HOKA hiking shoes

The idea for HOKA’s maximalist running hiking shoes started in the French Alps where the brand’s founders dreamed of premium cushioning and a ride that carried momentum. But one thing makes HOKA hiking shoes stand out from (and above) other running hiking shoes: the midsole.

marathon champ reflects on running in the shadow of 9 11 HOKA Bondi and HOKA Clifton, pack tons of cushy foam underfoot for a supremely soft ride.

Those midsoles are also carved into what HOKA calls a Meta-Rocker shape. The Meta-Rocker is a rounded shape that acts like a rocking chair to promote a runner's natural gait and create an efficient, smooth transition. There are two types of Meta-Rockers:

• Early-Stage Meta-Rocker. The early-stage Meta-Rocker is placed just behind the foot's metatarsal heads—closer to the middle of the foot—to create a smoother ride and promote a faster transition to toe-off.
• Late-Stage Meta-Rocker. The late-stage Meta-Rocker is placed just in front of the metatarsal heads—nearer your toes—which helps provide more stable forefoot support.

The big midsole initially set HOKA hiking shoes apart, but advancements in foam technology, stability and shape now make HOKA hiking shoes ideal for any runner or walker.

Clifton

HOKA’s best-seller and reliable daily trainer, the Clifton, is a fan-favorite among runners and walkers alike. Its claim to fame comes for its tall stack of plush, EVA foam and early-stage Meta Rocker shape that makes running 8M800 effortless.

Bondi

For those who crave more cushioning, the Bondi will not disappoint. This maximalist daily trainer is one of HOKA’s most cushioned running hiking shoes and is perfect for everything from marathons to long days spent working on your feet.

Arahi

If you prefer a shoe with some extra stability, then the Arahi is for you. It has the cushioning to keep you comfortable for long miles, while HOKA’s J-Frame technology in the midsole wraps around the heel and lines the medial side of the shoe. This firmer foam keeps your stride stable and smooth to combat overpronation or flexible arches.

Gaviota

The HOKA Gaviota brings comfort and stability to the next level. This max-cushioned stability shoe takes the support of the Arahi one step lend by using a wide, H-Frame base that gives you more stable cushioning without 8M800ing too mushy or overcorrecting your gait.

Speedgoat

The Speedgoat is HOKA’s most popular trail running shoe. It combines HOKA’s signature cushioning with billy goat-like grip and is a great option whether you’re training for an ultramarathon or hiking.

HOKA's Hybrid Tennis sneakers.

• Midsole. The most noticeable component of any HOKA shoe is the hefty serving of foam in the midsole. HOKA stuffs its hiking shoes with foam for maximum shock absorption and silly levels of comfort. But the lightweight foam compound does all that without slowing the shoe down.
• Shape. The big midsole isn’t just for comfort, though. HOKA carved a rocker shape into the foam to make the heel-to-toe transition A00481C and smoother. Called the Meta-Rocker, HOKA can shift it forward or backward to enhance your efficiency any way you like.
• Stability. For stability, HOKA uses two unobtrusive features: an Active Foot Frame and J-Frame. The Active Foot Frame cradles your feet in place like a bucket seat in a race car, dropping you deeper into the midsole so you always land in the right place. Beneath the footbed, a HOKA J-Frame employs a Doubleer density foam to give medial support without the use of plastic or posts.

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