I've been running in Hokas for a decade — here are the best Hoka shoes I've tested

I've run and walked in a lot of different Hoka models, and the Cliftons hit the best balance of comfort, support, and breathability while also incorporating all of the brand's signature features, making them the best shoe for most people.

The Cliftons are known for being well-balanced between being cushioned yet responsive; they provide soft support for achy joints but you don't get bogged down in the plushness. While past models have been described as "clunky," Hoka has answered this call by giving the 9s a newer CMEVA foam that is more lightweight but also 3mm thicker, so it'll give even softer of a cradle without feeling heavy underfoot.

These shoes are also designed with Hoka's trademark early stage meta-rocker design to help your foot naturally roll through easier, which makes them a great running shoe for beginners. And they come in fun (and plentiful) colorways so anyone can find a style that matches their vibe.

While the Clifton's hit the sweet spot for most people, if you want a higher-cushion Hoka, I'd recommend the Bondi. If you overpronate, opt for the Gaviota.

Along with the Cliftons, the Bondi line is one of Hoka's best sellers. I've run in both (in current models and past), and in a lot of ways, the Bondi and Clifton are very similar shoes. Both have Hoka's signature early-stage meta-rocker and EVA midsole foam. 

But the Bondi are markedly more cushioned than the Cliftons. That means when you run in the Bondi, your footfall will feel softer and more forgiving. This is great for people who otherwise experience knee pain, shin splints, or any running injuries that result from impact and shock. This is also great for people who stand all day, like nurses and store clerks.

If you like a snappy, responsive shoe that lets you push off the ground fast, you'll probably be happier with the Cliftons (or one of Hoka's speed models like the Mach X). That said, Hoka has done a lot to deliver the extra cushioning without the downsides: They've shaved weight to keep the Bondi weighing just 8.9 ounces and included a rear crash pad that helps heel strikers transition to the forefoot quickly.

They have a highly breathable mesh upper, a plush foam heel collar, and despite being super cushy, Hoka's done a great job shaving weight off because the Bondi weighs just 8.9 ounces.

I also love that the Bondi 8 also comes in a whopping 20 colors, the majority of which are downright fun.

 If you want the max cushion the Bondi provides but need a stability shoe, I love running and walking in the Gaviota. Stability shoes are helpful if your foot rolls inward as it strikes and pushes off the ground — known as overpronation. They're crafted with more support under the arch of the feet to keep your foot flat as it rolls through, which in turn can help you avoid pain and collapsed arches in the long run. 

The Gaviota 5 is equipped with a stabilizing H-Frame, Hoka's specialized technology that helps level out your foot while keeping the shoe lightweight. You can't feel the frame when you run, but it's enough to make running more comfortable for overpronators. At the same time, the Gaviota is designed with a soft, EVA foam to give a plush and forgiving ride underfoot akin to the Bondi.

After running and walking in the Gaviota for three months, I can attest these comfortable walking shoes are downright comfy with features like an ultra-plush collar, a highly breathable mesh upper, and a wider overall design. 

Compared to Hoka's other main stability model, the Ahari, which I've also tested, the Gaviota are more cushy underfoot, akin to the Bondi, while the Ahari have a cushioning level similar to the Cliftons. But the main difference, in my experience, is the Gaviota has an overall wider, more forgiving fit. That's in part because the Gaviota is designed with a wider midfoot and toe box, but it's also thanks to the creel jacquard upper, which is unconstrained and allows your foot to spread out more naturally. 

If you have a wider-than-average foot like I do, you'll love the fit (although note the Gaviota also comes in a true "wide" option). And if you stand or walk a lot during the day, you'll also like this flexible, breathable fit.

The Hoka Speedgoats are unparalleled for trail running thanks to their cushioned midsole and mountain goat-like traction. I ran in (and loved) the Speedgoat 5s for a long time, but Hoka just released an upgraded model, the Speedgoat 6, and the changes have made the shoe an even better trail runner.

The Speedgoat 6 uses an ultralight and more-responsive CMEVA midsole foam to create a super light shoe (8.2 ounces) that lets you move fast through the mountains. This foam provides a balanced cushioning, which, in my experience, gives you enough squish and comfort for achy joints to feel supportive while maintaining and responsive push-off for fast feet.

