As a long-time runner and gear tester, I’ve spent countless miles putting HOKA’s full lineup to the test—from their affordable entry-level trainers to their top-tier carbon-plated racers. What makes this article different is that I bought every single pair myself, with no sponsorships or free samples, to bring you a genuinely honest review of every HOKA running shoe available in 2025.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through what each shoe does best, what I liked (and didn’t like), and which models I’d actually recommend depending on your running goals—whether it’s a daily jog, a tempo session, or a marathon PR attempt. We’ll move from the most budget-friendly models to the premium elite options.
HOKA Rincon 4 – The Entry-Level Daily Trainer
The HOKA Rincon 4 serves as the brand’s entry-level daily trainer and comes in at around £110. It features a 33 mm stack height and a modest 5 mm drop, making it light at just 280 grams. The two-layer EVA midsole gives it a snappy yet firm ride.
Pros:
- Excellent price point for a big-brand running shoe.
- Lightweight and available in wide-fit versions.
Cons:
- Stiff and firm midsole with limited flexibility.
- Narrow toe box and inconsistent sizing.
- Weak lockdown, even with tight lacing.
- No dedicated outsole, affecting long-term durability.
In short, while the Rincon 4 is affordable, the compromises on comfort and fit make it difficult to recommend over alternatives like the Adidas SL2 or Puma Velocity Nitro. If you can find the older Rincon 3 on discount, that’s a better option.
HOKA Clifton 10 – The Reliable Everyday Workhorse
The HOKA Clifton 10 is arguably one of the most popular daily trainers in the world. Priced at £140 with a 42 mm stack height and 8 mm drop, it weighs 324 grams and offers a dependable CM EVA midsole.
What I Loved:
- Unmatched comfort and dependable ride.
- Comes in multiple width options for all foot types.
- Extremely stable and versatile—great for walking or long days on your feet.
What I Didn’t:
- Feels a bit boring and outdated.
- Lack of bounce compared to newer foams.
Still, the Clifton remains a top pick for runners who want a reliable, cushioned, and neutral daily trainer. It’s the shoe I’d recommend for most beginners or those who value stability and comfort over speed.
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HOKA Mach 6 – The Lightweight Speed Trainer
If you’re after a lighter, faster daily trainer, the HOKA Mach 6 delivers. It’s priced at £140 with a 37 mm stack height, a 5 mm drop, and weighs just 276 grams. It features a supercritical foam midsole, offering better responsiveness and durability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and responsive ride.
- Excellent grip and durable outsole.
- Improved performance for tempo and moderate-speed runs.
Cons:
- Slightly narrow fit, though wide options are available.
- Firmer than its predecessor, the Mach 5.
In summary, the Mach 6 is a solid option for runners looking to balance speed and comfort. It’s not ideal for slow recovery runs, but it shines in tempo efforts and everyday runs where you want a lively feel.
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HOKA Bondi 9 – Maximum Cushion for Recovery Runs
The HOKA Bondi 9 is HOKA’s plushest offering, made for recovery runs and long walking sessions. With a £160 price tag, a massive 43 mm stack height, and a 5 mm drop, it weighs 363 grams.
What Works:
- Stable ride despite the high stack.
- Great for recovery days and walking.
- Available in multiple width options.
Drawbacks:
- Foam feels firmer than expected.
- Requires a break-in period.
- Heavy and less versatile.
If you’re someone who spends long hours on your feet or prefers a firmer, stable recovery shoe, the Bondi 9 will serve you well. But if you want something softer and more plush, the Skyward X might be a better match.
HOKA Mach X 3 – The Plated Tempo Trainer
Next up, the HOKA Mach X 3, a plated speed trainer ideal for tempo workouts and moderate racing. It costs £170 with a 44 mm stack, 5 mm drop, and 314 grams of weight. It features a PEBA + EVA hybrid midsole and a P-Back plate for mild propulsion.
Positives:
- Balanced cushioning and responsiveness.
- Comfortable for long workouts or marathon-paced runs.
- Improved Achilles support over Mach X 2.
Negatives:
- Heel lockdown can be tricky.
- Slightly heavy for a plated trainer.
- Narrow midfoot fit for some runners.
In summary, the Mach X 3 bridges the gap between daily training and racing shoes. It’s ideal for runners who want speed and comfort without paying for high-end carbon models.
