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Step further into the Hoka universe.
EVERY RUNNER should try a pair of Hoka shoes at one point or another in their life. For many first-timers, the initial lace-up of the ultra-cushioned behemoths is a special moment. Suddenly walking feels good and running feels great. Don't sleep on their style, either, as their high foam stacks, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes are currently en vogue.
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Ok, maybe we're romanticizing Hokas a bit too much here, but the bottom line is when it comes to the combination of high comfort and lightweight materials, the shoemaker is in a league of its own. Runner's used to only have a few Hoka styles out there to buy. Now the brand continues to expand its offerings and designs on a consistent basis. The new releases have resulted in more niche-specific shoes for all types of runners.
So to help avoid any confusion on what to buy, we curated our favorite Hoka running shoes on the market. Maybe you're looking for a pair of running shoes for ultramarathon training? There's a Hoka for that. Perhaps you're looking for a more cushioned cross training shoe? There's a Hoka for that too. There are even Hokas that are great for walking and, most importantly for the more casual wearer, streetwear-inspired looks.
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Regardless if you're new to the Hoka universe or if you're on your fiftieth pair, these styles below are going to hit all their marks with flying colors. Ahead, our 10 best Hoka running shoes.
Perhaps the most recognizable silhouette of all the Hoka shoes, the Clifton is a streamlined runner with neutral stability and balanced cushioning. It's also one of the cheaper Hoka styles, which makes it a great entry-level runner for those who want to see what all the buzz is about. (We understand $140 isn't necessarily wallet-friendly, but for the value you're getting this is an investment we'd recommend to casual and serious runners.) Oh, and the Clifton is available in tons of fun and unique colors.
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The boosted bed of soft cushioning makes the Bondi a solid runner, and we think that makes them a great choice if you're only looking for a walking shoe. An added zonal rubber placement helps with even weight distribution, and a pillowed tongue and heel provides added comfort with a secure feel.
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The Mach 5 pulls back on the soft cushioning to instead deliver a snappier ride for everyday runners—and especially for those who run on pavement. A dual-layered ProFly+ midsole is outfitted to provide a quicker ride, and a Meta Rocker is used to better complement a natural stride by using a combo of a low heel-toe drop and a rounded sole rocker.
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The Mafate is a trusted trail runner that will hold up to all types of terrain. Similar to the Mach 5, the Mafate has a ProFly+ midsole to help carry you forward with each step. Then a number of features are added to toughen the shoe; we're talking a Vibram megagrip outsole, a strong toe bumper, and a bolstered heel collar to keep your foot locked-in and supported.
There's long distance running, and then there's ultramarathon-level running. For anyone who is running distances over 50 kilometers, the Carbon X 3 is built to do just that. The standout tech includes a dynamic meta rocker and a strong carbon fiber plate. Both are added to help propel you forward with each step, making it easier to pace yourself as you travel far. What's also cool about the X 3 is Hoka remade the upper to include a more breathable and softer knit.
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Simply looking at this shoe makes us think of speed. The Rocket X is ridiculously light (7.40 ounces) and uses an absorbent CMEVA foam midsole and a carbon fiber plate to push you forward when racing short distances. This is Hoka's speed demon right here.
The Clifton L Suede might be the most popular Hoka shoe of them all, but not for what you might think. This model has found its way into current fashion, and specifically streetwear trends, thanks to its ample cushioning and soft and earthy look of the suede. If you can find a neutral tone of these kicks we recommend adding to your cart ASAP. They have long lasting comfort and will match with a lot of your wardrobe.
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For long runs up to marathon distances, the Bondi X is a sleek and lightweight runner you can count on. The shoe is outfitted with Bondi's classic plush cushioning and then combined with a carbon fiber plate and Meta Rocker for an extra boost. The result is a low-profile runner with a plush feel and balanced stability.
Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes
Designed for sharper, faster trails, the Speedgoat 5 is equipped with lightweight materials (like a mesh upper made from recycled polyester and double jacquard) and an ultra-rugged Vibram outsole that will grip onto anything and everything in its path. The combination of a high stack and meta rocker also helps keep forward motion, allowing you to stomp through the occasional pile of sticks or rocks, as opposed to around them.
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The Kawana makes cushion-y comfort possible in a cross training shoe thanks to a molded EVA midsole that provides good rebound and a tough achilles construction that aids in trusted support. Did someone say Murph challenge?
The correct pronunciation of how to say Hoka can be broken down as "Ho-Kah". In the past, people had more trouble pronouncing the brand's full name correctly, Hoka One One, which is said like "Ho-Kah Oh-Nay Oh-Nay".
However Hoka recently dropped the end and became "Hoka" on it's website URL and socials; most likely due to the fact everyone has reverted to calling them "Hokas".
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the top Hoka running shoes for men. Experts including our fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless Hoka running shoes through the wringer to evaluate their fit and support, as well as the best activities each Hoka shoe model is suited best for.