Hoka running shoes are consistently popular among amateur and professional runners alike. They are characterized by above-average cushioning, which reduces the strain on the joints when running on different surfaces. The brand’s lineup includes shoes for slow long-distance runs, fast running shoes, and models designed for running in difficult mountain terrain. Let’s take a look at what the brand has to offer.
Three segments, how it is divided
Hoka divides its running shoes into three main segments: GLIDE, FLY and SKY, which can be compared to the classic division into training, racing and trail shoes. In each of these segments, there are many models that meet the specific needs of runners:
- GLIDE is a comfortable and versatile training shoe, ideal for everyday running,
- FLY is a lightweight and dynamic shoe designed for fast training and competition.
- SKY is a durable trail shoe designed for running in difficult conditions, such as mountain trails, muddy paths, and uneven surfaces.
GLIDE, training for everyday use
The GLIDE segment includes training shoes, which are further divided into neutral and stabilizing shoes. These shoes form the core of Hoka’s lineup for running on hard surfaces. This category includes a wide range of models, including the brand’s biggest “max-cushioned shoes”, such as the Bondi and the Gaviota. The category also includes models such as the Rincon, which have a lower midsole volume and therefore less cushioning.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Skyward X  Bondi 9 |  Gaviota 5 |
| very high cushioning |  Clifton 10  Skyflow |  Arahi 7 |
| high cushioning |  Rincon 4 |
Hoka Skyward X
Representative of shoes called “super training shoes”. The softest model in the Hoka lineup, perfect for those looking for maximum cushioning for slow runs. It also includes a carbon fiber element that makes it dynamic and supportive during faster workouts. In terms of combining softness and dynamics, this shoe really stands out. The new Skyward X can be an excellent alternative if you are looking for something even softer than the Bondi, Clifton, Gaviota or Arahi. Unfortunately, for a carbon fiber shoe, it is quite heavy.
- Stack height: 48/43 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 320 g men’s, 261 g women’s
- Regular price: 225 EUR
Hoka Bondi 9
Bondi is a model that makes the highest level of cushioning, although in terms of perceived softness it is inferior to shoes such as Skyward X or Clifton. Designed for runners looking for maximum comfort, it is perfect for people with a higher body weight and those who cover exceptionally long distances. Due to its large volume and weight, Bondi is not an ideal choice for faster workouts – it can be challenging to accelerate to higher speeds in it. However, it is in its element during easy runs and moderate-paced training sessions. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer comfort and reliable foot protection during long runs.
- Stack height: 43/38 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 306 g men’s, 252 g women’s
- Regular price: 180 EUR
Hoka Gaviota 5
A combination of maximum cushioning and stabilization, making it a more stable counterpart to the Bondi model. Like the Bondi, it is designed for the heaviest runners and those who cover the longest distances. However, its additional advantage is greater control overpronation. It is therefore particularly recommended for people who tend to roll their ankles. This model is an excellent choice for those who need maximum cushioning, stability and pronation control, but not necessarily dynamic performance. This shoe is perfect for putting in some easy kilometers.
- Stack height: 36/31 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 322 g men’s, 265 g women’s
- Regular price: 170 EUR
Hoka Clifton 10
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s most popular running shoes. In its tenth version, it has undergone a significant makeover, including an increase in foam and a drop height of 8 millimeters. These changes were also followed by an increase in the softness of the shoe. The level of cushioning makes it still an excellent combination of high level of cushioning and a pleasant glide, which sets it apart from other shoes with a similar construction. The Clifton is an excellent choice for everyday running on hard surfaces, but it also performs well on gravel roads. This makes it a good choice for runners looking for versatile running shoes for different (hard) surfaces. Its versatility and comfort make it popular with both amateurs and experienced runners.
- Stack height: 42/34 mm men’s, 38/30 women’s
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 278 g men’s, 228g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Hoka Skyflow
Hoka Skyflow is a very well-cushioned model, designed for everyday running on hard surfaces. It makes running extremely comfortable, making it the perfect choice for runners weighing up to 95 kilograms. It is perfect for asphalt, cobblestones and packed paths. It is best suited for easy, long-distance runs at a moderate pace, but compared to the Clifton, it is much better suited for faster running. If you need a trainer but want something “faster”, this will be an excellent option.
