Clifton, Bondi, Speedgoat, Ora: How to Pick the Right HOKA for Your Feet
Pick the thing you're on your feet for most, and we'll narrow HOKA's lineup down to one shoe.
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Clifton, Bondi, Mach, Arahi, Speedgoat, Gaviota, Rincon, Skyflow…. Nope, not the next Bond film, these are some of HOKA's lineup. Granted, they're creative, but the names don't tell you squat about which you might want to wear, and since HOKA updates its models every year, it can get even more confusing.
We're here to help unpack the lineup. We sorted HOKA's best by what they are actually for, including the fun stuff like walking and running and the less fun stuff like working on your feet for a ten hour shift. The quick guide below can help you get a general idea, then read on to find which pair might be your new foot BFF.
If you mainly… Your HOKA
Run and walk daily and want one pair → Clifton 11
Want maximum cushion for long distances → Bondi 9
Run faster or do tempo work → Mach 7
Need stability and extra support → Gaviota 6
Work long shifts on hard floors → Bondi SR
Run technical trails → Speedgoat 7
Mix road and light trail → Challenger 8
Hike or walk rough terrain → Anacapa 2 Low GTX
Want a slide for after your workout → Ora Athletic Slide
Best HOKA for Most People: Clifton 11
Ok, this one is for the people who just need a shoe and don't have a singular pursuit. The Clifton is a do-everything shoe that HOKA has been making for over a decade. They are lightweight and have medium high cushioning, so you can use them for easy runs, walks, going to the gym, or any old purpose. If you mostly want a shoe you can leave on pretty much all day, these are it.
Shop the Clifton 11 | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best HOKA for Long Distances: Bondi 9
The Bondi shoe is HOKA's plushy running shoe, and the Bondi 9 has even more stack height and a softer foam midsole. It's not only for running, either, you can wear it for long walks, recovery runs, or long shifts on your feet. More foam isn't always better, though, since too much of it can make your legs work harder and add impact at faster speeds. If you're worried about that with the Bondi 9s, but still want to feel like you're on top of a cloud, keep them for easier runs and walks.
Shop the Bondi 9 | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best HOKA for Faster Days: Mach 7
When you wanna bring out your inner cheetah, the Mach 7, which is a lightweight trainer (about 8 ounces) with springier foam, is ideal. You'll feel fast without feeling like you're hammering your joints. Heads up that it runs narrow, so pick a wide fit if you need a bit more room.
Shop the Mach 7 | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best Hoka for Stability and Support: Gaviota 6
If your ankles tend to roll inward when you walk or run, the Gaviota 6 has the most support with an H-Frame of firmer foam along the edges of the shoe so you sink less. It also has a wide, structured base for more stability.
Shop the Gaviota 6 | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best HOKA for Working on Your Feet: Bondi SR
If you're a nurse, teacher, bartender or someone who has long shifts on hard floors, the Bondi SR is both cushioned and slip-resistant. It's been tested on oily and wet surfaces and has water resistant leather to protect against questionable spills you'll inevitably encounter in those jobs. It's also got the American Podiatric Medical Association seal and comes in wide sizes.
Shop the Bondi SR | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best HOKA for Trails: Speedgoat 7 and Challenger 8
If you're a trail runner (or walker), the Speedgoat 7 is going to be your best bet. The bottom is covered in Vibram rubber, which is the same stuff mountaineering boots use. They have deep lugs that point forward under your toes to grip on climbs and backward under your heel to slow descents (safety first!). It has softer rubber than a road shoe uses, so it sticks to wet rock (but wears down faster in exchange). If you need a shoe that can handle loose rocks and nature-y stuff without stumbles or tumbles, try these.
On the other hand, if you prefer gravel or packed dirt trails as opposed to rock and root, the Challenger 8 is a safe bet. It's cushioned like a road shoe with shallower lugs, which is better for pavement but still grips trails as well.
Shop the Speedgoat 7 | HSA/FSA Eligible
Shop the Challenger 8 | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best HOKA for Hiking: Anacapa 2 Low GTX
If hiking is your jam, the Anacapa 2 Low is HOKA's day hiker that comes with the same Vibram Megagrip traction, plus its waterproof and has a thick cushioned base to help you navigate rocks and roots. It's also on the narrower side, so pick wide sizing if your feet are on that end of the spectrum.
Shop the Anacapa 2 Low GTX | HSA/FSA Eligible
Best HOKA for Recovery: Ora Athletic Slide
Oooh yes. Two layers of foam, soft on top where your foot sits and firmer underneath so it doesn't pancake after a month, plus nothing to tie. Pure comfort. These aren't training shoes, their one job is to give your feet some time off from more structured shoes after runs, workouts, or long shifts. Yes please.
Shop the Ora Athletic Slide | HSA/FSA Eligible
Some Things to Know Before You Buy
If you're a wide foot girly or guy-y, even a little, you might want to choose a pair that comes in a wide width. HOKA fits narrower than a lot of competitors, which catches people off guard. The Clifton and Bondi both come in wide sizes. Wide fit is one of the top purchase priorities people have when buying shoes, along with comfort, grip, and cushioning, so you'll want to be sure your shoes fit right.
Head over to the Stridekick Shop to check out the HOKA lineup.