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/ Exercise
By Jillian Tracy, CNN Underscored
Published 10:02 AM EST, Tue December 10, 2024
What's in this guide
- How to choose the best Hoka walking shoes
- How we evaluated Hoka walking shoes
- Best Hoka walking shoes
- FAQs
- Meet our experts
- Why trust CNN Underscored

Hoka walking shoes quick picks
For hybrid runners and walkers: Hoka Clifton 9
For long walks: Hoka Bondi 8
For the city dweller: Hoka Transport
Touted for their extreme comfort, you’ve likely heard praise for Hoka shoes or seen them adorning the feet of runners, walkers and joggers from coast to coast. Here at Underscored, our readers and editors are big fans of the maximum cushion and plush design the brand is known for, but with so many models to choose from, it can be hard to pinpoint which is best to buy. So, as the new year approaches, and with it many new fitness goals to crush, we tapped foot experts and surgeons to bring you advice on choosing the best Hoka walking shoes to keep your feet feeling fresh with every step.
How to choose the best Hoka walking shoes
The most remarkable feature of many of Hoka’s styles is the high cushion stacked at the bottom of the shoes, but it’s more than just an aesthetic choice. This added cushion helps to absorb shock and impact as your feet hit the ground.
“With a shoe that can actually absorb some of the shock, your foot and your ankle joints are not seeing as much of the strain come across them,” says Dr. David Garras, a board-certified orthopedist who specializes in foot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Shannon Alejandro, a Texas-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon, adds that as we age, the fat padding at the bottom of our feet begins to diminish, which can make walking or running over long distances more uncomfortable. The max cushion on Hoka’s shoes helps to supplement this loss of padding and aids in rolling our feet properly from heel to toe as they strike the ground.
In addition to looking for walking shoes with a good cushion, our experts also stress the importance of finding shoes with proper support. “A shoe should not be able to fold completely in half like a sandwich; it needs to have some structure to it,” says Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, a Maryland-based podiatric surgeon. “Ideally, it should have a removable insole, something you can remove and slide your custom orthotic in, if needed.”
You’ll also want to check that the shoes have firm and supportive heel counters to cradle the backs of your feet. As Alejandro explains, it should feel like a hug around the back of your heel — snug enough to support and stabilize your foot but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. “You don’t want your heel to be sliding around, because that will lead to blisters, and it will lead your foot sliding forward and backward in the shoe,” Alejandro says.
How to fit your walking shoes
Another facet that makes Hoka’s walking shoes so popular is their range of wide-fit style options. Alejandro says that those with bunions, hammer toes or flat feet might benefit from a shoe with a wider fit since it gives their feet more side-to-side space, preventing a cramped or squished feeling.
“Before we had the wide shoes, we’d say to just go up a size in your shoe, which doesn’t always work for people because they’re slipping around,” Alejandro says. “If your toes are touching the end of your shoe, I would consider going up a half size in your shoe, especially if you’re a runner.”
Because everyone’s body is built slightly differently, another essential for finding the right walking shoes is knowing what type of foot you have. “For example, if you have a very high arch and you get a shoe for a flat foot, it actually pushes you out more, which can cause ankle sprains,” Parthasarathy says. “Knowing your foot type is crucial.”
Parthasarathy adds that it can be difficult to determine what kind of foot you have on your own. Despite the easy convenience of foot-scanning machines in your local shoe store, Parthasarathy cautions that these machines are not always accurate. A visit to your podiatrist is the best way to help narrow down your shoe options to be sure you’re choosing a model that best accommodates your foot type.
If you’re trying on shoes in person, several of our experts recommend going shoe shopping at the end of the day when your feet are already a bit swollen. “When your foot’s tired, when your foot’s cranky, if you put a pair of shoes on then that feels good, they’re going to feel great the rest of the day,” says Dr. Naomi Shields, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon based in San Antonio.
When to replace walking shoes
Finding the right pair of walking shoes can be tricky enough, but how do you know when it’s time to buy a new pair? If your shoe can be completely folded in half, this likely means it’s lost support and it’s time for an upgrade. In addition to examining shoes for signs of physical degradation like lack of tread or structure, Alejandro also says to tune in to how your body might be reacting, paying attention to things like if your foot strike feels different or your feet don’t feel as cushioned as they used to.
“Examine your shoes and see. Are you starting to get those aches and pains that you wouldn’t normally get, like anterior knee pain, shin splints and plantar fasciitis?” Alejandro says.

When shopping for new shoes, Parthasarathy also recommends consulting the American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of shoes that have earned the organization’s Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. You’ll see that some of Hoka’s models are already included on this list.