- Stack height: 39/34 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 280 g men’s, 244 g women’s
- Regular price: 170 EUR
Hoka Arahi 7
Hoka Arahi are versatile everyday running shoes with additional stabilization. They are especially designed for people who need extra control overpronation, which is provided by the J-Frame system. Despite the high level of cushioning, these shoes are characterized by good dynamics and smooth rolling from the heel, which makes running in them very pleasant. In addition, it is one of the lightest stability running shoes on the market, making it an attractive option for runners looking for comfort, stability and lightness during daily training on hard surfaces.
- Stack height: 34/29 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 282 g men’s, 228 g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Hoka Rincon 4
The Rincon is one of Hoka’s neutral shoes with less cushioning. It has less cushioning than the Clifton and Skyflow. For heavy runners (over 85 kilograms) it can be used for fast training sessions and races. The Rincon’s biggest advantage is its low weight and high dynamic. Rincon is the perfect choice for runners looking for a lightweight and dynamic shoe for everyday training.
- Stack height: 36/31 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 228 g men’s, 193 g women’s
- Regular price: 130 EUR
FLY, for faster training and competitions
The FLY segment includes fast shoes, i.e. training and competition shoes, as well as racing shoes. This is the fastest segment of Hoka running shoes. These shoes are designed to be lightweight and promote dynamic and effective running, which translates into performance in races and competitions.
| RACING | TRAINING AND COMPETITION | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum dynamics |  Cielo X1 2.0  Rocket X2 | |
| very high dynamics |  Mach X 2 | |
| high dynamics |  Mach 6 |
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0
The Cielo X1 2.0 is the fastest representative of the FLY segment. It is equipped with a full-size (with wings) carbon fiber plate and two layers of responsive PEBA foam, which make it incredibly dynamic and assist in foot strike. It is a shoe for competitions from a 5K to a marathon. When running fast – at least at a pace of 4’00/km – it “responds” incredibly. Compared to the first edition, the shoe has been slimmed down considerably, so that it does not differ in lightness from other top racing shoe models.
- Stack height: 39/32 mm
- Drop: 7 mm
- Weight: 228 g
- Regular price: 275 EUR
Hoka Rocket X2
The Rocket X2 is the number two Hoka racing shoe. As with the Cielo, it has a carbon plate and responsive PEBA foam. However, there is less of it, it is arranged differently, and in my opinion, it is a better choice than the top-of-the-line Cielo X1 for the fastest runners. It will be ideal for advanced runners who have no problem reaching speeds of 4:00/km and faster. Rocket X2 is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their records for distances from 5K to marathon and achieve exceptional results in competitions.
- Stack height: 36/31 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 236 g
- Regular price: 250 EUR
Hoka Mach X 2
The Hoka Mach X 2 is a lightweight training and competition shoe from Hoka. It is ideal for faster workouts and speed training, while making enough support available for slower runs. The Mach X is versatile enough to be a great choice for both fast and more comfortable workouts, especially for runners who have several pairs of running shoes in their collection. In addition, for those who prefer a slower pace, the Mach X can be a safe choice for competition starts, combining speed with comfort.
- Stack height: 44/39 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 266 g men’s, 221 g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Hoka Mach 6
Mach is the only shoe in this group without a “fancy” design and without a carbon fiber plate. This makes it a more flexible shoe and allows it to work a little “slower”. The latest edition has a completely redesigned midsole with uniform foam density, which is supposed to make it even more responsive than previous editions of this shoe. The Mach is an excellent model for tempo runs and everyday speed work. At the same time, it is a fairly versatile model – it offers comfort even during slower workouts, even longer ones. A very versatile shoe for runners weighing no more than 90 kilograms.
