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Whether you’re an advanced fitness buff like Jennifer Aniston and Kirsty Godso, you squeeze in a DIY workout whenever you can using at-home gym equipment, or running errands is more your speed, investing in a supportive pair of sneakers is always a good idea.
Hoka is a favorite performance footwear brand among athletes, entertainers and even the dream teams behind the stars, thanks to many of its shoes‘ curved soles and cushioning properties that propel you forward so you can glide like you’re walking on a cloud. (Kaia Gerber, Emma Roberts, Harry Styles and Jennifer Garner are just a handful of A-listers who’ve been seen in the brand.) Rihanna’s makeup artist Priscilla Ono recently revealed to The Hollywood Reporter, “As a makeup artist, I’m on my feet 12 hours a day — sometimes longer! Hoka sneakers are great for standing for long periods of time and are my go-to for long set days.”
Founded in 2009 in France as Hoka One One, the brand’s sneakers were initially designed to help runners speed down hills via an oversized, cushioned outsole. Named after the Māori phrase for “to fly,” the company has since dropped the “One One” from its name and was acquired in 2013 by California-based Deckers Brands, the parent company of Teva, Ugg, Sanuk, Koolaburra and other performance and lifestyle footwear labels.
If you’re thinking of adding Hoka to your fitness attire, we’ve rounded up some of the brand’s best styles for every type of activity. Many of these silhouettes are unisex too, so you can easily find a pair no matter your foot size or style. We’ve also featured some of the best deals on Hoka shoes ahead of Black Friday, including at Hoka.com, Zappos, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
Best Overall
HOKA Bondi 8 Sneakers
Olivia Wilde has been spotted post-workout in the Bondi 8, which is a great walking shoe that has earned the approval of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Upgraded from the past season Bondi, this style features a softer and lighter foam bed and an extended heel geometry. The heel pull tab also makes these easy to slip on and off when you’re on the go. Britney Spears, Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon have also been seen in the kicks, which come in a generous 20 colorways.
MOST STYLISH
Hoka x Reformation Mach 6 Sneakers
Hoka and Reformation recently teamed up for a limited-edition collection ($160) that puts a stylish and sustainable spin on the Mach 6 sneakers. The reimagined everyday walking and running trainers feature an organic cotton mesh canvas upper and heel overlay and recycled polyester lining, reinforcements and laces. Select styles are on sale for 20 percent off.
Best for CASUAL RUNNERS
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
The Clifton 9 is the ninth iteration of Hoka’s award-winning Clifton franchise — and judging by the number of stars who’ve been seen wearing them, they’re also a Hollywood favorite. (Kylie Jenner, Cameron Diaz, Blake Lively and Camila Cabello are among those who’ve worn the style.) These sneakers can be worn everywhere, from a brisk hike to a trot around town. The Clifton 9s are not only lighter than most styles, but they’re also more cushioned, a bit taller (they added 3mm of stack height) and feature an improved outsole design.
Best for recovery
Hoka Ora Primo Mules
After quickly selling out last winter, Hoka restocked its Ora Primo mules in black, green and a new vanilla hue. Designed for post-run recovery, the comfy clogs feature “a futuristic silhouette” with an insulated quilted puffer upper, chunky elastic lace system, a soft knit collar for easily slipping on and off your feet and a protective foam bumper. They’re also made with a 30 percent recycled rubber outsole.
Best for support
HOKA Clifton L Suede
Available in six colors, the Clifton L is a casual trainer that’s intended for all-day wear. Don’t be fooled by this style’s aesthetically pleasing exterior — Clifton L isn’t just for looks, as it provides maximum support with MetaRocker geometry, a full-length compression-molded EVA midsole and strategic rubber placement to offer durability. Select colors and sizes are on sale for 20 percent off.
Best Under $100
HOKA Ora Recovery Shoe 2 Sneakers
Easily a steal, the Ora Recovery Shoe 2 offers an easy slip-on style and budget-friendly price tag. This shoe is made for post-run relief but can be worn by anyone looking for pillow-like comfort, as it features a memory foam heel and an elastic band at the ankle for foot-cradling support. Great for travel, this shoe also features a collapsible mesh upper for an easy fold.
Best for Intermediate Runners
HOKA Mach X 2 Sneakers
For intermediate runners, the Mach X 2 is more of a pace-pushing trainer, available in four colorways and featuring a high-rebound cushioning. To provide additional support for your endurance, this style is supercharged with a layer of PEBA foam that’s 34 percent more resilient than the Carbon X3 foam. The previous style, the Mach X, is on sale for 33 percent off at Nordstrom Rack.
Best for Advanced Runners
HOKA Rocket X 2
Made for elite runners and available in two colorways, the Rocket X 2 features a propulsive carbon fiber plate that is sandwiched between two layers of a ultra-responsive, high-performance foam. Offering premium support for your highest endurance effort, this also offers a foot-hugging fit and an internal midfoot cage so you can race without worry.
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Hoka Arahi 7 Road Running Shoes
Good news: Stability is built into every Hoka style via the Active Foot Frame and broader geometries, while also delivering a lightweight experience. Hoka is a supportive choice for those who experience inflammation in their feet, and the Arahi 7 in particular is a good style choice as it offers the perfect combo of maximal cushioning and minimal weight. Save 20 percent off select colorways and sizes at Hoka’s website and Zappos.
Best for Flat Feet
Hoka Gaviota 5 Shoe
If flat feet are your concern, the Gaviota 5 provides additional support via Hoka’s J-Frame and H-Frame technologies designed to provide a more stable experience for those who pronate more than most.
Best for Commuters
Hoka Transport Shoes
For regular walkers who hit the pavement as part of their daily commute, the Hoka Transport shoes are ideal. The brand says these American Podiatric Medical Association-approved sneakers are “designed with the city-dweller” in mind, as seen in the Vibram outsole, the high-performance midsole and the abrasion-resistant and reflective Corduro upper. The features combine to provide durability on sidewalks, subways, streets and beyond no matter the weather conditions. Select colors are on sale for 20 percent off at Hoka, while the Transport X unisex edition is 33 percent off at Zappos.)
Best Waterproof Shoes for Hiking
Hoka Kaha 2 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes
For those who need foot-hugging stability and comfort, the Hoka Kaha 2 Low Gore-Tex hiking shoes are one of the best sneakers for hikers. They feature a Viram megatrip outsole for increased traction and ground contact and a “dual-density compression-molded foam midsole with Hubble heel and Swallow tail” for cushioning and balance. Save 50 percent when you buy the Kaha 2 low styles on Zappos or 30 percent at Hoka; the ankle boot version is also marked down.
Best Kids Hiking Shoe
Hoka Kids’ Anacapa 2 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Hoka’s waterproof Anacapa 2 hiking shoes are ideal for adventurous kids who love hitting the trails. They’re outfitted with an extended heel and a durable, cushioned sole to provide stability and comfort, while the Gore-Tex finish keeps feet dry.
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