We Tried the Comfy Shoe Brand Jennifer Garner and Blake Lively Have Worn — and So Did Our Moms
10/11/2024 07:15 AM
Editor-tested picks from the celebrity-loved footwear brand
People / Erin Johnson
Hoka has taken the fitness world by storm with its running, cross-training, hiking, and walking shoes. The popular sportswear brand is also a celebrity go-to — seen on Cameron Diaz, Brie Larson, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Garner.
Best known for its comfortable sneakers, Hoka uses high-quality materials plus expansive size and color ranges that play well from the trail to the city streets. Our editors researched and tested some of the brand's most popular sneakers over a period of two weeks (with some picks already owned for upwards of a year), evaluating the fit, comfort, durability, performance, and value. We also tapped a New York-based distance runner for insights on what to look for when shopping.
Best Overall: Hoka Women's Bondi 8 Running Shoe
Star Qualities
Great for low- and high-impact activities
Superior cushioning
Zero break-in time
Red Flags
None!
While Hoka offers a range of shoes for specific purposes and conditions, we chose the brand's Bondi 8 sneaker as the all-around winner. PEOPLE shopping editor Kayla Kitts — who's used these shoes for six months — wore them during all types of activities, from low-impact errands to miles-long walks and spin classes. After daily use during that period, she calls them her go-to shoe, full stop.
The Bondi 8's comfort proved to be next-level — particularly the shoes' cushioning, which Kitts called super-plush and supportive. Additionally, she said, they were so lightweight that it felt like she was floating when walking. (Bonus: zero break-in time, as well as looking nearly brand new after months of consistent use.) Also, since these shoes are fairly wide, they're ideal for someone with bunions or wide feet.
Size Range: Women's 5–12; men's 7–16| Material: Engineered mesh construction, 40% recycled polyester lining, Ortholite hybrid sock liner, Durabrasion rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 19
Most Comfortable: Hoka Skyward X
Star Qualities
Unmatched comfort
Thick, supportive platform
Cushy footbed
Red Flags
Not ideal for those who don't like platforms
When PEOPLE associate shopper director Erin Johnson laced up her pair of Skyward X trainers, their unmatched comfort was immediate. Johnson didn't want to take them off — a feat for someone with small but wide feet who often struggles to find a shoe that fits. In particular, she noted that the footbed felt cozy and the thick platform felt supportive and cushy without needing to break them in.
During the testing process, Johnson wore these shoes during power-walking, HIIT workouts, bike rides, and travel. She even wore them at her standing desk for long periods of time because they were just that comfortable. Plus, they didn't show any signs of wear and tear. The only drawback would be if someone doesn't want a platform silhouette because the base is high.
Size Range: Women's 5–12; men's 7–15| Material: Flat knit upper, PEBA midsole foam, Carbon fiber plate, Super-critical EVA rocker frame, Deep Active Foot Frame | Fit: True to size | Colors: 4
Best Orthopedic: Hoka Women's Arahi 7
Star Qualities
Comfortable for those with foot concerns
Helps with overpronation
Ultra-supportive
Red Flags
Couldn't find any
The More You Know
An orthopedic shoe is specifically designed to support the structure of the feet and legs. Hoka's Arahi 7 shoe certainly fits the bill having earned the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance and certified as "beneficial to foot health."
Though we actually tested the Arahi 6, the Arahi 7 is the latest iteration available. We found the shoe to be a cut above in terms of support. PEOPLE shopping editor Madison Yauger has a handful of foot concerns, including plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and flat feet. Having owned her pair for over a year, she noted that they actually help with her overpronation. In fact, Yauger felt an immediate shift in her alignment — the sneakers push the foot forward into the correct neutral position — when she put them on for the first time.
She frequently wears them for boxing classes and on long walks (including a recent 15-mile trek across Manhattan). She says that their comfort is unparalleled and that they're incredibly supportive — all without any break-in time. She also noted that, despite showing some signs of wear after more than a year, they've held up well and that washing them via the laundry machine provides a much-needed refresh.