- Stack height: 29/24 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 232 g men’s, 192 g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
SKY, trail and mountain shoes
The SKY segment, i.e. trail shoes, is probably the strongest card in Hoka’s lineup. As in the GLIDE segment, we can find here both maximum shock absorption models designed for the longest ultra runs and all-terrain models for versatile use. Finally, we can find models that can be safely called trail racing shoes.
| COMFORT TRAIL | SPEED TRAIL | MIXED TERRAIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Mafate Speed 4 |  Stinson 7 | |
| very high cushioning |  Speedgoat 6 |  Tecton X 3 |  Challenger 7 |
| high cushioning |  Torrent 4 | ||
| mid cushioning |  Zinal 2 |
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is a shoe with maximum cushioning, specially designed for running on difficult mountain terrain. Its very high, maximalist cushioning makes it the natural choice for the toughest runners, making these shoes the most comfortable, especially for ultra-marathon mountain races. This shoe is perfect for various terrains, including rocky, muddy and mixed terrain. It has been compared to an “off-road cruiser”, and there is something to it!
- Stack height: 33/29 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 295 g men’s, 241 g women’s
- Regular price: 180 EUR
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Speedgoat is a running shoe with very high cushioning, although slightly less than the Mafate model, designed for difficult mountain terrain. Its high cushioning makes it a popular choice for mountain ultra runs. It is designed for running on technically difficult paths, offering safety and excellent traction. Thanks to these characteristics, it is also perfect for less demanding routes, so if you plan to run in a nearby forest, Speedgoat will be the right choice. It will ensure comfort both on demanding mountain trails and during easy runs in the surrounding forests.
- Stack height: 33/29 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 278 g men’s, 239 g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Hoka Tecton X 3
The Tecton X 3 is the only carbon shoe among the trail shoes. This shoe was designed for cushioning, speed, and durability and is additionally reinforced with a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4-millimeter lugs. It can be described as an off-road racing shoe and is ideal for runners who want to run fast on difficult terrain. It is worth noting that the carbon fiber plate works best on less technical trails. The optimal terrain for it is slightly less difficult, but rather rocky.
- Stack height: 40/35 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 286 g men’s, 224 g women’s
- Regular price: 250 EUR
Hoka Zinal 2
Zinal is a light (the lightest in the trail category), moderately cushioned, fast and agile trail running shoe. It can be compared to the Mach model, being its trail equivalent. It makes you light, dynamic and gives you excellent traction on difficult terrain. It is a shoe that is perfect for faster cross-country runs on moderately difficult terrain.
- Stack height: 22/18 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 227 g men’s, 189 g women’s
- Regular price: 825PLN
Hoka Stinson 7
This shoe is the biggest tank in the Hoka lineup. It has a stack height approaching 4 centimeters, making it the most powerful off-road shoe. It is ideal for the toughest runners and for covering the longest distances. At the same time, it is an ATR running shoe, which means that it has a universal outsole with 4 mm lugs, making it perfect for both hard surfaces and off-road terrain. Ideally, the ratio of hard surface to off-road terrain should be 50/50.
- Stack height: 37/32 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 332 g men’s, 278 g women’s
- Regular price: 799 PLN
Hoka Challenger 7
The second shoe with a “half and half” use is the Challenger. It is one of the three pillars of the Hoka brand, alongside the Clifton and Speedgoat. This shoe model makes for good, though not maximum, cushioning. For most, even slightly heavier runners, this is sufficient and very comfortable cushioning. The Challenger is also a comfortable shoe for running on asphalt roads as well as on more challenging terrain. It is ideal for daily runs in the forest and works well when you need to get to the forest and back.
- Stack height: 31/26 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 252 g men’s, 218 g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Hoka Torrent 4
The Torrent is one of the lighter, simpler models with (for a Hoka) a slightly lower level of cushioning, designed for trail running. It is ideal for runners who value lightness and versatility. Although it may lack a bit of extra dynamic during faster runs, it is perfect for everyday training in moderately demanding terrain.
- Stack heighty: 33/28 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 279 g men’s, 236 g women’s
- Regular price: 140 EUR
