Intro
When considering a new running shoe, there are so many similar-looking shoes on the market being made by so many different companies, it is virtually impossible to (1) know where to begin; (2) quickly figure out which one or two products from a given brand might work well for you; and (3) determine what products from other brands might be the most similar and also worth considering.
So in our new “Blister Brand Guide” series, we provide an overview of the entire product lineup of a brand; highlight how each product stands out from the rest of that brand’s lineup; and help you figure out quickly and easily which shoe might work best for you.
In our individual product reviews, we go very deep into the details of particular products. With these Brand Guides, the goal is not Depth, but Breadth. Our Brand Guides and full reviews are designed to complement each other — provide a broad overview of entire company lineups, and then also very detailed reviews of individual products.
See our other running shoe Brand Guides
Hoka One One: Brand Background
Hoka is well known in the running world for their well-cushioned shoes, and many people swear that Hoka has found the key to creating shoes that solve many of the physical ailments that come with running (particularly leg and foot fatigue), though many other runners prefer a firmer, less-cushioned ride.
Hoka now offers a huge lineup of both trail and road shoes, and while many have a lot of cushion and higher stack heights, they now make a pretty wide variety of shoes, including some more minimal options.
Hoka’s lineup also includes an increasing number of “active lifestyle” and hiking shoes for 2020. Unfortunately, Hoka lists all their casual and hiking shoes along with their running shoes on their website, even though most of them really aren’t designed for running. So in this Brand Guide, we’ve included all of Hoka’s running shoes and most of their more casual options to help clarify the intended purpose of each shoe.
To help sort out all of their options, we’ll break down each shoe in Hoka’s lineup, categorizing them from most cushioned to least cushioned for both their road shoes and their trail shoes.
ROAD SHOES
(Most Cushioned to Least Cushioned)
Most Cushion
Cushion is the name of the game with the Bondi 7. It has a higher stack height than any other Hoka road shoe, and its fairly soft cushioning is designed to minimize the force of impacts as much as possible. The Bondi 7 has a redesigned upper with a memory-foam heel collar and redesigned overlays for additional comfort and support. Because of its extremely thick, soft midsole, the Bondi likely won’t feel fast or nimble — but if you’re looking for a shoe that provides max cushion and comfort for longer, slower road runs, the Bondi 7 could be a good match.
Stack Height
- Heel: 36 mm
- Forefoot: 32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 303 g
- Women's: 252 g
MSRP: $150.00
The Bondi Leather offers a full-grain leather upper on the max-cushioned Bondi platform for work or casual use. The Bondi Leather is a bit heavier and will likely be less breathable than the Bondi L, but it should be very durable thanks to its full-leather construction.
Stack Height
- Heel: 36 mm
- Forefoot: 32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Mens: 337 g
- Womens: 286 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 36 mm
- Forefoot: 32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 283 g
MSRP: $170.00
Like the Bondi L, the Bondi SR is a max-cushioned everyday shoe. It has a light, soft midsole compound that should be comfortable for all-day wear, but might not hold up quite as long as the denser foam used on the Bondi 7. The Bondi SR also has a water-resistant leather upper and slip-resistant outsole, making it a better option for use in wet conditions than the Bondi L, though the SR is also a lot heavier.
Stack Height
- Heel: 36 mm
- Forefoot: 32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 397 g
- Women's: 326 g
MSRP: $160.00
The Opening Ceremony Bondi is a variation on the old Bondi 5, with the same extremely maximal cushion found on other Bondi models and a partial leather upper for casual use. Like the Bondi L, the x OC Bondi uses a mix of leather and mesh for the upper, so it should be a bit more breathable than the Bondi SR or Bondi Leather.
Stack Height
- Heel: 36 mm
- Forefoot: 32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 283 g
MSRP: $185.00
The Bondi has gone through a number of design changes over the years, and the Bondi B is a limited-edition revival of the very first model of the shoe. With a very slightly higher drop and lower stack height than the Bondi 7, this shoe offers a plush ride and gives people who loved the original Bondi a chance to get back in the same shoe.
