I Tried the $60 Nurse-approved Hoka Lookalikes That Feel Like ‘Walking on a Cloud'—and They're Worth the Hype

Travel + Leisure

6 hours ago

When it comes to picking out a pair of walking shoes, I'm a big believer that the bouncier the better. After all, I take my daily step count seriously, and I've easily worn down several pairs of workout sneakers by consistently pounding the pavement, trekking up and down trails, or strolling along beaches all over the world. Now that I'm a bit older and conscious of my aging joints, I prefer cushy, supportive styles that alleviate strain on my ankles and knees, especially since I clock a few miles per day.
For the longest time, I was convinced that comfort came with a hefty price tag—that is, until now. In the past, I begrudgingly forked over well over $100 every time I wanted a new sneaker style on rotation, often gravitating towards trendy brands that promised the world. While they often delivered fairly solid results, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a more affordable alternative that provided the same level of comfort I craved.
Enter the Nortiv 8 Active Float Running Shoes, a stylish option currently gaining popularity among Amazon shoppers since they look nearly identical to expensive, name-brand Hokas—but for a fraction of the price. At just $60, these lookalike sporty, comfortable sneakers are a win-win in every way.
For starters, the value is downright shocking at just $60, which is more than half of what many popular running shoes tend to cost. Most importantly, the quality and comfort are (dare I say) superior to much pricier sneakers I've worn. These impressive running shoes come in seven stunning colors and feature advanced sole technology that provides exceptional shock absorption, reducing knee strain and foot fatigue with every step.
They're also lightweight and breathable and look great with casual athleisure looks on airport days, but can also keep up with strenuous workouts at the gym, too. I recently paired mine with my favorite Saltwater Luxe workout sets while exploring the rocky terrain of Telluride, and never once felt an ounce of discomfort. My sister was so impressed with the unbelievable bounce in my step that she immediately ordered a pair for herself on the spot.
With an average 4.5-star rating at Amazon, these budget-friendly shoes are quickly becoming must-haves for everyone from nurses to travelers. One reviewer, a nurse who suffers from foot pain, described these shoes as 'wonderful' and added that the insoles are both 'squishy' and 'actually bouncy,' which made all the difference. Another satisfied shopper said these shoes feel like 'walking on a cloud', while a third reviewer similarly said they feel like they are 'running on marshmallow clouds,' which sounds pretty heavenly, if you ask me.
If you're ready to tie on a plush pair of these ultra-comfy Nortiv 8 sneakers yourself, shop this style at Amazon while they're still on sale at this low price. Or, check out other budget-friendly Amazon sneakers that are just as stylish.
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