The Best Hoka Walking Shoes In 2024, According To A Podiatrist
Our experts recommend the Clifton 9 and Gaviota 5.
Reviewed by Bradley Schaeffer, DPMPodiatrist
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Our love for Hoka knows no bounds. After all, the King of Cushion makes incredibly chunky and stylish running sneakers that feel like you're walking on Cloud Nine. According to the experts we spoke with, Hoka's thick cushioning also makes it an ideal brand for walking shoes. “Hoka walking sneakers are great because they offer an appropriate amount of support, stability, and comfort,” says podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, foot surgeon and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City.
Since the brand launched in 2009, Hoka has churned out a bunch of great styles purpose built for all sorts of activities—from road running to hiking, and everything in between. All those models can get pretty overwhelming if you're looking for a great walking shoe. But that's why we enlisted the help of Schaeffer; Bruce Pinker, DPM, foot and ankle surgeon; as well as our intrepid WH editors, on the right walking sneaks for you.
Best Hoka Walking Shoes
What to Consider
Stability
“I like to advise my patience to get a neutral walking shoe,” says Schaeffer. A neutral walking shoe puts your foot in a neutral position, according to the podiatrist. “As in you are not over prating or over supinating,” says Schaeffer. Ideally, you want the insole of your Hoka running shoe to meet the arch of your foot, without pushing it too high or letting it collapse inward. If the arch is too high, it will force your foot to roll outwards (along the pinky-toe side) as you walk a.k.a over supinate. On the flip side, an arch that is too low will cause your foot to roll inwards a.k.a over pronate.
Comfort
A typical Hoka sneaker has a combination of thick cushioning and mesh upper, making it incredibly comfortable. The breathable upper makes sure that any foot sweat has room to evaporate, which is especially useful for those hot weather walks. Meanwhile, a cushioned outsole keeps your feet comfortable as you walk.
Plus, Schaeffer says that several pairs of Hoka shoes feature a “rocker bottom," which refers to a little lift under the heel and the toe so that those two parts of the shoe don’t touch the ground when you’re standing still–similar to the base of a rocking chair. That shape helps you to walk from heel-to-toe, which means you excert less energy to propel your strides. After all, we could use a little help getting out steps in.
Meet the experts: Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a podiatrist, foot surgeon, and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City. Bruce Pinker, DPM, is a podiatrist and foot surgeon at Progressive Foot Care in Westchester, NY.
How we selected
Everyone’s feet is different, so, we’ve curated this list of the best Hoka walking shoes from editors and personal trainers–that fall in line with Schaeffer's recommendation on what to consider in a walking shoe. Our team reviewed each Hoka model's cushioning, stability, and style, and just how comfortable it felt while walking in it. Every pick on this list was vetted by Schaeffer. Read on for our list of the best Hoka walking shoes.
Pros
- Maximum cushioning
- H-Frame adds stability
- Breathable mesh upper
- Rocker bottom
Cons
- Shoe may be too wide for some
These sneakers tick off all the boxes for a Hoka walking shoe. We love the H-frame insole, which is hard on sides and soft in the middle, to keep your feet from rolling. That's especially important for people with flat feet, who tend to overpronate. Plus, the mesh upper is breathable–which will let all of the foot sweat evaporate out of the shoe after miles of walking. "They manage to be soft, light, and supportive," a tester previously told WH.
However, several testers note that these shoes are too roomy for their feet–which makes them feel like they’re wearing “clown shoes.” So, if your feet are on the narrow side, you might want to keep scrolling for a different pair of sneakers.
Read more: Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet
| Cushioning | Plush |
|---|---|
| Stability | Stable |
| Upper Material | Mesh |
Pros
- Semi-rocker bottom
- Breathable knit upper
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some might need to swap the insole for better arch support
These are Schaefffer’s favorite Hoka walking shoes, citing its breathable mesh upper, stability, and semi-rocker bottom. These features mean your feet will feel supported, comfortable, and dry during even the longest walks. WH News Editor Currie Engel previously tried these sneakers and found that they’re a great choice for daily errands, easy hikes, and general NYC walk-arounds, too.
One thing to keep in mind is that, for the best arch support, you might have to swap out the insole for your own. “I put my [own] custom orthotics into these shoes to provide a greater level of support,” says Schaeffer.
| Cushioning | Balanced |
|---|---|
| Stability | Neutral |
| Upper Material | Breathable Knit |
Pros
- Maximum cushioning
- Upper keeps feet from getting sweaty
Cons
- Arch support may be too high for some
If you’re looking for a sneaker with a blend of balance and stability, try these walking shoes. Schaeffer previously told WH, “It provides a nice mix of cushion and stability.” The outsole features plush cushioning and a rocker bottom to comfortably prepel you forward during your long distance walks. Meanwhile, the insole has a symmetrical bed of cushioning to help stabilize, and center your feet in a neutral position.
But, the podiatrist isn’t the only one who’s a fan of these plush sneakers. “They provide so much support, and I love walking in them too,” Women's Health assistant editor Addison Aloian says. However, depending on your foot arch, you might get the best fit if you swap the included insoles for your own.
| Cushioning | Plush |
|---|---|
| Stability | Neutral |
| Upper Material | Mesh |
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper
- Additional traction on the outsole
- Semi-rocker bottom
Cons
- Some might need to swap the insole for better arch support
Walking in the great outdoors requires a sneaker that can get a grip on all surfaces–from bumpy concrete to damp dirt. According to testers, this trail sneaker fits the bill. Luciano Medina, a USATF level three certified track and field coach, previously told WH that she loves this shoe's durability and traction. The Challenger 7 features a Gore-tex shell, which is both waterproof and breathable, so your feet will stay dry without overheating during soggy trail walks. "It is also rather lightweight and offers excellent support," says Pinker.
One thing to keep in mind is that you might not love the arch support that these walking shoes come with. So, you might end up swapping the insole for one that your podiatrist recommends.
| Cushioning | Balanced |
|---|---|
| Stability | Neutral |
| Upper Material | Mesh |
Pros
- Semi-rocker bottom
- Toggle laces
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons
- Can be squeaky for some
- Some might need to swap the insole for better arch support
This is the sneaker to reach for when you don’t want to fuss with shoe laces. We love that the toggle laces on these sneakers make them super easy to put on and take off for quick afternoon walks. "The Transport is relatively lightweight with a wide midsole [while] offering a significant amount of support and cushioning," says Pinker. Our editors love to use the Transport as travel sneakers, since they're so easy to slip on and off, and feel comfortable enough to keep on during those crosscountry journeys.
One note: These shoes can be squeaky for some.
Angelica Wilson is a freelance writer with expertise in group fitness instruction, social media content creation, writing, and UX design.
Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon specializing in sports medicine, foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic procedures.
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