Podiatrists Agree: These Pillowy Hokas Make the Best Walking Shoes

Maddy

1 day ago

There are lots of reasons so many people are walking around in Hoka shoes these days — at the top of this list is the brand’s legendary pillowy soft support. The brand was a pioneer of cushioned running shoes when it debuted more than a decade ago, and although other shoe companies have since followed in its chunky footsteps, the best Hoka walking shoes still reliably deliver both prime comfort and top-notch support.

That’s why, when patients ask Texas-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., for the best sneaker recommendations, Hokas are “top of mind,” she says. “A lot of people walking on hard surfaces need that shock absorption.” The relatively low heel-to-toe drop in Hoka shoes also promotes a healthier gait, while the metarocker featured in most models can smooth out your stride.

To help you find the best Hoka walking shoes for logging your daily steps, we put more than a dozen pairs of Hokas through their paces ourselves, testing them on long walks, hours spent standing, and everything in between. We then checked with podiatrists to ensure these picks are approved by experts and good for your feet. We checked out how comfortable and supportive they felt, how they performed on our walks, and whether they actually held up after multiple miles. So if you’re on the hunt for your next pair, we’ve got you: These are the best Hoka walking shoes, backed by our testing.

Credit: Urban Outfitters

Why We Like It

Balanced cushioning that you don’t sink into
Rocker bottom propels you forward
Lightweight
Made with recycled materials

Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard, wide | Stack Height: 37 mm | Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 7.3 oz

The Clifton skyrocketed to the top of our list for best Hoka walking shoes with its perfectly balanced cushioning. Whenever we laced them up for a walk, this shoe gently caught each footfall without making us feel like we were falling into a sinkhole. Our tester with bad knees said her knee pain basically disappeared as the compression-molded EVA foam midsole absorbed the impact of stepping on hard concrete. We also appreciated how the early-stage metarocker propelled us forward throughout every mile.

The best part: All that tech beneath your feet won’t weigh you down — the Clifton comes in at a surprisingly light 7.3 oz. Ten thousand steps in a day never felt so breezy.

Credit: Hoka

Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard, wide | Stack Height: 37 mm | Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 9.1 oz

When the soles of your feet are screaming in pain from plantar fasciitis, “shoes that provide excellent arch support, cushioning, and stability are crucial,” says Suzanne Fuchs, D.P.M., a Florida-based podiatrist. She particularly recommends the Gaviota 5, which has both a supportive H-frame base to prevent overpronation and a luxurious bed of EVA foam to soften each landing.

This style also has a slightly higher drop (6 mm) than other Hokas. “By elevating the heel, it’s going to take the load off the plantar fascia and shift that forward onto the ball of the foot a little bit,” Sharkey says. Overall, we liked walking in this shoe even more than we thought we would, finding it super comfortable from the get-go, with cushy foam that kept our feet feeling supported all day long.

Credit: Hoka

Sizes: 5–15 | Width: Standard | Stack Height: Unlisted | Drop: Unlisted | Weight: Unlisted

If you’re going to wear running shoes to work, why not make a statement with them? These retro trail shoes from Hoka have made a comeback as a lifestyle sneaker. Most users don’t actually take advantage of the Stinson Evo OG’s single-track-ready treads, preferring to keep the bold, eye-catching design dirt-free by sticking to paved roads. But we’ve taken them out on all kinds of surfaces, from gnarly mountain trails to hard concrete and, yes, office buildings. No matter where we wear them, the thick bed of cushioning cradles our feet like a baby.

Credit: REI

Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard, wide | Stack Height: 40 mm | Drop: 4 mm | Weight: 8.9 oz

With a honking 40 mm of foam under the heel, the Bondi 8 is the Hoka of all Hokas. It’s also Sharkey’s go-to Hoka walking shoe rec since its thick, uber-soft midsole eases the impact of every single step you take. While anyone can benefit, this makes the Bondi especially great for seniors or those with achy joints that need a little extra love. “They have max cushioning, lighter and softer foams, and are designed for a balanced and smooth ride,” says Bekah Broe, senior director of product and performance footwear at Hoka.

Slipping on a pair of Bondis honestly feels like surrounding your feet in comfiness from every angle: There’s an extended heel crash pad in the back to soften your landings, memory foam around the heel, and even padding in the tongue for a fit that’s like a big bear hug. But despite all that softness, the Bondi is in no way flimsy; during testing, the sole was solid enough to support our stride so our feet didn’t tire out, even when the miles added up. “In general, you want a little bit more stiffness in a walking shoe,” says Sharkey. This style delivers that beautifully.

Credit: Hoka

Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard, wide | Stack Height: 38 mm | Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 8.6 oz

The Skyflow will put a spring in your step even when you’re on your feet for, say, a 12-hour shift. Hence why they’re among the best shoes for nurses. We found that even though we felt a bit high off the ground in these (an inch and a half, to be precise), the supportive frame cradled our feet — especially the heel. Meanwhile, the EVA foam gave our steps quite a bounce, which made them feel great to walk and stand in. Bonus: The grippy rubber on the bottom will help to keep you from slipping and sliding around, no matter what you might find yourself stepping in.

