Whether you’re working up to a 5k, training for a half marathon, or simply walking the dog, every guy needs to try a pair of the best Hoka shoes for men.
The brand was launched by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, two former Salomon employees who were determined to introduce a running sneaker with the kind of cushioning that had never been seen before.
15 years later and we’re now blessed with a plethora of feet-pleasing footwear that help you tackle all types of terrain.
Keep reading as I round up my favorite designs that have proved to be some of the finest in the fitness game.
Key Takeaways
Finding the best men’s Hoka shoes wasn’t a simple case of asking my running friends what they like to wear most. I mean, I did do that, but I also pored over hundreds of ratings, reviews, and Reddit communities to curate a collection of seven exceptional styles, including the Clifton 9 and Bondi 8.
Why they’re great: The award-winning Clifton has it all: a breathable knit upper, ample cushioning, and an easy-going ride. Oh, and did I mention it’s one of the brand’s more affordable options?
These are simply the best Hoka shoes for men. They’re my go-to for everyday runs, providing decent responsiveness and stability while offering a super soft landing with every step.
Who are these for? A versatile running shoe, the Clifton 9 is suitable for casual joggers and serious runners alike—especially if you’re going at a steady pace (and on the road).
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’re a sprinter or plan on running at a serious pace, then you may want to look at some of Hoka’s other models.
Weight: 8.7 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 7.5–14.5 | Colors available: 10+
Why they’re great: Thanks to an exceptionally thick midsole and ultra-light resilient foam, the Bondi 8 delivers a super soft and balanced ride with some of the best cushioning I’ve come across in a running shoe.
A must-have for runs or long days on your feet, they’re breathable, snug, and supportive.
Who are these for? Available in a wide and regular fit, they’re ideal for gentle weekend runs and walks. Heavy-set guys will really appreciate the superb cushioning.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though these are undoubtedly one of the best Hoka shoes for men, they’re not exactly the lightest you’ll come across.
Weight: 10.8 ounces | Drop: 4 mm | Sizes: 7–15 | Colors available: 10+
Why they’re great: Designed for ultimate comfort and support, the Solimar is a budget-friendly sneaker that’s lightweight, long-lasting, and adaptable. A jack of all trades, they can be worn for running, gym workouts, and walking.
Who are these for? Versatile and affordable, these can easily switch from a gym session to a 10K run. It’s likely you’ll want to wear them for your everyday adventures, too. They are indeed among the best Hoka shoes for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Longer runs may require something with additional cushioning and support.
Weight: 8.5 ounces | Drop: 6 mm | Sizes: 7–14 | Colors available: 6
Why they’re great: An Alpine-inspired design, the Summit sneakers will take you from the forest to the front row at Fashion Week. They’re a functional yet fashionable choice that boast Hoka’s signature cushioning and an impressive wraparound rubber mudguard that’ll save your shoes from clay and curbs.
Who are these for? This do-it-all sneaker delivers big on performance, whether you’re hitting the trails or the town. There are certainly better hiking shoes out there, but none of them look as good as this.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the best Hoka shoes for men. However, they have a more narrow fit than their chunky exterior would suggest.
Weight: x ounces | Drop: x mm | Sizes: 5–14 | Colors available: 1
Why they’re great: An everyday lifestyle version of the bestselling Clifton running shoe, this shares the same cloud-like cushioning with an extra helping of street cred.
Mind-blowingly comfortable with pebbled leather and textured suede uppers, it’s one the best Hoka shoes for men, a high-performing sneaker that’ll tackle whatever the day throws at you.
Who are these for? Wider than your average sneaker with a lot more cushioning, this is a durable and stable design. It’ll appeal to any guy looking for an excellent everyday beater that’s uber-comfortable and offers excellent value for money.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The toe box is a little narrow, and they’re heavier than many of Hoka’s specialized running shoes.
Weight: 10.8 ounces | Drop: 8.2 mm | Sizes: 7–14 | Colors available: 1
Why they’re great: Bursting with speed-focused features, the Mach 6 is a super light and responsive running sneaker with zonal breathability and an internal gusset that hugs your feet in all the right places.
