8 Best Hoka Shoes for Walking in 2024, Per Podiatrists and Testing

Lace up a pair of these sneakers for comfort and support.

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There’s one sneaker brand you’ve likely spotted at the gym, on the trail, and even at brunch with friends: Hoka. The ultra-cushioned shoes are recognizable by their chunky design and bright colors but have won the hearts (and soles!) of many thanks to their cushioning and support. So, which are the best Hoka shoes for walking?

Meet the expert: Priya Parthasarathy D.P.M., a podiatrist and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Experts recommend the brand for a variety of foot-related issues, from the best shoes for plantar fasciitis to the best shoes for flat feet. As for which Hokas are best for your next power walk or commute, Priya Parthasarathy D.P.M., a podiatrist and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), has a few suggestions. First, be sure they won’t fold in half if you try to bend them, they have removable insoles, and they have firm heel counters. Two great examples are the Clifton 9s and the Bondi 8s.

Along with her expertise, we tapped Prevention’s team of editors (who love getting their steps in), to weigh in on the best Hoka shoes for walking. Keep scrolling to shop the best Hoka sneakers and recovery sandals in the game.

When Parthasarathy isn’t wearing her Arahi sneakers, she’s in her Cliftons. They “are a very popular model for a neutral foot type,” she says, noting that she likes to remove the included insole and swap in her own custom orthotics for additional support. These are lightweight with more stack height for a plush feel. Deputy Editor Emily Goldman swears by these shoes (check out her Clifton 9 review). “These shoes have seen me through thousands of miles on various terrains,” she says. “They are my go-to for serious walking.”

What the reviews say: “These are very comfortable, provide great arch support, and are very light. Perfect for long walks or whenever you need to be on your feet all day.”

The Bondi 8 comes with an extended heel to cushion each step, a memory foam collar, and bouncy foam. Ideal for running and walking, these make a great staple in any active person’s closet.

“After I wore down my Clifton 9s, I tried out the Bondi 8,” explains Goldman. “They are incredibly comfortable, stylish, and offer stability and support that I don’t often see in a shoe with this much cushioning. I particularly like the heel tab for easy wear and the super-cushioned tongue for comfort.” Check out our in-depth review of the shoe.

What the reviews say: “Best comfortable shoes ever. I have tried many other expensive brands, and Hokas are by far superior in comfort and quality.”

“I recommend the Hoka Bondi for patients that need max cushioning, such as older patients that have fat pad atrophy (where the fat on the bottom of your foot thins) or arthritis,” says Parthasarathy. These have “a more bouncy, cushioned feel.” They also have a memory foam collar to cradle the ankle, a water-resistant leather upper, and a rubber outsole for traction.

What the reviews say: “The toe box is huge and everything feels extra cushy! My feet never hurt after work, and I’ve put some miles on these.”

Ideal for walking and everyday running, these sneakers offer balanced cushioning and a frame designed to prevent feet from rolling inward as you step. “I overpronate, so I prefer the Hoka Arahi for its additional stability,” says Parthasarathy. The latest version of the Arahi has a plusher tongue with a stretchy gusset to keep it in place and a flat knit upper to lock the midfoot down.

What the reviews say: “I like the design, fit, and stability...Great shoe for those who pronate.”

Parthasarathy recommends this style “because it is lighter weight than most hiking boots but still provides stability with a Vibram sole that provides great traction.” It offers neutral stability with balanced cushioning and has an abrasion-resistant toe cap to keep your feet comfy when shuffling down hill. This model features more recycled materials than the previous one, too.

What the reviews say: “I absolutely love these shoes! Hike all day, up and down hills, on rocks, mud, whatever, and my feet feel fantastic!”

“The Mach X style has a high-rebound cushion and a layer of foam for a soft impact as you walk,” says Isabella Cavallo, Prevention’s former editorial assistant, who regularly wears this style for morning runs and evening walks. “The design of the shoe makes each step feel smooth with a bit of a bounce to help me run or walk faster. This sneaker is great if you’re trying to pick up the pace or walk a 5K!”

