The Best Hoka Walking Shoes for Standing & Walking All Day 2023 (2023)

I’ve done a bunch of reviews running in Hoka shoes, but there were a lot of questions about walking shoes. One thing many folks may not realize is that I take walks every single day too!

It’s such a great way to break up a day of sitting on the computer and just ensures I get outside to get some fresh air!

One of the reasons that I love Hoka for walking or standing all day is the design of the shoe provides more stability to the foot for leg alignment without sacrificing cushion.

If you’ve had that aching feet feeling after a day of standing around or a long day of walking on vacation, it’s time to make sure you have the right walking shoes.

Is it bad to wear running shoes for walking?

You should absolutely have shoes that are for running and shoes that are for your walks.

The footstrike is different in running than walking. Your heel will absolutely hit first and then roll through the forefoot to push off the ground. In running, your heel might hit first, but it’s super quick before rolling forward and the way your foot rolls likely changes between a quick paced run and a walk.

You also don’t want to break down your running shoe faster than necessary or ingrain a foot pattern that might cause your foot to pronate.

Why are Hoka shoes good for walking?

Walking shoes are often heavier because they focus on arch support and aren’t as focused on creating a breathable shoe as you might find in running. But HOKA is going to provide you with both the support, the lightweight feel and the cushion.

Additionally, while we tend to recommend a lower heel to toe drop for runners, we really like it for walkers.

(Video) Top 5 Best Hoka Shoes for Walking/Nurses/Running/Women/Flat Feet & Plantar Fasciitis [Review 2022]

As noted, your heel will hit first so we don’t want to exaggerate that even farther. Hoka shoes all tend to be in that 4mm-8mm range, which is perfect for enjoying the cushion without a too high heel.

NOTE: If you have Achilles issues, it’s actually better to look for that 12mm height in a more traditional running shoe from Brooks or Asics.The Best Hoka Walking Shoes for Standing & Walking All Day 2023 (1)

And finally, I’m a fan because most walking shoes have a lot less cushioning and that’s fine as walking it not high impact, but for long days on the feet sometimes it just feels freaking nice!

  • Options for different cushion levels
  • Wider base provides more stability to the foot, preventing knee and low back pain
  • Roomy toe box helps as the foot swells to prevent blisters or hot spots
  • They are a durable shoe that will easily last 500+ miles walking

Rarely are the best running shoes also good walking shoes, but that’s exactly how I feel about these models.

In fact, there are a number of podiatrists who recommend HOKA One One shoes!

With a broad-based practice here in the Midwest, HOKA has been our go-to footgear for competitive athletes, charity runners, and exercise walkers for many years.” — Mark Mondul – DPM, FACFS

Best Hoka Walking Shoe

Let’s start by focusing on shoes for exercise. Those days where you are aiming to get in 10,000 steps as a workout! Do you know how many steps are in a mile??

These are not my recommendations for hiking, but for walking around the neighborhood, the track or a non-technical gravel path.

Hoka Clifton

The Clifton is my top pick because as noted walkers don’t need quite the level of cushion as runners (though I absolutely run in this shoe!). I have run and walked in many iterations of this shoe and I like where it’s at currently!

(Video) Best Walking Shoes 2023 - Most COMFORTABLE Sneakers Ever Made!

  • Neutral shoe
  • Natural stability to prevent overpronation due to the wide base of Hoka shoes
  • Fits a wider foot (I have a narrow foot and don’t find the shoe to be sloppy)
  • 5mm heel drop
  • 7.2 oz for women’s – one of the lightest walking shoes you’ll find

See current Hoka prices at REI >>
See current Hoka Clifton prices on Amazon >>

If you see an older version that is on sale, 100% snag it! You will likely be just as happy and save some $$.

Hoka Bondi

My runner up option is another shoe that I run in, the Bondi. In fact, I’ve tested out multiple models of this shoe over the years as well too.

This shoe is MUCH MORE plush. That might feel amazing to you or you might find that you get lazy with it.

  • Neutral plush cushioned shoe (truly softest shoe I’ve ever tried on)
  • Similar fit to the Clifton
  • 4mm heel drop
  • 8.90 oz for women

See current Hoka Bondi colors and prices on Hoka >>

Compare with prices on Amazon >>

Best Hoka Shoes for Standing at Work

If you’re standing all day long you might want to consider wearing compression socks, along with finding great shoes.

The idea is something that will help you maintain good alignment so you don’t have hip, knee or back issues along with tired feet.