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 30.5 mm
Drop: 4.5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 309 g
- Women's: 244 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 30.5 mm
Drop: 4.5 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 292 g
MSRP: $160.00
The Outdoor Voices (OV) X Hoka Bondi B is a limited-edition colorway of the standard Bondi B. It features the same high stack height, soft cushioning, and breathable mesh upper as the Bondi B, but in a unique colorway.
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 30.5 mm
Drop: 4.5 mm
Stated Weight
- Women's: 252 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 30 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 286 g
- Women's: 241 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 300 g
- Women's: 249 g
MSRP: $150.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 337 g
- Women's: 286 g
MSRP: $160.00
The Carbon X is all about speed and cushioning. Originally designed with several of Hoka’s top athletes, the Carbon X has a carbon-fiber plate sandwiched between a double-layer PROFLY X midsole to improve energy return. The upper layer of midsole foam provides softer cushioning for a comfortable ride, while the carbon-fiber plate and firmer bottom layer of midsole foam improve energy return and efficiency. All together, the Carbon X’s midsole construction gives the shoe a fast, efficient ride with a distinctive pop. The shoe’s generous midsole rocker also encourages a fast cadence, helping you to race faster than ever. If you are in the market for a race-specific shoe that is designed to maximize running efficiency and speed — all in a well-cushioned package — the Carbon X is a great option. [Check out our full review of the Carbon X]
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 30 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 247 g
- Women's: 204 g
MSRP: $180.00
The Carbon X-SPE features the same dual-density midsole, carbon plate, and aggressive midsole rocker that make the Carbon X a fast, efficient racing shoe, but with a redesigned upper intended to improve comfort for longer races. Instead of the lightweight mesh upper found on the Carbon X, the Carbon X-SPE has a tongue-free, sock-like upper encased in a thin, stretchy, mesh bootie. The Carbon X-SPE’s high-tech upper should provide a slightly more comfortable, slightly more secure fit than the standard version of the Carbon X — but it does make the Carbon X-SPE a few grams heavier and $20 more expensive than the Carbon X (which isn’t inexpensive to begin with). So if you’re looking for a well-cushioned, extremely fast shoe for longer races and prioritize a bit of extra comfort over minimizing weight, the Carbon X-SPE could be a good option.
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 30 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 249 g
MSRP: $200.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 33 mm
- Forefoot: 28 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 253 g
- Women's: 206 g
MSRP: $160.00
This shoe provides pronation control / stability in a lighter, but still-well-cushioned package. Like the Gaviota 2, the Arahi 4 uses Hoka’s J-Frame technology to provide support and foot guidance, reportedly without sacrificing comfort. The newest version of the Arahi features a redesigned upper that’s slightly lighter and more minimal than the previous version of the shoe. If the Gaviota 2 seems a bit too maximal / cumbersome for you, the Arahi 4 offers a similarly supportive ride in a slightly lower-profile package.
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 272 g
- Women's: 227 g
MSRP: $130.00
The simple, minimal design of the Rincon 2 makes it surprisingly light, given how much cushioning it provides— it’s quite a bit lighter than the Clifton 7, despite having a similar stack height. The Rincon 2 features an updated upper for improved breathability and security, but the rest of the shoe remains unchanged from the previous version. The Ricon 2 is a less structured shoe, so it provides much less stability and support than shoes like the Arahi 4 or Gaviota 2. If you like a cushioned shoe that still feels light and fast, the Rincon 2 could be a good option. The Rincon 2 could also be a good race-day option for runners who want a fast, high cushion shoe but don’t want to drop $180 on the Carbon X.
