Our topmost choices for the best Hoka neutral running shoes:
- Road running: Hoka Rincon 3 — a super lightweight shoe designed for everyday running and race day.
- Gym/Fitness: Hoka Kawana — a moderately stable shoe for high-intensity workouts, strength training/lifting, and cardio.
Neutral running shoes are best for those whose feet experience a typical, healthy amount of pronation where the toes push off, with more emphasis on the big toe during toe-off. These shoes offer plenty of cushioning and support on the rearfoot and just the right amount of cushioning on the forefoot. These features allow neutral shoes to absorb impact more efficiently and create a smooth transition through toe-off.
The majority of shoes in the Hoka lineup are neutral shoes. But some shoes are better than others. And for Hoka neutral running shoes, it means featuring a symmetrical cushion bed without additional prescriptive technologies. It allows for super lightweight running shoes with tons of cushioning underfoot that don’t get in the way of your perfect run signature.
The Best Hoka Neutral Running Shoes of 2023
Here’s a list of the best Hoka neutral running shoes (in no particular order)
Hoka Rincon 3
Activity: Health, 5K—42K+
Cushioning: Soft & Responsive
Width: Regular up to wide feet
Hoka Rincon 3 is the lightest running shoe on this list (7.70 oz only), and is ideal if you are looking for a soft and responsive shoe. It is an everyday shoe (and a race-day shoe) that can do anything on the road, from an easy run to a sprint.
This running shoe has balanced cushioning, which provides protection when absorbing shock from the ground. The sole offers a full-contact design that delivers a more stable ride. The outsole is also more durable than its predecessor. And it has a breathable engineered mesh upper that feels more supportive than the last iteration.
Shop On ZapposHoka Mach 5
Activity: Health, 5K—42K+, Gym/Fitness
Cushioning: Low to the Ground/Soft & Responsive
Width: Regular up to wide feet
Hoka Mach 5 is the one to choose if you want a fast and responsive shoe that feels low to the ground. It offers a lower stack height than most Hoka shoes, which makes the cushioning and energy return more compact. The shoe also feels firmer underfoot, allowing you to feel the ground.
The Mach 5 has a dual-density sole composed of ProFly+ midsole and rubberized EVA outsole. The upper layer of the sole now feels softer and more responsive than its predecessor. The engineered mesh upper also feels more comfortable and breathable.
Shop On ZapposHoka Clifton 9
Activity: Health, 5K—42K+
Cushioning: Low to the Ground/Soft & Responsive
Width: Regular up to wide feet
If you are new to running, the Clifton 9 is your best option in the Hoka lineup. This APMA-accepted shoe has all the features that make the Hoka brand unique. It offers maximum cushioning with plenty of support in the midsole and outsole. It has an early-stage Meta-Rocker for smooth transitions.
The shoe is exceptionally durable and has a superb breathable, engineered knit upper. This latest model has a higher stack height but is more lightweight than its predecessor. It is a daily trainer that is excellent on a slower pace but provides a springy, fun ride when you decide to pick up the pace.
Shop On ZapposHoka Kawana
Activity: Health, 5K—42K+, Gym/Fitness
Cushioning: Soft & Responsive
Width: Regular
Hoka Kawana is a neutral running shoe with inherently stable features that can take on any walking and gym workout. It has a wide base and Active Foot Frame technology, designed to hug the foot and secure the heel through every movement. Even though this shoe belongs to the running shoe category, it is Hoka’s best walking and gym shoe.
The Kawana is Hoka’s most recommended shoe for power walking. And it is the best Hoka shoe for high-intensity training, strength training/lifting, and cardio workouts in the gym.
Shop On ZapposHoka Bondi 8
Activity: Health, 5K—42K+, Gym/Fitness
Cushioning: Low to the Ground/Plush
Width: Regular up to extra wide feet
The Bondi 8 is Hoka’s most cushioned neutral running shoe and is the one to choose if you want to experience what it’s like to have all the comfort Hoka can give. It can do anything from power walking and gym workouts to running a marathon.
Hoka Bondi 8 has readily-available support from the ground up that will be there should your foot deviate from its ideal run signature. This latest model is now more compact and fashionable than its predecessor, with plenty of colorways available to match your outfit. It is also the only Hoka shoe that can fit extra wide feet.
Shop On ZapposHoka Bondi X
Activity: 5K—42K+
Cushioning: Maximal/Plush
Width: Regular up to wide feet
If you want a turbocharged version of the Bondi 8, go for the Bondi X. It is the Bondi model with a carbon fiber plate designed for everyday running and racing. A carbon plate is a new technology used to improve efficiency, speed, and performance in running.
Hoka Bondi X is the most expensive Bondi model for a reason. This shoe has more energy return, and you spend less time on the ground. It feels more dynamic underfoot and provides a smooth transition through an early-stage Meta-Rocker. The breathable mesh upper with 3D hotmelt yarns also offers an excellent locked-in fit.
Shop On ZapposFinal Thoughts
The above Hoka neutral running shoes offer plenty of benefits for the perfect gait. They have tons of soft cushioning underfoot and upper materials that deliver excellent breathability and a comfortable locked-in fit. Most shoes are mid-drop running shoes, which may require a transition period if you are used to wearing high-drop shoes. But once can adjust, they are among the most comfortable running shoes to wear.
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