Latest news with #Hoka
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Deckers' Pain Nike's Gain? 1 Wall Street Analyst Thinks So.
Shares of Deckers tumbled after it delivered its earnings report last week, in part due to slowing growth in the Hoka brand. One analyst believes a resurgent Nike is putting pressure on Hoka. Nike's sales are still declining, but the business should eventually get back on track. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Deckers (NYSE: DECK) stock plunged last week after the footwear maker published fiscal fourth-quarter results that topped expectations, but issued disappointing guidance. Though the company did beat estimates in the quarter, its growth still slowed markedly as overall revenue rose 6.5% year over year to $1.02 billion. That included a 3.6% gain from the Ugg brand and 10% growth in Hoka sales. That was a notable deceleration from the prior three quarters; for fiscal 2025, overall revenue was up 16.3% to $4.99 billion, with Ugg sales up 13.1% and Hoka up 23.6%. Management declined to offer full-year guidance due to broader macroeconomic uncertainty. It projected 9% revenue growth in its fiscal 2026 first quarter, now underway, but foresees a decline in earnings per share due in part to an increase in its cost of goods sold because of tariffs, higher freight costs, and increased promotional activity. It's no secret that Deckers has grabbed market share from Nike (NYSE: NKE) in recent years. Over the last five years, Deckers has grown its revenue at a compound annual rate of 19%, and Hoka, its popular running shoe brand, has grown even faster. In fiscal 2025, Hoka's revenue hit $2.23 billion. That's still slightly smaller than Ugg, which had $2.53 billion in sales for the year, but Hoka has clearly become a powerhouse in the running category. While Deckers' sales were surging ahead, Nike has been moving in the opposite direction -- its revenue has declined for several quarters in a row. Over the last four quarters, Nike's top line has nearly fallen to where it was three years ago. Nike missed out on a post-pandemic boom in running that its rivals were able to capitalize on. However, it may be finally getting back on its feet in running as CEO Elliott Hill said its sales in the category grew by a mid-single-digit percentage in its fiscal 2025 Q3 (which ended Feb. 28), a far better result than the overall 9% revenue decline it experienced. Nike's growth in running was led by shoes like the Pegasus 41, Pegasus Premium, and Vomero 18. The company also highlighted the successes of products like the Vomero 5, sales of which doubled in the quarter, and Nike Shox, sales of which have grown 10 times higher in the past three quarters. Based on Hoka's 10% revenue growth in its fiscal fourth quarter, Hoka still appears to be gaining market share from Nike, though investors won't know for sure until the Swoosh's next earnings report in late June. However, one Wall Street analyst firm believes the scales are starting to tilt in Nike's favor, which explains the slowing growth at Hoka. Jefferies analyst Randal Konik argued that Hoka's slowing growth is a sign that market share is swinging back to Nike in running, and said that Nike's moves to get back share in the wholesale channel, including selling again on Amazon, should help drive its recovery. Jefferies gives Nike a buy rating with a price target of $115, which is about 85% higher than its current level. The Jefferies analyst also noted that Nike is trading at its lowest enterprise-value-to-sales multiple in 15 years, though that's mostly due to the collapse in the stock price. While Nike does seem to be improving competitively, it is also at risk from some of the same headwinds that are challenging Deckers, including tariffs and their impact on consumer demand. However, Nike should eventually turn itself around. The brand is too entrenched for the company's revenue to just gradually decline forever. Its turnaround could take time to play out, especially given the pressure in the macro environment, but Nike should eventually return to its winning ways. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $360,955!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $37,958!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $638,985!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join , and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.*Stock Advisor returns as of May 19, 2025 Jeremy Bowman has positions in Nike. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Deckers Outdoor and Nike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Deckers' Pain Nike's Gain? 1 Wall Street Analyst Thinks So. was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Nordstrom's Half-yearly Sale Has the Biggest Travel Deals for Summer—Score Up to 60% Off Tumi, Hoka, and More
