In 2009, two French adventure enthusiasts wanted a little more oomph in their running shoes, particularly when running downhill. They designed a sneaker with an overstuffed outsole that had more cushion than other kicks on the market that could propel them forward with every stride. And thus, Hoka was born.
Since then, Hoka has ballooned in popularity, claiming space in closets for its out-of-this-world comfort that’s made them a popular option for walks and soft hikes. But, true to the brand’s roots, runners swear by them, too. Just ask Diné athlete Brandon Dugi, a competitive long-distance trail runner based in LeChee, Arizona, a small community in the Navajo nation. When he’s not shooting adventure photography, Dugi competes in Ultra races around the southwest and coaches his local high school’s cross-country team—all the while outfitted in Hoka sneakers and gear.
“The good thing about Hoka is whatever shoe you choose gives you guaranteed comfort,” Dugi says. Still, some Hoka styles are better for running than others. Below, Dugi shares his professional recommendations for Hoka running shoes for every training style and occasion.
What makes Hoka shoes good for running
There’s a myriad of features to love about Hoka for running, but Dugi points out the gusseted tongue each shoe, which helps his feet feel secure during fast and long runs. Additionally,”when it comes to being on your feet for a long period of time, Hoka shoes come in clutch with the amount of good quality cushion that’s in each shoe,” he says. “Last but not least, the meta-rocker sole moves your forward with every step you take from heel to toe, providing you with a smooth ride [that] makes every run that much more comfortable.”
Whether you’re new to running or buying Hokas for the first time, Dugi recommends trying out a bunch of different Hoka styles to see whichever pair works well for you. But depending on your running goals and training preferences, his recommendations below are a good place to start.
Best for training
Mach 5 — $140.00
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes
From long-distance marathons to 5K races, there’s no shoe better to train in than Hoka’s Mach 5, which happens to be Dugi’s everyday trainer. “This shoe is light and super comfortable with the right amount of cushion and breathability for those daily miles,” says Dugi. The midsole is lined with foam cushioning that soaks up the shock from daily impact, and the cushioned heel collar prevents irritation on long runs. Another feature worth talking about is the meta-rocker, making it easy to transition during strides. Lightweight, breathable, and supportive, the Mach 5s await to pound the pavement.
Weight: 6.8oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Colors: 12
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Cushioned for everyday training
- Not available in wide widths
Best for speed work
Rocket X 2 — $250.00
Sizes available: 6-15, in half sizes
If you’re looking to up the ante on speed work training, Dugi swears by the Rocket X 2. “It’s by far my favorite speed shoe I’ve ever put on my feet,” he says.
They feature a carbon fiber plate combined with plush PEBA foam to give them a responsive bounce that propel you forward with each steps, he says. The shoe is meant to fit like a glove with its foot-hugging mesh and gusseted tongue. It’s basically like a hug for your feet. The cushioned sole means you also get superior protection and shock absorption for those high-impact sprints.
Weight: 8.3oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Colors: ceramic/evening primrose
- Great for speed work
- Foam cushioning
- Gusseted tongue
- Shoe fits like a glove
- Expensive
- Only available in one color
Best for long-distance running
Carbon X 3 — $200.00
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes
The more miles you run, the happier you’ll want your feet to be. For long-distance training, Dugi says the Carbon X 3 has got your bases covered. The shoe is equipped with a carbon fiber plate that makes striding easy peasy and a responsive foam midsole that absorbs all of the shock, so you can run sans shin splint, knee, or joint pain. No matter how hot or sweaty your workouts get, the engineered knit upper—which is breathable and lightweight—vents heat, so you don’t feel uncomfortable or sticky. Super lightweight, cushioned, and breathable, it’s no wonder why it’s a Dugi favorite for longer distances.
Weight: 6.6oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Colors: 9
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Has carbon fiber plate
- Foam midsole
- Not available in wide widths
- Expensive
Best for everyday jogs
Clifton 9 — $145.00
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes and two widths
It goes without saying, but the Clifton 9s are the heroes of Hoka. These kicks are the epitome of versatility; they marry cushion, breathability, and flexibility, making them ideal for walks, runs, and soft hikes. The shoe can vent hot air thanks to the knit upper and boasts a gusseted tongue for a more secure fit. Also nice? “The balance between plush and responsiveness this shoe has is amazing,” says Dugi. That’s why Dugi wears this shoe for everything.
Weight: 7.3oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Colors: 11
Read the full Hoka Clifton 9 review here.
- Lightweight
- Cushioned midsole
- Has gusseted tongue
- Available in two widths
- Doesn’t provide great stability for uneven terrain
Best support
Arahi 6 — $140.00
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and wide widths
Support is what you seek? Dugi’s recommendation is to go with the Arahi 6. “This shoe provides so much stability throughout the foot with its J-frame technology,” he says. The technology is designed to prevent your foot from rolling inwards, aka overpronation. What also creates extra stability is the intentionally-placed rubber on the sole, which offers increased traction on all types of surfaces. All of these features work in tandem to prevent injury, support you during long runs, and keep you moving and grooving pain-free. Ready to hit the road?
Weight: 7.6oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Colors: 12
- Offers stability
- Minimizes overpronation
- Meta-rocker
- Available in wide widths
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