Kit & Gear

The Range Explained: HOKA Road 2024

In recent years HOKA have become one of the world’s leading running brands.

Here we give a brief overview of their popular road range for 2024, dividing the range into 3 main categories to help you understand more about the purpose and specification of each shoe.

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Please note: If it's your first venture into the world of HOKA, then we generally find their shoes fit half a size smaller than expected, so you may need to size up.

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CUSHIONED/NEUTRAL RANGE

Built for high mileage road running for the neutral runner.

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HOKA Skyward X

For Revolutionary Max Cushioning

The HOKA Skyward X is a new max-cushioned shoe with a revolutionary suspension system and a carbon plate, designed to provide energy return, dynamism and cushioning in equal parts.

Click here for an in-depth look

Price: RRP £184.99

Weight: Men's 320g / Women's 261g

Drop: 6mm

Stack height: Men's 48mm/42mm, Women's 46mm/40mm

Width: Available in standard fit only.

Key Features

- Flat Knit Upper: Provides a secure fit with enhanced breathability.

- PEBA Midsole: Extreme comfort and underfoot cushioning.

- Carbon Fibre Plate: Delivers dynamic propulsion and stability.

- Super Critical Midsole Foam: Creates a rocking chair-style effect for a faster toe-off.

- Deep Active Foot Frame: Cradles the heel for a secure ride.

- Durable Rubber Outsole: Hi-abrasion rubber is placed in high wear areas.

HOKA Bondi 8

For Max Cushioning

Highly cushioned and now featuring softer, lighter foams, the Bondi 8 is effectively HOKA’s top of the range max-cushioned road shoe, suitable for all distances.

Click here to read our detailed shoe review

Price: RRP £149.99

Weight: Men's 307g / Women's 252g

Drop: 4mm

Stack height: Men's 33mm/29mm, Women's 31mm/27mm

Width: Available in standard, wide, and in some colours extra-wide.

Key Features

- Engineered Mesh Upper: A seamless design which optimises breathability and comfort.

- Lightweight Foam Midsole: Super-soft, lightweight foam for maximal cushioning.

- Durabrasion Outsole: High-abrasion rubber zones increase the shoe's durability, reducing its weight, and supply enhanced traction on every road surface.

- Extended Heel Geometry: With billowed grooves for a smooth, balanced ride.

HOKA Clifton 9

For Comfort & Cushioning

Sitting below the Bondi 8 in the range, this Clifton is the 9th iteration of HOKA’s best selling shoe. Still built for high mileage road running up to and including ultra distances, it offers a slightly more responsive feel than the Bondi due to lower weight.

Click here to read our detailed shoe review

Price: RRP £129.99

Weight: Men's 248g / Women's 205g

Drop: 5mm

Stack height: Men's 32mm/27mm, Women's 29mm/24mm

Width: Available in both standard and wide fits.

Clifton 9 is now also available with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit upper (RRP £149.99)

Click here to find out more

Key Features

- Engineered Mesh Upper: A seamless design which optimises breathability and comfort.

- EVA Midsole: For lightweight, responsive cushioning and plenty of energy return.

- Durabrasion Outsole: High-abrasion rubber zones increase the shoe's durability, reducing its weight, and supply enhanced traction on every road surface.

- Wide Base: Provides added stability on your run.

HOKA Rincon 4

For Lightweight Cushioning

Sitting below the Clifton 9 in the range, the Rincon is lighter in comparison. An amazing entry into the HOKA cushioned road range, now with a 3mm increase in stack height over version 3. Suitable for all neutral runners looking for a versatile road training shoe.

Price: RRP £109.99

Weight: Men's 228g / Women's 193g

Drop: 5mm

Stack height: Men's 36mm/31mm, Women's 35mm/30mm

Width: Available in both standard and wide fits.

Key Features

- Engineered Jacquard Upper: For maximum ventilation.

- Rear Foot-focused Active Foot Frame: Cradles the foot for ultimate support.

- Injected EVA Midsole: A higher stack midsole with responsive cushioning and plenty of energy return.

- Rubberised EVA Outsole: For enhanced traction on every road surface.

SUPPORT/OVERPRONATION RANGE

Built with support suited to the over-pronator while also offering cushioning suitable for high mileage road running.
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HOKA Gaviota 5

For Moderate Support

A highly-cushioned shoe designed for all road distances with mild to moderate levels of support for over-pronators. Built along similar lines to the neutral Bondi 8, the Gaviota offers a similar feel and fit but with the additional support if you require it.

Price: RRP £149.99

Weight: Men's 310g / Women's 259g

Drop: 6mm

Stack height: Men's 36mm/30mm, Women's 34mm/28mm

Width: Available in both standard and wide fits.

Key Features

- Creel Jacquard Mesh Upper: A secure, sock-like fit that provides comfort and breathability.

- H-FRAME Technology: Delivers a stable platform for those looking to prevent and combat over-pronation.

- EVA Midsole: For lightweight, responsive cushioning and plenty of energy return.

- Durable Rubber Outsole: High-wear rubber compound help to ensure the shoes have exceptional traction and durability.

HOKA Arahi 7

For Mild Support

Sitting below the Gaviota in the support range, the Arahi is still a well cushioned high-mileage shoe suitable for marathon distance training. It offers mild pronation support, so slightly less than the more supportive Gaviota. This is effectively a supportive version of the best-selling Clifton neutral shoe.

Price: RRP £129.99

Weight: Men's 282g / Women's 228g

Drop: 5mm

Stack height: Men's 37mm/32mm, Women's 34mm/29mm

Width: Available in both standard and wide fits.

