The best Hoka walking shoes for 2024 (2024)

The right pair of walking shoes can make your walks more enjoyable. The wrong pair can potentially damage your feet. We tapped two board-certified podiatrists to find the best Hoka walking shoes for different needs. While most of the shoes on our list have received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance (which indicates that they have been recognized to promote good foot health), our favorite Hoka walking shoe is the Bondi 8. It stands out for its plush cushioning, stable ride, and durability, making it ideal for long-distance walks and recovery sessions whether you're a casual walker or someone who spends long hours on your feet.

The best Hoka walking shoes

Best overall: Bondi 8

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Why we like it: The Bondi 8 is our top choice for the best Hoka shoes for walking, thanks to its plush cushioning and stable ride. The memory foam collar and thick extended heel provide added comfort and support, which is ideal for long-distance walks or recovery sessions. Reviewers have noted the smooth gliding ride and stability, ensuring the foot remains properly supported and aligned.

The broader base and beveled heel contribute to a smooth transition through the gait cycle, reducing fatigue as you walk. Sharaara Rahman, DPM, attending physician at Toetal Podiatry, also recommends the Bondi 8 for its cushioning and support, making it suitable for long walks and providing stability.

Najwa Javed, DPM, Managing Partner and CEO of Silicon Valley Podiatry Group, also likes the Bondi 8. “The plushest of all Hoka shoes, this design is the ultimate in comfort and stability.” The shoe even earned an APMA seal of acceptance.

Keep in mind: The snug and narrow upper of the Hoka Bondi 8 may not comfortably fit all foot shapes, especially around the forefoot area. Those with wider feet should size up or opt for the Wide option.

Product details: Weight: 8.9oz | Heel to toe drop: 4mm | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Max cushioning

Best Hoka walking shoes for women: Gaviota 5

See Also

Pain or Tingling in Your Feet? Podiatrists Share the Best Shoes for NeuropathyThe Benefits of Arch Support in Footwear: Hoka vs. New BalanceBest Hoka Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Expert AdviceBest Walking Shoes for Women We Tested in 2024: Nike, Brooks, New Balance, Hoka

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Why we like it: The best Hoka walking shoes for women in our book are the Gaviota 5. Dr. Javed also recommends them, noting that the Gaviota is built for overall stability and offers side-to-side control, stabilizing the foot in lateral movements. The Gaviota 5 has an H-frame constructed to offer stability for overpronators, helping to reduce inward ankle rolling. Dr. Rahman explains that this is important because women often need more arch support as they tend to overpronate more than men.

Other features we love about the Gaviota 5 are the padded collar and EVA foam in the midsole. The foam gives the Gaviota 5 its maximum cushioning and helps reduce the shock of each step. The Gaviota 5 has also earned the APMA seal.

Keep in mind: The Gaviota 5 has a low drop, which may pose issues for walkers who primarily land first with their heels, known as a heel strike.

Product details: Weight: 9.10oz | Heel to toe drop: 6mm | Stability: Stable | Cushion: Max cushioning

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Best Hoka walking shoes for men: Clifton 9

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Why we like it: We chose another one of Hoka’s top performers, the Clifton 9, as our pick for the best Hoka walking shoes for men. Dr. Javed recommends the shoe for men and points out that men typically have wider, denser feet.

Reviewers have also praised the Clifton 9, mentioning that it has helped reduce the discomfort of conditions like plantar fasciitis. Its midsole is padded with compression-molded EVA foam, cushioning the foot without adding too much extra weight. The early-stage meta-rocker design helps to reduce foot fatigue and energy used by mimicking the rock of a rocking chair. The Clifton 9 earned the APMA seal of acceptance as well.

Keep in mind: The Clifton 9’s toe box may be too small for walkers with wider feet.