The Speedgoat 6 has retained the aggressive traction this shoe is beloved for, with a refined Vibram Megagrip outsole and beefy lugs for technical terrain. It has a new lightweight, woven upper that is super breathable. 

The first time I wore these trail runners out, I did struggle with the fit across the midfoot and toe box because of the seam taping around the lace area (which is ideal for durability of the shoe); however, after the first three miles, the shoe started to loosen up and I had no issues with fit after. Another small but mighty upgrade, in my experience: The Speedgoat 5 always gave me blisters on the heel on runs over five miles, no matter how broken in they were; luckily, this hasn't been an issue with the Speedgoat 6.

The biggest downside is that the pattern and colors of the Speedgoat 6, in my opinion, isn't that attractive.

These waterproof sneakers are my choice for a lightweight alternative to rain boots. I wore these on multiple walks and hikes and found them to be very comfortable. The Transport GTX isn't as cushioned as other Hokas —they're more balanced than plush — but the EVA midsole felt comfortable for 1- to 3-mile walks.

Most of all, the waterproofing is a 10/10: I tromped through a pile of snow on one early spring testing walk and, where my husband's feet were soaked in normal sneakers, mine remained bone dry. That's not surprising, considering the upper is treated with GORE-TEX, which, it's worth noting, does cost you some breathability. But I loved that the upper was still mesh for a roomy fit, while also being strategically reinforced to last against the elements. 

I also really liked the functionality of these shoes. The main laces are a pull-tab design which makes it easy to secure or loosen the shoe, but unlike a lot of other similar designs, Hoka's quick-toggle lace tucks away so the tail isn't flopping anywhere. I also love that the shoes come with traditional laces you can restring if desired, as I know a lot of people who don't like the quick-toggle designs.

Note that these shoes have neutral stability, so they may not be supportive enough for people with high arches. And if you like a plush walking shoe, these might be too stiff for you.

If you like a cushy, supportive footbed on long hikes, you'll love Hoka's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX. I wore the first iteration of these hiking boots straight out of the box onto a 5-mile hike in Colorado and they were incredibly comfortable, giving me no blisters or hot spots. Moreover, while my feet often start to ache when hiking in stiffer boots, in the Anacapas, my feet felt comforted throughout the hike. They aren't going to be as plush as, say, the Bondis, but they offer a slight amount of squish not often seen in hiking boots.

The Anacapa 2s are a mostly leather upper, weatherized with Gore-Tex, which is great for durability and waterproofing but the payoff is they retain some heat. That said, Hoka has incorporated mesh in the upper where possible for better breathability. The ankle and heel areas are cushioned, which is nice on your skin.

For hiking boots, the Anacapas are pretty lightweight at 14.7 ounces. The lightweight EVA midsole trims weight while also providing a well-cushioned (but not muddy) ride. These hiking boots have a Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep lugs to dig into all kinds of trail and terrain. In my experience, these boots feel super secure on squirrelly terrain and I never feel like I'm going to slip out. Plus, they look cool.

I personally love a mid cut for ankle support on long hikes, but the Anacapa 2 does come in a low cut, as well as Gore-Tex free options.

"If you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, you need to ensure your feet never hit the ground without support, so slippers or house shoes are one of the top necessities. Hoka's Recovery Slides are my go-to pick for lounging around the house. 

Hoka's Recovery Slides are originally intended for runners post-workout, which is why they feel as close to literally walking on a cloud as you can get. They're not the prettiest — although they definitely fall into the so-ugly-they're-cute category — but it just really doesn't matter when you are in serious pain around the house.

Wearing supportive shoes around the house is crucial: Not only do many people feel a sharp or dull heel pain first thing in the morning, but your feet should be supported with every single step, which includes those around the house, Dr. Cornell, DPM explains. 

For me and others struggling with this condition, barefoot time is a thing of the past. But with how soft and lightweight these Hoka Recovery Slides are, you won't mind the support. They feature an ultra-supportive outer layer of EVA foam which allows them to feel cushy to the touch. 

These Recovery Slides are not as stiff as other footbeds but also aren't bendable, which is key according to our experts. They also integrate Hoka's signature rocking technology, and that rolling sensation with every step helps ease the pain in my experience.

