Before honing in on the specific features to consider, Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director at the GH Institute, recommends you think about the activities you plan to use your HOKA shoes for.
If you’re a runner, look for styles designed for speed and distance that’ll help propel you forward. Some find a shoe with extra cushioning (like the Cliftons) to be more comfortable on long runs, whereas others may think the Cliftons are too heavy, and prefer the bouncy, responsive stride of a shoe like the Mach 6 or Mach X3.
Avid walkers or those on their feet all day will want to prioritize shoes with ample cushioning and a rocker shape to help propel you forward with less effort. You also may find it beneficial to look for a shoe with a ventilated upper to help prevent your feet from overheating. If you have a neutral stride, opt for the Bondi 9; If you tend to over-pronate, the Arahi 8 will help keep excess ankle movement in check.
If you plan on doing trail runs or hiking, HOKA has plenty of shoes to choose from with lugs on the outsole (a.k.a. the raised ridges that are designed to help improve traction). These styles are specifically designed to provide better grip on uncertain, slippery, or rocky terrain.
When you’re on your feet all day, we recommend opting for a more versatile shoe without super thick cushioning (like a cross-training shoe) as they are more lightweight and better for quick movements.
HOKA also has a 30-day return policy, so you can try them on at home and see how they fit.
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