Nordstrom's Half-yearly Sale is back, and the shopping event has returned just in time to stock up on travel clothes, comfy shoes, and luggage before your next big trip this summer. Rarely-discounted brands like Tumi, Hoka, and Free People have all received surprising markdowns in the spirit of the sale, and price slashes up to 60 percent off make it easier than ever to check off all the essentials from your shopping list while sticking to your travel budget. Since the sale comes to a close at midnight on June 1, we made quick work of gathering the 60 best deals worth shopping from this limited-time event so you can approach your upcoming travels with all the gear you need to feel confident and prepared. So, keep reading to find discounts on high-quality carry-on bags, stylish airport outfits, and more—with prices starting at just $19. From comfortable travel clothes to high-quality luggage sets, Nordstrom's Half-yearly Sale has everything you need to level up your next vacation without actually springing for an upgraded seat. The Free People Solar Cardigan & Pants Set is a stylish and versatile airport outfit that'll undoubtedly get plenty of wear on your next trip, so grab it while it's on sale for 40 percent off. And if you've been waiting for the best opportunity to score new luggage, now's your chance since the durable Nonstop New York 3-piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set is 45 percent off and complete with bags tailor-made for trips of any length. Nonstop New York 3-piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set, $180 (originally $330) Vivaia Pointed-toe Ballet Flats, $69 (originally $129) Vionic Women's Uptown Sunset Slide Sandals, $75 (originally $135) Hoka Mach 6 Running Shoes, $113 (originally $140) Free People Solar Cardigan & Pants Set, $77 (originally $128) Madewell Drawstring Denim Shorts, $66 (originally $88) Beyond Yoga Take It Easy Sweat Shorts, $50 (originally $88) Lands' End Short Sleeve Cooling Knit Short Set, $75 (originally $100) Travelpro Versapack + Lightweight Softside Expandable 21-inch Carry-on Spinner Luggage, $298 (originally $700) Tumi Response Travel Kit, $135 (originally $195) Sandals, sneakers, flats, and more just went on major sale at Nordstrom, and many styles are the perfect additions to your suitcase, regardless of your destination. The Vivaia Pointed-toe Ballet Flats are a shockingly comfortable pick at $69, and they're easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Meanwhile, both the Sperry Authentic Original 2-eye Beaded Boat Shoes (which are back en vogue) and the supportive Vionic Women's Uptown Sunset Slide Sandals are practically a steal at $60 off each. Sam Edelman Women's Irma Low Top Sneakers, $60 (originally $100) Vionic Women's Uptown Sunset Slide Sandals, $75 (originally $135) Sperry Authentic Original 2-eye Beaded Boat Shoes, $60 (originally $100) Steve Madden Bigmona Raffia Platform Sandals, $70 (originally $100) Vivaia Pointed-toe Ballet Flats, $69 (originally $129) Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Oxford Sneakers, $49 (originally $70) Sarto by Franco Sarto Debrah Half d'Orsay Flats, $80 (originally $120) Gentle Souls Madison Loafers, $114 (originally $189) New Balance Gender Inclusive T500 Tennis Sneakers, $77 (originally $110) Lands' End Classic Espadrille Flats, $68 (originally $90) Men's footwear has also been significantly discounted during Nordstorm's Half-yearly Sale, bringing prices down to a mere $25. You'll want to snag the rarely on-sale Hoka Mach 6 Running Shoes while they're just $113 since they're primed and ready to become your new go-to walking shoes. And if you're after a casual pair of slip-on shoes for a nice dinner or day of leisurely strolling, the Lands' End Casual Slip-on Loafers have earned a spot in your cart now that they're nearly $40 off. Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes, $116 (originally $145) Hoka Mach 6 Running Shoes, $113 (originally $140) Cole Haan ZeroGrand Remastered Plain Toe Derby Shoes, $130 (originally $200) Sperry Billfish 3-eye Boat Shoe, $100 (originally $175) Cotton On Men's Austin Mules, $25 (originally $35) Rockport Nash 2 Sneakers, $70 (originally $120) Blake Mckay Melvern Cap Toe Oxfords, $100 (originally $150) Craft Nordslite Tempo Running Shoes, $112 (originally $160) Lands' End Casual Slip-on Loafers, $91 (originally $130) Blake Mckay York Suede Chelsea Boots, $80 (originally $165) Brands like Free People, Madewell, Farm Rio, and more have received generous price cuts during this major sale, so you can craft your dream vacation wardrobe while still shopping on a budget. If you're on the hunt for a casual travel day outfit that you'll want to rewear throughout your trip, the Free People Corfu Tube Top & Wide Leg Pants Set fits the bill—and it's on sale for almost $40 off right now. As