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 218 g
- Women's: 179 g
MSRP: $115.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 218 g
- Women's: 179 g
MSRP: $115.00
The Clifton was one of Hoka’s first road shoes, and remains one of their most popular options for a well cushioned shoe for everyday training. The Clifton 7 features a few minor tweaks to the upper to improve breathability in the midfoot, reduce tongue movement, and make it easier to get the shoe on and off. Aside from those changes, it has a fairly similar design to the previous Clifton 6. The Clifton 7 has slightly softer cushioning than shoes like the Rincon 2 or Carbon X, but its midsole is still firm enough to provide a reasonably efficient ride. The Clifton 7 is also a bit heavier and more supportive than the Rincon 2, Carbon X, or Evo Carbon Rocket, making it better suited to everyday use rather than racing.
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 247 g
- Women's: 201 g
MSRP: $130.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 30 mm
- Forefoot: 25 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 195 g
- Women's: 147 g
MSRP: $120.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 30 mm
- Forefoot: 25 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 193 g
- Women's: 145 g
MSRP: $120.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 25 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 300 g
- Women's: 249 g
MSRP: $140.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 244 g
MSRP: $150.00
The Hoka X Opening Ceremony (OC) Clifton and X OC BM Clifton are two limited-edition colorways of the Clifton L. Like the Clifton L, they’re built of the Clifton 3 platform with a mixed leather / mesh upper for casual use. The X OC Clifton comes in a red, white, and blue colorway, while the X OC BM Clifton comes in a black, blue, and yellow colorway. If you like the sound of the Clifton L and want some unique color options, these shoes are worth a look.
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 244 g
MSRP: $150.00
The OV Clifton is a limited-edition re-release of the Hoka Clifton 4 in a few different new color schemes designed in conjunction with Outdoor Voices. The OV Clifton has a slightly lower stack height than the Clifton 7 and could be a good option for fans of older versions of the Clifton.
Stack Height
- Heel: 28 mm
- Forefoot: 23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 264 g
- Women's: 213 g
MSRP: $140.00
Like the Carbon X, this shoe features a carbon-fiber insert in the midsole to maximize energy return. It’s also got plenty of cushioning to reduce foot fatigue during long, fast road miles, but it’s not as maximal as the Carbon X. The minimal upper and lightweight midsole foam keeps weight to a minimum. With a nearly flat heel-to-toe drop, this is a great race-day option for runners who prefer a low-drop shoe, but who still want good energy return and cushioning in a lightweight package.
Stack Height
- Heel: 28 mm
- Forefoot: 27 mm
Drop: 1 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 207 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 27 mm
- Forefoot: 22 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 243 g
- Women's: 201 g
MSRP: $140.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 25 mm
- Forefoot: 20 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 252 g
- Women's: 212 g
MSRP: $115.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 25 mm
- Forefoot: 20 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 261 g
- Women's: 219 g
MSRP: $120.00
The Huapana EM is a more casual version of the Huapana Flow, with an open mesh upper for improved comfort and breathability, but with a casual look. The midsole and outsole are the same as the Huapana Flow, but the Huapana EM could be a better option if you’re just looking for a casual shoe and don’t plan on using it for running as much.
Stack Height
- Heel: 25 mm
- Forefoot: 20 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 224 g
MSRP: $115.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 25 mm
- Forefoot: 20 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Women's: 193 g
MSRP: $115.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 24 mm
- Forefoot: 20 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 225 g
- Women's: 190 g
MSRP: $130.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 23 mm
- Forefoot: 19 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: NA
- Women's: 218 g
MSRP: $110.00
Least Cushion
This is as close as you’ll get to a truly “minimal” Hoka road shoe. With a lower stack height and lighter construction than all of their other road shoes, the Evo Rehi is a great option for runners who want an ultralight shoe with just enough cushioning to maintain a comfortable ride.
