Hoka reviews and discussion

4.4

89% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Plush cushioning comfort
  • Supportive arch structure
  • Lightweight, responsive midsoles
  • Versatile running performance
  • Bulky, polarizing aesthetics
  • Inconsistent sizing and widths
  • Premature heel liner wear
  • Limited narrow‑foot fit

Hoka draws fervent reviews as a high‑cushion performance brand that works: runners, walkers, nurses, and travelers praise Clifton, Bondi, Arahi, Mach, and Speedgoat for cloud‑soft comfort, arch support, and long‑mile impact relief, often easing plantar fasciitis, knee, hip, and back pain. Reviews also flag drawbacks—bulky aesthetics and polarizing colorways, inconsistent sizing and widths, heel slippage for narrow feet, hyper‑cushion feel too soft or heavy for some, and durability issues like heel liner wear, outsole separation, and trail fragility—making in‑store fit tests and model selection crucial before buying Hoka.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

155 reviews and posts

  • Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers are the shoe that convinced me I could love running. They're soft, comfortable, and supportive, but don't make me feel like an old man. After putting a few hundred miles on mine and staying SO comfortable on easy runs (I have had runners knee when running in other shoes) I got a pair of Hoka Mach 5s to run tempo runs + races and love those, too.

  • While these shoes look great and have updated color palettes, they are not suitable for narrow feet. They have a very wide cut and can be difficult for narrow or even normal width feet. After experiencing foot pain, I consulted a doctor who noted that Hokas are not suitable for everyone and the hyper cushioned sole can compensate for poor foot structure leading to deficiencies in necessary foot strength.

  • Chose my Hoka Clifton 7’s based 100% off the AMAZING colour options that they’re got & I’m very impressed. I’ve been on/off-road running & hiking in them for well over a year now!

  • I LOVE my Hokas!!! They are SO comfortable for running and walking. I have the Clifton 9 and the Carbon X3s and love them both for different reasons - I prefer the Clifton’s for more casual day to day use and the Carbons for running

  • I have tried different brands and HOKA is my favorite. My arch is supported and feels likes I’m walking on a cushion.

  • These are the only running shoes that work for my husband! He loves to do triathlons, and these have been the best shoes for them! They also have the cutest options that I’m planning on trying out once I finish with my current ASICS.

  • Love my Hokas they are the most comfortable tennis shoe to be wearing all day!

  • Got my first pair of Hoka's this year for the gym and will never go back to what i used before. So comfortable, very durable and really makes running more comfortable.

    Feedback

    Really great comfort, great quality, great design - excited to buy more.

  • I have the Hoka Arahi 6, they are very comfortable and not too heavy for someone with flat and wide feet.

    Feedback

    This was my first pair of Hoka's and they took a few weeks to get used to but worth the time!

  • I'm on my second pair. I have pretty high arches and they're the first tennis shoe that gives the right amount of support. So so comfy!

  • As a lifelong runner, Hokas have become my favorite running shoes. The materials are form-fitting, easy to slip on and off, nice to run in. Significant improvements from each model, nice to see they have tested and improved the user experience of the shoes.

  • THE BEST RUNNING SHOES EVERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! I cannot say this enough, hokas have changed MY LIFE. Clifton 9s have made my runs far more enjoyable, I wish this review was enough to express my love for this brand.

  • I ran competitive cross country for several years, and had serious hip and knee issues as a result. Turns out, I was just wearing the wrong shoes, and once I bought a pair of Hoka's, my issues went away! They are the best long distance running shoes by far.

    Feedback

    They aren't very cute, and I think the design is more about protecting your body over them just being fashionable, but the look can certainly be a deterrent to purchasing. Also, they are super pricey for a pair of shoes.

  • THESE ARE MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE SHOES EVER. I don't necessarily run in them but they have become my ultimate errand shoes. Need every style and color, but Cliftons are my favorite!

    Feedback

    n/a

  • I was recommended a pair of HOKA Mach 3s at a running store. Trying them on genuinely felt like running on clouds. I eventually got the Mach 4s which felt very similar but with more structure/support around the ankle. Having used them for both running and (shamefully) hiking on my travels last year, I'd say they're the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn for long periods of movement. The heels are chunkier than I'm used to (I know this isn't unique to HOKA but they were the first shoes I wore with this design) which led to a few stumbles early on, but I've adjusted to them now. I don't think the Mach line are meant to be the fastest race shoes but I certainly run faster in them than my previous (admittedly not great for running) pair. I've seen people wearing them for fashion but I personally don't think they're the most beautiful shoes if I'm not running. At this price point, I would personally only get them for sporting use. While I'll try other shoes once these wear out, I'd have no problem getting the exact same pair again.

  • I have the Bondi 8 for work as a dental assistant, and they have been the best work shoes ever! I like the larger toe box, and the bouncey cushion. I can feel them wearing down, but id say I'll get a good year out of them!

  • Love Hoka shoes but they have terrible customer service and their warranty process is a joke. I've worn their shoes for year, as they combine stability with comfort and my podiatrists have always recommended them. As someone with a mobility disability, supportive shoes are incredibly important and hard to find the right ones. My most recent pair started breaking after I put 7 months and by 9 months the plastic inside started digging into my heel. I followed all their instructions for submitting a warranty claim, which was a terribly long and complicated process and hard to get a hold of someone in customer service, only to have them deny my claim for a false reason (they said it's been more than a year but it hasn't and I shared the proof of purchase receipt).

  • Amazing fit! I need a wide toe box and a narrow heel. These fit well and provide plenty of support

  • I got fitted for workout shoes and they recommended the Arahi, they were absolutely spot on with their recommendation. They're so comfortable, lightweight and provided so much cushion support that my feet aren't hurting by the end of my workouts. I usually have to add an insole for extra comfort but not for these.