for activewear, the flattering Zella Studio Luxe High-waist 7/8 Leggings are available for $47 and are well-suited for hikes, walking tours, and beyond. Plus, if your shorts selection needs a comfy new addition, don't hesitate to add the Madewell Drawstring Denim Shorts to your shopping cart now that they're just $66 and boast an adjustable waistband for the perfect fit. Caslon Drawstring Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants, $42 (originally $60) Free People Corfu Tube Top & Wide Leg Pants Set, $59 (originally $98) Astr the Label Bow Detail Smock Bodice Cotton Blend Dress, $70 (originally $99) Nordstrom French Terry Top, $24 (originally $60) Farm Rio Mystic Blue Lotus Placed Print Long Sleeve Linen Blend Maxi Dress, $171 (originally $285) Free People Solar Cardigan & Pants Set, $77 (originally $128) Treasure & Bond Back Cutout Fitted Denim Minidress, $54 (originally $80) Free People Valley Stripe Double Cloth Button-up Shirt, $77 (originally $128) Zella Studio Luxe High-waist 7/8 Leggings, $47 (originally $79) Madewell Drawstring Denim Shorts, $66 (originally $88) Wardrobe essentials from basic T-shirts to cozy layers are on sale at Nordstrom for a limited time, and with brands like Vuori, Lands' End, and Polo Ralph Lauren included in the mix, you're not going to want to let these deals go unclaimed. The Zella Performance Run Shorts are a comfortable choice for every activity on your travel agenda, and at $24, they're one of the best deals on the site right now. And since the heat of the summer makes your airplane cabin more likely to be air conditioned, you'll be happy to have the versatile Vuori Seaside Hoodie packed into your personal item now that it's marked down by almost $40. Treasure & Bond Lived-in Cotton Pocket T-shirt, $18 (originally $30) Vuori Seaside Hoodie, $111 (originally $148) Zella Performance Run Shorts, $25 (originally $45) Beyond Yoga Take It Easy Sweat Shorts, $35 (originally $88) Treasure & Bond Rib Raglan Sleeve Cardigan, $46 (originally $115) Polo Ralph Lauren Fine Gauge Cotton Crewneck Sweater, $69 (originally $115) Vuori Full-zip Polartec Fleece Jacket, $126 (originally $168) Lands' End Short Sleeve Cooling Knit Short Set, $75 (originally $100) Cotton On Men's Easy Shorts, $28 (originally $40) Rhone Commuter Slim Fit Pants, $97 (originally $138) Nordstrom's luggage and travel bag deals are some of the highlights of the half-yearly sale—especially considering brands like Tumi, Travelpro, and Delsey Paris have all received staggering markdowns on airport essentials. At 57 percent off, the Travelpro Versapack + Lightweight Softside Expandable 21-inch Carry-on Spinner Luggage is one of the best deals hiding in plain sight right now, and it even comes with packing cubes that will transform your travel experience overnight. Plus, if you're looking for a duffel for your next weekend trip, the Baboon to the Moon Go-bag Duffel Mini 32L is a brilliant choice at 25 percent off, and it can even be worn as a backpack or a shoulder bag depending on your preference. Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack, $119 (originally $150) Travelpro Versapack + Lightweight Softside Expandable 21-inch Carry-on Spinner Luggage, $298 (originally $700) Baggallini Snap & Go Modular Backpack, $113 (originally $150) Nonstop New York 3-piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set, $180 (originally $330) Baboon to the Moon Go-bag Duffel Mini 32L, $119 (originally $159) Delsey Paris Alexis Hardside 21-inch Carry-on Expandable Spinner Luggage, $80 (originally $120) Marc New York Lotus 21-inch Upright Carry-on, $100 (originally $200) Baggallini All Day Large Duffel Weekender Bag, $98 (originally $130) Travelpro Platinum Elite Underseat Spinner Tote Bag with USB Port, $298 (originally $350) Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Nylon Duffel Bag, $155 (originally $195) Travel accessories currently start at just $19 at Nordstrom, making now the best time to swap out your toiletry kit for a fresher option or snag a new belt bag for hands-free sightseeing this summer. The spacious, $19 Baboon to the Moon Dopp Kit has room for all your favorite travel-sized products, and its slim design makes it easy to pack away while taking up minimal space in your personal item. Now's also a great opportunity to snag the Tumi Travel Wallet while it's almost $90 off, and you can rest assured it's well worth the investment since the sleek pouch can also double as a clutch thanks to its built-in wrist strap and understated exterior. Osprey Transporter Belt Bag, $39 (originally $65) Radley Hillgate Medium Bifold Wallet, $76 (originally $108) Tumi Travel Wallet, $189 (originally $275) Baggalini Modern Belt Bag Sling, $49 (originally $65) Pacsafe Coversafe X75 Anti-theft RFID-blocking Neck Pouch, $28 (originally $33) Baboon to the Moon Laptop Case, $19 (originally $29) Tumi Response Travel Kit, $135 (originally $195) Baggallini On the Go Toiletry Case, $38 (originally $50) The Tote Project Meow Meadow Bundle, $97 (originally $115) Baboon to the Moon Dopp Kit, $19 (originally $29) Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Business of Fashion
