HOKA, founded in France in 2009, has made a serious name for itself when it comes to cushioned shoes. Interestingly, minimalist running shoes had been a bit of a trend just as HOKA was bursting on the scene, but a commitment to comfort and bold styles has seen the shoe brand go from strength to strength over a decade later.
So, you know you’re likely to get cushioning from a HOKA shoe. But what else? Besides this, there’s massive variation between HOKA styles: you’ve got long-lugged trail shoes, springy race shoes, lightweight training shoes and more. Here’s how to choose the right shoe for you…
Why should I pick a HOKA shoe?
As mentioned above, cushioning is the real motivator here. If you find yourself struggling with sore, tired feet on long distance training runs, you’re going to be grateful that you invested in some HOKAs. They’re also incredibly lightweight, despite usually being a chunkier shoe, so they won’t get in the way of a PB. Speedy but comfortable, is the general motto here.
Not sure HOKA sounds right for you? Check out our other best women’s running shoes.
How do I choose the right shoe for me?
First of all, you need to consider where you’ll be running. Do you tend to stick to roads, or explore the trails? You might need extra comfort for roads, whereas a good pair of trail shoes will have lugs to stop you slipping, might be more supportive and should be waterproof.
You’ll also want to consider your own tendency for pronation and whether you might need more support based on your run style – you can find out more about this in our guide on how to choose the right running shoes.
Which HOKA shoe should I choose?
Below you can find reviews of the very best HOKA shoes we’ve tried and tested, and why they were so brilliant.
Best everyday running shoe: HOKA Clifton 9
HOKA Clifton 8 technical details
- Weight: 205g
- Price: £130
- Drop: 5mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-10.5
why we loved them
- Comfortable, everyday running shoe
- Plenty of cushion
- Lightweight
Why we didn’t
- Not for speedy sessions or race PBs
- No wide fit option as of yet
What our testers said
I was really impressed by the comfort of the sole and what a cushioned ride this offered. Every landing was soft, and the impressive 205g weight makes it feel as though you’re running on clouds. As with most HOKA shoes, great care has been taken to make sure this cushioned sole reduces impact and softens your landing. The inner is super soft, and the upper feels plush.
Want more info? Read Holly’s full HOKA Clifton 9 review.
Best for comfortable road running: HOKA Kawana
HOKA Kawana technical details
- Weight: 236g
- Price: £125
- Drop: 5mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9
why we loved them
- A well-balanced road shoe
- Classic HOKA cushioning
- Lightweight
- Six lovely color ways
Why we didn’t
- Swallowtail design that won’t be for everyone
- No wide fit option
What our testers said
I’ve worn these all over the place, and I’ve been so impressed by their versatility. I can’t believe how flexible and soft they feel on my feet, while also providing much-needed support. They’ve been useful on coastal path walks, spin sessions, workouts and more, but they’re mostly brilliant for road running. They were really comfortable from the off, as I tend to find HOKA shoes, with no rubbing or blisters at all. I can definitely feel the responsiveness here: again, it’s not race shoe level, but it’s definitely there. The Meta Rocker (a clever bit of design in the sole) helps to propel me forwards and makes sure my transitions are really smooth.
Want to know more? Read Holly’s full HOKA Kawana review.
Best for comfort on trails: HOKA Speedgoat 5
HOKA Speedgoat 5 technical details
- Weight: 234g
- Price: £130
- Drop: 4mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
- Lugs: 5mm
why we loved them
- super grippy lugs
- Cushioned and soft on the inside
- Thick, protective sole
Why we didn’t
What our testers said
I absolutely loved taking these out for a spin for some off-road running. That initial comfort stood the test of time, as my feet still felt cushioned after several miles, and there wasn’t a blister in sight – these definitely aren’t shoes that you need to wear in. The soft EVA sockliner keeps me snug and supported, but is also nice and breathable. I quickly discover that they’re not entirely waterproof, and a few larger puddles leak through the upper slightly, but the fact that the Vibram sole is so chunky really helps to minimize this. I love the responsiveness, and am suitably impressed by the spring I feel in my toe-off.
