Best Hoka Trail Running Shoes 2024

A long-distance trail runner from the United States named Mary Julie Isphording once said, “Run often, run long, but never outrun your joy of running.” Yes, the joy of running on the trails may never outweigh it when you have the right pair of trail running shoes.

Hoka undoubtedly produces some of the best trail running shoes these days. Excellent gripping, a responsive and comfortable midsole, a supportive heel counter, a lightweight feather-like feel, and sturdy and durable materials make Hoka shoes ideal for trail running.

After tracking down many running shoes, our team has finally made a list of the top picks. On our list, we have Hoks running shoes for all kinds of trails and terrain. Let’s check them out. 

Hoka Line Up

Best Hoka Shoes: Let’s Have a Look!

are Hoka shoes good for running?

Let me tell you one thing: trail running is not something like regular running on the tracks or the streets. Trails are unpredictable, and for that, you need something extra from your shoes. 

Let me show you some of the features you can look into while choosing the best Hoka trail running shoe:

• Stack height or cushioning: The amount of material you have under your foot on a shoe is the stack height. If you ask me or my team, we will always suggest you wear a trail running shoe with moderate cushioning.

Some runners prefer minimal cushioning to have a raw, natural feel on their feet. For them, I would suggest having a shoe with Pebax plates or rock plates. Both cushioning and rock plates absorb impact forces and protect your feet while lending on rocks.

• Lightweight: Would you like to run on the hardest trails with a heavy pair of running shoes? No, right? Then look for lightweightness. 

• Heel-to-toe drop: many people ask me what the right heel-to-toe drop is for a running shoe. Well, I always suggest that having a moderate heel-to-drop is very essential for your running mechanics on the trails. This should be something between 0 – 12mm.

• Breathability: I am sure your feet are going to sweat a lot while running on the trails. Breathable shoes will help you dry your sweat quickly.

• Width and fit: Your feet need comfort on difficult, uneven trails. So, look for a shoe with the perfect width and fit. Hoka trail running shoes are available in different widths and sizes.

• Strong outsole: The harsh lands on the trails need a strong outsole with lugs. If your trails have mud and soft soil, big lugs will help. On the other hand, small lugs are best for rocky trails. However, a perfect mix of big and small lugs may help you on all kinds of trails. 

Best Hoka Trail Running Shoes – Our Top Picks

Hoka Clifton 9

Weight	8.70 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Cushion	Balanced
Price	145$

The 9th iteration of the Hoka Clifton series is one of the finest for trail running. We talked about the stack height earlier, and the incredible cushioning has increased the stack height in Clifton 9 by almost 3mm.

EVA foam has made the shoe responsive on the trails, and the streamlined upper cuts the weight to make it even lighter. Talking about the sole, it’s durable enough to withstand the harshness of the rocky trails. 

Pros

• Lightweight and durable
• Comfortable and responsive.

Cons

• Not so ideal for a sprint.

Mafate Speed 4

Weight	10.40 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	4mm
Cushion	Responsive
Price	185$

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is not only Hoka’s one of the best trail shoes; it’s one of the best in the market. It’s a great combination of superb traction and grip to help you run on the world’s toughest trails.

Thinking about comfort? The dual-density midsole makes sure you run with comfort, and it’s so responsive. The midsole is enough to protect your feet from the stones underneath. Our team tested positive for fast running as well. 

Pros

• Comfortable and supportive midsole.
• Enough wide space inside the toebox
• Durable outsole.

Cons

• Some of you may not like the design.

Hoka Men’s Challenger 7

Weight	8.90 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Cushion	Balanced
Price	145$

The Hoka Challenger 7 is an all-rounder shoe from Hoka. You can run on the muddy or rocky trails and also on the pavement with this amazing shoe. The soft and comfortable foam at the midsole made the stack a little higher.

Talking about the outsole, the proprietary rubber with a reimagined design makes it an ultimate all-rounder. Forgot about the weight? Well, it’s lighter than it seems. The 4mm lugs at the sole will make you confident on the trails, for sure.

Pros

• Soft, plush feeling.
• Easy to wear heel pull.
• Breathable mesh upper keeps your foot hydrated.

Hoka Torrent 3

Weight	8.70 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Cushion	Responsive
Price	130$
Stability	Neutral

Hoka Torrent 3 is a unique and versatile trail running shoe from Hoka. It seems like trail running is in its DNA. It’s lightweight and well cushioned with trademarked PROFLY midsole. It increases the response rate of the shoe.