Product details: Weight: 7.3oz | Heel to toe drop: 5mm | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Medium cushioning

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Best slip on Hoka walking shoes: Restore TC

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Why we like it: The Restore TC slip-on is our favorite Hoka slip-on walking shoe for its convenience and comfort. Its laceless design simplifies putting on shoes, making them perfect for daily wear, dog walks, and taking the trash out. “It’s super plush and easy to glide into, making it one of the best stability slip-ons,” says Dr. Javed. The shoe is also advertised as being barefoot friendly thanks to its full-knit sock-like upper.

Another feature we love about the Restore TC is its steps toward sustainability, with recycled materials such as dope-dyed polyester and sugarcane-based EVA.

Keep in mind: The exposed foam outsole may wear quickly with extensive outdoor use, impacting traction and longevity.

Product details: Weight: 11.30oz | Heel to toe drop: 5mm | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Max cushioning

Best Hoka shoes for walking and standing: Clifton LS

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Why we like it: The Clifton LS is our top pick for daily walking and standing. A lifestyle version of the popular Clifton running shoe, the Clifton LS inherits the same bottomless cushioning and comfort, making it an excellent choice for daily walking and standing. Key features like the very generously cushioned midsole and smooth heel-to-toe transitions help relieve foot fatigue and discomfort.

The Clifton LS is a lifestyle Hoka walking sneaker with beautiful details, such as suede overlays. Its colorways are neutral, making the shoe easier to pair with different styles of clothes.

Keep in mind: Some reviewers have found that the Clifton LS requires a brief break-in period, and others have found the shoe to be narrow.

Product details: Weight: 11.30oz | Heel to toe drop: 5mm | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Medium cushioning

Best Hoka walking boots: Anacapa Breeze Mid

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Why we like it: While Hoka is most known for its running shoes, the brand is also gaining recognition in the outdoor industry thanks to its popular trail running shoe, the Speedgoat. The Anacapa Breeze Mid was our favorite Hoka walking boot because it offers some of Hoka’s standout features, such as that plush comfort the brand is known for, thanks to the compression-molded EVA foam midsole. An aspect that many reviewers loved was the locking lacing system, which was tailored to many foot shapes and needs.

The Anacapa Breeze Mid is quite light for a hiking boot, weighing in at under 12 ounces. It also has quite a few recycled components, with its air mesh made with 100% recycled yarns and recycled polyester used throughout the shoe, including the heel webbing, tongue mesh, and tongue lining. The Anacapa Breeze also has a shoe version for those who prefer a hiking shoe over a boot, and it has earned the AMPA seal of acceptance.

Keep in mind: Some users note that the shorter shoelaces can require more frequent adjustments. Additionally, while the Anacapa Breeze Mid offers water resistance, there are better choices for prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

Product details: Weight: 11.90oz | Heel to toe drop: 6mm | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Medium cushioning

Best Hoka walking shoes for flat feet: Arahi 7

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Why we like it: The Hoka Arahi 7 is our favorite pick for those with flat feet. Its standout feature is the J-Frame Stability System. Unlike other stability systems, the J-Frame is a rigid foam that wraps around the medial side of the shoe and the heel in a J shape. This offers support to the arches and reduces overpronation and arch collapse. The Arahi 7 also sits lower to the ground, and Dr. Rahman says this low profile is good for balance, overpronators, and neutral foot types.

Keep in mind: Reviewers have noted that the Arahi 7 is snug, so it may not be best for walkers with wider feet or those requiring more toe room.

Product details: Weight: 8.10oz | Heel to toe drop: 5mm | Stability: Stable | Cushion: Medium cushioning

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Best Hoka shoes for seniors: Transport

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Why we like it: Dr. Rahman has a few pointers when looking for a walking shoe for seniors. “Focus on stability, cushioning, and easy-to-use closures due to the increased risk of falls and the common occurrence of foot problems with age,” she says. “Shoes like the HOKA Transport offer comfort during long walks and are designed to help with balance issues, which is crucial for seniors.”