Want to know more? Read Holly’s full HOKA Speedgoat 5 review.
Best for a trail PB: HOKA Tecton X
HOKA Tecton X technical details
- Weight: 196g
- Price: £175
- Drop: 5mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
- Lugs: 4mm
why we loved them
- Carbon fiber plates to make you super speedy
- Comfortable, cushioned shoe
- Lightweight
Why we didn’t
- not cheap
- No wide fit option
- Not one for ultramarathons
What our testers said
The shoe coped well with all the terrain I covered on my run, in both damp and dry conditions. Its Vibram® Megagrip Litebase outsole gripped the paths well. The carbon fiber plates certainly give you a spring in your step and I could feel myself going faster than planned. TMI, but on that first run I’d just gotten my period and expected to be very sluggish. Reader, I was not sluggish and I’m crediting the shoes for that.
Want to know more? Read Laura’s full HOKA Tecton X review.
Best for recovery runs: HOKA Bondi 8
HOKA Bondi 8 technical details
- Weight: 252g
- Price: £145
- Drop: 4mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
why we loved them
- super comfortable
- Ideal for long distances
- Vegan and partially made from recycled materials
- Plush heel adds support and makes for a smooth ride
Why we didn’t
- Not as cheap as other HOKA shoes
- Not the most responsive shoe
- Not very versatile
What our testers said
I took the Bondi 8 shoes out for a 4-mile spin, and they were incredibly comfortable from the off for me. But the thing that surprised me most initially was that there’s a decent element of responsiveness to them: they’re firmer than they appear, and there’s a definite spring in my step when I push off. My 4-miler was my long run for the week, so I had no trouble letting the shoes guide me and sticking to an easy pace, which is exactly what they’re brilliant for.
Want to know more? Read Holly’s full HOKA Bondi 8 review.
Best for technical terrain: HOKA Mafate Speed 4
HOKA Mafate Speed 4 technical details
- Weight: 241g
- Price: £160
- Drop: 4mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
why we loved them
- great cushioning
- good impact protection
- comfortable upper
Why we didn’t
- No wide fit currently available
What our testers said
The cushioning was lush. I could feel my foot sinking into the sole just enough with each stride. I say ‘just enough’ because, as we know, too much and it begins to feel like you’re running on sand. But the Mafate 4 was right in the Goldilocks zone for me. Thanks to the recent heat, the ground was baked solid and I was thankful for the cushioning of the Mafate Speed 4. It was hard going on the lumpy ground and I was having to run with one foot on the mud and one on the grass because it was so narrow, but I felt secure in the shoes. The shoe responded well and the meta-rocker helped deliver a nice, smooth heel to toe transition. Also, I don’t feel the need to avoid roads and pavements when wearing them, as they cope well with different terrain.
Want to know more? Read Laura’s full HOKA Mafate Speed 4 review.
Best carbon-plated race shoe: HOKA Carbon X 3
HOKA Carbon X 3 technical details
- Weight: 188g
- Price: £170
- Drop: 5mm
- Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
why we loved them
- Fab propulsion from the carbon plate
- Great grip and security from the outsole
Why we didn’t
- Tight around the mid-foot
- spacey around the toes
What our testers said
Carbon-plated shoes, in my experience, never deliver that immediate “ooh” that you’re going to get with a more cushioned everyday running shoe, and that’s certainly the case with the Carbon X 3. It’s comfortable around the foot, but you can feel that stiffness under foot. On shorter tempo sessions, I could immediately feel the pep underfoot however. The carbon plate combined with that rocker does literally propel you forwards. I also really liked that grippy outsole. Testing the shoes in the autumn, I’m mindful of slippery leaves underfoot, and racing shoes normally wouldn’t have the sort of grip that these do, which I was very grateful for.
Want to know more? Read Esther’s full HOKA Carbon X 3 review.