What the reviews say: “This is by far the best running shoe I’ve purchased! I just did a whole marathon training 20-week plan, and they held up so nice throughout the whole thing.”

The Gaviota 5 is a solid choice for everyday walking and running, especially if you’re looking for a stabilizing sneaker. With a special H-Frame and soft foam (the softest of any of Hoka’s stability shoes), you’ll enjoy feeling stable and having plush cushioning. A creel jacquard upper keeps the shoes breathable and a plush collar means your ankles will feel comfy.

What the reviews say: “I walk or take easy hikes almost every day, and they keep my feet comfortable whether it’s two miles or five miles. Due to an ankle surgery, I need a good stable shoe, and these fit that bill as well. They have a nice roomy toe box, too.”

“As soon as I get home I slip into my Hoka Ora Recovery slides, which I have used for the past year,” says Parthasarathy. “I love the lightweight, cushioned arch support, especially when carrying my newborn around the house.” Our senior commerce editor has an older version of this slide and also uses them for walking around the house on hardwood floors. “My high arches love these!” she says.

The latest model has more air flow channels to keep things breezy with the same injection-molded outsole as the original. They’re extremely plush with an early stage meta-rocker to make every step easier and more comfortable.

What the reviews say: “These are the most comfortable sandals. They are easy to clean, look super cute, and help with my planter fasciitis.”

✔️ Look for quality construction. You shouldn’t be able to fold a shoe in half if you try to bend it, Parthasarathy point out. This shows how sturdy and durable it is.

✔️ Consider your usual route. The type of terrain you typically walk on will help you determine the best walking shoes for you. For instance, if you regularly hit the trails, you’ll need more traction, grip, and ankle support than someone who typically sticks to the sidewalk and paved roads.

✔️ Check for removable insoles. This allows you to add your own custom orthotics into a shoe for custom support, which Parthasarathy recommends.

✔️ Make sure they fit. Fit is key to a comfortable walking shoe. Make sure you’re wearing a pair in your size to prevent blisters caused by rubbing on the heel or toe jamming in front. The best way to figure out which one is right for you is to try them on and see which feels the most comfortable.

✔️ Scope out the heel. A good walking shoe “should have a firm supportive, heel counter,” says Parthasarathy.

In short, yes. Many of Hoka’s shoes have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance. That means they were reviewed by the APMA Podiatric Seals Committee and proved to allow for normal foot function and promote foot health, Parthasarathy explains.

“I recommend them due to their superior cushioning, stability, and their rocker-like bottom all combined in a lightweight shoe,” she says. “They also appeal to a wide range of foot types and age groups.”

She’s even a fan herself, noting that she wore Hokas throughout her most recent pregnancy and postpartum period. “I have to say this was the first pregnancy (out of three) where I did not develop plantar fasciitis,” she adds.

Hoka shoes are great for walking because they are lightweight but provide cushioning and stability, according to Parthasarathy. She also points out the rocker-like bottom of the shoes, which helps propel you forward with each stride.

“What I have noticed in my practice is the wide age range of patients that wear Hoka shoes,” she says. “From my 23-year-old medical assistant to my 77-year-old Dad! I think it’s quite impressive to appeal to a wide range of foot types and ages.”

Ultimately, it depends on your needs. Podiatrists recommend both styles, noting that each offers support and cushioning. If you’re looking for more of a neutral shoe, then the Clifton 9 is a great choice. If you’re on the lookout for a super-plush shoe, then the Bondi SR’s max cushioning is for you. For an everyday shoe that works as a running or walking sneaker, then the Bondi 8 is a great choice.

We interviewed Priya Parthasarathy D.P.M., a podiatrist and a spokesperson for the APMA to get her insights on walking shoes in general, as well as why Hoka makes some of the best around. We took her personal favorites into consideration as well as picks from our team of editors, who have collectively tested many walking shoes, including styles from Hoka. Lastly, we checked out customer reviews and researched the newest models of Hoka’s most popular shoes to determine the best Hoka walking shoes.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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