The Transport marks Hoka’s entry into commuter footwear, marrying comfort, style, and durability. We chose Transport as the best Hoka shoe for seniors because of its many features. From the quick-toggle lace system to the pull tab in the back, the shoes are easy to slip on. The Vibram soles also give the shoes great traction, helping to reduce the risk of falls. We also appreciate the eco-friendly materials used, like the 30 percent sugarcane-based EVA midsole and a Vibram EcoStep outsole made with 90 percent less oil. The shoe also has earned the AMPA seal of acceptance.

Keep in mind: Some users have reported squeaking during the break-in period because of the Vibram outsole, though this tends to diminish with time.

Product details: Weight: 9.10oz | Heel to toe drop: 5mm | Stability: Neutral | Cushion: Medium cushioning

Are Hoka shoes good for walking?

Most Hoka shoes are a great choice for walking. They are known for their cushioned feel and have built up a following among walkers who tend to be on their feet all day, such as healthcare workers. Not only that, but podiatrists tend to love Hokas as well. Many Hoka shoes have earned the APMA seal, signifying they have been recognized for promoting good foot health.

How we chose the best Hoka shoes for walking

Walking shoes have very different requirements from running shoes. To figure out which Hoka shoe is best for walking, we went through a process of several different filters.

• Third-party reviews: First, we pulled from existing third-party reviews and considered the experiences of actual Hoka customers who walk extensively, such as delivery and healthcare workers. Customer experiences from verified buyers helped us narrow down the shoes that performed well for walking.
• Expert sources: Walking in the wrong pair of shoes can be detrimental to foot health, and user reviews alone cannot determine what to look out for, so we asked podiatrists to share their expertise.
• Personal experience: We also tested many of the shoes from this list to ensure the quality and experiences aligned with our research on the best Hoka shoes for walking.

Tips for buying walking shoes

Arch support

For walkers with flat feet or high arches, adequate arch support is crucial when choosing which Hoka shoe is best for walking. Look for shoes with built-in arch support or the option to insert orthotic inserts for customized support. Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on the feet, ankles, and knees, promoting a more comfortable walking experience. Dr. Rahman says, "Arch support is essential for preventing overpronation and providing stability, especially for those with flat feet or high arches." She also notes that women often need increased arch support to prevent or reduce overpronation when they walk.

Cushioning

When considering cushioning in walking shoes, finding the right balance between support and comfort is essential. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole to provide shock absorption and reduce impact on joints during walking. “Adequate cushioning is essential for all, but seniors, in particular, might benefit from extra cushioning to reduce joint stress,” says Dr. Rahman. Opt for materials like EVA foam or gel padding, which offer a responsive and supportive feel while walking.

Stability and motion control

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively, while supination happens when it rolls outward. Both conditions can lead to misalignment and strain on the feet, ankles, and knees, potentially causing discomfort or injury. Many running shoe stores offer free assessments to test if you overpronate or supinate. Stability and motion control features in walking shoes are designed to address these issues. Reinforced heel counters and supportive midfoot structures help maintain proper alignment and prevent excessive foot rolling.

Soles

When buying shoes, Dr. Javed recommends finding a shoe with a semi-rigid sole. “If the sole is too flexible, it can destabilize your arches,” she says. Additionally, consider the material of the sole, opting for durable rubber that provides traction and grip on various surfaces.

Material

While the material may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for walking shoes, the material impacts the overall experience of any walk. Consider the weather and distances on your typical walk. If you tend to walk in hot weather or for long distances, look for shoes with breathable mesh uppers that are well-ventilated.

Frequently asked questions

Which Hoka model is best for walking?

Our choice of the best Hoka shoes for walking is the Bondi 8. Not only are they a fan-favorite model for walkers and those who are on their feet all day, but they also offer maximum cushioning, which gives them that cloud-like feel they’re known for.

Are Hoka Cliftons good for walking?

Hoka’s Clifton was designed as a running shoe, but it’s also a great Hoka shoe for walking. It’s an especially good fit for those who want a cushioned shoe. The Cliftons are also lighter than most popular walking shoes.