2 days ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Why Hoka Is Slowing and On Keeps Growing
In the race to become the next sneaker giant, Hoka's pace is flagging while On shows no signs of slowing. The two European brands are regularly mentioned in the same breath as the challengers shaking up the running market and putting a scare in behemoths like Nike and Adidas. Hoka was born in the French Alps in 2009, On in the Swiss Alps in 2010. Both are known for their distinctive midsoles — an exaggerated, stacked platform in Hoka's case, and an array of tubular segments in On's — and just as importantly, for their runaway growth over the past several years. But recently, their paths have diverged. Last week, Hoka-owner Deckers Group reported that Hoka's sales increased just 10 percent in the quarter through March 31, with growth in its direct-to-consumer channels of 23 percent. Those numbers would be welcome to many companies, but they signalled a significant deceleration from Hoka's typical growth rates, sending Deckers' stock down more than 19 percent since, as investors wonder whether the brand is losing momentum and seeing performance more typical of a mature brand. On, meanwhile, reported 43 percent year-on-year growth in the same period, beating Wall Street's expectations. Sales in its DTC channels grew 45.3 percent. Hoka and On's growth rate diverged this earnings season. (Lei Takanashi /Business of Fashion) 'Overall, Hoka has had tremendous growth, but there is increasing competition, and the need to constantly update and innovate is required to continue to maintain the growth metrics,' said Dana Telsey, chief executive of Telsey Advisory Group, which downgraded Deckers' stock after its recent results. The question now is whether the slowdown is temporary. Deckers' leadership attributed Hoka's results to slower acquisition of new customers due to macroeconomic uncertainty; high levels of promotion for outgoing product models as the brand introduces new ones; and shoppers opting to move towards wholesale accounts to try on and buy new products, which hit its DTC sales. It expressed confidence that performance will pick up as it moves through these issues. Both Hoka and On, however, are looking for their route forward as they strive to maintain their growth, and they could see different levels of success in their strategies. For Hoka, a brand that built its customer base around performance-running, it's working to reach a new lifestyle consumer, evident through actions such as its first luxury collaboration with Marni this year. For On, which has long-established wholesale relationships with fashion and lifestyle retailers around its CloudTec sneakers, as well as an ongoing collaboration with Loewe, the brand is shifting gears to emphasise more innovative performance-focussed products, like its Cloudboom Strike sneakers made with LightSpray technology that podiumed the Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri at this year's Boston Marathon. The Hoka-Marni Bondi 3LS was released on April 4 in four colorways. (Hoka) Victor Diaz, founder of the fashion-forward specialty running retailer Renegade Running, believes both brands have achieved recent wins with their respective strategies. Diaz currently finds that the best middle and long-distance elite runners today are running for On rather than Adidas or Nike. And when it comes to high-heat lifestyle sneaker releases, he believes Hoka has quickly come up to speed with collaborations and can rival larger brands such as New Balance. But On's current streak of innovation around supershoes could leave Hoka in the dust. 'Hoka hasn't crossed that threshold yet. They're still struggling to find their racing shoe or their fast shoe,' said Diaz. Strengths and Weaknesses Diaz said that Hoka and On are both strong brands that customers continue gravitating towards for different reasons. When it comes to who's currently winning in regards to selling high-priced innovation, he finds that his 25 to 35-year-old customer base is paying up for On's premium supershoes, such as its $330 Cloudboom Strike LS sneakers or its $220 Cloudmonster Hyper. Hoka has lagged behind on innovation in his view, and while it continues to resonate with trail runners, it's still catching up to On in the lifestyle market. However, he feels both brands are losing grip of a middle-market they once dominated and allowing larger players to grab a hold, pointing to shoes such as Adidas' Adizero EVO SL and Asics' Novablast. 