Latest news with #Hoka
CNN
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Hoka's best-tested Clifton 9, Arahi 7 and Speedgoat 6 shoes are up to 39% off
Check into any of our guides on the best shoes, and you're bound to see Hoka topping the charts. It doesn't matter if it's a new pair of kicks for running marathons, hitting the trails, standing all day or for podiatrist-approved sneakers to assist those who need extra arch support, Hoka makes the cut. Today, Dick's Sporting Goods is taking up to 39% off a collection of these best-tested shoes in men's and women's styles. Hoka Women's Arahi 7 These Hoka running shoes are not only one of the best the company makes, but also one of the best deals this week at Dick's Sporting Goods. Various colors and sizes are on sale for $10 less than the previous discount we tracked in Nordstrom's latest sale. That offers up to 35% in savings alongside the lowest prices of the year on many our review Hoka Women's Mach 6 Loved by more than just CNN Underscored editors, our own digital content strategist, Madison Yerke, swears by the Mach 6 after wearing them for nearly 50 miles worth of runs. Deemed 'super snappy" after putting them to the test, these are down to the second-best price of the year within $8 of the 2025 low. Read our review Hoka Women's Speedgoat 6 If you're searching for the best trail running shoes, I have found just the deal for you. These aren't just deal editor-approved either! The experts we've chatted with agree that it's best to choose shoes that are tailored to the type of movement you're looking to do. Hoka's Speedgoat shoes are ready to accompany your journey off the road and onto the trail. Save with this rare discount while several sizes and styles are marked down. Hoka Women's Clifton 9 Score the deepest discount on the list with this pair of Hoka walking shoes. The only downside is the limited sizes and styles, but if you like what you see and the discounted shoes will fit, this deal is the perfect pair of kicks for upgrading your summer running game. My colleagues have tried convincing me to pick up a pair, after noting how much they loved the plush foam midsoles and lightweight feel for cushioning our review Hoka Men's Arahi 7 Some of the most stable shoes in Hoka's sneaker lineup are also getting in on the savings. Today's offer undercuts the deal from the last time I tracked a discount (during Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale) and helps you land all those workout goals for less. Hoka Men's Mach 6 If a summer marathon is calling your name, put these running shoes to work while they're on sale. We dubbed them the best for training as Hoka's lightest and most responsive shoes yet. Even with a higher design, they still offer notable traction and breathable mesh uppers for extra comfort throughout prolonged workouts. Hoka Men's Clifton 9 Experts and CNN Underscored editors both agree; the Clifton 9 are some of the best shoes on the market. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss depended on the previous model, the Clifton 8, during training for his first-ever 5K race, and now you can see why this pair of sneakers is so popular at the second-best price of the year. Today's offer comes within $1 of the 2025 low set a few months back. Hoka Men's Speedgoat 6 I've only tracked a handful of chances to save on the newest pair of Speedgoat shoes. Now, the new and improved pair featuring Hoka's Vibram Megagrip and Traction Lug technology is getting in on the savings at Dick's Sporting Goods. It's easily one of the best deals of the year on trail running shoes at over $40 off. Read our review With some of the best prices of the year on best-tested footwear, it's no wonder we're shining a spotlight on these Hoka shoe deals. Stock may be selling out quickly, but there's still plenty of colors, sizes and styles available for every type of runner. It doesn't matter if you're preparing for a marathon, looking to take your jogs off-road through the end of summer or are just in need of a new treadmill companion. There's a shoe that fits. Our goal here at Underscored is to help you make more informed purchases. Our senior deals editor, Rikka Altland, has been doing that for nearly a decade, and that kind of experience extends to the rest of our deals team. Being an advocate for buyers to make sure we're only recommending the best prices on the best products is what we're all about, and that focus comes across in our work.