The Best Hoka Walking Shoes for Standing & Walking All Day 2023 (2)

(Video) Best Walking Shoes in 2023 - Which Is The Best For You?

Hoka Elevon

Designed with more support in the midfoot and forefoot, this shoe is super comfy, but provides the support that will aid your body in staying happy all day long. If your arch starts to collapse from fatigue then your body moves out of alignment, creating aches.

  • Another plush cushioned shoe, but with more extra arch support
  • Wider toebox in Hoka can help prevent bunions
  • 5mm drop
  • 9.1 oz for women’s – heavier due to the additional stability

Unlike a traditional stability shoe from other brands, these are not super hard or stiff. Another reason I like this brand!

See current Elevon colors and pricing on Hoka >>

Hoka Bondi SR

This is their slip-resistant version of that plush Bondi designed specifically for the workplace. A few upgrades on this model for work:

  • Slip-resistant rubber outsole
  • Tested on surfaces with water, oil and soap for slip-resistance
  • Water-resistant leather upper
  • Neutral shoe
  • Available in white and black
  • 11.5 oz for women’s – it’s heavier than the breathable mesh version listed above for exercise

See the current Bondi SR details >>

Casual Hoka Shoes for Travel

Both David and I wear Hoka’s when we travel. It’s a shoe that can look casual, but give us the comfort we want knowing that we often crank out over 20,000 steps on vacation.

Huapana Flow

Huapana Flow in the grey is an easy casual shoe to wear with jeans, but remain comfy.

Unlike the other shoes listed I would not run or do an intense workout in these shoes, but love them for simply moving around all day doing errands or exploring and feeling comfortable.

  • The slip on I have is no longer offered, but laced versions are
  • Comes in black/grey to make it a daily shoe
  • Neutral shoe
  • Least cushioned of the shoes listed, yet still comfy
  • 5mm heel drop
  • 7.5 oz for women’s

Checkout Hoka’s Return Policy, so you can test out which shoes work for you.

(Video) THE BEST SHOES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS!!!

As always the best walking shoes are the ones that feel good on your foot! You can find most of the models at any running store, so head in and test them out.

Trust me they want to help you and don’t care that your primary focus is walking. We know that runners need walks and that lots of us runners started as walkers!

You can take them for a walk around the block to see if there’s any discomfort and see how that eva foam midsole feels for you. Remember that even if you buy them, take them home and go for walk to discover you dislike them, YOU CAN TAKE THEM BACK!!

Whether you’ve decided to start walking to help lower your stress, work on high cholesterol or diabetes, your feet deserve good shoes!

If they feel better then you’re more likely to want to wear them and keep going.

👉Checkout this guide on How to Lace Running Shoes, you’ll be amazed at how you can make most shoes fit better!

Looking for more walking tips?

  • Tips for walking a marathon
  • How to walk a half marathon
  • What is the run/walk method?
  • Couch to 5K plan to go from walk to run
  • How many steps in a mile?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun:RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter:RunToTheFinish

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs

(Video) Hoka One One/HOKA SPEEDGOAT 4 Best For Walking And Relieves Leg Pain/SLOW LIVING

FAQs

What HOKA has the best support? ›

The Bondi 7 by HOKA is also part of the Glide collection. This collection offers optimal support and cushioning without adding weight to the shoe. The Bondi 7 is the most cushioned shoe in HOKA's road-shoe lineup.

Which HOKA has the best arch support? ›

Best Hoka Shoes for Walking with High Arches

We recommend the Hoka Clifton 8 Shoes for Walking with High Arches due to their neutral sole and cushioned soles. People with high arches tend to have a two-pronged gait cycle rather than a rolling of the foot.

Are Hoka Clifton 8 good for walking? ›

OUR VERDICT. For runners looking for a good active recovery shoe—something for everyday walks or light runs—the men's and women's Hoka Clifton 8 may be the cushioned, comfortable fit for the job.

Can Hoka shoes be used for walking? ›

Why are Hoka shoes good for walking? Walking shoes are often heavier because they focus on arch support and aren't as focused on creating a breathable shoe as you might find in running. But HOKA is going to provide you with both the support, the lightweight feel and the cushion.

Are Hoka Bondi 7 good for walking? ›

The good thing about the Bondi 7 is that the EVA foam extends all the way through the mid-foot meaning you will not lose cushioning in the forefoot. Overall the Hoka Bondi 7 is a top-of-the-line cushioned shoe and truly feels great while running, walking, or standing.