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HOKA Skyward X – The Max Cushion Long-Run Beast
The Skyward X is HOKA’s boldest design yet. Priced at £185, with a towering 48 mm stack height and 5 mm drop, it weighs 378 grams. Its midsole uses a PEBA top layer, EVA base, and an internal plate to stabilize the foam.
What I Loved:
- Exceptionally soft and bouncy ride.
- Incredibly durable construction.
- Secure fit with zero rubbing or hotspots.
What I Didn’t:
- Very heavy and expensive.
- Not suitable for speed workouts.
- The plate is for structure, not propulsion.
This shoe excels in comfort for long, slow runs and marathon training blocks. The Skyward X is pure joy for those who love a plush, cloud-like feel underfoot.
HOKA Rocket X 3 – The Stable Carbon Racer
The HOKA Rocket X 3 represents HOKA’s dedicated racing model, built for 5K to marathon distances. It retails for £220, features a 40 mm stack, 7 mm drop, and weighs just 241 grams. Its dual-density PEBA midsole and winged carbon plate ensure a smooth and stable ride.
Pros:
- Comfortable yet fast ride.
- Stable for a carbon-plated shoe.
- More forgiving than most “super shoes.”
Cons:
- Not as fast as Adidas Pro 4 or Vaporfly.
- Slightly less aggressive rocker.
If you’re a marathoner in the 3.5–5 hour range looking for comfort and speed balance, the Rocket X 3 is perfect. It’s stable, reliable, and built for endurance racing.
HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 – The Elite Carbon Racer
At £250, the Cielo X1 2.0 is HOKA’s most advanced carbon-plated racer, aimed at elite and sub-3-hour marathoners. With a 40 mm stack height, 7 mm drop, and 248 g weight, it’s designed for speed and precision.
Highlights:
- Extremely lightweight and fast.
- Huge rocker design that propels you forward.
- Breathable upper and secure lockdown.
Downsides:
- Expensive compared to competitors.
- Not stable for heel strikers.
- Demands strong running form to perform optimally.
In summary, the Cielo X1 2.0 is a rocket on your feet—ideal for fast runners who can maintain forefoot or midfoot striking. But for most, the Rocket X 3 offers better all-around value.
HOKA Stability Options – Arahi 8 and Gaviota 5
For runners who need stability, HOKA offers two reliable options: the Arahi 8 and the Gaviota 5.
- Arahi 8: A lightweight, responsive daily trainer with added support for overpronators.
- Gaviota 5: A softer, plusher stability shoe better suited for longer, slower runs.
Both shoes bring HOKA’s signature cushioning and wide platform design, making them excellent choices for runners who need extra structure without sacrificing comfort.
The Best HOKA Running Shoes for 2025
After testing every pair, my personal favorites are the HOKA Rocket X 3 and the HOKA Skyward X. The Rocket X 3 impressed me with its stability, comfort, and performance balance—perfect for mid-level marathoners. Meanwhile, the Skyward X stood out as one of the most fun and comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn for long, easy miles.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect HOKA Shoe for You
Choosing the right HOKA depends entirely on your running goals.
- For budget-friendly versatility: HOKA Rincon 4.
- For everyday reliability: HOKA Clifton 10.
- For lightweight tempo runs: HOKA Mach 6.
- For maximum recovery comfort: HOKA Bondi 9.
- For race-ready speed: HOKA Rocket X 3 or Cielo X1 2.0.
- For soft, joyful long runs: HOKA Skyward X.
Every shoe in HOKA’s 2025 lineup serves a specific purpose, and with this honest review of every HOKA running shoe, you now have the insights needed to find your perfect match. Whether you’re logging your first 5K or chasing a marathon personal best, HOKA’s range offers something truly special for every kind of runner.
Michael Turner is a dedicated running shoe reviewer and performance footwear specialist with years of hands-on testing experience. His passion for running and attention to technical detail make his reviews a go-to resource for runners seeking honest, data-driven insights. Michael covers every aspect that matters to athletes — from cushioning and stability to traction, responsiveness, and long-distance comfort.
Having tested hundreds of models from leading brands like Nike, Asics, Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, and New Balance, Michael provides readers with well-balanced comparisons and clear recommendations tailored to different running styles and goals. Whether you’re a marathoner, a casual jogger, or a trail enthusiast, his expertise helps you find the perfect pair to enhance your performance and protect your stride.
Beyond testing shoes, Michael follows the latest innovations in running technology, biomechanics, and sustainable materials, ensuring his reviews stay ahead of industry trends. His mission is simple — to help every runner choose shoes that combine comfort, performance, and endurance on any terrain.
