HOKA, founded in France in 2009, has made a serious name for itself when it comes to cushioned running shoes. Interestingly, minimalist running shoes had been a bit of a trend just as HOKA was bursting on the scene, but a commitment to comfort and bold styles has seen the shoe brand go from strength to strength over a decade later.

So, you know you’re likely to get cushioning from a HOKA shoe. But what else? Beyond this, there’s massive variation between HOKA styles: you’ve got long-lugged trail shoes, springy race shoes, lightweight training shoes and more. Here’s how to choose the right shoe for you…

Why should I pick a HOKA shoe?

As mentioned above, cushioning is the real motivator here. If you find yourself struggling with sore, tired feet on long distance training runs, you’re going to be grateful that you invested in some HOKAs. They’re also incredibly lightweight, despite usually being a chunkier shoe, so they won’t get in the way of a PB. Speedy but comfortable, is the general motto here.

Not sure HOKA sounds right for you? Check out our other best women’s running shoes.

How do I pick the right shoe for me?

First of all, you need to consider where you’ll be running. Do you tend to stick to roads, or explore the trails? You might need extra comfort for roads, whereas a good pair of trail shoes will have lugs to stop you slipping, might be more supportive and should be waterproof.

You’ll also want to consider your own tendency for pronation and whether you might need more support based on your run style – you can find out more about this in our guide on how to choose the right running shoes.

Which HOKA shoe should I choose?

Below you can find reviews of the very best HOKA shoes we’ve tried and tested, and why they were so brilliant.

• Best everyday running shoe: HOKA Clifton 10
• Best all-rounder trail shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 7
• Best for tempo runs:HOKA Mach 6
• Best for a trail PB:HOKA Tecton X 3
• Best for recovery runs: HOKA Bondi 9
• Best for comfort on the trails: HOKA Mafate 5
• Best for long-distance trail: HOKA Mafate X
• Best carbon-plated race shoe: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
• Best super-shoe for wet conditions: HOKA Rocket X 3
• Best affordable option: HOKA Rincon 4

Best everyday running shoe: HOKA Clifton 10

HOKA Clifton 10 technical details

• Weight: 227g
• RRP: £140
• Drop: 8mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 2-10

Pros:

• More breathable than previous version
• Plenty of cushioning
• Perfect for long miles

 Cons:

• Not for speedy sessions or race PBs

What our testers said

“I’ve been running in the Clifton 10 for just under a month now, and I’m really happy with how they’ve performed on roads. I’d been running in the Saucony Guide 18 for most of my marathon training because I needed a bit extra stability for long distances, and shifting to the Clifton 10 post-marathon has been perfect for my recovery. That being said, they’re great over long miles too, and if you’re used to wearing a neutral shoe then you’ll get on with them famously.

“They’re not the speediest shoes in my collection, and I don’t plan on doing my interval training in them, but that’s not where they shine – they’re a stellar shoe for easy running and ideal for a weekend long run. I’d highly recommend them for beginners in particular.”

Want more info? Read Holly’s full HOKA Clifton 10 review.

Best all-rounder trail shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 7

HOKA Speedgoat 7 technical details

• Weight: 275g
• RRP: £145
• Drop: 6mm
• Lugs: 5mm
• Foam: Supercritical EVA
• Special tech: Vibram Megagrip

Pros:

• Great for lots of different terrains and speeds
• Lovely fit around heel and ankle
• Comfortable, natural fit
• Good in rain and mud without being clunky

Cons:

• Not the most cushioned – some runners may prefer more foam

What our testers said

“I’m obsessed with running in these shoes. In my experience, trail shoes often require some compromise and you have to decide what’s more important for the type of run you’re doing. Not with these Speedgoats.They’re great for mud and rain (handy, as it’s rained every day I’ve been testing them) due to incredible Vibram traction lugs.

That being said, they’re not as heavy and bulky as some of my other high-traction shoes.I’ve been able to take them on speedier runs thanks to a decent amount of bounce from that new ‘supercritical’ EVA foam, without compromising on comfort or stability. And whereas other road-to-trail shoes I’ve tried are lacking in some responsiveness, these have handled all terrains with ease.”

