You can never have enough shoes. Like tools in a handy toolkit, each serves a different functional purpose. The job won't get done if you need a flathead but only have a Phillips! That's the same when it comes to footwear, but especially when considering active shoes for all kinds of different moments. Whether it's walking, hiking, or even running, having the proper footwear is, frankly, a make-or-break situation.
When it comes to footwear for an active lifestyle, Hoka is one of the best in the marketplace. The brand has seen a huge rise in popularity over the last decade in particular, where they've become a household name, notably among healthcare workers, first responders, and people who just generally need to be on their feet most of the day. Hoka's shoes tend to maximize cushion above all else, resulting in a very plush and comfortable feeling on your feet and legs.
Hoka, like any footwear company, has a lot to choose from. Which means it can be difficult to narrow down the options. However, we've done the hard part for you, selecting eight great choices across a variety of activities, including walking, hiking, and running, to ensure each shoe is (metaphorically) the right fit for your personalized needs.
Clifton 10: A Crowdpleasing Sneaker Synonymous with the Brand
If you've seen a pair of Hoka sneakers out in the wild, there's a non-zero chance it was a pair of Cliftons. This is the brand's flagship shoe, as synonymous with Hoka as a pair of Jordans is with, well, Michael Jordan. The Clifton 10 is the most recent update to the shoe, bringing plenty of stability and comfort thanks to the generous amount of foam, which helps keep your foot supported and absorbs impact as you walk. I've tested the Clifton 10 for both running and walking and found it to be light and cozy, making it a great option for a variety of activities.
Men's: $124+ at Hoka | Men's: $125+ at REI | Women's: $124+ at Zappos
Bondi 9: Walking on Pillows
Wearing Hokas is already an extremely cushioned experience, but if you want to feel like you're walking on a cloud, the Bondi 9 is your shoe of choice. While it's not particularly practical to walk around on pillows, the Bondi 9 is about as close as you can get thanks to an ultra-soft foam construction throughout the shoe. Additionally, the Bondi has other cushioned elements in the heel, while the sockliner helps it wrap around your foot for maximum coziness. We really recommend the shoe as a solution to those with joint pain who still want to get walks or runs without worrying too much about how they'll feel the next day. They're also a great option for those who work jobs where they're on their feet for long stretches.
Men's: $140+ at Hoka | Men's: $140+ at REI | Women's: $140+ at Zappos
Gaviota 5/6: Ultra-Stable for Uneven Steps
Hoka's Gaviota line of shoes prioritizes stability at its core. That translates to a very supportive experience for those walkers or runners who have their feet roll inward (you may have heard this called "overpronating"). The overall sensation of the shoe results in a slightly firmer, yet more supportive feel. Basically, if you've ever felt like Bambi trying to walk on ice, the Gaviota 5 is for you. Plus, they help cut down on discomfort in the ankle, shins, or knees on longer walks or runs, meaning you can log lots of miles while still feeling good. FYI, you can opt for the Gaviota 5, which was recently retired to make room for the Gaviota 6, launched in January.
Men's Gaviota 5: $122+ at Hoka | Women's Gaviota 6: $180 at Zappos
Mach 6: Lightweight for Speedy Workouts
While intended for faster activities — specifically, race day or faster workouts — the Mach 6 is a great option for walkers and runners who want lighter-feeling shoes. Nothing is worse than walking around in what may feel like concrete blocks. Luckily, the shoe clocks in around 8.2 ounces, about the size of a mini can of your favorite soda, while still ensuring support. The neutral feel of the shoe equates to a Goldilocks-like feeling; it has cushion without feeling like you're walking around just on foam, while still providing a snappy return. Basically, if you want a shoe that feels like you've got a literal pep in your step, the Mach 6 is for you.
Men's: $98+ at Hoka | Men's: $98+ at REI | Women's: $98+ at Hoka
Transport GTX: Waterproof Hiking Sneakers with Grippy Traction
We really like Hoka's Transport GTX as a pick for a hiking shoe for a number of factors. First and foremost is the Gore-Tex coating, which blocks the elements very effectively. While you could use them for a rainy day in the city, the Vibram rubber outsole provides great traction for hiking on the trail, too. As such, these shoes offer great value, as they can be easily used across a handful of different activities. Oh, and the Transport still retains that great cushion and support Hoka is known for, in addition to being on the lightweight side.
Men's: $140+ at Hoka | Men's: $130+ at REI | Women's: $113+ at Zappos
Mach X 3: Snappy Training Shoe for Half-Marathon Prep
The Mach X 3 is a great choice for runners who are in the midst of training blocks for all kinds of race day situations. I used them across a variety of speed and long run workouts while training for a half-marathon throughout the fall and found them perfectly balanced. Cushioned without being too plush, responsive without feeling like I was wearing a race day shoe, and snappy overall. The return from my stride resulted in that perfect little pop in energy return. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for all kinds of harder running efforts, the X 3 should be your first and last choice.
Men's: $190 at Hoka | Women's: $190 at Zappos | Women's: $190 at Nordstrom
Rocket X 3: Stable Race-Day Shoe for Personal Bests
Some race-day super shoes can come across as really hardcore in appearance or full of confusing technology. While the Rocket X 3, Hoka's race day shoe for half and full marathons, certainly has plenty of smart features to help runners propel themselves to a new personal best, they don't present as overly funky in how they look. The other thing about carbon-plated super shoes is that they're really unstable, meaning you can wobble around while running. I wore the Rocket X 3 as my race day shoe of choice for my first ever half-marathon and found the shoes light, supportive, and most importantly, incredibly stable. In short, in an environment where I felt a little unsure of myself, the last thing I wanted to worry about was my shoes letting me down. While the difficulties of the race manifested in other ways, the Rocket X 3 did exactly what they were supposed to: they faded into the background while propelling me further and faster even when I didn't think I had it in me to do so.
Men's: $250 at Hoka | Women's: $250 at Zappos