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
Hoka Fans Say These $57 Amazon Slip-ons Look and Feel Just Like the Originals for a Fraction of the Price
There's a reason why everyone from nurses to marathon runners upholds Hoka as the gold standard in comfy walking shoes. Hoka's signature curved MetaRocker sole and plush cushioning provide unparalleled comfort, whether you're standing on your feet all day or traveling miles on foot. Unfortunately, styles from this widely-loved footwear brand typically cost upwards of $150, leading many fans on a search to find more affordable alternatives that offer the same cloud-like feel. They found one such option in these $57 Allswifit sneakers from Amazon. Despite costing a fraction of the price of Hoka shoes, 40 Amazon reviewers have compared them to the higher-end brand, both in look and feel. These under-$60 walking shoes have a similar chunky silhouette to Hoka sneakers, including a thick EVA foam platform sole that offers rebound and shock absorption. Stability is another standout feature of Hoka shoes, and these lookalikes have an X-shaped torsion plate meant to stabilize the foot and prevent any twists that could lead to injury. The mesh upper is breathable and stretchy, featuring elastic tie-free laces, allowing you to slip in and out of them without even bending over. One reviewer compared them to Hoka's slender Arahi road runners because of their narrower shape, adding that they also 'look as expensive' as them. However, people with wide feet say the Allswifit sneaker accommodates them well, with one describing themselves as a 'wide-footed Cinderella finally finding her slipper.' They shared that walking in the Hoka-inspired shoe feels more like floating. Another happy customer tried this Allswifit on one foot and a Hoka shoe on the other, and wrote that 'there was no question' as to which one was more comfortable. Travelers have packed these slip-on walking shoes for trips all over the world, from the cobblestone streets of Italy to hiking trails in Portugal. One walked 40 miles in them 'without issue' during a visit to Japan—all while being five months pregnant. They said they especially appreciated the tie-free laces, since so many Japanese shrines require visitors to remove their shoes. One traveler reports that daily 10-mile walkabouts in London were also no issue for them, while another shopper shared that they 'did not disappoint' while clocking over 20,000 steps at Disneyland. Over 1,800 Amazon shoppers gave these Hoka-esque kicks a five-star rating, noting their arch support and cushioning that feels like 'walking on a cloud.' They come in monochromatic colorways like soft pink and white, plus more variegated versions like beige with green detailing and black with fuchsia. Searching for more sneakers that are similar to Hokas? Read on for five more options on Amazon, from $43. At the time of publishing, the price started at $57. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Hoka Vs. On Cloud: Experts Help Us Break Down These Top Shoe Brands
Hoka and On Cloud have a lot in common. Both are relatively new to the running scene, founded in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Each brand has developed a loyal following, thanks to standout models like the Hoka Clifton and the On Cloudrunner 2. They're also known for their distinctive outsoles: Hoka shoes feature thick, foamy soles, while On Cloud uses large CloudTec 'pods' designed to soften landings and improve takeoffs. In this Hoka vs. On Cloud guide, we break down how these popular brands compare, so you can find the right brand—and maybe even the right shoe—for your needs. Both Hoka and On Cloud shoes are known for their unique sole designs. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers In many ways, the similarities between these brands can make it challenging to choose one over the other. But there exists just enough differences that it's likely you'll end up preferring one based on your body and your favorite activities. So, which is the better choice for you when the question is Hoka vs. On Cloud? Let's take a closer look to find out. As we've established, both Hoka and On Cloud are relatively new and unique running brands. Hoka was founded in the French Alps, where trail running influenced its footwear. The brand's thick soles were designed to absorb repetitive impact, with an emphasis on support and cushioning over unstable terrain. Today, the brand's roster includes not only trail shoes, but road shoes, walking shoes, hiking shoes and so much more. Some styles still embrace the brand's thick, signature cushioning; others are slim, light and built for speed. On Cloud was founded in 2010 by three Swiss friends who sought to create a road shoe that delivered soft landings and a firm takeoff. Runners at the time were a bit skeptical given the unique styling of On's first shoe, but it didn't take long for the design to receive the ISPO Brandnew Award, which recognizes groundbreaking products. Months later, On shoes were sitting on store shelves, and the rest, as they say, is history. Before we move on, let's clear up a couple of things. When Hoka was founded, the company was called Hoka One One, which many people