'There are shoes [by Asics, Nike and Adidas] that just feel more lively than anything that Hoka and On are doing in that middle-range, $140 to $160 price point,' said Diaz. Hoka is hoping to reassert its grip with recent updates to franchises like the Bondi 9 and Clifton 10, but its rollouts for these products haven't gone as smoothly as planned. The brand has only had limited colour assortments upon release, while discounted pairs of older styles have remained widely available through wholesale channels, eating away Hoka's DTC sales. On, meanwhile, has been able to mitigate any competitive challenges with a more diversified offering that includes products for tennis, hiking and training. These categories also open up more avenues for future growth. 'New categories build a broader positioning for the brand as it grows into a perceived white space in the premium segment of the market,' wrote William Blair consumer research analyst Dylan Carden in a recent research note. 'Power of the brand in turn opens new categories, where the company will follow a similar playbook, building performance credibility from which it can offer broader lifestyle products.' Setting a New Pace But analysts who are still bullish on Deckers believe Hoka's slower growth this quarter wasn't about cooling demand. UBS analyst Jay Sole, for instance, said in a recent note that he anticipates Hoka's growth will improve with more colours arriving for its best-selling franchises, old products being cleared out and other new product launches coming down the pipeline. 'I'm not really seeing the demand erosion,' said Sam Poser, a Williams Trading equity analyst. 'My guess is in their next quarter, we're going to see some kind of a flip where the domestic DTC business in the US inflects positively and is better than wholesale.' Hoka is also gaining ground outside of the US as it builds awareness globally. Deckers shared on its recent earnings call that Hoka's international sales now represent 34 percent of its total revenue, with chief financial officer Steven Fasching adding that 'internationally [Hoka] would outpace what we're seeing in the US.' Deckers' chief executive Stefano Caroti shared that Hoka was 'moving up brand rankings' with specialty partners in the UK, Germany and Italy, and that it was 'increasing its partner footprint in key cities' in China. The brand is approaching international growth in a meticulous and cautious way by focussing on sell-ins rather than sell-throughs, according to Poser. And even with brands like Nike and Adidas putting out new running styles that are clicking with shoppers, Hoka remains a well-known — and trusted — name in the running world. 'Very serious runners, because of the risk of injuries, like to stick to products they already know,' said Cole Townsend, founder of the running-fashion newsletter and online directory Running Supply. For that reason, many runners will still gravitate towards Hoka for daily trainers. On, meanwhile, still has work to do to win over legions of more serious runners, though Townsend does believe the brand is making inroads with professional runners. Granted that lifestyle is a segment On has a stronger footing in, analyst Telsey believes that Hoka's authenticity and connection to customers such as Townsend will move them to try new offerings from Hoka, in running and beyond. 'They're going through a period of transition a bit given the new product that's being introduced,' said Telsey.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The 15 Best Father's Day Sales Happening This Week
Mark your calendars: Father's Day falls on Sunday, June 15 this year. That gives you just about two weeks left to find the perfect gift for the father figure in your life. Fortunately, plenty of retailers are running sales on items he's sure to love, from REI and Hoka to Fossil. Even streaming services like ESPN+ are offering bundle deals, including three months of access for under $15. These are the 15 best Father's Day sales to shop this week. Not sure where to start? If he loves the great outdoors, Patagonia's sale section has solid deals on camping and hiking apparel. Maybe he's more of a grill master. n that case, Wayfair is offering discounts on top-rated models from brands like Weber, Royal Gourmet and more. There's no shortage of thoughtful gifts he'll both appreciate and actually use. Below, check out all the best Father's Day sales happening this week. Hoka Yeti Cozy Earth
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Hoka Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Medical Experts
