Curious about which walking shoes truly stand out, I casually polled my friends, family and fellow walkers, only to find that one name kept surfacing: Hoka. That discovery sparked a deeper dive into the best Hoka shoes for walking, as I looked for models that deliver on comfort, support and stability. After testing and comparing options, the Clifton 10 emerged as the top all-around pick due to its lightweight cushioning and sheer versatility. I also like the Bondi 9, for even more cushioning, and the Arahi 8 if you need a proper stability shoe.
Known for its colorful, max-cushioned trainers, Hoka kicked off the chunky footwear movement over a decade ago, and many of its bestsellers still stand out as great for walking. To evaluate Hoka’s walking shoes, I compared specs like stack height and weight in addition to midsole support and cushioning, stability, traction and overall comfort. I also spoke with Caroline Bermel, head shoe tester and content marketing specialist at Fleet Feet, for some buying advice.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted gear team are experts in all things fitness footwear. Our editors and writers have put countless sneakers to the test—many from Hoka. By tapping into our in-depth testing and research, we’ve published a collection of gear roundups, including this guide and a guide to the best Hoka running shoes.
- Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who authored this guide, has over six years of experience testing sneakers and workout shoes. As an avid runner (and walker), he owns many pairs of Hoka shoes, including the new Clifton 10, Mach 6 and Anacapa Breeze Low. He has a background in kinesiology, and uses that experience to evaluate footwear.
- Other Forbes Vetted staffers helped us test Hoka walking shoes. Supervising editor Kara Cuzzone tested the Bondi 9, and associate director of operations, Kayla Sigaroudi, tested the Arahi 8.
- To learn more about Hoka walking shoes, we spoke with Caroline Bermel, head shoe tester and content marketing specialist for Fleet Feet. Her insights helped us make more informed recommendations based on different needs and create a buying guide that’s aimed at helping you find a comfortable, supportive walking shoe.
- We review and update this guide regularly to ensure its accuracy and that our recommendations are still available. It was last updated in August 2025 by Vigliotta, who reviewed the latest recommendations and replaced the outgoing Arahi 7 with the new Arahi 8.
How We Chose The Best Hoka Shoes For Walking
We took many steps—both literally and figuratively—to find the best Hoka shoes for walking. Here’s how we made our picks:
- We looked into Hoka’s best-selling models to find styles suitable for walking based on our experience and real-world feedback. Cushy, stable shoes like the Clifton 10 and Bondi 9 were some of the first models we considered, followed by others like the stability-driven Arahi 8 and the slip-resistant Bondi SR.
- We evaluated a range of options based on a set of key variables, starting with cushioning and support. Walking shoes should have ample foam underfoot to absorb impact, but each model’s construction produces a different experience. We looked at shoes with responsive, balanced and plush cushioning to cover all our bases.
- A shoe’s upper and outsole help determine when and where you should wear it. Models like the Clifton 10 feature a breathable upper and versatile outsole for pavement, sidewalks and other hard surfaces. Others, like the Anacapa Breeze Low and Bondi SR, are designed for trails and slippery surfaces, respectively. We considered options that cater to different preferences.
- When you combine cushioning, stability, traction and features like breathability, what kind of shoe do you wind up with? And who is it best for? By comparing shoes to one another based on all these basic elements, we gained a better understanding of each style before making our recommendations.
How To Shop For Hoka Walking Shoes
When you’re trying to choose the best Hoka walking shoe for you, we recommend paying close attention to such key features as the shoe’s cushioning, support, stability and traction.
Cushioning And Support
At the heart of any good Hoka walking shoe is a cushioned midsole for long-term comfort, but the degree of cushioning varies from one shoe to the next. As Bermel notes, the right shoe “depends on the individual’s preferences.”
While it’s difficult to gauge just how cushioned a shoe really is until you wear it, Hoka designates shoes as either responsive, balanced or plush based on the amount of cushioning they provide. Responsive cushioning uses firmer materials and foams to help your feet push off with efficiency; plush cushioning absorbs impact to create a forgiving ride; and balanced cushioning sits in the middle to deliver protective cushioning that maintains some responsiveness.
If you prefer truly plush cushioning, consider the Bondi, Hoka’s tried-and-true max-cushioned shoe. For balanced cushioning that supplies a best-of-both-worlds experience, models like the Clifton and Transport should meet your needs. And if you’re after responsive cushioning for faster walking, the Mach series is a great option.
Stability
A walking shoe’s stability refers to how it supports your foot through the gait cycle. While even neutral shoes contain some stability elements, true stability shoes are designed to address overpronation, which occurs when your foot rolls inward as you step. Not all walkers need a true stability shoe, but if you overpronate, it can really help.
Hoka classifies a shoe’s stability as either neutral, moderate or stable. Neutral shoes feature a symmetrical bed of cushioning, but don’t add stability elements; stable shoes contain some form of intervention, like “H-frame” technology—a form of construction that prevents excessive inward rolling; and moderate shoes contain features that make the design inherently stable, like a wide base, to support neutral gaits.
Understanding your natural gait can help you find a walking shoe that meets your needs. The Arahi, for example, improves stability because it contains a strip of foam along the medial side to prevent overpronation. Similarly, the Gaviota features “H-frame” technology that weaves firmer foam around the entire shoe. Other models, like the Clifton and Bondi, are neutral shoes, meaning they provide basic support via a symmetrical footbed.
Traction
Most people use their walking shoes on hard, dry surfaces like concrete or asphalt, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook traction. Again, Hoka makes different shoes for different purposes, so it’s important to consider your needs.
If you use your shoes to run errands, take the dog on a walk or travel, models like the Clifton, Bondi and Gaviota are great because they’re made with a basic, durable rubber outsole for longevity and versatility. If you prefer to walk on local trails or dirt roads that require a bit more traction, consider the Anacapa Breeze Low or even the Speedgoat—both feature Vibram MegaGrip rubber to boost traction. And the Bondi SR has a true slip-resistant outsole, which is great for some workplaces.
Intended Use
Ultimately, the best Hoka walking shoe for you comes down to how you use it. A plump, squishy trainer like the Bondi isn’t really suitable for trails, while the Anacapa Breeze Low isn’t necessary for sunny sidewalks. Consider when and where you prefer to walk and narrow down your options from there.
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