What are the best shoes for standing 12 hours a day? ›

Best Work Shoe for Standing All Day: adidas Ultraboost 22 Men's | adidas Ultraboost 22 Women's. Best Athletic Shoe for Standing All Day: Hoka One One Bondi 7 Men's | Hoka One One Bondi 7 Women's. Best Men's Shoe for Standing All Day: Nike Air Zoom Tempo. Best Women's Shoe for Standing All Day: Nike React Infinity 3.

What shoes are good for walking and standing on concrete all day? ›

7 Best Shoes For Walking On Concrete, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
  • Best overall. Brooks Ghost 14. $140 $80 From Amazon.
  • Best for flat feet. Skechers Arch Fit. ...
  • Best for wide feet. Hoka Clifton 8. ...
  • Best slip-on. OluKai Moloa Slipper. ...
  • Best style. Adidas Ultraboost 21. ...
  • Best value. New Balance 623 v3. ...
  • Most popular. On Cloud 5.
Jan 24, 2023

What shoes are best for walking? ›

Opt for a shoe that supports your foot without being too restrictive and absorbs shock without feeling too heavy. You may find that road running shoes, trail-running shoes or hiking shoes can be worn comfortably for walking as well.

Which HOKA has the most padding? ›

The Bondi is Hoka's most cushioned road shoe with a downright beefy midsole. The latest version of the Bondi keeps the formula that has won this shoe such a devoted following: maximum cushioning for an ultra-plush ride. The midsole foam is lighter and even softer than the Bondi 7.

What type of feet are Hoka shoes good for? ›

They have much more cushioning than average shoes. This cushioning acts to slow the velocity of the foot as it hits the ground. This can decrease pressure under the heel and under the ball of the foot. For this reason these shoes can be helpful for people with ball-of-foot pain and heel pain such as plantar fasciitis.

Why do doctors recommend Hoka shoes? ›

The line of shoes is very light and responsive compared to most brands. They don't require numerous walks or runs to break in. You put them on and go!” The other stand-out feature is the shoes' appearance—instead of looking like they're built strictly for comfort, they blend in seamlessly with other workout shoes.

What are Hoka Clifton 8 best for? ›

The Hoka Clifton 8 is not made for speed or tempo runs but is a solid choice for a daily trainer, and it is great for easy, recovery miles. Despite being a neutral shoe it still feels very stable under the foot and feels like the stride is being guided with every step. To me, the ride feels great for my recovery days.

What are the best HOKA walking shoes for plantar fasciitis? ›

We recommend the Hoka Bondi 8 for those with Plantar Fasciitis and an average arch height due to their plush cushioning, neutral sole and 4mm heel drop. The plush cushioning allows your feet to sink into the sole like walking on a cloud.

Are Hoka Clifton 8 good for knee pain? ›

With a responsive midsole and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, you know the Hoka Clifton sneakers are going to make your feet (and knees) feel better. The upper is mesh for breathability, and the heel crash pad helps cushion each step.

Which Hoka is best for seniors? ›

Best Cushioned

With thick cushioning, we recommend the Hoka Bondi 7 shoe for seniors who prioritize comfort and shock absorption. Its full-length midsole offers a plush yet supportive feel. The shoe also features a soft memory foam collar, which adds to the overall comfort and helps provide a snug, secure fit.

Which shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›

Podiatrist shoes recommended
  • Brooks.
  • Asics.
  • New Balance.
  • Rockport.
  • Merrell.
  • Ascent.
  • Mizuno.

Are Hoka shoes worth the money? ›

Yes, Hoka shoes are very worth it and are built to be supportive. A pair of Hoka's will last you a while and they have a 30-day trial period to ensure you really love them. Can you wear Hoka shoes for everyday walking? Yes, you can wear any style of Hoka for walking.

Which Hoka is best for knees? ›

As the most cushioned shoe in HOKA's lineup, the Bondi is perfect for relieving feet and knees from the discomfort of age, long days of work, and the impact of walking or jogging on the joints.

Is Bondi 7 good for standing? ›

The HOKA Bondi 7 is one of the most cushioned running shoes you'll find. It's great for easy runs, long runs or jobs that require lots of standing or walking, like nurses and doctors in the hospital. One Fleet Feet tester even praised the shoe for its comfort at her standing desk.

