%20112024%20Social%20(2x1).jpg "11 Best Hoka Shoes in 2024, According to Podiatrists")
When podiatrists suggest footwear, there’s one model that pops up again and again: Hoka. “They provide each cushion and help, the place a whole lot of footwear solely supply one or the opposite,” Samantha Sklar, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Foot First Podiatry Facilities in Illinois, tells SELF. Meaning you not solely get loads of shock absorption, but additionally a stable quantity of construction below your toes to strategically distribute your weight, explains Dr. Sklar—who admits her personal closet is filled with Hoka footwear. (“They acquired me,” she says.)
Dr. Sklar provides that Hokas are additionally designed with anatomically-friendly large toe packing containers, so that you don’t should smush your toes inside them. And in case you’re fighting foot ache or an damage, the rocker backside design can helpfully offload some stress as you stroll.
However which Hoka footwear are really one of the best? We requested specialists like Dr. Sklar to share their prime picks for strolling, working, mountain climbing, and extra, and even examined out a few of their recs ourselves—store our favorites beneath.
Our prime picks
- Greatest General: Clifton 9
- Greatest for Strolling: Mach 6
- Greatest On a regular basis Shoe: Mafate Pace 4
- Greatest for Lengthy-Distance Runs: Bondi 8
- Greatest for Overpronation: Gaviota 5
- Greatest Sandals: Ora Restoration Slide 3
- Greatest for Plantar Fasciitis: Transport
- Greatest for Racing: Rocket X 2
- Greatest for Climbing: Kaha 2 GTX
- Greatest for Path Working: Speedgoat 6
- Greatest Every day Coach: Solimar
Incessantly requested questions on Hoka footwear
What’s so particular about Hokas?
Hoka was one of many first manufacturers to popularize max-cushioned sneakers. However Dr. Sklar factors out that their footwear supply greater than padding: “Everybody thinks [it] sounds nice to simply put your toes on reminiscence foam. However in actuality, whenever you’re standing in your toes all day, there must be construction beneath to carry up your arch in order that your weight will be distributed throughout your toes as an alternative of on very tender stress factors,” she says—and Hokas ship, huge time.
Do podiatrists suggest Hokas?
Many podiatrists suggest Hokas, because of their stable steadiness of help and cushioning, large toe packing containers, and rocker bottoms. “It’s a simple, tried-and-true advice,” Megan Ishibashi, DPM, a podiatrist with Sutter Well being in California, tells SELF.
Are Hokas truly good on your toes?
Sure! Many Hoka fashions have been awarded the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA), which acknowledges merchandise that promote good foot well being. A number of specialists (together with those we spoke with) stand by them.
Store one of the best Hoka footwear
Whether or not you’re shopping for your first pair of Hokas or your tenth, make amends for all the things it’s good to know concerning the model’s hottest sneakers beneath.
Greatest General: Clifton 9
Professionals
- Cozy help
- Light-weight
- Vegan
- Made with recycled supplies
Cons
- Can put on out faster than different fashions, per Dr. Sklar
- May not have sufficient cushion for working lengthy distances
The Clifton is Dr. Sklar’s go-to advice for anybody who wants a very good working shoe, strolling shoe, or one thing to face in all day lengthy at work. “We all the time begin with the Clifton as a result of it is only a typically good shoe for most individuals,” she says.
Dr. Ishibashi tells SELF that the Clifton is a good instance of Hoka’s just-right mixture of cushioning and help, plus that pain-relieving rocker backside design. It’s additionally much less cumbersome than different well-known Hoka pairs (just like the Bondi), she provides: ”It’s a bit of bit lighter.” She’s not stunned that the Clifton is a well-liked choose amongst nurses, whose toes can take a beating throughout lengthy shifts.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Supplies: Knit higher, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole | Widths: Common, large | Weight: 7.3 oz
Greatest for Strolling: Mach 6
Professionals
- Springy journey, in response to Hoka reviewers
- Light-weight
- Vegan
Cons
Dr. Sklar says the Mach 6 is a good different to the Clifton in case you’re out there for a strolling shoe. Designed for every day runs, this sneak provides you with a little bit of a pep in your step, with foam that feels extra bouncy than squishy. (Assume: strolling on a trampoline, reasonably than a pillow.) For these making a exercise of their every day walks, this will imply you would possibly end up striding a bit of sooner or pacing longer earlier than your toes begin to get drained.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Supplies: Creel jacquard higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Widths: Common, large | Weight: 6.7 oz
Greatest On a regular basis Shoe: Mafate Pace 4
Professionals
- Sturdy
- Grippy sole
- Made with recycled supplies
Cons
- Not obtainable in large widths
Though the Mafate Pace is technically a path working shoe, Dr. Sklar was sporting it once we spoke to her on a busy workday between surgical procedures. Even with lugs on the bottoms designed for the outside, she finds them to be an incredible all-around shoe. “I can stand in all of them day lengthy. I can stroll throughout Europe in them. I can run miles. I stroll my canine in them,” she says. “I put on them for all the things.”
Bonus: In case you like designs on the louder aspect, the Mafate’s enjoyable aesthetic could be proper up your alley. Out of all her Hoka footwear, Dr. Sklar says, “These are my cutest ones.”
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Supplies: Jacquard mesh higher, foam midsole, Vibram rubber outsole | Widths: Common | Weight: 8.5 oz
Greatest for Lengthy-Distance Runs: Bondi 8
Professionals
- Main quantities of sentimental cushioning
- Awarded the APMA seal of acceptance
- Vegan
- Made with recycled supplies
Cons
- Excessive stack peak can really feel too clunky for some folks, per Dr. Sklar
With over 40 millimeters of cushioning below the heel, the Bondi 8 is called the Hoka of all Hokas.“Individuals love the Bondis as a result of they’re actually, actually cushioned,” Dr. Ishibashi says, including in addition they have nice help. All that light-weight foam underfoot can assist preserve your arches from appearing up when your mileage begins to climb on long-distance runs. Even higher, this shoe earned a seal of acceptance from the APMA, which suggests prime podiatrists agree that it encourages good foot well being.