Our top choices for the best Hoka shoes for walking:
- All-day Comfort: Hoka Bondi SR — the most cushioned Hoka walking shoe, ideal for walking around the neighborhood and on the treadmill. Its plush cushioning is also one of the most sought-after in the medical field.
- Power Walking: Hoka Kawana 2 — a moderately stable shoe with soft and responsive cushioning that can do it all, whether you use it for walking around the neighborhood or on the treadmill.
The best walking shoes have a striking path of walking in mind. But most leading brands focus on running shoes and only offer a few shoes designed for walking. Hoka has only one shoe (obviously) designed for walking (the Bondi SR). However, some of its running shoes can cover miles of strolling without any issues. They are the best Hoka shoes for walking.
Hoka shoes feature elevated stack heights compared to various other brands, presenting a seemingly bulky sole that is remarkably lightweight and aesthetically appealing when worn. They provide luxurious cushioning with a comfortable and dynamic sensation. With a drop ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm, these shoes are designed to be easy on the knees and minimize strain on the foot, ankle, Achilles, and calf.
If you typically wear shoes with a higher drop (10-14 mm), trying on lower-drop shoes may initially cause your body to lean back slightly, especially with a soft midsole. However, your body will adapt after a short period, and the foot sensation will become normal.
The Best Hoka Shoes for Walking
Here’s a list of the best Hoka shoes for walking (in no particular order):
Hoka Kawana 2
Walking Activity: Neighborhood, Treadmill, Power
Cushioning: Low to the ground/Soft & Responsive
Width: Regular
The Hoka Kawana 2 offers unmatched versatility for both walking and gym sessions, making it an excellent choice as your top Hoka shoe for walking due to its inherent stability features.
Hoka suggests the Kawana as their best choice for power walking. It is suitable for walking on various surfaces like pavement, a treadmill, and a track, and serves as a versatile option in the gym for high-intensity training, strength exercises, and cardio. The Kawana can also be used for running distances up to 42 kilometers, although some Hoka running shoes offer superior energy return and propulsion.
Shop On ZapposHoka Bondi 9
Walking Activity: Neighborhood, Treadmill, Power
Cushioning: Responsive/Balanced/Plush
Width: Regular up to extra wide feet
If you possess wide feet, the Hoka Bondi 9 is the optimal choice amongst Hoka shoes for walking. It stands out as Hoka’s top cushioned neutral shoe, incorporating stability attributes to assist in aligning your foot centrally.
The Bondi 9 is suitable for both casual walks in the neighborhood and indoor treadmill workouts. It provides excellent cushioning for a comfortable feel while walking or running, including power walking or long-distance running up to 42 kilometers. Despite being well-padded, it is slightly heavier compared to other Hoka shoes, although it remains the lightest option in the Bondi series at a weight of 10.5 ounces.
Shop On ZapposHoka Bondi SR
Walking Activity: Neighborhood, Treadmill, All-day Comfort
Cushioning: Responsive/Plush
Width: Regular up to wide feet
The Hoka Bondi SR stands out from the rest on this list as it is not classified as a running shoe. With its Bondi heritage and enhanced features, it surpasses its counterparts in delivering long-lasting comfort.
The Bondi SR delivers luxurious cushioning for all parts of your foot, with a water-resistant leather upper and slip-resistant rubber outsole for grip on wet surfaces. Featuring a memory foam collar for ankle support, this shoe is favored by medical professionals and others who spend long hours on their feet. It is also perfect for treadmill walks.
Shop On ZapposHoka Clifton 10
Walking Activity: Neighborhood, Treadmill, Power
Cushioning: Low to the Ground/Soft & Responsive
Width: Regular up to wide feet
For first-time Hoka users, the Clifton 10 stands out as the ideal Hoka shoe for walking. Recognized by the APMA as a running shoe, it is often the top pick for those new to Hoka. With established attributes that enhance foot well-being, it offers significant support for individuals with supination tendencies.
The Hoka Clifton 10 embodies all the distinctive characteristics found in Hoka footwear. Featuring a generously sized sole that remains sleek on the feet, this shoe boasts a stylish, lightweight design. It incorporates top-notch shoe technologies such as an elongated heel crash pad for seamless landings, an early-stage Meta-Rocker for fluid transitions, and a cozy, breathable engineered mesh upper.
Shop On ZapposHoka Arahi 7
Walking Activity: Neighborhood
Cushioning: Responsive/Balanced/Plush
Width: Regular up to wide feet
The Hoka Arahi 7 offers exceptional stability, balanced cushioning, and complete support tailored for overpronation and flat feet. Featuring a protective cushion and a responsive toe-off, it is ideal for picking up the pace.
The Arahi 7, the steady iteration of the Clifton 10, incorporates J-Frame technology consisting of a more robust foam material that spans from the inner side, encircling the heel, to the outer side. J-Frame stabilizes the foot by restricting unnecessary motion and maintaining its alignment throughout each stride, making it the optimal Hoka shoe for walking when significant support on the inner part of the foot is required.
Shop On ZapposFinal Thoughts
The above list of Hoka shoes for walking is among the most sought-after among fitness enthusiasts. Since most are running shoes, they offer versatility, which can tackle almost anything. Some of them even work for walking on a light trail. However, if you are used to wearing high-drop shoes, walking in them may require a transition period because lower-drop shoes will make your calves, ankles, and feet exert more effort than high-drop shoes, although they will provide a softer impact on your knees.
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