Stack Height
- Heel: 17 mm
- Forefoot: 13 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 190 g
- Women's: 164 g
MSRP: $140.00
TRAIL SHOES
(Most Cushioned to Least Cushioned)
Most Cushion
The Stinson ATR 6 is Hoka’s latest version of their long-standing, max-cushioned, all-terrain shoe. Like previous versions of the Stinson ATR, version 6 has an extremely thick CMEVA midsole, broad midsole platform, and versatile tread pattern designed to provide a comfortable, secure ride on both trails and roads. The Stinson ATR 6 is a bit lighter than the previous version of the shoe thanks to its new upper, which uses a new recycled yarn derived from post-consumer-waste plastic. The Stinson ATR 6 likely won’t be the best choice for technical trails because of its extremely high stack height, but it could be a good option if you’re looking for a shoe that provides as much cushioning and protection as possible for less technical trails and occasional stretches of pavement. We do recommend trying on the Stinson ATR 6 before buying if possible, as we were surprised by how stiff and not-plush the midsole felt on the Stinson ATR 4.
Stack Height
- Heel: 39 mm
- Forefoot: 34 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 332 g
- Women's: 278 g
MSRP: $160.00
While the TenNine was released around April 1st, it is not, in fact, an April Fool’s joke. Like the Clifton Edge, the TenNine has a unique extended-heel design — but the TenNine’s extended heel is even more pronounced than the Clifton Edge. Hoka claims that the TenNine’s unique shape and high stack height make for an extremely smooth, stable ride, especially on downhills. The TenNine probably won’t be a great shoe for technical trails because of its extremely large footprint, high stack height, and more minimal outsole tread, but it might be worth considering if you’re trying to find a shoe the provides an extremely smooth ride — as long as you can get over the TenNine’s $250 price tag. It’s also worth noting that Hoka is very clear about the fact that the TenNine is a “specialized piece of running equipment” — much like a ski boot or a cycling shoe — and shouldn’t be used for everyday activities like walking down stairs or driving a car. So if you are considering buying the TenNine, keep in mind that it is definitely not an all-round shoe.
Stack Height
- Heel: 37 mm
- Forefoot: 33 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 359 g
MSRP: $250.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 35 mm
- Forefoot: 31 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 422 g
MSRP: $200.00
The updated Evo Mafate 2 was designed with Hoka’s athletes to provide a maximum-cushion shoe that can still hold up to technical terrain (more so than the Stinson ATR 6). It’s got a lightweight upper, firmer cushioning, and an aggressive outsole. If you want as much cushioning as possible without sacrificing much efficiency and stability on more technical trails, this shoe may be worth a look. The original Evo Mafate is also still available, which is ~20 grams lighter and has a more minimal upper.
Stack Height
- Heel: 34 mm
- Forefoot: 30 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 292 g
- Women's: 252 g
MSRP: $170.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 33 mm
- Forefoot: 29 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 329 g
- Women's: 272 g
MSRP: $170.00
The Speedgoat was designed in conjunction with Hoka Athlete Karl Meltzer to provide stability and protection on technical terrain. Like previous versions of the shoe, the Speedgoat 4 has an aggressive Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole and relatively firm midsole. Version 4 also has a wider toe box than its predecessor and includes a new set of midfoot overlays to provide a more secure fit. If you’re looking for a high-cushion shoe that’s better suited to technical terrain than the Stinson ATR or Challenger ATR 5, the Speedgoat 4 should be on your radar.
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 28 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 306 g
- Women's: 261 g
MSRP: $140.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 28 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 346 g
- Women's: 289 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 28 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 374 g
- Women's: 320 g
MSRP: $170.00
This stripped-back version of the Speedgoat 3 features the same outsole and midsole with a more minimal, lightweight upper and a stretchier, gusseted tongue. It’s also built on the same narrower last as the Speedgoat 3, so it won’t be quite as wide / spacious as the Speedgoat 4. If you like the Speedgoat but want something lighter for race day, this is the shoe for you. [Check out our full review of the Evo Speedgoat]
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Forefoot: 28 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 281 g
- Women's: 224 g
MSRP: $160.00
The Arkali is a combination between a running shoe, a hiking boot, and an approach shoe — designed to provide support and traction for hiking and scrambling on technical terrain. The Arkali uses the same PROFLY midsole material found on the Torrent 2, an aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole with wider lugs designed to provide extra grip on rocks, and an ankle-height MATRYX upper with two velcro straps to help provide a secure fit. While the Arkali’s MATRYX upper is water resistant, the Arkali is not truly waterproof. If you’re looking for a hiking / scrambling shoe with running shoe-like cushion and a locked down, secure fit, the Arkali could be worth checking out.
