The Best Hoka Running Shoes in Summer 2023
Hoka is one of the hottest brands in footwear right now, and their running shoes have the performance to back it up. Here are the 10 best Hoka running shoes in summer 2023.
What was once a niche running brand has transformed into footwear behemoth. Everywhere we look these days, there's a Hoka on someone's foot. Beach? Hoka. Grocery store? Hoka. Out in the city? Hoka. The brand's rise to mainstream prominence isn't just due to the chunky sole look becoming trendy; the shoes are comfortable and perform well out on the road. If you're interested in becoming the next proud Hoka owner, here are 10 best Hoka running shoes right now.
The Best Hoka Shoes for Running
Hoka is known for their highly cushioned shoes, a market segment that they pioneered in the 2010s. Before the brand came to market, minimalist running shoes dominated. Since the release of Hoka models like the Clifton and Bondi, every brand now has a max cushioned shoe. A recent Wall Street Journal article mentioned that Hoka's sales are up 40% over the past year —along with the Swiss running brand On, this is one of the hottest brands in footwear right now. Here are the 10 best Hoka running shoes in summer 2023.
1. Hoka Clifton 9 ($145): The Best Overall Hoka for Running
The Hoka Clifton 9 is an everyday running shoe that provides supportive cushioning in a versatile and durable package. The Clifton is one of our favorite daily trainers for its comfortable ride that keeps your legs protected on easy running days. The shoe uses Hoka's compression-molded EVA foam, which absorbs impact without feeling overly spongey. There's also a solid covering of rubber outsole which will help the foam last for hundreds of miles and provide grip over slick roads or muddy terrain.
Hoka Clifton 9
2. Hoka Mach 5 ($140): The Best Hoka for Fast Runs
If you're looking for a lightweight and responsive ride, the Hoka Mach 5 is one of the best non-plated speed-oriented trainers out there. It uses a dual-foam construction, with a top layer of ProFly+, a supercritical EVA, and a bottom layer of standard EVA. The result is a ride that's both soft and energetic at the same time, perfect for interval sessions where you'll be alternating between slower and faster speeds. The Mach 5 is also great for long runs if you prefer a lightweight shoe, though some runners may prefer a bit more cushion toward the end of a 2 hour effort.
Hoka Mach 5
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3. Hoka Bondi 8 ($165): The Best Max Cushioned Hoka for Running
The Hoka Bondi is one of the shoes that sparked the max cushion revolution. It has a 33mm heel stack of EVA foam that's moderately soft but highly protective. While other max cushion shoes like the Saucony Triumph and ASICS Gel-Nimbus are softer feeling, the Bondi has an extremely stable platform that feels great at recovery running paces. If you're looking for a max cushioned shoe for slower running and walking, the Bondi 8 is a great choice.
4. Hoka Rocket X 2 ($250): The Best Hoka for Road Racing
The Hoka Rocket X 2 is Hoka's marathon racing super shoe. It uses a PEBA midsole with a full carbon plate, the same formula as top-tier super shoes like the Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. The Rocket X 2 is cushioned and bouncy like those two shoes, but it has a slightly softer, more approachable ride. Similar to the Endorphin Pro, the platform is highly stable when compared to other super shoes. The only knock here is that the high stack of soft PEBA foam in the heel can feel overly squishy for heel strikers, though at race paces this shoudln't be an issue.
Hoka Rocket X 2
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5. Hoka Mach X ($180): The Best Hoka for Marathon Training
The Hoka Mach X is the brand's dedicated high mileage training shoe. It has a dual-foam midsole construction with a top layer of PEBA close to the foot and bottom layer of EVA. Between the two foams is a plastic plate in the midsole to help stiffen the platform and provide a snappier toe-off. The Mach X is great for long runs, tempo efforts and general use during tough marathon training weeks when you're building fatigue. It's one of the best super trainer running shoes out today, a growing and competitive category.
Hoka Mach X
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6. Hoka Speedgoat 5 ($155): The Best Hoka for Trail Running
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a versatile trail running shoe with a responsive and stable ride. The Speedgoat uses Hoka's classic EVA midsole, which is the perfect blend of cushioned and controlled on the trails. The Speedgoat also has 5mm lugs and a full Vibram outsole for extra grip on muddy terrain. There's no plate in it, so it's a great option for walking as well as all types of trails you'll encounter in a training block.
7. Hoka Tecton X 2 ($225): The Best Hoka for Trail Racing & Fast Trail Runs
The Hoka Tecton X 2 is a speed-oriented trail shoe designed for fast off-road races. The Tecton has two carbon-fiber plates in the midsole, a novel set-up designed to stabilize the platform for the trails while retaining the propulsive carbon fiber feel that runners are used to experiencing on the roads. The Tecton also has a dual-foam midsole construction similar to the Mach 5 and Mach X; here, the top layer is supercritical EVA, which is lightweight and responsive, and the bottom layer is standard EVA, which is durable and stable. Overall, the ride is fast and fun, delivering a superior plated experience on the trails.
Hoka Tecton X 2
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8. Hoka Challenger 7 GTX ($160): The Best Waterproof Hoka Running Shoe
The Hoka Challenger 7 is a road-trail hybrid shoe with a comfortable and versatile ride. The shoe has a thick-stacked midsole and more aggressive tread than some standard road shoes but still comes in at 8.9 ounces, a lighter weight than many road shoes (including Hoka's own Mach X and Bondi 8). The GTX version highlighted here comes with a waterproof Goretex shell to help protect your feet in muddy terrain or wet weather. The Challenger is a great all-around shoe if you're looking for a do-it-all workhorse, and it's also a good option for tackling mild to moderate trails.
9. Hoka Rincon 3 ($125): Best Affordable Running Shoe from Hoka
The Hoka Rincon 3 is the best affordable running shoe from Hoka. The Rincon has an EVA foam midsole, comfortable upper and simple construction that prioritizes balanced performance. It's a well-rounded shoe that can handle the varied demands of structured training, as well as walking and running errands. Similar to the Clifton, it's not the most exciting ride—leaning toward steady and reliable versus snappy and responsive—but it'll be there for you with consistent performance whenever you need it. Initially priced at $115 but now listed at $125, the Rincon is still the best low-end option in Hoka's lineup.
10. Hoka Arahi 6 ($140): Best Stability Running Shoe from Hoka
The Hoka Arahi 6 is the stability version of the Clifton 8. It uses a unique J-Frame on the outer edge of the platform to provide stability, and the midsole is made from Hoka's compression molded EVA. The ride is cushioned and comfortable like the Clifton, but it's more stable due to the guidance around the outsole and midsole. It's comfortable and unobtrusive enough for neutral runners to use, so it's a good option if you're looking for mild stability rather than a full-blown traditional stability shoe.
Bonus: Hoka Ora Luxe
The Hoka Ora Luxe is our favorite thing to throw on the foot after a tough workout. Or an easy workout. Or no workout at all. The Ora Luxe has foam of the softest foam in the game, and combined with an aggressive rocker, it makes walking around the house feel like floating. Once you try the Ora Luxe, you'll never go back to walking barefoot.
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