pronounced as 'won won.' In reality, it was meant to be pronounced 'Own-Ey Own-Ey,' as the name comes from the Māori language and means 'fly over the earth.' In late 2021, the brand shortened its name to simply Hoka. As for On Cloud, the company isn't actually called On Cloud—it's just On. But its Cloud line of shoes became so popular that the name On Cloud unofficially stuck. To keep things simple (and avoid confusion), we're rolling with it throughout this guide. Or running with it, if you will. On Cloud shoes feature pods that lack material for better rebound On Hoka Vs. On Cloud: Cushioning When it comes to the cushioning, Hoka reigns supreme. Its shoes were designed with trail running in mind, so best-selling styles feature grippy outsoles and chunky midsoles. This design once looked odd, but it's quite common in the running world nowadays. Most pairs of Hokas are maximally cushioned due to a thick layer of compression-molded EVA foam that compresses on impact and helps propel you forward with each step. 'The shock absorption feature lessens the stress on muscles and joints,' explains Dr. Daniel Cuttica, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. 'They are beneficial for those suffering from various foot and ankle conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and arthritis.' Ironically, On Cloud's cushioning comes primarily from a lack of cushioning, or empty space: The CloudTec cutouts in the soles of its shoes allow for impact absorption. When partnered with the foam material used to create them, the reduction is ample, albeit not as significant as you get with Hokas. But the pods do provide excellent propulsion as they regain their shape after each step. Hoka Vs. On Cloud: Stability "Stability' primarily refers to how a shoe supports your foot. Some shoes are specifically designed to prevent your foot from rolling inward as you step, which is known as overpronation. Pronating can lead to foot, ankle, knee and even hip and spine issues, so it's important to correct it, if it's a problem. As it happens, both Hoka and On Cloud make shoes with stability features. Hoka adds stability through the use of a 'J-Frame,' which is a band of thicker, denser foam that wraps around the heel and underfoot on the inside of the shoe. Similarly, On Cloud shoes add stability by using thicker and firmer CloudTec pods in the same place. These designs provide extra support to ensure your foot doesn't roll as you step. If you're looking for a true stability shoe, the Hoka Arahi 8 is a great option thanks to its 'J-Frame' underfoot support, while the On Cloudflyer 5 uses dual-density foam to create a similarly supportive experience. Balance is also an important element of stability. 'Hoka has a higher stack height than On Cloud, which helps with the plush maximalist design but also makes one higher from the ground,' explains Dr. Samantha Landau, a faculty member at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. 'Some people find the shoes have reduced proprioception or 'feel' for the ground as they run,' so if balance is an issue for you, On Clouds may be the better choice. Hoka Vs. On Cloud: Durability Both Hoka and On Cloud shoes are highly durable, often surpassing the 300-mile mark that you should expect—at a minimum—from a good pair of running shoes. That said, the unique soles of each brand's shoes will begin to break down not long after that point. With Hoka shoes, wear and tear may be harder to spot due to the thick, cushioned soles. But if you notice your feet start rolling inward more than they used to, or if the foam feels a bit flat, it's likely time for a new pair. On Cloud shoes tend to show their age more visibly. The CloudTec pods may lose their shape, and that signature springy sensation in the midsole will fade. And if the tread has worn down to the point where you can see the foam underneath, it's well past time to replace them. Miles of running on hard surfaces can take a toll on the soft foam of Hoka midsoles. Hoka Hoka Vs. Brooks: Price Price isn't going to be a decisive factor when choosing between Hoka and On Cloud. Look through Hoka's lineup and you'll find that popular styles range from $100 to $200. The Clifton 10, for example, is $145, while the Bondi 9 is $175. As for On Cloud, prices are similar. The Cloud 6 is $160, and the Cloudmonster, $170. As tempting as it may be to shop for a cheap shoe, consider comfort, use case and style instead. Shoes sell for similar enough prices across both brands that it's hardly worth trying to save money by choosing one over the other for that reason alone. Hoka Vs. Brooks: Which Is Right For You? 'Since they are tackling essentially different issues, Hoka and On are not competing for the same runner,' says Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Vein Center. 'Hoka provides treatment for a variety of ailments, including plantar fasciitis, sore knees and just spending too much time on harsh flooring.' In aiming to maximize comfort, the designs include wide-fit alternatives, high-stack midsoles and structured support. 