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The Best Models of Hoka Running Shoes for Every Runner
Hoka is a brand that has revolutionized the running shoe industry with its innovative design and technology. Hoka shoes are known for their cushioned midsole, Meta-Rocker geometry, and lightweight construction that provide a smooth and comfortable ride for runners of all levels and preferences. Whether you are looking for a daily trainer, a trail shoe, a racing shoe, or a versatile shoe, Hoka has a model that will suit your needs. In this blog post, I will introduce you to some of the best selling models of Hoka running shoes and explain what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best overall and the best daily trainer for most runners. It is the latest version of the classic Hoka Clifton series that has won many awards and fans over the years. The Clifton 9 features a new lightweight foam and extended heel geometry that improve the fit and comfort of the shoe. It also has a memory foam collar and a rear crash pad that enhance the plushness and smoothness of the ride. The Clifton 9 is a neutral shoe that offers a balanced cushioning and responsiveness for any distance and pace. It weighs 11 ounces and has a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is the best for trail running, especially on technical and challenging terrain. It is named after Karl Meltzer, aka “Speedgoat”, who is one of the most accomplished trail runners in the world. The Speedgoat 5 features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs that provide excellent grip and traction on any surface. It also has a breathable mesh upper with 3D printed overlays that offer durability and support. The Speedgoat 5 is a neutral shoe that offers a generous cushioning and stability for long trail runs. It weighs 10.8 ounces and has a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Bondi X
The Hoka Bondi X is the most versatile shoe in the Hoka lineup. It is a hybrid shoe that combines the maximal cushioning of the Hoka Bondi series with the carbon fiber plate technology of the Hoka Carbon X series. The result is a shoe that can handle any distance and speed, from easy runs to marathons to tempo runs. The Bondi X features a full-length carbon fiber plate that adds propulsion and efficiency to every stride. It also has an engineered mesh upper with gusseted tongue that provides breathability and comfort. The Bondi X is a neutral shoe that offers an ultra-soft and responsive ride for any runner. It weighs 9 ounces and has a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Arahi 6
The Hoka Arahi 6 is the best for plantar fasciitis, or any runner who needs some extra support and stability. It is one of the few stability shoes in the Hoka range that uses the J-Frame technology instead of traditional medial posts or dual-density foam. The J-Frame technology is a firmer EVA foam that wraps around the heel and medial side of the shoe to provide guidance and correction for overpronation. The Arahi 6 also has an engineered mesh upper with padded tongue and collar that offer comfort and fit. The Arahi 6 is a stability shoe that offers a moderate cushioning and smoothness for any distance and pace. It weighs 9.7 ounces and has a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Mach 5
The Mach 5 is the best for long distances, or any runner who wants a fast and light shoe that can go the distance. It is the fourth iteration of the popular Hoka Mach series that has been redesigned to be more responsive and agile than ever before. The Mach 5 features a dual-layered midsole with Profly foam on top and rubberized foam on bottom that provide a soft landing and a springy toe-off. It also has an engineered mesh upper with heat-pressed TPU yarns that offer breathability and durability. The Mach 5 is a neutral shoe that offers a balanced cushioning and responsiveness for long runs or races. It weighs 8.2 ounces and has a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Kawana
The Hoka Kawana is the best for sprinting, or any runner who wants a sleek and speedy shoe that can deliver explosive performance. It is one of the newest models in the Hoka range that has been inspired by the Hawaiian word for “fast”. The Kawana features a full-length carbon fiber plate that adds stiffness and propulsion to every stride. It also has a single-layer mesh upper with minimal overlays that offer breathability and fit. The Kawana is a neutral shoe that offers a minimal cushioning and responsiveness for short distances or speed work. It weighs 7.4 ounces and has a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Bondi 8
The Hoka Bondi 8 is the best for road running, or any runner who wants a maximal cushioning and comfort on the pavement. It is the seventh version of the flagship Hoka Bondi series that has been the most cushioned shoe in the Hoka range. The Bondi 8 features a full-length compression EVA midsole that provides a soft and smooth ride for any distance and pace. It also has a breathable mesh upper with memory foam heel collar that offer comfort and fit. The Bondi 8 is a neutral shoe that offers an ultra-soft and smooth ride for road runners. It weighs 10.7 ounces and has a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka Gaviota 4
The Gaviota 4 is the best for extra cushion, or any runner who wants a plush and stable shoe that can protect their feet and joints. It is one of the most cushioned stability shoes in the Hoka range that uses the J-Frame technology to provide guidance and correction for overpronation. The Gaviota 4 also features an engineered mesh upper with molded foam collar that offer comfort and fit. The Gaviota 4 is a stability shoe that offers an ultra-soft and smooth ride for any distance and pace. It weighs 10.6 ounces and has a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.