“They’ve gone through rigorous testing with a group of podiatrists, and they are approved by the APMA, so it’s good because you know that you’re using a vetted shoe already,” Parthasarathy says.
If no shoes seem to be helping ease the pain or issues you’re experiencing as you walk, Alejandro recommends consulting the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society’s online FootCareMD and physician finder tools to find an expert in your area who can further evaluate your needs.
How we evaluated Hoka walking shoes
In addition to consulting experts about what makes Hoka shoes great for walking, we decided to take a few of the models for a spin ourselves. Hitting the streets with both men’s and women’s styles, our editors considered things like overall comfort, longwear support, fit and aesthetic to determine whether or not these Hoka shoes were worthy of a recommendation.
Best Hoka walking shoes
Hoka Clifton 9
“The only thing that has kept me from becoming a full-blown sneakerhead is that most shoes just aren't comfortable compared to my Hokas,” says associate testing writer Joe Bloss. A fan of the previous Clifton models, Bloss found the Clifton 9s to be just as delightful, though this time, he opted for trying the shoes in a wide fit to create more room for the toes and a better overall base. “This model is so comfy that I've actually been able to tolerate running in them, even though I'm certainly not a runner,” Bloss says.
Editor Favorite
“If you're looking at the Hokas, definitely the standard model is the Clifton,” Alejandro says. “The Clifton gives you a nice heel-toe drop but still gives you cushion, but it's not too much cushion.” A favorite among everyday runners, the Clifton also works for walking too. It’s a versatile option for people looking for shoes that can handle runs, walks, interval runs and easy jogs without issue.
Read our review
Hoka Bondi 8
“The Bondi have everything the Clifton have, but they have more cushion,” Alejandro says. That added cushion will help make walking even more comfortable as your foot strikes the ground. It’s worth noting that while an ultra-plush shoe might sound appealing, the Bondis might not be for everyone. The extra cushion raises your feet higher off the ground and can create a feeling of greater instability for some, according to Alejandro. “If you're doing any type of side-to-side running, like [with] trail runners, you don't want the maximum-cushion shoe,” says Alejandro, who instead advises opting for a more medium-cushioned shoe or a trail-specific running shoe, which Hoka also carries.
Best Tested
The Clifton 9s are already my go-to running and walking shoes, but by comparison, the Bondis make me feel like I’m on a trampoline. With more cushion and a slightly wider base through the balls of the feet, the Bondis delivered support while softly cradling my feet and absorbing impact. The added cushion does make the Bondi 8s 1.7 ounces heavier than the Clifton 9s, which might not make them as versatile a pick for hybrid runners and walkers who want truly lightweight shoes, but they’re great shoes for start-and-stop roams around the city or long bouts of standing.
Read our review
If you want the comfort of Hoka’s Clifton model with a more street-savvy look, say hello to the Clifton Ls. This all-gender shoe is made with the same level of cushion and stability as the original Cliftons but features sleek leather uppers for less of an athletic-shoe aesthetic.
Hoka Transport
Editor Favorite
Underscored’s senior tech editor Mike Andronico says Hoka’s Transport shoes might be the most comfortable he’s ever worn. A Hoka newbie, Andronico appreciated the thicker heels and soft cushion that created a walking-on-air feeling. “I find a lot of Hoka models to be too busy aesthetically, but I love how clean and minimalist this all-white model is,” Andronico says. “I legit got complimented on them the second I walked out of the house one day and had multiple other friends say good things. “
Made with city dwellers in mind, the Transports have increased traction and even feature rock plates that makes them suitable for hiking too. They also have quick toggle lacing for greater grab-and-go convenience, though Andronico noted that knowing how to adjust them wasn’t exactly intuitive. “Lacing them up just felt different from other sneakers I’m used to in that I feel like I had less control over how tight I could make them,” he says.
These unisex Transport X sneakers are some of the sleekest shoes I've ever worn. I planned to use these mainly as lifestyle and travel shoes, but I was impressed with how great my feet felt after running a few miles in them too. However, the Transport Xs have a more accentuated rocker shape through the toes, which, compared to the Bondi 8s, made my weight feel less evenly dispersed when walking and standing. Their more-streamlined aesthetic also means they lack pull tabs, which makes it a bit harder to pull the shoes on quickly.
Hoka Gaviota 5
Electronics writer Henry T. Casey found the Gaviota 5s to be “fairly comfortable” while trekking multiple miles across Manhattan. “Their cushioning provided enough padding that I never once thought ‘Oh I should take the subway,’ including that time I casually walked from the Upper East Side to SoHo,” he says.