Credit: Hoka

Why We Like It

Super lightweight
Sleek aesthetic
Versatile

Sizes: 5–11 | Width: Standard, wide | Stack Height: 35 mm | Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 6.7 oz

Wide feet can sometimes get the short shrift in color options, but Hoka offers four colorways we love in the wide version of the Mach 6. These low-profile shoes are less bulky and more streamlined than your stereotypical Hokas. At just 6.7 oz., they’re one of the lightest Hoka options on the market. This all added up to giving the shoe a firmer feel than we expected from a Hoka sneaker. TBH, it took us a little while to get used to that stiffer sensation. But once we did, these became some of our favorite Hoka walking shoes. We also enjoyed the helpful kick they gave us when picking up the pace for runs, too.

Credit: Hoka

Sizes: 5–12 | Width: Standard, wide | Stack Height: 34 mm | Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 8.1 oz

For the extra stability you need to combat overpronation, both Sharkey and Fuchs recommend the Arahi 7 — winner of Shape’s 2024 Sneaker Awards for best stability shoe. The shoe’s J-shaped foam effectively prevents your feet from rolling inward without being overbearing about it. “This model provides stability and support while still offering cushioning,” Fuchs says. Unlike some stability shoes, which can end up heavy and clunky, we found these comfy right out of the box. They’re just a little stiff, but not in a painful way. And they only got better the more we wore them.

Another Shape-Loved Hoka Walking Shoe

The seven Hoka walking shoes above are all our top-tested picks. After our testing period, Hoka released the Bondi 9 with an updated foam midsole and other features that are worth considering.

Credit: Hoka

What to Know About the Best Hoka Walking Shoes

Stack height: According to Fuchs, a higher stack height (translation: a more chunky cushion under your foot) can have several benefits for walkers. “More cushioning can help absorb impact and reduce stress on the joints, particularly for those who have foot or knee problems,” she says. It also just makes everything a heck of a lot more comfy.
Heel-to-toe drop: Hokas are known for having a lower heel-to-toe drop, meaning the difference between the height of the heel and the toe. “Zero drop is ideal because that’s what it’s like being barefoot, but you really have to acclimate to that,” says Sharkey. The average drop in traditional running shoes is about 10 mm, so Fuchs says the lower offset in Hokas (typically around 5 mm) is a smart way for walkers to gradually transition into that more natural zero-drop setup.
Rocker: Most Hoka shoes have an early- or late-stage metarocker. What’s the difference? Broe explains that an early-stage metarocker starts close to the midfoot to create a quick push-off, while a late-stage one starts near the base of the toe for extra stability. “A rocker sole can help facilitate a smoother toe-off and reduce pressure on the forefoot, which is particularly helpful for those with joint pain or limited mobility,” Fuchs says. However, she adds that not all walkers like or need an exaggerated rocker, so it’s good to try out shoes both with and without it and go with what’s most comfortable for you.
Traction: Hoka shoes have a range of traction options. Standard rubber outsoles are sufficient for everyday walks on smooth surfaces like paved roads and treadmills, while hiking-specific Vibram outsoles are made with high-performance rubber and a traction lug system for added grip in rugged terrain. Several Hoka walking shoes, including the Hoka Arahi 7 and Hoka Clifton 9, have a durabrasion rubber outsole for added durability on paved surfaces
Toe Box: The toe box is the part of the shoe that surrounds your toes. It can be narrow or wide depending on the shape of the shoe. In general, you want the toe box to be large enough so your toes have room to spread naturally without any pinching or cramming. But your foot should not slide around in the shoe as you walk. Individuals with bunions or wide feet often require a wide toe box, which is offered in many Hokas, such as the Hoka Clifton 9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cliftons or Bondis better for walking?

Podiatrists say both the Cliftons and the Bondis make for ideal walking shoes. The choice comes down to personal preference, according to Fuchs. “If you prefer a lighter shoe with ample cushioning, go for the Clifton. If maximum cushioning is your priority, especially for longer walks, or if you’re dealing with discomfort, the Bondi might be the better choice,” she says. Sharkey adds that the Bondis are also a bit stiffer, which can be helpful on walks.

Which Hoka shoes are recommended by podiatrists?

What Hoka shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?

Fuchs says the Arahi is a great shoe for plantar fasciitis, thanks to its stability and support features, and she also recommends the Bondi, since its max cushioning can take some pressure off of an irritated plantar fascia. But your best bet might be the Gaviota, which marries the Arahi’s support with the Bondi’s plush cushioning.

What Hokas are best for walking?

Lots of Hokas make fantastic walking shoes. But both Fuchs and Sharkey say the neutral Cliftons and Bondis are at the very top of the list, with plenty of cushioning alongside solid support. If you need more stability, however, they recommend reaching for the Arahi or the Gaviota.

Why Trust Shape

Jennifer Heimlich is health and fitness writer and the former senior fitness editor of Well+Good. A certified running coach, she’s written for SELF, TIME, GQ, and Outside Run, among other outlets. She’s interviewed podiatrists about the best shoes for all kinds of activities, and has tested dozens of walking and running shoes herself, including several that made this list, like the Arahi, Bondi, and Stinson.

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