I also love that you can throw a pair of socks on with these slides in the winter, and that being made of foam, you can wear them in the shower, too." — Alexandra Frost, freelance reporter

Living in the snowy Rocky Mountains, I know firsthand that insulation, traction, and footbed comfort are non-negotiable in a winter boot. The Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX is pricey at $280, but in my experience, worth every penny.

With a whopping 400 grams of insulation and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, they're rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit — but I was surprised my feet never overheated during active hikes in the low 20s. What's more, this level of insulation was really nice when wearing them around town after my hike to grab coffee.

On the trail, these beefy hiking boots have 5 millimeter lugs that bite into snow, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that handles wet surfaces well. Their forked SwallowTail heels also help improve grip on uneven terrain. Like any boot, they won't save you on solid ice, but these had reliable traction on 98% of my winter hikes (though I still pack Yaktrax for the worst spots).

These boots are made with Hoka's signature plush footbed so they're very, very comfortable even after walking 5 miles, but they also have a dual-density midsole. This way they don't feel too squishy or muddy, like a cushioned Hoka running shoe does.

Lastly, these boots have a lot of nice-to-have features, like cozy fabric at the ankle, a big heel pull tab, and easy-to-snag top-hooks for a secure ankle fit. Plus, they were comfortable right out of the box (read: no hot spots). For the price, they're probably overkill as an around-town winter boot, but they're worth it for snowy hikes.

• Cushioning: Not everyone wants or needs a well-cushioned running shoe. But mid to max cushioning does help absorb the shock of running or walking, which can help reduce the impact on your joints and bones and make running more comfortable for beginners. It also helps minimize fatigue in your feet after standing all day. Hoka's shoes range in level of cushioning, with their lowest amount akin to mid cushioning in other brands. More cushioning means more comfort, but also comes at the price of a less-responsive push off of the ground, which some runners don't love.
• Activity: Hoka shoes are great for most every activity, including running, walking, and hiking. For train running and hiking, you want a shoe with lugs to grip uneven terrain.
• Stability vs. Neutral: When your foot strikes the ground, it either rolls inward, rolls outward, or stays pretty neutral. It's important to match your shoe's stability with your foot's natural roll, called pronation. If your shoes tend to wear down on the inside first, look for a stability model with support under your arch to counteract your overpronation (e.g., Arahi, Gaviota). If your feet strike normal or supinate, look for a neutral model (e.g., Bondi, Clifton).
• Foot conditions: Most experts recommend a well-cushioned and supportive shoe like Hoka for foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
• Fit: Hokas notoriously fit all over the place from model to model, namely in the midfoot and toe box. Some run narrow and tighter all over (e.g., Transport); some run narrow in the midfoot and wide in the toe box (e.g., Speedgoats); and some are wide across the board (e.g., Gaviota). Additionally, most models come in a regular and wide option. The inconsistency makes buying Hokas incredibly confusing. We highly recommend going to your local running store and trying the shoes on in person.

Hoka Bondi X: My go-to running and walking shoe for years, the Bondi X infused the beloved plush Bondi shoe with a propulsive carbon plate for a snappy push off the ground. Now, the closest model to this is the Mach X, which isn't as cushioned as the Bondi but has a similar snappy midsole plate.

Hoka Clifton Edge: This road shoe played off the Clifton's balanced cushioning and neutral stability, but debuted a super resilient, lightweight foam and an overflowing flared outsole for an extremely cushy, supportive base. These shoes were not only comfortable, but peak ugly cute. Now, your next best option is going to be the Clifton 9.

Hoka Carbon X: "Overall, I'm a big fan of the rocking motion this shoe provided. It powered me through my first few runs, both indoors and outdoors, and I felt like it helped me have a smoother stride and softer footfalls. Although the heels look like they're built up, the overall drop is minimal. This allows for a natural footstrike and a fluid transition through the stride," writes freelance reporter Locke Hughes in her Carbon X running shoe review.

I've been testing Hokas consistently for the last decade. As a road runner, trail runner, and hiker, I've logged many, many models in all of their major models — Cliftons, Bondis, Aharis, Speedgoats — in multiple generations, as well as a handful of models that are no longer made.

Additionally, as a fitness and outdoors gear writer, I'm constantly testing running shoes and hiking shoes from other major competitors, including Saucony, On, Adidas, and more. This allows me to have a more well-rounded perspective on what makes Hokas unique and who exactly they are and aren't right for.