Want to know more? Read Kate’s full HOKA Speedgoat 7 review.

Best for tempo runs: HOKA Mach 6

HOKA Mach 6 technical details

• Weight: 189g
• RRP: £140
• Drop: 5mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9
• Special technology: Supercritical EVA midsole

Pros:

• Versatile shoe for easy miles and speed sessions
• Good non-plated option
• Well-priced

Cons:

• Could have been bouncier

What our tester said

“Like most HOKA shoes, the Mach 6 is very comfortable. It doesn’t have the squishy, pillowy softness of some shoes because it’s aiming to give you some responsiveness for when you want to run a bit quicker. The upper is lightweight but still has enough padding and support to make it comfortable.

It responded well to an increase in pace and that firmer foam allowed me to drive through the push-off. This shoe doesn’t have a carbon plate, which some runners might prefer. That does mean that it’s a bit cheaper than training shoes such as the HOKA Mach X but it also means it is less propulsive. that being said, the rockered design does give a good bit of encouragement to your stride.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full HOKA Mach 6 review.

Best for a trail PB: HOKA Tecton X 3

HOKA Tecton X 3 technical details

RRP: £220
Weight: 223g
Drop: 5mm
Lugs: 4mm
Foam: Dual-layer PEBA midsole
Special technology: Carbon fibre plate
Sizes: 3.5 to 9

Pros:

• Comfortable shoe
• Great grip
• Bouncy and fast

Cons:

• A little unstable
• Less ground feel than others

What our testers said

“These shoes have been developed with an incredible ultra runner called Jim Walsmley. It feels like they have been designed for runners who want to go faster on the trails. Their lugs (4mm) and grip (Vibram) are also very suited to mountain running, although of course they will transition well to other types of trail.

If you like trainers that have higher stacks and do a lot of running on rockier terrain which demands good grip then definitely give them a go. Also, if you are a runner who wants to smash out faster miles on the trails in practice and in racing then these might be a good option for you too. They are very pricey though, so be warned!”

Want to know more? Read Sabrina’s full HOKA Tecton X 3 review.

Best for recovery runs: HOKA Bondi 9

HOKA Bondi 9 technical details

• RRP: £160
• Weight: 263g
• Drop:5mm
• Sizes:UK women’s 3.5-9.5, wide option available

Pros:

• Super comfy
• New, more stylish design
• More responsive than the Bondi 8

Cons:

• My feet overheated a bit

What our testers said

“As I mentioned, I was particularly keen to try these out on my easy runs, as that’s where I’d enjoyed the Bondi 8 the most. I set off for a gentle 45-minute plod in them and was impressed by the comfort from the word go – the plush upper didn’t rub at all and the shoe felt bouncy and light underfoot. I was aiming for a gentle pace and found the Bondi worked hard to keep me steady. At no point did I feel they were slowing me down, but they helped me fall into a comfortable stride that didn’t feel sluggish. I’ll definitely be wearing them for easy runs and recovery runs going forwards.”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full HOKA Bondi 9 review.

Best for comfort on the trails: HOKA Mafate 5

HOKA Mafate 5 technical details

• Weight: 286g
• RRP: £170
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack: 45mm / 37mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 4-9

Pros:

• Comfortable shoe
• Great grip
• Handles the road well

Cons:

• On the heavy side
• Less suited to technical trail than its predecesessor

What our testers said

“The Mafate 5 is aimed at runners who want a comfortable, cushioned shoe for running on the trail. It’s ideal for ultra distances and long run on the trails where impact absorption matters more than top-end responsiveness.

The shoe offers a plush, protective ride. The soft lower foam cushions impact deeply, especially on rough ground, while the firmer top layer helps maintain structure and keeps the shoe from feeling too squishy. It had that Goldilocks ‘just right’ cushioning.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full HOKA Mafate 5 review.