'Comfort isn't a luxury; it's the main objective," Schoenhaus notes. "This explains why Hoka rules hospital halls and recovery runs alike. It's a brand designed to increase endurance and absorb impact.' On Cloud shoes, on the other hand, 'combine elegance and performance with precision,' explains Schoenhaus. 'The Speedboard plate and CloudTec pods sharpen the ride rather than make it softer. Every component of the design functions as propulsion, transforming it from a running shoe into a performance item that blends in perfectly with city life.' On Cloud shoes were designed with a fast-paced, fashion-forward athlete in mind—someone who demands the same level of performance from their equipment on the road as they do on the track, or when simply strolling down 5th Avenue. Long story short: Hokas are a great choice for more cushioning and support, especially if you stand on your feet all day, or have conditions like plantar fasciitis. And if you're looking for trendy styles that look good and perform, On Cloud shoes should meet your needs. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The gear review team at Forbes Vetted has tested, researched and reviewed a wide range of footwear options over the years, including everything from technical sandals to walking shoes to hunting boots . This piece was written by Steven John , a staff writer with Forbes Vetted who runs multiple times a week, on roads, trails and treadmills, and who has tested dozens of pairs of road and trail running shoes over the years. , a staff writer with Forbes Vetted who runs multiple times a week, on roads, trails and treadmills, and who has tested dozens of pairs of road and trail running shoes over the years. The story was edited by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta who has extensive experience testing gear and apparel, including footwear. His recent reviews include the Hoka Clifton 10 and Brooks Ghost 17. who has extensive experience testing gear and apparel, including footwear. His recent reviews include the Hoka Clifton 10 and Brooks Ghost 17. John spoke to several experts for this piece, including: Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM with the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center; Dr. Samantha Landau, a faculty member at New York College of Podiatric Medicine; and Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. Both Hoka and On Cloud regularly launch new and updated shoes, so we will periodically revisit and update this piece to be sure it contains accurate and relevant product information. It was first published in July 2025.
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Runners, you need to read this — study suggests a simple training tip could be the key to avoiding injury
A new study from Aarhus University has thrown into doubt everything we know about running injuries, suggesting that the most common cause of them is going too far on a single run. Most injuries are caused suddenly by a single workout where you run too far compared to your normal distance. Until now the most common advice for runners looking to avoid injuries was to gradually increase your overall training load each week. This advice is built into the best running watches, which monitor your acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) training load to ensure they are balanced and you're not pushing too hard compared to what your body is able to handle. However, research done on 5,200 runners found that most injuries don't develop over time because you're exceeding a suggested weekly training load, but are caused suddenly by a single workout where you run too far compared to your normal distance. The study found that the risk of injury grew when you ran more than 10% further than your longest run from the past 30 days. If you ran 10-30% further than your longest run in the last 30 days, the injury risk increased by 64%. If you ran 10-30% further than your longest run in the last 30 days, the injury risk increased by 64%. The risk of injury increases by 52% if you run 30-100% further than your longest run from the past 30 days, which is interestingly smaller compared to the risk from a 10-30% increase in distance. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Unsurprisingly, if you increase the distance of your run by over 100% compared with your longest run from the last 30 days, it poses the biggest risk of injury, with a 128% increase. The takeaways from this study are refreshingly simple — don't go too far on a single run. If your longest run in the last 30 days was five miles, then don't suddenly run 10 miles; build up to that distance carefully. This does tie-in with the advice on training load you get from running watches in some ways, as avoiding big increases in training load each week will usually help to keep the length of your longest runs down. The lead author on the study, Associate Professor Rasmus Ø. Nielsen from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University, suggests that watches could use the advice from the research to create new features to help users. "I imagine, for example, that sports watches with our algorithm will be able to guide runners in real-time during a run and give an alarm if they run a distance where injury risk is high,' says Nielsen. 'Like a traffic light that gives green light if injury risk is low; yellow light if injury risk increases and red light when injury risk becomes high.' This advice is particularly important for those marathon training, who might well suddenly start doing very long runs to prepare for the 26.2-mile event. Give yourself time to build-up to those 20-milers if you can. Hoka has announced a limited-edition collaboration with Australian cycling brand, MAAP, merging the world of running and cycling in a version of the Tecton X2. Built for the trails, the Tecton X2 has a carbon fibre plate for a faster heel-toe transition on all terrains. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Snoafers become footwear's hottest trend
