When podiatrists recommend shoes, there’s one brand that pops up over and over again: Hoka. “They offer both cushion and support, where a lot of shoes only offer one or the other,” Samantha Sklar, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Foot First Podiatry Centers in Illinois, tells SELF. That means you not only get plenty of shock absorption, but also a solid amount of structure under your feet to strategically distribute your weight, explains Dr. Sklar—who admits her own closet is full of Hoka shoes. (“They got me,” she says.)
Dr. Sklar adds that Hokas are also designed with anatomically-friendly wide toe boxes, so you don’t have to smush your feet inside them. And if you’re struggling with foot pain or an injury, the rocker bottom design can helpfully offload some pressure as you walk.
But which Hoka shoes are truly the best? We asked experts like Dr. Sklar to share their top picks for walking, running, hiking, and more, and even tested out some of their recs ourselves—shop our favorites below.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Clifton 9
- Best for Walking: Mach 6
- Best Everyday Shoe: Mafate Speed 4
- Best for Long-Distance Runs: Bondi 8
- Best for Overpronation: Gaviota 5
- Best Sandals: Ora Recovery Slide 3
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Transport
- Best for Racing: Rocket X 2
- Best for Hiking: Kaha 2 GTX
- Best for Trail Running: Speedgoat 6
- Best Daily Trainer: Solimar
Frequently asked questions about Hoka shoes
What is so special about Hokas?
Hoka was one of the first brands to popularize max-cushioned sneakers. But Dr. Sklar points out that their shoes offer more than padding: “Everyone thinks [it] sounds great to just put your feet on memory foam. But in reality, when you’re standing on your feet all day, there needs to be structure underneath to hold up your arch so that your weight can be distributed across your feet instead of on very tender pressure points,” she says—and Hokas deliver, big time.
Do podiatrists recommend Hokas?
Many podiatrists recommend Hokas, thanks to their solid balance of support and cushioning, wide toe boxes, and rocker bottoms. “It’s an easy, tried-and-true recommendation,” Megan Ishibashi, DPM, a podiatrist with Sutter Health in California, tells SELF.
Are Hokas actually good for your feet?
Yes! Many Hoka models have been awarded the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which recognizes products that promote good foot health. Lots of experts (including the ones we spoke with) stand by them.
Shop the best Hoka shoes
Whether you’re buying your first pair of Hokas or your tenth, catch up on everything you need to know about the brand’s most popular sneakers below.
Best Overall: Clifton 9
Pros
- Comfy support
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Can wear out quicker than other models, per Dr. Sklar
- Might not have enough cushion for running long distances
The Clifton is Dr. Sklar’s go-to recommendation for anyone who needs a good running shoe, walking shoe, or something to stand in all day long at work. “We always start with the Clifton because it’s just a generally good shoe for most people,” she says.
Dr. Ishibashi tells SELF that the Clifton is a great example of Hoka’s just-right mix of cushioning and support, plus that pain-relieving rocker bottom design. It’s also less bulky than other famous Hoka pairs (like the Bondi), she adds: ”It’s a little bit lighter.” She’s not surprised that the Clifton is a popular pick among nurses, whose feet can take a beating during long shifts.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Materials: Knit upper, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole | Widths: Regular, wide | Weight: 7.3 oz
Best for Walking: Mach 6
Pros
- Springy ride, according to Hoka reviewers
- Lightweight
- Vegan
Cons
- Firmer than other Hokas
Dr. Sklar says the Mach 6 is a great alternative to the Clifton if you’re in the market for a walking shoe. Designed for daily runs, this sneak will give you a bit of a pep in your step, with foam that feels more bouncy than squishy. (Think: walking on a trampoline, rather than a pillow.) For those making a workout of their daily walks, this can mean you might find yourself striding a little faster or pacing longer before your feet start to get tired.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Creel jacquard upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Widths: Regular, wide | Weight: 6.7 oz
Best Everyday Shoe: Mafate Speed 4
Pros
- Durable
- Grippy sole
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Not available in wide widths
Although the Mafate Speed is technically a trail running shoe, Dr. Sklar was wearing it when we spoke to her on a busy workday between surgeries. Even with lugs on the bottoms designed for the outdoors, she finds them to be a great all-around shoe. “I can stand in them all day long. I can walk all over Europe in them. I can run miles. I walk my dog in them,” she says. “I wear them for everything.”
Bonus: If you like designs on the louder side, the Mafate’s fun aesthetic might be right up your alley. Out of all her Hoka shoes, Dr. Sklar says, “These are my cutest ones.”
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Jacquard mesh upper, foam midsole, Vibram rubber outsole | Widths: Regular | Weight: 8.5 oz
Best for Long-Distance Runs: Bondi 8
Pros
- Major amounts of soft cushioning
- Awarded the APMA seal of acceptance
- Vegan
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- High stack height can feel too clunky for some people, per Dr. Sklar
With over 40 millimeters of cushioning under the heel, the Bondi 8 is known as the Hoka of all Hokas.“People love the Bondis because they are really, really cushioned,” Dr. Ishibashi says, adding they also have great support. All that lightweight foam underfoot can help keep your arches from acting up when your mileage starts to climb on long-distance runs. Even better, this shoe earned a seal of acceptance from the APMA, which means top podiatrists agree that it encourages good foot health.
