Editor’s Note, October 26, 2026: We’ve added the Arahi 9, a lightweight stability shoe that doesn’t skimp on the plush. The Arahi 8—a past Gear of the Year winner—is also currently on sale for 20% off. When minimalist running shoes dominated the running scene in 2010, Hoka rebelled.
The brand made a grand entry into footwear with its maximally cushioned trail shoe, the Mafate. Ultrarunners loved the shoe for its foamy platform and shock absorption. It didn’t take long for other shoe brands to hop on board the high-stacked cushioning train.
Now, in the age of super foams and World Athletics 40mm-or-below stack height regulations, Hoka’s max-cushioned shoes are totally on-trend. Runners and walkers are reaping the benefits of the marshmallowy midsoles, accommodating fit, and rocker profiles. Some Hoka shoes will work better for you than others, though: These are our favorite Hoka running shoes for every type of runner, along with a helpful primer on the king of cushioning.
Our team of 300-plus local wear-testers is a diverse group of various ages, levels of experience, foot shapes, and paces. They provide valuable testing feedback that ensures our selections are all-inclusive. Like every piece of gear tested by our team, the shoes below were evaluated through fit, feel, and ride.
Below are the models we recommend for every type of run and runner. *All weights are for men’s 10 and women’s 8 unless otherwise noted. Testing the Clifton 11 feels like catching up with an old friend you’ve known since you both were yay-old. Your body falls into that familiar rhythm after you put on the shoes: that supportive cushioning that just has enough give for you to sink down, and the breathable upper that comfortably houses your foot without any threat of squeezing and friction.
The shoe has compression-molded EVA foam (CMEVA), which isn’t as responsive as more dynamic foams out there like Hoka’s very own supercritical ProGlide+ foam, featured in its newest version of the Clifton, the Clifton Pro. But CMEVA has its merits as a tried-and-true platform you can count on for daily training, walking, and recovering. It’s why we rank this shoe Best Overall.
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