Are Hokas podiatrist recommended? ›

Hoka One One's chunky sneakers have been extremely popular in recent years, winding up on the feet of celebrities and seemingly everyone we come into contact with. And, as it turns out, they're not just a hip shoe to show off around town — they're a favorite of podiatrists, too.

Which shoes are best for long standing all day? ›

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Asics GT-2000 Sneaker.
  • Best Slip-Ons: Merrell Work Jungle Moc AC + Pro Sneaker.
  • Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 Running Shoe.
  • Best for Flat Feet: Hoka One One Bondi 8 Running Shoe.
  • Best for High Arches: Brooks Ghost Running Shoe.
Feb 1, 2023

What should I wear on my feet when standing all day? ›

Wear arch supports or custom foot orthotics. Much of the work done by the foot and leg muscles during standing is to help stabilize the body. When the foot is properly supported by an orthotic, the feet and legs are placed in proper alignment and the muscles don't have to work nearly as hard.

How can I get better at standing on my feet all day? ›

Chloe Aguilar, a Salem Health physical therapist, shares these tips to make working on your feet easier.
  1. Wear good shoes. If there's anything you should be spending a lot of money on it's a good shoe. ...
  2. Use good posture at work. Don't lock your knees when standing. ...
  3. Move at work. These simple maneuvers can help.

Should walking shoes be heavy or light? ›

Weight. Running shoes are lightweight for moving, hopefully, faster. Walking shoes aren't necessarily heavy, but they're always heavier than running shoes.

What do the numbers on the side of Hoka shoes mean? ›

The side of the shoe boasts some statistics – S32x19|V490|W242. These stats refer to: Spring Measurement, Volume and Weight.

What's the difference between Clifton and Bondi? ›

The Clifton is one of the most cushioned shoes on the market and offers plenty of protection and stability. The Clifton is lighter than the Bondi and is lighter on foot than it looks. At $15 less than the Bondi, the Clifton is a premium max-cushioned shoe with more cushioning and less outsole durability than the Bondi.

Which is better Bondi 7 or 8? ›

The Hoka Bondi 8 packs more foam underfoot in the hard-hitting areas plus extra rubber for durability than its predecessor, the Bondi 7, for unmatched cushion and improved durability. The Bondi 8 even has a wider base than the Bondi 7 for extra stability.

Why do my feet hurt after wearing Hokas? ›

Resultantly, the researchers concluded that running in Hoka One One or other maximalist running shoes may increase the risk of injury due to the fact that running in them subjected the legs to higher and faster forces and altered foot and ankle motion.

Can Hokas cause plantar fasciitis? ›

They found the opposite to be true—which is what sparks the HOKA controversy. The study showed that highly cushioned shoes come with a higher vertical average load rate and vertical instantaneous loading rate. Both of these promote overuse injuries like stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

Why is Hoka one so popular? ›

Within years of its inception, HOKA had become the footwear of choice for some of the world's best trail runners thanks to its unique (and comfortable) oversized midsole design, and even bore the feet of some of those competing at the infamous Ultra-Trail du Tour du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) — an event HOKA now sponsors.

What shoes do orthopedic doctors recommend? ›

  • Best Orthopedic Shoes for Seniors in 2023.
  • Spenco Yumi Orthotic Flip Flops.
  • Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal.
  • Sketchers GOwalk Joy.
  • L.L. Bean Comfort Mocs.
  • Dr. Comfort Merry Jane.
  • Dr. Comfort Performance.
  • Hoka One One Bondi.
Feb 20, 2023

Is Hoka owned by Nike? ›

Hoka was purchased on April 1, 2013 by Deckers Brands, the parent company for UGG, Teva and other footwear brands.

How many miles do Hoka Bondi 8 last? ›

I anticipate it will get 400 miles, as every other Bondi I've used has. The Hoka Bondi 8 is designed as a recovery run or easy run shoe. While sure, you can pick up the pace, it's designed just to provide cushion and make you feel like you've run at all.

Is Clifton 7 or 8 better? ›

“Overall, the Clifton 8 has a better foot shape with a snug heel, accommodative midfoot, and rounded toe box. Compared to the Clifton 7 this fits my foot much better!” he says. “The Clifton 7 felt like a straight lasted shoe where the Clifton 8 delivers on a semi-curved lasted fit and feel.”

How many miles can a Hoka Clifton 7 go? ›

IS THE HOKA CLIFTON 7 DURABLE? Even though the midsole is EVA foam-based, the Clifton holds its cushioning very well. Getting 400 miles out of the shoe is easy, with room for more before any noticeable cushioning degradation occurs.

