—Here’s My New Go-To
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There are many perks of being a Women's Health style writer, and testing comfortable sneakers for work ranks very high on the list. My days are basically a rotation of steps—commutes, errands, long walks in the name of journalism—which means I've become extremely picky about what earns a spot on my feet. But time after time, I keep coming back to Hoka , aka the King of Cushion.
Best Hoka Walking Shoes
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Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 11
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Best For All-Day Wear: Hoka Mach 7
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Best Stability: Hoka Gaviota 6
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Best Long-Distance: Hoka Arahi 8
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Best For Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Bondi 9
Since the brand launched in 2009, Hoka has perfected the balance between support and comfort (the number one feature in a walking shoe), says podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, foot surgeon and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City.
Hoka has not only asserted itself as a top contender in the sneaker scene, but the brand has also become a style statement, too, making ortho-looking shoes look cool with their plush cushioning. The brand churns out a bunch of styles for all sorts of activities, from running shoes to hiking boots , but Hoka's walking shoes are some of my favorites. I get that combing through all the specs can get overwhelming, so luckily, I've done the legwork for you by testing and walking in Hoka sneaks for the past two years. Plus, I enlisted the help of Schaeffer and other WH editors to get the scoop on the right shoes for you.
Hoka Clifton 11
Hoka Mach 7
Hoka Gaviota 6
Hoka Arahi 8
Hoka Bondi 9
Hoka Transport 2
Hoka Skyflow
What to Consider
Stability
Hoka is known for its incredibly cushioned sneakers, but extreme cushioning is not always the best for keeping feet stable. In recent years, Hoka has leveled up their offering with more stability options, but the right pick depends on how your foot moves. If your stride is balanced, go for a neutral shoe like the Clifton or Bondi . These models provide cushioning and support without changing your natural gait.
If your foot tends to roll inward (aka overpronation) or outwards (supination), a stability Hoka shoe like the Arahi or Gaviota features extra structure along the arch and heel to keep your feet aligned and locked in. This lowers your risk of aches and injury.
Cushioning
A popular Hoka sneaker, like the Bondi or Clifton , has super-thick cushioning made of EVA foam that is rubber-like and incredibly durable. With each step, it compresses and provides a snappy bounce. Despite the Hokas' bulky look, they're all relatively lightweight at under 10 ounces—hefty enough to keep your foot locked in, but light enough not to bog you down. Plus, several Hoka styles feature a "rocker bottom," which refers to a little lift under the heel and toe so those two parts of the shoe don't touch the ground when standing still, similar to the base of a rocking chair. That shape helps you to walk from heel to toe, which means you exert less energy to propel your strides.
Arch Type
Some Hoka sneakers are designed for specific arch types : flat, neutral, and high. For example, the Gaviota is designed with flat feet in mind; the Clifton is designed for neutral arches; and the Bondi is suitable for high arches. If you're unsure of your arch type, a simple test is to dip your foot into water and step onto a piece of paper. If you see your entire foot, it's flat, while seeing half means it's neutral. Seeing barely anything means you have a high arch.
Heel-To-Toe Drop
A heel-to-toe drop, sometimes called a midsole drop, is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot (toe area). Schaeffer says to look for a walking shoe with a heel-to-toe drop that puts your foot in a neutral position, which will be different for everyone's unique foot and step pattern.
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High heel-to-toe drop:Those with plantar fasciitis (a foot condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot) often need a walking shoe with a higher drop (around 10 to 12 millimeters), to put less stress on your ankles and feet. Similarly, heel-strikers (those who strike the ground with their heels first) might benefit from a higher drop (around 10 to 12 millimeters) to alleviate pressure in the calves and ankles.
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Low heel-to-toe drop:Unlike heel-strikers, those who strike the ground first with their midfoot generally should wear a shoe with a more moderate drop of around five to 10 millimeters to distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Schaeffer adds that those who want a walking shoe they can also wear for workouts or weightlifting generally should look for an even lower drop of zero, which gives you more leverage to push off the ground.
Why Choose Hoka Shoes for Walking
With their cloud-like cushioning, springy soles, and ample support, Hoka sneakers absorb impact from every step and keep feet locked in a neutral position. That makes them ideal for hot girl walks, a 12-3-30 walking workout, and taking your pup for a leisurely stroll.
Topping the list is the Hoka Clifton 11 . I love the super supportive, plush midsole that keeps my feet from rolling and feels ultra-flexible. A close second is the Hoka Mach 7 , our runner-up that's technically a running shoe but totally crushes it for walking, too. It's light, bouncy, and built for those who like to switch up their stride
How We Selected
Over the past two years, I've been testing Hoka sneakers alongside my team for a comprehensive approach to the best walking shoes for every foot type and stride. Women's Health editors have been testing Hoka sneakers since the brand launched in 2009. For this update, I tested the updated models alongside WH fitness editor Cori Ritchey and fitness contributor Nicolette Accardi . Along with Schaeffer's insights, I evaluated each for its cushioning, stability, and arch type.
Meet the Expert
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Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon specializing in sports medicine, foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic procedures.
More of Our Favorite Sneakers
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