Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. There are many perks of being a Women’s Health style writer, and testing comfortable sneakers for work ranks very high on the list. My days are basically a rotation of steps—commutes, errands, long walks in the name of journalism—which means I’ve become extremely picky about what earns a spot on my feet.
But time after time, I keep coming back to Hoka, aka the King of Cushion. Since the brand launched in 2009, Hoka has perfected the balance between support and comfort (the number one feature in a walking shoe), says podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, foot surgeon and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City. Hoka has not only asserted itself as a top contender in the sneaker scene, but the brand has also become a style statement, too, making ortho-looking shoes look cool with their plush cushioning.
The brand churns out a bunch of styles for all sorts of activities, from running shoes to hiking boots, but Hoka’s walking shoes are some of my favorites. I get that combing through all the specs can get overwhelming, so luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you by testing and walking in Hoka sneaks for the past two years. Plus, I enlisted the help of Schaeffer and other WH editors to get the scoop on the right shoes for you.
After testing nearly every Hoka model, the Clifton 11 reigns supreme for walking. I was also a fan of the previous Clifton 10, and the newest version feels very similar. It is by far the most comfortable model in the series to date, and it’s earned a spot in my shoe rotation for its supportive yet flexible cushioning that gives me a spring in my step.
The first major difference I noticed is how light the Clifton 11 feels. Even after wearing it for several hours at a time, it doesn’t feel bulky or clunky. Which makes sense: Hoka did shave nearly half an ounce off the weight compared to the 10.
The toe box is slightly more narrow, too, but I actually preferred the more secure fit because it kept my foot from sliding around without feeling cramped. If you like a little more wiggle room for your toes, I would suggest opting for the wide sizing, though. Despite its lighter weight, it has an ample stack of foam padding throughout the midsole.
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