Key Features

- Flat Knit Upper: Designed with a laser focus to fit with structured, enhanced knit fabric for security and enhanced breathability.

- J-FRAME Technology: Designed to prevent excessive inward roll, or overpronation, without overcorrecting your gait. The J-Frame helps to guide the foot without rigid materials.

- CMEVA Midsole: Extremely resilient, ultralight foam for a combined level of comfort and support. The CMEVA midsole offers maximum cushioning.

- Durable Rubber Outsole: High-wear rubber compound help to ensure the shoes have exceptional traction and durability.

RACE READY RANGE

The race range offers a variety of shoes built for the more elite runner looking for a fast race day shoe across a range of distances.

Please note: Race shoes are not ideal for all runners and the time savings that can be had from wearing them can be offset by the lack of cushioning or support they may offer. For example, someone running a 4-hour+ marathon will likely be more comfortable wearing their everyday mileage shoes. Also, race shoes, if used for everyday training, can be less durable and wear out faster.
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HOKA Mach 6

For Cushioning & Speed

HOKA's lightest, most responsive Mach to date. Whilst the Mach could sit in the cushioned section of this guide and is found on the feet of many runners who use it everyday, it is designed as a faster paced shoe that, depending on the runner, is suitable for marathon distance. Used by many who train in the likes of the Bondi 8 or Clifton 9 but prefer to keep these for speed sessions and race day.

Price: RRP £139.99

Weight: Men's 232g / Women's 190g

Drop: 5mm

Stack height: Men's 37mm/32mm, Women's 35mm/30mm

Width: Available in both standard and wide fits.

Key Features

- Creel Jacquard Mesh Upper: A secure, sock-like fit that provides comfort and breathability.

- Dual Internal Gusset & Anatomical Tongue: Designed to improve the fit to provide you with all-day comfort.

- Super Critical Foam Midsole: A more reactive ride with tons of cushioning for enhanced energy return and better durability.

- Rubberised EVA Outsole: Rubberised EVA foam is used to enhance responsiveness, increase traction and ensure high rebound cushioning.

HOKA Mach X

For Cushioning & Speed

Recently replacing the Carbon X, the Mach X offers a propulsive Pebax plate through the midsole, otherwise built for the same usage as the Mach 6.

Price: RRP £169.99

Weight: Men's 266g / Women's 227g

Drop: 5mm

Stack height: Men's 39mm/34mm, Women's 37mm/32mm

Width: Available in standard fit only.

Key Features

- Creel Jacquard Mesh Upper: A secure, sock-like fit that provides comfort and breathability.

- PEBAX Plate: Designed to provide an efficient push-off.

- PEBA Faom Midsole: For extreme comfort and underfoot cushioning.

- PROFLY X Construction: Provides cushioned landing and propulsive toe-offs.

- Durabrasion Rubber Outsole: For grip and traction on every road surface.

HOKA Cielo X1

For Breaking Records

This top of the range carbon-plated racing shoe is built for breaking records. Most suitable for 10k to marathon distance, the Cielo x1 is aimed at elite and pinnacle road runners looking for every advantage on race day.

With limited availability you'll need to move as fast as this shoe to grab a pair!

Click here to find out more

Price: RRP £249.99

Weight: Men's 264g / Women's 210g

Drop: 7mm (most suitable for heel strikers)

Stack height: Men's 39mm/32mm, Women's 37mm/30mm

Width: Available in standard fit only.

Key Features

- Asymmetrical Gusseted Knit Tongue: Provides easy entry and locked-in feel.

- Knit Upper and Collar: Delivers lightweight breathability.

- Resilient Two-Layer PEBA Midsole: Soft and bouncy with high energy return.

- Winged Carbon Fibre Plate: Delivers dynamic propulsion and stability.

- Dynamic Cutouts: For weight reduction.

- Minimal Rubber Outsole: Lightweight for maximum speed.

HOKA Rocket X2

For Marathon PB's

Built for elite runners featuring a propulsive carbon fibre plate sandwiched between two layers of ultra responsive foam. On the right feet this shoe is suitable for marathon distance PB’s.

Price: RRP £219.99

Weight: Unisex 236g

Drop: 5mm

Stack height: Unisex 36mm/31mm

Width: Available in standard fit only

Key Features

- Breathable Mesh Upper: Made from a technical synthetic mesh fabric, designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

- Carbon Fibre Plate: Newly updated shape to deliver you enhanced propulsion.

- PEBA Foam Midsole: For extreme comfort and underfoot cushioning.

- PROFLY X Construction: Provides cushioned landing and propulsive toe-offs.

- Rubberised Foam Upper Outsole: For enhance responsiveness, increase traction and ensure high rebound cushioning.

HOKA Cielo RD

For Lightweight Racing

HOKA’s lightest stripped down racer, the Cielo RD is their take on a more traditional racing flat. This super-lightweight shoe is most suitable for shorter distances, racing up to 10K.

Price: RRP £149.99

Weight: Unisex 192g

Drop: 3mm (most suitable for forefoot strikers)

Stack height: Unisex 31mm/25mm

Width: Available in standard fit only.

Key Features

- Engineered Mesh Upper: A seamless design which optimises breathability and comfort.

- Lightweight design: All the performance, none of the weight.

- PEBA Foam Midsole: For extreme comfort and underfoot cushioning.

- Durabrasion Rubber Outsole: For grip and traction on every road surface.

- Wide Base: Provides added stability on your run.

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.