Hollywood Loves Hoka: These Are the Brand’s Best Sneakers for Running, Walking and Lounging
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
Whether you’re an advanced fitness buff like Jennifer Aniston and Kirsty Godso, you squeeze in a DIY workout whenever you can using at-home gym equipment, or running errands is more your speed, investing in a fresh pair of sneakers is always a good idea.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Mesh Flats Are Spring's Hottest Shoe - Here Are the Best Pairs at Every Price Point
The Pringles x Crocs Collab Is the Crossover We Didn't Know We Needed - Until We Did
Hoka is a favorite performance footwear brand among athletes, entertainers and even the dream teams behind the stars, thanks to its curved sole and cushioning properties that propel you forward so you can glide like you’re walking on a cloud. Rihanna’s makeup artist Priscilla Ono recently revealed to The Hollywood Reporter, “As a makeup artist, I’m on my feet 12 hours a day — sometimes longer! Hoka sneakers are great for standing for long periods of time and are my go-to for long set days.”
Founded in 2009 in France as Hoka One One, the brand’s sneakers were initially designed to help runners speed down hills via an oversized, cushioned outsole. Named after the Māori phrase for “to fly,” the company has since dropped the “One One” from its name and was acquired in 2013 by California-based Deckers Brands, the parent company of Teva, Ugg, Sanuk, Koolaburra and other performance and lifestyle footwear labels.
If you’re thinking of adding Hoka to your fitness attire, we’ve rounded up some of the brand’s best styles, as spotted on Olivia Wilde, Kylie Jenner and Camila Cabello. Many of these silhouettes are unisex too, so you can easily find a pair no matter your foot size or style.
MOST STYLISH
Hoka x Free People Clifton 9 Sneakers
Hoka and Free People’s FM Movement recently teamed for a limited-edition collection ($145-$175) featuring the footwear brand’s bestsellers in cloud-inspired colorways. The Clifton 9, Kawana 2 and the L Suede sneakers are refreshed in lavender, purple and cream.
BEST FOR RECOVERY
Hoka Ora Primo Mules
After quickly selling out last winter, Hoka restocked its Ora Primo mules in black, green and a new vanilla hue. Designed for post-run recovery, the comfy clogs feature “a futuristic silhouette” with an insulated quilted puffer upper, chunky elastic lace system, a soft knit collar for easily slipping on and off your feet and a protective foam bumper. They’re also made with a 30 percent recycled rubber outsole.
BEST FOR SUPPORT
HOKA Clifton L Suede
Available in six colors, the Clifton L is a casual trainer that’s intended for all-day wear. Don’t be fooled by this style’s aesthetically pleasing exterior — Clifton L isn’t just for looks, as it provides maximum support with MetaRocker geometry, a full-length compression-molded EVA midsole and strategic rubber placement to offer durability.
BEST UNDER $100
HOKA Ora Recovery Shoe 2 Sneakers
Easily a steal, the Ora Recovery Shoe 2 offers an easy slip-on style and budget-friendly price tag. This shoe is made for post-run relief but can be worn by anyone looking for pillow-like comfort, as it features a memory foam heel and an elastic band at the ankle for foot-cradling support. Great for travel, this shoe also features a collapsible mesh upper for an easy fold.
BEST FOR WALKING
HOKA Bondi 8 Sneakers
Olivia Wilde has been spotted post-workout in the Bondi 8, which is a great walking shoe and comes in a generous 20 colorways. Upgraded from the past season Bondi, this style features a softer and lighter foam bed and an extended heel geometry. The heel pull tab also makes these easy to slip on and off when you’re on-the-go.
BEST FOR CASUAL RUNNERS
HOKA Clifton 9 Sneakers
Clifton 9 is the ninth iteration of HOKA’s award-winning Clifton franchise, and a Hollywood favorite. Stars spotted in this style include Kylie Jenner and Camila Cabello, who like these sneakers because they can be worn everywhere, from a brisk hike to a trot around town. Clifton 9 is not only lighter than post styles, but it’s also more cushioned, a bit taller (they added 3mm of stack height) and features an improved outsole design.
BEST FOR INTERMEDIATE RUNNERS
HOKA Mach X Sneakers
For intermediate runners, Mach X is more of a pace-pushing trainer, available in four colorways and featuring a high-rebound cushioning. To provide additional support for your endurance, this style is supercharged with a layer of PEBA foam thats 34% more resilient than the Carbon X3 foam.
BEST FOR ADVANCED RUNNERS
HOKA Rocket X 2
Made for elite runners and available in two colorways, the Rocket X 2 features a propulsive carbon fiber plate that is sandwiched between two layers of a ultra-responsive, high-performance foam. Offering premium support for your highest endurance effort, this also offers a foot-hugging fit and an internal midfoot cage so you can race without worry.
BEST FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
HOKA Arahi 7
Good news: Stability is built into every HOKA style via the Active Foot Frame and broader geometries, while also delivering a lightweight experience. HOKA is a supportive choice for those experience inflammation in their feet, and the Arahi 7 in particular is a good style choice as it offers the perfect combo of maximal cushioning and minimal weight.
BEST FOR FLAT FEET
HOKA Gaviota 5
If flat feet are your concern, the Gaviota 5 provides additional support via HOKA’s J-Frame and H-Frame technologies that are designed to provide a more stable experience for those who pronate more than most.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
