What You Need to Know About Hoka Running Shoes

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You’ve probably seen HOKA shoes at the gym, the track, the grocery store, or just anywhere people are out and about. In under a decade, their chunky but graceful silhouette has popped up everywhere, and now they’re a staple of the athletic footwear world.

For a lot of us, the era of HOKA shoes seemed to come out of nowhere. The truth is they’ve been quietly building buzz throughout the 2010s as more people took notice of their forward-thinking looks and smart performance. Let’s start at the beginning, so we can understand just how HOKA shoes became such a big part of modern running.

What are HOKA shoes, and where did they come from?

HOKA shoes are made by HOKA One One, a shoe company that was founded in France in 2009 before moving to California. The company’s name comes from a Maori word meaning “to fly,” and their signature oversized soles are designed for a comfy ride that could make you swear for a second you were airborne.

Marathon runners first brought HOKA shoes to popularity, drawn to their exceptional cushioning and support for long-distance running. Eventually, the chunky-soled running shoes started trending in the lifestyle shoe market, as rave reviews of HOKA shoes popped up everywhere and folks outside the running world took notice.

Now that we’re fully in the HOKA era, the brand’s lineup has expanded far beyond running shoes. From classic track shoes to everyday casual kicks, HOKA One One has something for everybody. The only question is, which pair has what you’re looking for?

Which HOKA shoe is best for me?

OK — so you’re thinking about lacing up a pair of HOKA shoes. We’ve got a few tips for figuring out which style will look and feel best on your feet.

HOKA Bondi vs. Clifton

Let’s look a little more closely at the two most popular models of HOKA shoes: the cushy Bondi and the streamlined Clifton. These are two of the very best HOKA shoes for walking and running, and each brings something a little different to the track.

The HOKA Bondi features a taller stack and extra padding that make it a perfect shoe for casual runners and walkers. For those who want a comfort-first shoe that can still compete when called upon, the Bondi might be just right.
The HOKA Clifton is a lighter, leaner model that balances padding with lightweight performance. If you want a supportive and comfort-focused shoe that’s still light enough for competitive running, the Cliftons are some of the best HOKA running shoes available.

Other HOKA shoes

The Bondi and Clifton may be the best-known HOKA shoes, but they’re far from the only options. These other HOKA models can all be worth considering, depending on what you’re looking for:

The HOKA Arahi is another of the best HOKA running shoes, this one focused on stability. Its combination of a flat-knit upper and J-Frame™ midsole support helps keep your stride in line without sacrificing a comfortable flex.
The HOKA Mach is a road and track runner’s best friend — light, responsive and built for speed, with a super critical foam midsole that makes every transition beautifully smooth. Their light weight and versatility also puts them among the best HOKA cross training shoes.
The HOKA Transport is a lifestyle shoe that’s also perfectly at home on the track, designed to navigate every part of modern city life in comfort and style.
The HOKA Gaviota brings you maximum stability and an easy ride, with a generous fit and a stabilizing H-Frame™ that delivers a firm but luxurious feel.
Finally, the HOKA Ora gives you an ultra-comfy pair of slides, ready to become an essential part of your race recovery routine.

For a closer look at the best HOKA running shoes and more, check out our guide to HOKA shoes for on and off the track.

Whichever style of HOKA shoes you’re feeling, you know where to find them: Hibbett. Shop our complete range of HOKA styles online, or stop in at your local Hibbett store to try on a few pairs and decide on your favorite.