The low-profile design, available in multiple eye-catching colors, keeps you closer to the ground, and the grip and cushioning make sure it can handle a variety of paces and distances.
Who are these for? Fast runners who are seeking a lightweight everyday sneaker will consider this one of the best men’s Hoka shoes.
Flaws but not deal0breakers: They do run fairly narrow, so bear this in mind if you have particularly wide or flat feet.
Weight: 8.2 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 7–14 | Colors available: 6
Why they’re great: Fastened with a quick-toggle lacing system and full of sustainably made features, this is an excellent walking shoe that meets the needs of hikers, city dwellers, and outdoor explorers.
These are some of the best Hoka shoes for men. Complete with Hoka’s famous cushioning and finished with an abrasion-resistant textile upper, they offer impressive traction and 360-degrees of reflectivity that’ll ensure you’re seen in poor lighting.
Who are these for? From commuters to hikers, this is a versatile sneaker designed for anyone clocking up the miles. Come rain or shine, it offers unbeatable comfort while keeping your feet stylishly protected.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Breathability could be improved, and some wearers complain of squeaking (especially when it’s wet).
Weight: 11.2 ounces | Drop: 5 mm | Sizes: 7–15 | Colors available: 7
Buying Considerations for The Best Hoka Shoes For Men
Intended Use
Before considering anything else, it’s important to determine how you intend to use your new footwear. Will you be trail or road running? Or do you want them for walking at the weekend? Whatever the answer, you’ll need to choose the best Hoka shoes for men that match your specific needs and preferences.
Cushioning/Support
Assess the level of cushioning and support offered by the styles you’re interested in, making sure they align with your activity level and foot type. Hoka shoes are known for their maximalist cushioning, which can provide excellent shock absorption and comfort for long-distance running or walking.
Fit
Pay attention to the fit and sizing of Hoka shoes, as they may differ from other brands. Some models may have a larger toe box, which can accommodate wide feet or swelling during longer runs.
How We Chose
To find the best Hoka shoes for men, I scoured social feeds, customer comments, and online communities before deciding on 20 styles that covered a variety of designs, fits, and features.
Each pair underwent rigorous analysis, considering factors such as cushioning, durability, and performance across different terrains. Only once I was happy with my shortlist did I narrow it down to seven standouts that were judged on the following criteria:
Comfort: I looked closely at the level of cushioning, support, and overall comfort provided by each shoe—choosing only those that were considered the most comfortable.
Responsiveness: By assessing the shoes’ ability to respond to the wearer’s movements, I found the best Hoka shoes for men that provided a springy and energized feel.
Weight: Looking at weight and bulkiness, I aimed for a balance between lightweight construction and sufficient cushioning and support.
Style: What do they look like? Could they be considered cool as well as comfortable?
Price: Taking all budgets into account, I have recommended only options that offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality or functionality.
Why Trust Us?
A keen pavement pounder and experienced writer, Billy Webb has combined his passions for fitness and fashion to find the very best Hoka shoes for men. Our go-to guy for all things menswear, he has already covered a wide range of topics, including slippers with support and canvas shoes every man should own.
Never one to shy away from help, Billy reached out to friends, personal trainers, and marathon runners to uncover the finest footwear found in Hoka’s impressive portfolio.
This meticulous approach ensures that when Billy lists the best Hoka shoes for men, he does so with both style and substance in mind, making his guidance trustworthy and dependable.
Final Verdict
There’s a good reason that Hoka’s Clifton 9 has won awards. Breathable, stylish, and seriously squishy, it’s an amazing everyday running shoe that’ll appeal to runners of all levels.
When you’re not wearing it, working up a sweat, it can also be counted on to replace your most comfortable casual kicks.
FAQ
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Hoka is renowned for its maximalist cushioning technology, which provides excellent shock absorption and comfort. This unique design feature, coupled with lightweight construction and responsive midsoles, allows wearers to experience a smooth and effortless ride while reducing the risk of fatigue and injury.
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Longevity depends on factors such as the frequency of use, terrain, running/walking style, and maintenance. On average, the best men’s Hoka shoes can last between 300 to 500 miles of running or walking before they start to show signs of proper wear. However, there’s no reason that they can’t last longer with proper care and rotation.
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