Here Are The 5 Best Hoka Shoes for Walking in 2024

Whether walking forms part of your workout routine or your workday is spent on your feet, wearing the right shoes is essential.

It may not be a high-impact exercise like running, but regular walking still requires shoes that offer lightweight cushioning and adequate support.

One of the best brands to turn to for high-quality fitness footwear is Hoka. Founded in 2009, the company shot to success and was listed in Footwear News’ ‘top 10 best-selling global running brands’ just a decade later.

Hoka’s shoes aren’t just popular with runners and walkers from all over the world – podiatrists love them too! They are among the most commonly recommend shoes for foot health and some styles have been awarded The American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Hoka has plenty of different shoes to choose from – so which are the best for you and your lifestyle?

To help you make your decision, we’ve listed the very best Hoka shoes for walking and outlined their features.

First, though, let’s take a look at the technology behind Hoka’s shoes to see just what makes them so good for your feet!

Why Are Hoka Shoes so Good for Walking?

Here are some of the main features that make Hoka one of our favorite footwear brands for walking.

They are exceptionally comfortable

The best Hoka shoes for walking use plenty of EVA foam in the midsole. This gives a plush underfoot sensation and has a bouncy feel that adds spring to your step.

It also absorbs impact with every stride, reducing the stress on your joints.

Yet despite all the padding, Hokas are lightweight shoes – an important consideration when it comes to footwear for walking.

They encourage a smooth walking motion

Hoka’s meta-rocker technology adds a curve to the sole of the shoe.

This stops you from landing flat with each step and gives you some forward momentum instead. It also makes the transition from heel to forefoot smooth and comfortable.

They provide subtle support

Some of the best Hoka shoes for walking use a ‘J-frame’ in the midsole. This is designed to prevent overpronation and encourage an optimum walking gait.

It consists of a dense foam at the forefoot that runs in a strip down the inside of your foot and then curves around the heel.

With many stability shoes, this type of support can feel heavy or stiff, but Hoka’s J-frame is both lightweight and unobtrusive.

The Best Hoka Shoes for Walking

#1. Best Shoe for Overpronators: HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 6

– Wide platform for stability, early-stage meta-rocker, and a plush tongue

– Best Hoka walking shoe for overpronators

One problem with stability shoes is that the extra support often means extra weight. Not so with the Arahi 6!

This is a surprisingly lightweight shoe that’s ideal for flatfooted runners, as it uses Hoka’s J-frame technology to provide unobtrusive support.

The platform features Hoka’s ‘flat-waisted geometry’ for a stable ride, whilst the rocker bottom facilitates a smooth walking motion and faster transition from heel to forefoot.

The EVA foam cushioning is soft and comfortable and the extended heel tab is a handy feature, making it easy to pull the shoe on.

The engineered mesh upper – which uses recycled materials in the lining – has plenty of ventilation zones, so it feels highly breathable.

Just be aware that the toe box is narrower than with previous iterations of the Arahi – something to consider if you have a wider foot.

#2. Best Shoe for the Workplace: HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR Leather Trainers

– Water-resistant leather upper, grippy outsole, and memory foam padded collar

– The best Hoka walking shoe for the workplace

If you are looking for a shoe that you can wear comfortably on the way to work and throughout the day, then look no further than the Bondi SR.

The practical leather upper is designed to protect you from the elements and the ‘SR’ (slip-resistant) outsole provides plenty of traction.

This allows you to walk with confidence on wet or slippery surfaces – ideal if you work in the service industry or the medical field.

This is a shoe designed to see you comfortably through many hours on your feet. Built for endurance – not speed – it has a full-length EVA midsole for cushioning and support, plus an early-stage meta-rocker to help propel you forward with ease.

We also love the memory foam collar that cradles your ankle and ensures an excellent fit.

The water-resistance of the upper makes the Bondi SR an easy shoe to clean and its robust construction means it will last the distance, even with prolonged daily use.

#3. Best Shoe for Warm Weather: HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 3

– Balanced cushioning, improved traction, and an ultra-breathable upper

– The best Hoka walking shoe for warm weather

The latest edition of the Rincon comes with extra rubber coverage on the outsole for increased grip and durability.

You can choose from a range of bold and striking colors, many of which are also available in a wider fit.

Incredibly comfortable, it has the benefit of being both well-cushioned and lightweight – a dream combination that gives you the sensation of walking on air.

The vented mesh upper will keep your feet cool on the hottest days. What’s more, it’s 100% cruelty-free and made using only vegan-friendly materials.

Like the Elevon 2, the Rincon 3 features a thin asymmetrical tongue designed to prevent slipping and keep the shoe as sleek and lightweight as possible.

#4. Best Shoe for High Arches: HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9

– Extended pull tab, good selection of colors, and very durable

– Best Hoka walking shoe for high arches

Featuring Hoka’s trademark meta-rocker platform that rolls you comfortably from one step to the next, the Clifton 8 is the latest edition of this super-successful shoe.

It’s easy to see what makes it popular, from the pillowy soft but responsive EVA midsole to the Active Foot Frame, designed your lock your heel in place and ‘hug’ your foot securely.

The upper feels soft – compared by some walkers to wearing a slipper! – and the mesh at the forefoot is flexible, providing a little wiggle room if needed.

The shoe is spacious enough for a wider foot and there is enough volume to accommodate high arches too.

This shoe may not win you any races but it’s just what you need if you’re looking for a well-cushioned daily sneaker.

#5. Best Shoe for All-Round Comfort: HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8

– Maximum cushioning, grippy outsole, and a beveled heel

– Best Hoka walking shoe for all-round comfort

If you’ve considered the Bondi before – but been put off by the overall bulkiness of the shoe – then check out the latest model!

It’s sleeker and has a much more streamlined appearance, with a good range of color options, even in the wide and extra-wide categories!

Offering a thick sole and plenty of plush cushioning to absorb impact, the Bondi 8 is one of the most well-padded shoes you’ll find anywhere.

It is also comfortably wide for stability and has a partially gusseted pillowed tongue.

The memory foam collar feels cozy and delivers a contoured fit, whilst the internal heel counter holds your foot in the optimal position for comfort and safety.

One of our favorite features, though, is the redesigned mesh upper!

Not only does it look a lot better than it used to, but it also plays a part in guiding your midfoot and arch with every step.

The Best Hoka Shoes for Walking: Key Takeaways

Combining versatility, performance technology, and support, Hokas are durable shoes that complement your natural walking style and feel comfortable all day.

Whether you cover many miles in training, like to maximize your daily steps, or stand all day at work, we hope you’ve found this guide helpful in choosing the best Hoka walking shoe for your needs.

Are You Walking to Lose Weight?

Then you might be wondering just how many calories you burn when walking… and how you can push that number higher!

Find out more in our article: How Much Should You Walk To Lose Weight?