When podiatrists suggest sneakers, there’s one model that pops up over and over: Hoka. “They provide each cushion and help, the place numerous sneakers solely provide one or the opposite,” Samantha Sklar, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Foot First Podiatry Facilities in Illinois, tells SELF. Which means you not solely get loads of shock absorption, but in addition a strong quantity of construction underneath your toes to strategically distribute your weight, explains Dr. Sklar—who admits her personal closet is filled with Hoka sneakers. (“They obtained me,” she says.)
Dr. Sklar provides that Hokas are additionally designed with anatomically-friendly broad toe containers, so that you don’t need to smush your toes inside them. And in case you’re combating foot ache or an harm, the rocker backside design can helpfully offload some stress as you stroll.
However which Hoka sneakers are really the very best? We requested consultants like Dr. Sklar to share their high picks for strolling, working, mountaineering, and extra, and even examined out a few of their recs ourselves—store our favorites beneath.
Our high picks
- Greatest Total: Clifton 9
- Greatest for Strolling: Mach 6
- Greatest On a regular basis Shoe: Mafate Velocity 4
- Greatest for Lengthy-Distance Runs: Bondi 8
- Greatest for Overpronation: Gaviota 5
- Greatest Sandals: Ora Restoration Slide 3
- Greatest for Plantar Fasciitis: Transport
- Greatest for Racing: Rocket X 2
- Greatest for Climbing: Kaha 2 GTX
- Greatest for Path Working: Speedgoat 6
- Greatest Every day Coach: Solimar
Incessantly requested questions on Hoka sneakers
What’s so particular about Hokas?
Hoka was one of many first manufacturers to popularize max-cushioned sneakers. However Dr. Sklar factors out that their sneakers provide greater than padding: “Everybody thinks [it] sounds nice to only put your toes on reminiscence foam. However in actuality, while you’re standing in your toes all day, there must be construction beneath to carry up your arch in order that your weight could be distributed throughout your toes as an alternative of on very tender stress factors,” she says—and Hokas ship, large time.
Do podiatrists suggest Hokas?
Many podiatrists suggest Hokas, because of their strong stability of help and cushioning, broad toe containers, and rocker bottoms. “It’s a straightforward, tried-and-true suggestion,” Megan Ishibashi, DPM, a podiatrist with Sutter Well being in California, tells SELF.
Are Hokas truly good to your toes?
Sure! Many Hoka fashions have been awarded the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA), which acknowledges merchandise that promote good foot well being. Plenty of consultants (together with those we spoke with) stand by them.
Store the very best Hoka sneakers
Whether or not you’re shopping for your first pair of Hokas or your tenth, compensate for every part you could know concerning the model’s hottest sneakers beneath.
Greatest Total: Clifton 9
Professionals
- Comfortable help
- Light-weight
- Vegan
- Made with recycled supplies
Cons
- Can put on out faster than different fashions, per Dr. Sklar
- Won’t have sufficient cushion for working lengthy distances
The Clifton is Dr. Sklar’s go-to suggestion for anybody who wants an excellent working shoe, strolling shoe, or one thing to face in all day lengthy at work. “We at all times begin with the Clifton as a result of it is only a typically good shoe for most individuals,” she says.
Dr. Ishibashi tells SELF that the Clifton is a superb instance of Hoka’s just-right mixture of cushioning and help, plus that pain-relieving rocker backside design. It’s additionally much less cumbersome than different well-known Hoka pairs (just like the Bondi), she provides: ”It’s slightly bit lighter.” She’s not shocked that the Clifton is a well-liked decide amongst nurses, whose toes can take a beating throughout lengthy shifts.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Supplies: Knit higher, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole | Widths: Common, broad | Weight: 7.3 oz
Greatest for Strolling: Mach 6
Professionals
- Springy experience, in line with Hoka reviewers
- Light-weight
- Vegan
Cons
Dr. Sklar says the Mach 6 is a superb various to the Clifton in case you’re out there for a strolling shoe. Designed for every day runs, this sneak offers you a little bit of a pep in your step, with foam that feels extra bouncy than squishy. (Assume: strolling on a trampoline, somewhat than a pillow.) For these making a exercise of their every day walks, this will imply you may end up striding slightly quicker or pacing longer earlier than your toes begin to get drained.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Supplies: Creel jacquard higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Widths: Common, broad | Weight: 6.7 oz
Greatest On a regular basis Shoe: Mafate Velocity 4
Professionals
- Sturdy
- Grippy sole
- Made with recycled supplies
Cons
- Not accessible in broad widths
Though the Mafate Velocity is technically a path working shoe, Dr. Sklar was sporting it after we spoke to her on a busy workday between surgical procedures. Even with lugs on the bottoms designed for the outside, she finds them to be a terrific all-around shoe. “I can stand in all of them day lengthy. I can stroll throughout Europe in them. I can run miles. I stroll my canine in them,” she says. “I put on them for every part.”
Bonus: In case you like designs on the louder aspect, the Mafate’s enjoyable aesthetic is perhaps proper up your alley. Out of all her Hoka sneakers, Dr. Sklar says, “These are my cutest ones.”
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Supplies: Jacquard mesh higher, foam midsole, Vibram rubber outsole | Widths: Common | Weight: 8.5 oz
Greatest for Lengthy-Distance Runs: Bondi 8
Professionals
- Main quantities of soppy cushioning
- Awarded the APMA seal of acceptance
- Vegan
- Made with recycled supplies
Cons
- Excessive stack peak can really feel too clunky for some folks, per Dr. Sklar
With over 40 millimeters of cushioning underneath the heel, the Bondi 8 is called the Hoka of all Hokas.“Folks love the Bondis as a result of they’re actually, actually cushioned,” Dr. Ishibashi says, including in addition they have nice help. All that light-weight foam underfoot may help maintain your arches from performing up when your mileage begins to climb on long-distance runs. Even higher, this shoe earned a seal of acceptance from the APMA, which implies high podiatrists agree that it encourages good foot well being.
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