The Five Best Pairs of Hoka Sneakers for Women
A good pair of sneakers is the most important tool in your running arsenal. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most challenging to shop for. Do you need cushioning or support? A cotton lining or a mesh one? A firm fit or a flexible fit? The challenge is made all the more complicated by the fact that everyone’s feet are different, and not all runners run on the same kind of terrain – a road runner with narrow feet is going to need a very different kind of sneaker to a trail runner with wide feet. But finding a shoe that’s designed to suit your unique running style doesn’t have to be quite as difficult as it sometimes is. The first step towards an easier buying process? Choosing a brand that’s 100% focused on running shoes. Hoka was founded in 2009 by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, a pair of French trail runners determined to buck the trend for minimalist running shoes and deliver a maximalist shoe that provided enough cushioning and support to make runners feel they were floating on air. They succeeded. Fast forward to today, and names like the Hoka Bondi, Rehi, and Clifton are ushered with reverence in the running community. If you want to cushion and support your feet without weighing them down, Hoka is well worthy of your consideration. To get you started, here are 5 of the best Hoka sneakers for women on the market.
1. Hoka EVO Rehi
Kicking off our list in style is the Hoka EVO Rehi, a sneaker that runnersworld.com ranks as one the ten best Hoka running shoes available. With their ultra-light, ultra-fast dynamics, it’s not hard to see what all the fuss is about. Designed to help you achieve maximum speeds over short distances, the Rehi features an upper made from lightweight Kevlar fibers for increased durability without any added weight; a single density rubberized foam outsole for high rebound cushioning; and a midsole with enough flexibility to support your stride. The low-profile midsole supports explosive push-offs while offering light cushioning. The one potential downside is the tightness – if you prefer a loose fit, these might not be the sneakers for you. But if you favor a snugger fit, you’re not going to be disappointed with these featherweight beauties.
2. Hoka Clifton 7
Up next is the Hoka Clifton 7, a sneaker that fleetfeet.com considers one of the best Hoka sneakers around. Capitalizing on the award-winning properties of the Clifton family of sneakers, the Clifton 7 is a soft, light shoe with a streamlined silhouette, superb durability, and a featherweight feel. Despite weighing in at just 7.1 oz, they manage to pack in an unbelievable amount of cushioning, offering outstanding comfort and support without the weight gain. Crafted from an open-engineered sandwich mesh upper, they provide excellent breathability. The lightweight mesh gusset keeps the tongue firmly in place, while the bolstered eye stays deliver unparalleled durability. An intuitive vertical tab at the heel guarantees easy entry. Other noteworthy features include a full-compression EVA midsole for balanced cushioning, a plush collar for Achilles support, and strategic high-abrasion rubber zones for reduced weight. if you’re in the market for a sneaker that delivers maximum cushioning for minimal weight, the Clifton 7 is well worth your consideration.
3. Hoka One One Cavu 3
If you’re looking for a versatile running shoe with an understated but still eye-catching aesthetic, then say hello to the Hoka One One Cavu 3. Featuring an adaptive stretch knit upper for the ultimate in breathable comfort, it’s a stylish sneaker with the functionality to match. Like the iconic Hoka Mach sneaker, the Cavu features a PROFLY midsole made with rubberized foam for explosive toe-offs and cushioned landings. But whereas the Mach sits relatively high, the Cavu sits lower and lighter for optimal ankle mobility. A thin lycra lining delivers superb comfort, while a tread pattern outsole ensures excellent traction. Available in a choice of 5 colorways and with the option to choose between a lace-up version and a slip-on, the Cavu 3 is a nimble sneaker that works as well for everyday wear as it does for the gym.
4. Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6
According to Business Insider, the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 is one of the best sneakers for trail running. With rugged soles for excellent traction, a lightweight feel, and a superb cushioning-to-weight ratio, this is a shoe that will take you from road to trail without missing a beat. Standout features include a thermoplastic polyurethane reinforced toe box to protect your feet from rocks and roots, optimal cushioning for reduced stress and impact, a rugged outsole with 4 mm lugs and a zonal construction for optimal grip and weight, a gusseted tongue for minimal tongue slip, and a breathable upper. The use of Unifi REPREVE recycled yarn and recycled poly laces in the construction don’t necessarily add (nor detract) from the function of the shoe, but they go a long way in demonstrating Hoka’s commitment to adopting a more environmentally friendly position. In good news for those with a wider foot, Hoka has listened to the feedback and now offers the sneaker in a wide width option. Priced at around $130, it’s not necessarily the cheapest sneaker around. Overpronators might also have some complaints about the level of support. But even taking those two things into account, this is still an incredible sneaker that’s perfect for tackling trail runs and ultramarathons.
5. Hoka One One Bondi 7
Described by Cnet.com as the best sneaker for runners who want a shoe with maximum cushion, the self-proclaimed ‘most cushioned shoe in the Hoka road-show lineup’ is designed to offer smooth, balanced support over any distance you care to run. Featuring a full EVA midsole, breathable mesh upper and signature Meta-Rocker technology, the Hoka One One Bondi 7 has all the qualities of a first-class running shoe. Runners can expect premium comfort via a supremely plush, ultra-soft memory foam collar that cradles the Achilles for unparalleled support, outstanding breathability by way of the open-engineered mesh construction, along with smooth transition courtesy of the beveled heel design. An internal heel counter gives a locked-in fit, and a rubber outsole offers excellent durability with minimal weight. As one downside of the design, the enhanced cushioning isn’t for anyone who likes to feel the terrain beneath their feet. But for anyone who experiences pain or sensitivity when running, they’re superb.