Size Range: Women's 5–12; men's 7–15| Material: Supportive flat-knit upper, J-Frame midsole support, Zonal rubber, Compression-molded EVA midsole, Durabrasion rubber | Fit: True to size | Colors: 13
Best Everyday: Hoka Women's Mach 6
Star Qualities
Excellent for everyday wear
Durable
Supportive cushioning
Red Flags
Snug in the width
Caused slight irritation on the back of the heel
Need a shoe for everyday life? Reach for Hoka's Mach 6 trainer. Yauger has owned this pair for four months and worn these shoes for the whole gamut of daily activities like walking her dog, running errands, attending boxing classes, and playing pickleball and tennis. Overall, she felt they were comfortable for everyday wear, with ample cushioning that supports steps and movement. They're also durable and don't look worn despite consistent use.
Though Yauger felt the shoes were true to size and there was plenty of room in the toe box, they were a bit snug as far as width was concerned. She also noted slight irritation on the back of the heel. (If this is an issue, we'd recommend trying one half-size up.)
Size Range: Women's 5–11; men's 7–14| Material: Creel jacquard upper, streamlined collar foam package, supercritical foam midsole, strategic rubber outsole coverage | Fit: True to size | Colors: 13
Best for Trails: Hoka Women's Challenger 7
Star Qualities
Superior grip on muddy or uneven terrain
Great for high- and low-impact activities
Extra cushioning
Red Flags
Possibly too heavy-duty for casual wear
For an all-terrain shoe, consider Hoka's Challenger 7. PEOPLE shopping writer Genevieve Cepeda — a former distance runner with ample trail mileage under her belt — was impressed with how well the shoes stabilized her feet in muddy and uneven terrain, as well as their lug soles' ability to grip the ground. They performed well during high- and low-impact exercise.
The shoes were comfortable and required no break-in time. Cepeda appreciated the extra cushioning around the ankle and through the midsole, in addition to the lightweight build. And, though not the best pair for casual wear (somewhat heavy-duty), the Hokas are ideal for trails.
Size Range: Women's 5–12; men's 7–15| Material: Extended heel pull, engineered mesh, laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester (excluding aglet), compression-molded EVA foam midsole, Durabrasion rubber outsole, 4mm lugs | Fit: True to size | Colors: 6
Best for Walking: Hoka Bondi SR
Star Qualities
Comfortable for walking
Ample grip for daily use
True to size
Red Flags
Slightly bulkier silhouette
A truly great walking shoe can be hard to find, but Hoka's Bondi SR sneaker ticks the box. Johnson's mother, Elizabeth, wore them on several walks over a mile, as well as while running errands during the day. She felt these shoes were comfortable, true to size, and had ample grip and traction for daily use. She also noted that, despite wearing them every day for two weeks, they stayed clean and resisted any dirt.
Since these shoes have a slightly higher collar (for support) and firmer footbed, those who prefer a lower cut or extra-cushy feel might look elsewhere. They also have a bulkier platform silhouette than other options on this list, though with their subtle logo, still offer a minimalist vibe.
Size Range: Women's 5–11; men's 7–15| Material: Water-resistant leather, memory foam collar, EVA midsole, Early stage MetaRocker, slip-resistant rubber and tread | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5
Best for Running: Hoka Women's Clifton 9
Star Qualities
Balanced cushioning for even strides
Stable feel
Durable, high-quality materials
Red Flags
Those with foot pain may prefer a running shoe with more support
Hoka's Clifton 9 makes for an excellent running shoe. Yauger noted that its balanced cushioning was great for pushing off the ground in even strides and that its neutral alignment provided ample stability on the move. The materials also seem durable and didn't show any signs of wear during the weeks-long testing period.
Although she reiterated that they have plenty of cushioning, Yauger cautioned that this shoe may not be supportive enough for people with more severe foot pain or concerns like plantar fasciitis. She also noted that they're a bit snug in terms of width, though they had plenty of space in the toe box and required no break-in time.