Brands bet on snoafers as comfort meets street style IN THE world of fashion hybrids, there are skorts (shorts that look like skirts), jeggings (leggings made of stretch denim) and shackets (shirt-jackets). The latest style mash-up: Snoafers. One of the biggest trends in footwear combines the cushioned sole of a sneaker with the upper of a loafer, for a comfortable business-casual shoe that is meant to be worn anywhere. Although their divisive appearance initially generated backlash, snoafers have emerged as a viral breakout category for major sneaker brands including New Balance Atheltics Inc, Hoka and Puma SE, selling out quickly and landing on online marketplaces at wildly inflated prices since last year. Joining the trend late is Nike Inc, which recently introduced its Air Max Phenomena, created through the company's Serena Williams Design Crew apprenticeship programme. Prior to its release last month, the US$155 (RMRM728.50) snoafer was listed on StockX LLC for as much as US$500, fuelling buzz for the sportswear giant after a year-long sales slump. In a US$457 billion global footwear market loaded with sneakers, 'customers are looking for something different,' said resale marketplace, StockX senior marketplace director Drew Haines, which has seen an influx of shoppers vying for the latest snoafers. Sneakerheads seem to be more open to unconventional silhouettes developed by a wider selection of brands, he said, an encouraging sign for footwear designers eager to experiment and stand out from the competition. When trends in fashion arise, they historically tend to have short lifespans — something that has become more pronounced in a culture driven by social media, forcing companies to constantly innovate to stay ahead. 'I do think brands are going to start to take some of these risks… to produce and release products that are outside of the traditional scope,' Haines said. 'Whenever they do that, it seems to really resonate.' New Balance began selling its snoafer, the 1906L, in September and is credited with popularising the silhouette. 'We've been blown away by how the 1906L has been embraced — not just by sneaker fans, but by a broader audience,' said New Balance design manager Charlotte Lee. 'It's opened up a new design space for us and we're definitely planning to explore that further.' That includes new colours and materials expected to be released soon. New Balance did not provide sales figures, but the shoes quickly sold out online in the US and Lee said demand has remained strong beyond the initial drop. 'We wanted to challenge the perception of loafers,' she said. By fusing the performance of a sneaker with the 'dressier' look of formal footwear, the 1906L is 'a product that fits how people actually live and move.' Shoppers vying for the latest snoafers, a sneaker-loafer hybrid gaining traction in the RM2.2t footwear market Hoka, known for its running shoes, is currently sold out of its all-gender Speed Loafer, which retails for US$185. Puma debuted its Sophyr loafer last year and is still sold out in multiple sizes. Nike-owned Converse is also getting in the game, unveiling its All-Star Coinloafer in the US in June. Different variations of the shoe have been offered in Japan as early as 2022, according to Women's Wear Daily. The hype hasn't let up: Online searches for New Balance's 1906 L have increased 3,700% on StockX since the first quarter last year (1Q25) — months before its release. Kelly Baartman, 27, bought a pair of Rich Oak 1906Ls from a shoe store called Archive in June and said she loves the formal-meets-athleticwear versatility of the shoes. 'I love wearing a sneaker and I love wearing a loafer,' the content creator from South Africa said. 'To see that concept come together, just based on my personal style, I was like, 'Oh, this is literally perfect.'' Angel Edme, a content creator from Brooklyn, said she loves when brands try new things. 'It was something different,' she said of her 1906Ls, which she wears to run errands and attend creator events. 'It was something fresh and it was something playful that I can possibly mess around with and find new ways of styling.' Even big apparel companies are taking note. 'The loafer is 100% making a comeback in every single form,' Gap Brand president and CEO Mark Breitbard, said in an interview with Bloomberg. He said Gap takes into account what shoe styles are trending when the company designs its jeans, to ensure its clothes will look good with what shoppers are wearing on their feet. — Bloomberg This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