The toughest trails are just like a simple running track for Hoka Torrent 3. The lugs are 4mm high, and they are multi-directional to ensure excellent traction and grip.

Pros

• Very responsive
• Made with durable materials.
• Easy to clean.
• Breathable.

Cons

• Could have been more stable.

Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5

Weight	8.50 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	4mm
Cushion	Balanced
Price	155$
Stability	Neutral

In my college days, I used to run with my sister at the Four Mile Running Park in Virginia. She used to ask me about buying her a new pair of running shoes when I started earning. I brought her this one: Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5.

This beast is capable of handling all kinds of technical trails. The aggressive Vibram Megagrip lug is suitable for giving you a grip over anything, even loose soil! Excellent stack height and a lightweight midsole with a breathable mesh upper make it one of the best trail running shoes from Hoka.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Provides ample support and protection.

Cons

• No such stability, neutral.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX

Weight	11.50 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	4mm
Cushion	Balanced
Price	170$
Stability	Neutral

Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX is another all-rounder from the lineup. You can completely rely on this shoe on wet and sloppy trails. Just like the Speedgoat 5, it also has the Vibram Megagrip and a traction lug to prevent you from losing your grip. These lugs are even bigger-5 mm.

The late-stage Meta-Rocker ensures nice support tor your heel. However, if you love wet and adventurous trails for running, this one is for you.

Pros

• Good for hiking as well.
• Waterproof.
• Durable 

Cons

• Not breathable due to the waterproof material.

Hoka Stinson 7

Weight	12.90 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Cushion	Plush
Price	170$
Stability	Stable

The Hoka Stinson 7 is a very well-cushioned trail running shoe. You can trust this shoe on every type of terrain. The deep active foot frame and stabilizing H-frame help to keep your feet steady on any uneven ground.

The stack height of the Stinson 7 is the highest among all Hoka shoes. You can enjoy different and bigger trails with this shoe in comfort. 

Pros

• Comfortable plush feel 
• Excellent traction

Cons

• Slightly heavier.

Hoka Bondi 8

Weight	10.80 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	4mm
Cushion	Plush
Price	131.99$ – 165$
Stability	Neutral

When you talk about the most cushioned Hoka running shoe, the Bondi 8 will be at the top. Bondi is a popular shoe lineup from Hoka, and they have kept the signature features in Bondi 8, but with softer and lighter foams.

However, the latest heel geometry is introduced in it for more support. The upper part is made with mesh fabric, while the lower part has a carbon fiber plate for protection on the trails.

Pros

• The heel is extended and can absorb shock in a better way.
• More balanced.

Cons

• Could have some issues on muddy or wet trails.

Hoka Mach 5

Weight	8.20 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Cushion	Responsive
Price	111.99$ – 140$
Stability	Neutral

With dual-density cushioning and EVA foam, the Hoka Mach 5 is one of the ideal trail-running shoes. It’s also great for racing and everyday casual wear. 

Need some help from your shoes’ soles in a quick transition? The early-stage Meta-Rocker will help you with it. The response from the sole and midsole is excellent, with a comfortable plush feeling.

Pros

• Returns a good amount of energy after hitting the ground.
• There are a lot of color options.
• Versatile and breathable.

Cons

• The outsole may have some issues with durability. 

Hoka Arahi 6

Weight	9.30 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Cushion	Balanced
Price	111.99$
Stability	Stable

The last one on our list, but still, Arahi 6 is ideal for trail running. It’s hard to believe how a stable shoe like the Arahi 6 can be so lightweight! This shoe is so supportive, and it’s great against overpronation as well.

Talking about comfort, the compression-molded EVA midsole with J-shaped foam support made it so comfortable. The EVA midsole also makes it extremely responsive. In terms of stability, the Arahi 6 is one of the most stable shoes.

Pros

• Feather-like lightweight
• Excellent forefoot support from early-stage Meta-Rocker.

Cons

• Not suitable for wet trails.

Summary 

Trail running is beautiful and enjoyable when you are wearing the right pair of shoes that are suitable for that specific trail. However, Hoka trail running shoes are versatile, and they have all the features to be best for their task.

However, not all trail running shoes are suitable for all terrains. You must know your trail and choose one for that. Don’t forget to share your trail-running experience with one of these Hokas.