Size Range: Women's 5–12; men's 7–16| Material: Breathable engineered knit upper, laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester, compression-molded EVA foam midsole, early stage MetaRocker, Durabrasion rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 21
Best for Training: HOKA Kawana 2
Star Qualities
Ideal for high-impact workouts
Unmatched cushioning
Great support
Red Flags
Slightly bulky silhouette for high-impact running
For a gym shoe, look no further than the Kawana 2s. PEOPLE shopping writer Alyssa Brascia — who frequents the gym but also wears sneakers for weight training and HIIT classes — had never tried Hokas before and was beyond impressed. She noted their cloud-like cushy insoles and next-level support. Bonus: they required no break-in time.
That said, because these shoes have fairly chunky outsoles, they likely wouldn't be the best fit for high-impact running like long distances or sprints — but they excel for cross-training.
Size Range: Women's 5-11; men's 7-14| Material: Single-layer mesh upper, eye row gillies, internal bootie, speckled Regrind midsole, gum rubber outsole| Fit: True to size | Colors: 7
Other Hoka Shoes We Tested
HOKA Rincon 4: When Yauger's mom, Paige, tested Hoka's Rincon 4 everyday running shoes, she was impressed with their arch support and buoyant, thick soles — plus the fact they were comfortable from the get-go. However, she felt that the toe box was too boxy, that the shoes were a bit heavy, and that the cushioning left something to be desired.
People / Paige Yauger
What to Know About Hoka Shoes
Consider How (and Where) You'll Use Them
When looking for a pair of Hoka shoes, consider exactly how, and where, you intend to use them. "When I'm shopping for a new shoe, the first question I ask myself is what [the shoe's] purpose is," says Eve May, a New York-based distance runner who has put more than 300 miles on her Hoka Mach 5 shoes.
"Another thing people sometimes overlook is seasonality and weather conditions," May adds. For example, she explains, if the goal is a summer shoe, choose a lighter upper material like knit; or, if you know you'll be using the shoe in drizzly weather, choose a gripping, durable outsole and water-resistant materials.
The good news? Hoka offers shoes designed specifically for a wide variety of activities and climates, including trail, race, and cold-weather running, in addition to walking, hiking, gym, and cross-training. (The brand even offers shoes for those in nursing and medical professions.)
Try Them Before You Commit
Another thing May recommends is if you prefer to order shoes online — as many of us do! — try them out IRL during the company's return window before committing. "This type of shoe should feel comfortable from the jump," she says. "I would try them indoors, perhaps [walking or running] on a treadmill at the gym."
Translation: Don't be afraid to utilize Hoka's 30-day guaranteed return or exchange policy for all customers. (The brand also has a 60-day policy for those who join its membership program.)
Behind the Scenes
To identify the best Hoka shoes on the market, our writers and editors (and two of our moms) spent weeks, months, and even up to a year with nine shoe pairs from the brand. We wore each pair a minimum of five times (and for a few pairs, hundreds of wears) — during high- and low-impact impact activities like running, hiking, and walking around town.
- Fit + Comfort: First, we tried on the pairs and evaluated their fit and feel, including if they were true to size, if they required any break-in time, and if their design felt comfortable and supportive on foot.
- Durability: Throughout the testing period, we noted if the shoes showed any wear and tear and evaluated their overall durability.
- Performance: We reported on any special features in our pairs that affected performance, as well as if the shoes supported our feet during high- and low-impact activities.
- Value: Lastly, we evaluated the value of our respective pairs, noting if we thought they were worth the price.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Avery Stone is a contributing writer for PEOPLE and was previously the Commerce Editorial Director for Byrdie and Brides at Dotdash Meredith. Her work has also appeared in The Cut (NYMag), The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Bustle, Billboard, ELLE, GQ, VICE, Eater, NYLON, Refinery29, and more.
When covering the best Hoka shoes, Avery thoroughly inspected the PEOPLE team's insights to learn more about their individual experiences and make note of any noteworthy results. She also connected with Eve May, a New York-based distance runner, to learn more about what to look for when shopping for Hoka shoes.
Our Expert Panel
- Eve May is a distance runner based in New York; to date, she has completed 10 marathons, including five of the six World Marathon Majors (Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York).
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