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 432 g
- Women's: 376 g
MSRP: $200.00
The Challenger ATR 5 features a cushioned, rockered platform with low-profile outsole lugs that work for both roads and moderate trails. Despite its lower-profile outsole (compared to the Speedgoat and Mafate shoes), we’ve still been happy using the Challenger ATR 5 for pretty technical trails. If your runs often have a mix of surfaces but you want a much lighter, faster option than the Stinson ATR 5, the Challenger is worth checking out. [Check out our full review of the Challenger ATR 5]
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 266 g
- Women's: 218 g
MSRP: $130.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 295 g
- Women's: 249 g
MSRP: $140.00
The Challenger Low Gore-Tex is a more hiking-oriented version of the Challenger ATR 5. It has the same cushioning and outsole as the Challenger ATR 5, but with a leather upper and waterproof / breathable Gore-Tex membrane. If you like the Challenger but want a more durable / casual version for hiking and everyday use, the Challenger Low Gore-Tex warrants consideration.
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Forefoot: 24 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 414 g
- Women's: 352 g
MSRP: $140.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 26 mm
- Forefoot: 21 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 264 g
- Women's: 215 g
MSRP: $120.00
The Hoka x Xterra Torrent is a limited edition colorway of the original Hoka Torrent designed in collaboration with some of Hoka’s top trail running athletes. If you liked the original version of the Torrent more than the Torrent 2, the x Xterra Torrent provides an opportunity to get another pair of the original version in a unique colorway.
Stack Height
- Heel: 26 mm
- Forefoot: 21 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Stated Weight
- Unisex: 255 g
MSRP: $130.00
Least Cushion
Stack Height
- Heel: 23 mm
- Forefoot: 20 mm
Drop: 3 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 204 g
- Women's: 170 g
I just purchased the women’s Hoka Bondi 7 shoes and I am very disappointed with the blisters I now have on both feet on the outside curve of my arches. It’s now 1:36 am on July 2,2021 and I have been reading reviews for hours. This issue is nothing new for Hoka as I learned too late. I have read over 5 dozen reviews from 2016,2017 all stated they got blisters on their outside curve of their arches. When I removed my shoe today once I painfully reached my car, I was shocked at the deep grove in the outer edge of my foots arch. A new blister! I removed the insole from the Hoka Bondi 7 shoes and held it up to my foot. The edge of the insole lined up exactly with the deep line in the blister. I ran my finger across the edge of the insole and noticed how sharp it felt. I paid $150 in order to experience comfort and support. Not extremely painful blisters on my arches of both feet. And I am really disappointed now that I see clearly this is a regular issue with Hoka for well over 5 years. Shame on you Hoka, you should do better by now. What’s with your quality control. You really should care about feet the way you care about the money you’re receiving.
I always take out the original inner soles and replace with ortho feet inner soles. It makes a huge difference. With my new Bondi 7s, when I swapped out, it also raised my foot just enough that the rim of the sneaker wasn’t digging into my ankle bone on my one foot.
They need to send their shoes designers to Nike or Adidas to learn from them or just hire new.
Being that I am on my feet for 15+ miles a day I will apply my substantial experience on the similarities between Nike , Adidas , New Balance …….. they ALL come up miles short of HOKA …… Hoka bondi 7’s are THE BEST walker/ running shoe EVER .
I love all my Hoka shoes. Always. My husband does too.