7 Best Hoka Running Shoes in 2023

Should you’re seriously able to replace your old trainers and also you haven’t given Hokas a try yet, let this be your sign. With all of the hype around their style (Vivid colours! Pillowy soles!), it’s easy to overlook that Hoka sneakers are designed for runners first. And, because the brand’s range of options continues to expand, there’s likely a pair that suits your personal preferences.

What must you search for in a running shoe?

In accordance with SELF’s sneaker buying guide, a great running shoe will accommodate your foot’s length, width, and overall shape, including the arch. There must be room to wiggle your toes, your heels needs to be secure (like they’re not going to slide out), and your arch should feel cradled (not prefer it’s collapsing or lifting above its natural height).

Beyond a shoe’s fit, you too can search for features like cushioning, durability, flexibility, and responsiveness. A beginner-friendly shoe can have a great mix of those elements, Nicola S. Corbett, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist at Connecticut Orthopaedics, tells SELF. That combination provides you with a solid foundation in your runs, and as you gain experience, chances are you’ll develop more specific preferences depending in your goals.

If speed is your priority, search for more responsive shoes with a springy midfoot or rocker bottom (a.k.a. curved sole), says Dr. Corbett. She explains that these designs will help propel you forward, and stop your feet from landing flat. A lighter-weight shoe will even provide help to conserve some energy—heavier shoes require you to spend more effort lifting your feet and moving them through the air, which might make your run feel harder, as SELF reported previously.

However, in case you mainly wish to stay comfortable on on a regular basis runs, search for shoes with loads of cushioning and shock absorption, says Dr. Corbett. You could sacrifice a little bit of speed—extra padding adds to the shoe’s weight—but many high-quality sneakers strike a balance between comfort and spring.

Finally, consider your shoe’s outsole: Do you wish it to grip damp pavement or keep your footing sure over rocky paths? If that’s the case, Dr. Corbett recommends searching for shoes with extra traction. Or, in case you’re taking them on the trail, she says to decide on a pair with a deep tread (which can help the shoe bite into the bottom and keep your steps regular).

If possible, it’s all the time a great idea to try trainers on in person so you’ll be able to get an actual feel for them—but in case you’re set on buying online, consider shopping at retailers which have reliable return policies so you’ll be able to test just a few pairs before committing.

What are Hoka trainers best for?

In previous years of SELF Sneaker Awards, Hoka’s shoes have earned top marks from testers for his or her cloudlike cushioning and skill to make even the dullest runs more enjoyable. The most well-liked pairs are easy to identify, with their chunky, outsize soles—they usually’re probably best fitted to runners who want an excellent plush ride.

Nevertheless, there are other Hokas that only have a moderate amount of padding, and extra highlights like sturdier support or a lighter-weight feel. So although Hoka is an obvious pick for fans of maximalist shoes, it has rather a lot to supply other sorts of runners too. As podiatrists have previously told SELF, the brand’s sneakers are also an awesome selection if you will have plantar fasciitis (a typical source of stabbing heel pain) or flat feet.

One of the best Hoka trainers

Able to see what all of the Hoka hype is about? We’ve chosen the very best options, in accordance with the aforementioned expert criteria in addition to feedback from SELF Sneaker Award testers and staffers.