Best Hoka Shoes For Walking, According To Foot And Fitness Experts

Sizes: 5-12 (W), 7-16 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm | Heel stack: 29mm (W) and 32mm (M)

• What’s notable: It’s an excellent lightweight shoe with a balanced mix of cushioning and stability.
• What could be better: If you’re used to a lower-profile sneaker, the stacked heel may take some getting used to.

The Clifton 9 scored highest in our review for many reasons. The vegan mesh upper features molded EVA foam in the midsole for pillowy comfort, a gusseted tongue keeps out dirt and debris, and a thick rubber outsole and MetaRocker technology put spring in your step. Hoka recently made the Clifton 9 even more lightweight by shaving off 4 grams, and they added more heel stack for extra cushioning. If you walk outside in all weather, consider paying the extra $15 for the GTX version, which is weatherproof and has reflective details to keep you visible on the roads.

What the expert says: Walking expert Joyce Shulman, CEO of 99 Walks and Jetti Fitness and author of Why Walk? has tested many sneakers. “Cliftons remain my favorite,” she says. “They are very comfortable, well-cushioned and provide the perfect support.” Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist at Central Park Sole in New York City runs in Clifton 9s and says they are excellent for walking, too.

Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 15 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Heel stack: 27 mm (W), 29mm (M)

• What’s notable: This shoe has a sleeker profile than most other Hokas, which increases stability, and the extended heel pull makes them faster to get on and off.
• What could be better: It’s not as lightweight and flexible as some of Hoka’s other models, and it runs narrow.

This is a true stability shoe that prevents feet from over-pronating (where the foot tends to roll inward) and even though it’s cushy, this sneaker doesn’t feel wobbly when you’re walking at a fast clip. It has a j-shaped frame, which helps guide the foot into a more neutral alignment and keep you stable as you stride (without feeling restrictive), and the flat knit breathable upper adds extra support and ventilation. There’s also an extended heel pull and a plush tongue.

What the expert says: If you have balance issue, are unstable when you walk or overpronate, Schaefer is a big fan of this Hoka shoe. “It’s supportive without sacrificing cushioning,” he says, adding that he recommends replacing the standard insoles with a Dr Scholl’s orthotic or a custom orthotic from your podiatrist to add even more stability.

Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 16 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide, X-Wide | Heel stack: 31mm (W), 33mm (M)

• What’s notable: This pair is exceptionally comfortable, with extra cushioning to prevent foot fatigue, and it comes in a range of widths.
• What could be better: That supersized sole may not appeal to all.

Hoka is known for making the most cushiony walking shoes, and the Bondi 8 is the cushiest of all. The shoe feels like walking on clouds thanks to layers of soft, lightweight foams, and updates include a pillowed tongue, a sockliner, and an extended heel. A shoe this plush can sometimes feel unstable but a rear “crash pad” will keep feet in line.

What the expert says: The rocker bottom sole is in full display on the Bondi 8. “It provides a nice landing and propels you forward in a controlled way,” says Dr. Schaeffer. This makes striding feel smoother and easier because the rocker helps you push off.

Sizes 4 to 15 (unisex sizing) | Width: Medium | Heel stack: 30mm

• What’s notable: This is a crossover shoe that’s stylish for every day but still athletic enough when you’re on the go for hours. Reflectivity keeps you visible when walking down the street.
• What could be better: It’s not available in wide widths, and it may not be as durable as other Hokas.

On casual days you don’t need the same amount of support as you would to, say, walk an entire city or go for a long walk in the woods. The all-gender Transport X is breathable, lightweight and has ample cushioning in the midsole. The outsole is made from “sticky” rubber, which prevents you from slipping on rain-slicked streets, and the shoe offers reflectivity to improve visibility outdoors. Finally, a sneaky carbon fiber plate helps you stride more smoothly and efficiently.

What the expert says: Shulman views this as a solid walking shoe “with a tread that’s best for on-road walking.” This is all you need for cruising around town, but if you do take to the trails, you would need a more substantial, grippier tread (Shulman recommends the Hoka Skyline-Float).

Sizes 5 to 12 (W), 7-15 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Heel stack: 34mm (W), 36mm (M)

• What’s notable: This a cushy shoe for tackling long treks that also offers some stability.
• What could be better: It runs a bit narrow.

Long walks can cause aches and pain over time. That’s why you want a shoe that’s well cushioned to keep feet feeling fresh and bouncy, plus some stability to prevent overpronation injuries. The Gaviota 5 solves both issues with a stabilizing H-shaped frame that evenly distributes pressure across the entire foot and keeps the shoe from twisting excessively to minimize strain on your feet and ankles. The upper, meanwhile, is breathable and those with bunions will like the fact that Hoka recently made the Gaviota 5s slightly wider.

What the expert says: This shoe gets high marks for its versatility, and it has the features you need to get through long walks without pain. “It’s a good mix of comfort and stability for getting you where you need to go,” says Dr. Schaeffer.

Sizes: 5 to 11 (W), 7 to 14 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Heel stack: 35mm (W), 37MM (M)

• What’s notable: It’s a very lightweight shoe with a generous width and roomy toe box.
• What could be better: It doesn’t come in as many colors as some other Hokas.

There are few pairs of Hokas that work well for wide feet. The Clifton 9, Gaviota 5 and Ahari 7 all come in wide widths, and the Bondi 8 is even available in extra wide. So you have a lot of choices. But we chose the Mach 6 for wide feet because it’s unusual to find a fast shoe that also accommodates wider widths. The creel jacquard upper is stretchy and gives toes plenty of breathing room, and the architectural rubber sole will help you pick up your walking pace on the street or the treadmill. And of course, there is a hearty dose of foam in the midsole to keep feet comfortable.

What the expert says: “A stretchy material is important for wide feet, as is a wide toe box that allows toes to splay out,” points out Dr. Schaeffer. The Mach 6 checks those boxes, he says.