While he applauded the shoes for being super study, supportive and providing consistent transitions with his gait, Casey noted that they might not be best for all-weather wear. “The mesh uppers provide excellent breathability, but it’s almost too much on the cold days I was testing these shoes, especially as I used them for walking and not running,” he says.
The Gaviota 5s are engineered for maximum stability. So, whether you have feet that tend to roll inward or struggle with overpronation, the Gaviotas will help keep you on track with signature Hoka comfort and without overcorrecting your gait. The Gaviota 5s have also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance for products that benefit foot health.
Hoka Skyflow
Inspired by the Skyward X, Hoka’s carbon-plated super trainers, the Skyflow uses “supercritically foamed” EVA injected with fluidlike carbon dioxide or nitrogen to create a pair of light and responsive shoes. With similar cushioning and stability found in the Clifton 9s, the Skyflow’s upgraded foam gives you the extra spring you need to tackle everyday runs and long walks too.
Marathoner and Underscored contributor Ashley Mateo tested Hoka’s Skyflow shoes when they dropped earlier this year. Mateo called them a bit of a “Goldilocks” shoe in Hoka’s lineup and appreciated the combo of cushioning and responsiveness these shoes delivered on her easier runs. If you’ve tried other Hoka models like the Bondis or Cliftons but still haven’t found the perfect answer to your needs, it might be time to give the Skyflows a go, especially if you want shoes suitable for running and walking.
Read our review
FAQs
The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified orthopedic surgeons and foot and ankle specialists Dr. Shannon Alejandro and Dr. David Garras.
Alejandro noted that much like our readers, her patients have also been loving Hoka’s cushioned and comfy shoes. Both Hoka’s Bondi and Clifton models were among her recommendations for walking shoes. “The great thing about the Hokas is they give you cushion, which most people need more of, and they also give you that roll through with the heel-to-toe drop,” Alejandro says. The cushion not only makes walking more comfortable, she adds, but it also helps you roll through your feet better as your feet strike the ground and your weight shifts from the heel to the toe.
It is worth noting that while Hokas make great walking or running shoes, they’re not perfect for all fitness activities. For any type of explosive movement, like in weightlifting, or lateral movement, like in trail running, the height of Hoka’s cushioning may create instability, leading to a higher likelihood of injuries like a rolled ankle, Alejandro says. Instead of looking for one shoe to wear for everything, it’s best to buy separate shoes specifically made for the types of activities you plan on doing.
“Technically, studies have shown that the different styles of shoes don’t prevent injuries,” Alejandro says. For an issue like plantar fasciitis, you want to look for shoes that offer both cushion and stability, which Alejandro notes there is no shortage of in Hoka’s current line of models. A good measure of your shoes’ support and approximate stability, according to Alejandro, is to grab a sneaker and try to bend it in half, pushing the toe back toward the heel opening. “If you’re someone who’s prone to get plantar fasciitis or mid-foot pain or pain along the ball of your foot, you want a shoe that’s stable enough that you can’t bend it in half,” Alejandro says.
Garras adds that those with plantar fasciitis should try to minimize the amount of direct impact on their heels. You can do this by looking for shoes with a slightly higher heel drop, something around 4 to 6 millimeters, and looking for a thicker heel support in the soles of the shoes. “What that will do is […] take a little bit of that shock off the heel and try to translate a little bit more from a heel strike to a mid-foot strike,” Garras says. “That will take a lot of that strain off.”
Similarly, no shoe will magically fix back pain on its own. Alejandro says that among her patients, some with low back pain prefer shoes that have less of a plush cushion. “They want something that’s definitely more stable feeling,” Alejandro says. When it comes to Hoka, Alejandro says that those with low back pain might consider skipping an ultra-plush model like the Bondi and instead back down to something like the Clifton, which still provides comfort but with a less stacked cushion for better stability.
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dr. Shannon Alejandro, Texas-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Dr. David Garras, board-certified orthopedist who specializes in foot and ankle surgery
- Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, Maryland-based podiatric surgeon
- Dr. Naomi Shields, board-certified orthopedic surgeon based in San Antonio
Why trust CNN Underscored
Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don’t just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions.
This story’s writer, Jillian Tracy, interviewed foot and ankle specialists to help break down what makes great walking shoes and explain the pros and cons of certain Hoka models. Along with a handful of other editors, Tracy also personally tested models in this story, putting them through the paces of long New York City walks, holiday travel, tempo runs and light standing exercises.
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