Best for long-distance trail: HOKA Mafate X

HOKA Mafate X technical details

RRP: £185
Weight: 294g
Drop: 8mm
Stack: 49mm / 41mm
Foam: PEBA top layer + super-critical EVA base
Special technology: Forked carbon-fibre plate

Pros:

• Exceptional cushioning
• Carbon plate adds stability and propulsion
• Reliable Vibram grip

Cons:

• On the heavy side
• A little stiff without being highly rockered
• Ankle fit may not suit everyone

What our testers said

“I’ve been out in the HOKA Mafate X on runs up to 8 miles, hitting the dry summer trails where the ground is hard. And this is the perfect stomping ground for this shoe because it’s designed to offer comfort over performance. Its mega stack and cushioning make it perfect for gravel ultras, long-distance recovery runs, or anyone chasing comfort over rough mileage. It’s a hefty shoe though and probably won’t be your first choice for steep climbs or technical races.”

Want more info? Read Laura’s full HOKA Mafate X review

Best carbon-plated race shoe: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0

HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 technical details

RRP: £250
Weight: 213g
Drop: 7mm
Stack: 38mm
Sizes: UK 4.5-13.5
Special technology: Carbon fibre plate

Pros:

• Super speedy
• Comfortable
• Lovely design

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not very stable

What our testers said

“I’m so impressed that HOKA have been able to shave even more weight off it with this latest edition. As soon as I started running in them, though, I became painfully aware of my own technique – they offer very little on the way of stability, and I felt nervous about running at speed on uneven ground with them. Interestingly, HOKA claim to have updated the geometry from the previous version to create more stability, but I felt more comfortable in the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0. I’m don’t have the technical know-how to pinpoint exactly why, but I didn’t feel as supported in the newer version. This may just be the trade-off for more bounce, though, as they’re certainly more propulsive.

“You get out what you put in with the Cielo, and so they felt comfortable and not too stiff at slower speeds with a bit more snap the more I picked up the pace. I didn’t feel fast enough to take them to their full potential, but if you’re a speedy runner looking for comfort and lower-impact landings, they could be a gamechanger.”

Want more info? Read Holly’s full HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 review.

Best super-shoe for wet conditions: HOKA Rocket X 3

HOKA Rocket X 3 technical details

RRP: £220
Weight: 185g
Drop: 7mm
Special technology: Carbon fibre plate with lateral winglet

Pros:

• Ultra-responsive PEBA foam for energetic, snappy ride
• Felt stable and easy to race in
• Grippy outsole offers confidence in wet conditions

Cons:

• Narrower fit may not suit wider feet
• Not as fast as other carbon race shoes

What our testers said

“The first thing to note about the HOKA Rocket X 3 is that it’s very deceptive looking. If you saw it on the feet of a passing runner, you probably wouldn’t suspect it to be a supershoe. But take it out the box and put it on your feet, and it’s a different story.

It’s incredibly light for a start. HOKA has shaved off a few grams since the Rocket X 2 and it feels light as a feather on your feet. It’s also really easy to run in. It feels lover to the ground than a lot of carbon race shoes (we couldn’t get the exact stack height from HOKA) and that makes it feel a lot more stable on the run.I wore it to a local 5k race.

The weather was really humid and for the first few minutes of the race, we had some hot summer rain. But the improved grip of the Rocket X 3 worked well and I felt safe and secure on the damp pavements.The shoe was energetic and, while not as aggressive as some carbon plated shoes, I found this made it a lot more comfortable and easier to run in without feeling like you’re fighting against your shoes.”

Want more info? Read Laura’s full HOKA Rocket X 3 review.

Best affordable shoe: HOKA Rincon 4

HOKA Rincon 4 technical details

• Weight: 193g
• RRP: £110
• Drop: 5mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5

Pros:

• Competitive price
• Great balance of comfort and responsiveness
• Wide fit options

Cons:

• Not designed for longer distances

What our testers said

“A bit like the HOKA Clifton 9, the Rincon 4 is a great all-round shoe for everyday running. The main difference, though, is that you’ve got a little bit less stability and a tiny bit less cushion here, making it perfect for slightly shorter distances. It’s also a little more versatile: it’s a bouncy enough shoe that you could definitely wear it for interval training. It’s also a great price, so would be a good running shoe for beginners who don’t want to fork out too much.”

Want more info? Read Holly’s full HOKA Rincon 4 review.