Is Hoka Clifton 8 a stability shoe? ›

David: The HOKA Clifton 8 is very much a neutral daily training shoe. The shoe does have some stability components though however. The midsole and upper do have some sidewalls integrated medially and laterally which help stabilize the foot and keep it linear throughout the gait cycle.

Are Brooks or Hoka better for plantar fasciitis? ›

Our favorite running shoes for plantar fasciitis are Brooks' Adrenaline GTS 22 because they combine thick cushioning with plenty of support in a shoe that's backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Is the Hoka Bondi 7 good for plantar fasciitis? ›

Best for a thick and wide sole: Hoka One One Bondi 7

People with plantar fasciitis may find these shoes help relieve pain while providing plenty of support. The company says that the low heel-toe drop of 4 millimeters (mm) in the shoes and the wider toe box provides extra stability.

What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? ›

Not wearing supportive shoes

You should avoid shoes that put a lot of pressure on your feet, such as high heels. You should also avoid wearing cheap flip flops, which usually lack sufficient arch support.

What type of shoes are best for knee arthritis? ›

“People with arthritis should choose boots with low, more stable, rubber-soled wedged heels or flatter boots with good arch support. Hiking boots are generally sturdy and give good ankle support,” he says.

What shoes are best for arthritic hips? ›

The Best Shoe Brands for Arthritis

Clark's, Vionic, Orthofeet, and Klogs are some of the brands both recommended by members the CreakyJoints community and approved by the foot experts we talked to. Mephisto, Drew, and Ecco are other good options.

Which Hoka shoe is best for ball of foot pain? ›

Plush, soft and smooth. The Hoka Bondi is a full weight mileage shoe which is great for lots of different forefoot pathologies. With multiple width options available for both Men and Women the Hoka Bondi works for most people and deserves it's place on the top of this list.

Are Hoka shoes good for support? ›

It's not only highly cushioned but also lightweight and breathable, making it a comfortable option for long-distance runs. Other notable features include a compression-molded midsole, inner heel support, and Hoka's Meta-Rocker technology, which is designed to propel you forward and encourage a more natural stride.

Why do podiatrists recommend Hoka? ›

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a New York City-based podiatrist says that they provide comfort, support and shock absorption, which makes them a good choice for frequent walkers or anyone whose job requires them to stand for the majority of the day.

Which Hoka is best for plantar fasciitis? ›

We recommend the Hoka Bondi 8 for those with Plantar Fasciitis and an average arch height due to their plush cushioning, neutral sole and 4mm heel drop. The plush cushioning allows your feet to sink into the sole like walking on a cloud.

Which Hoka has the most padding? ›

The Bondi is Hoka's most cushioned road shoe with a downright beefy midsole. The latest version of the Bondi keeps the formula that has won this shoe such a devoted following: maximum cushioning for an ultra-plush ride. The midsole foam is lighter and even softer than the Bondi 7.

Why are Hokas hurting my feet? ›

Resultantly, the researchers concluded that running in Hoka One One or other maximalist running shoes may increase the risk of injury due to the fact that running in them subjected the legs to higher and faster forces and altered foot and ankle motion.

Do Hokas cause plantar fasciitis? ›

They found the opposite to be true—which is what sparks the HOKA controversy. The study showed that highly cushioned shoes come with a higher vertical average load rate and vertical instantaneous loading rate. Both of these promote overuse injuries like stress fractures and plantar fasciitis.

Which Hoka is best for arthritis? ›

Hoka One One Bondi 7

People with toe arthritis will appreciate the rocker-bottom sole, which helps take pressure off the big toe, as well as the shoe's toe box—which is roomy while still being supportive. The breathable lining was designed to cut down on rubbing, so it's also a good option for those prone to blisters.

Videos

1. THE NEW BEST SHOES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS? Hoka Bondi 8 Review
(Dr. Jay)
2. Top 10 Best Walking Shoes For Men (2023)
(Fashion While)
3. Kofuzi's Top HOKA Shoes?!? Best New Max Cushioned HOKAS 2022
(Running Warehouse)
4. 15 Best Hoka Shoes For Walking | Shoes Fame
(Shoes Fame)
5. Top 10 MOST COMFORTABLE SNEAKERS of 2022 (Final List)
(Hes Kicks)
6. Best Shoes for Standing All Day With Bad Knees in 2023 - Top 6 Review Men’s/Women’s Shoes
(Simplex Buy)

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