Despite being relatively new to the scene – having only been established in 2009 – Hoka has quickly become one of the biggest names to watch within the sneaker industry. Priding itself in creating perfectly engineered shoes that provide maximum support no matter what activity you’re undertaking, if you’re reading this guide, you’re probably interesting in grabbing a pair yourself.
With that said, one of the most popular questions that people ask before buying a pair of Hokas is if they’re actually good for running and walking. If you’ve been wondering this yourself, then you’ve come to the right place. So, let’s get to it!
Simply put, Hoka shoes are extremely comfortable. Not only are they made using the best materials, but they’re also carefully designed to offer maximum cushioning and response with each step.
Hokas are often stated to be more comfortable that competing trainers from the likes of Adidas, New Balance, and Nike. This is thanks to their chunky, oversized midsoles, which help to provide additional padding beneath the feet – something we’ll move on to next.
If you’re thinking of picking up a pair for running, then that’s definitely a good idea. Not only are they world famous for being comfortable, they’re also very durable too. No matter what, a good pair of sneakers needs to be able to stand the test of time, and this is because of the way in which they make contact with the ground.
When you run, your feet make quick contact with the ground, which creates an impact that might otherwise damage other shoes. Hoka, on the other hand, are made from highly robust materials that provide a great balance of rigidity and stability with flexibility. These are stable enough to hold you upright no matter what activity you engage in, and they’re also flexible enough to withstand the force of an impact.
Hoka shoes are also good for running when you consider what happens to your legs as you run. We mentioned a little earlier that running creates a lot of energy whenever the foot makes contact with the ground. Not only can this energy impact the shoes, but it can also impact the foot and the rest of your legs. These sneakers benefit runners by taking this energy and displacing it outwards. When the foot makes contact with the ground, the energy that is created is sent straight into the plush midsoles.
Most people would assume that trainers that are good for running would also mean that they are great for walking. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, because your feet need different kinds of support when alternating between these activities.
Luckily, Hokas are exceptional for wearing while walking because of the way that they are structured. Not only do they provide plenty of stability, the collars are also solid enough to hold the feet in place, while also being flexible enough to account for sudden changes in direction.
Because Hokas are able to provide such excellent support to wearers, the shoes are also fantastic for those who stand all day. When you stay stationary for a long period of time, you’ll want to make sure that the bottom of your feet are adequately cushioned.
Luckily, these trainers are renowned for having much thicker sole units than many other trainers on the market. This helps to make them easy to recommend for anyone that needs to stay up on their feet. The stability offered also helps to keep the back aligned, which can help prevent lower back pain.
Hoka shoes are often regarded as some of the most comfortable trainers on the market, thanks to their incredibly plush soles that offer extra support. As well as this additional cushioning, the sneakers are also carefully designed to offer stability no matter what, so they can also be comfortably worn whether running, walking, or even just standing still all day.
If you’re not sure which size to get, be sure to check out Captain Creps’ handy Hoka size guide here!