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can make it harder to run or exercise, to stand for extended periods and even make walking more painful and difficult. The best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis can't cure your feet of their condition, but they can help mitigate the symptoms, letting you better enjoy everyday activities as you work to treat the inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue. And while we named the Hoka Clifton 10 the best Hoka shoe for plantar fasciitis overall, there are numerous other options to consider, based on your condition and your preferred activities. The best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis offer cushioning and support to ease your symptoms. In order to recommend the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis, we spoke with board-certified podiatrists and a doctor of physical therapy. Their insights are valuable to help you choose the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis relief, and also offer a better understanding of the causes, symptoms and treatments of this painful and frustrating condition. Hoka Weight: 9.8 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 8 mm | Midsole: Molded EVA foam | Upper: Breathable Jacquard W. Zach Smith, a doctor of physical therapy and founder and owner of HIDEF Physical Therapy, says: 'My favorite Hoka for plantar fasciitis is the Clifton. It has enough stability to provide support for the foot but also enough cushion to spread out the ground contact force, which then reduces the force at the plantar fascia.' That was high enough praise for this lightweight and highly versatile shoe to be on our radar. When both of the other experts we spoke to—both podiatrists—also had high praise for the Hoka Clifton, we zeroed in on this shoe as the top contender for the top spot. The shoe has a soft and highly flexible Jacquard woven upper that comfortably but securely holds your foot in place, thus letting the thick cushioning of the compression-molded EVA foam midsole offer excellent underfoot support. The 8mm drop is ideal for running, jogging and various exercises, but is a bit much if you plan to wear these shoes primarily for walking. (Or for a job that involves long hours of standing.) The durable and nonmarking outsole has treading suitable for use on the street or track or on the treadmill and at the gym. Overall, the padding and support in this shoe gives your foot a plush feel and greatly relieves the pressure and pain of plantar fasciitis, letting you continue with physical activities. Amazon Weight: 8.2 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: Super critical foam | Upper: Breathable Jacquard The Mach 6 shoe from Hoka weighs just 8.2 ounces—scarcely more than a pound. That light weight translates into faster speed as you get in those runs, plantar fasciitis be damned. The shoe offers a good balance of support, cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for use both in mitigating the pain of inflamed plantar fascia tissue and for helping propel you forward. One critical factor here is the ultralight but very supportive super critical foam midsole, so-called thanks to the use of a supercritical fluid—in this case the liquid form of nitrogen, injected into the EVA foam. That midsole both cushions against impacts and spreads out the pressure during footfalls and helps spring you ahead—that's the whole 'responsiveness' thing. Note that many people who are generally happy with the Mach 6 say that the model tends to run a bit small, so consider going up by half a size to play things safe. Amazon Weight: 8.1 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: Molded EVA foam | Upper: Flat knit If you're headed to the gym for some serious circuit training and you don't want your foot and heel pain to put a damper on things, consider putting Hoka Arahi 7 shoes on your feet. These shoes provide both pain relief and excellent stability and control, keeping your feet and ankles safer as you go through any number of movements and positions. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jason Gold of the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center says, 'The fit, comfort, cushioning and support is just right with the Arahi 7. It's also meant to provide motion control, so it's a good choice for people with flat feet or rolling ankles, which are common causes of plantar fasciitis flares.' The shoes have a moderate 5mm heel-to-toe drop, so they're fine for use jogging or walking, and a built in 'J-frame' helps keep your foot centered, preventing too much pronation or supination (which is when the foot rolls inward or outward, respectively), both of which can exacerbate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The Arahi 7s have a slightly narrower toebox than many other Hoka shoes (and shoes from other brands), so if you need extra splay for comfort, be forewarned. Amazon Weight: 10.5 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: SCF foam | Upper: Breathable knit Many dedicated running shoes have a large heel-to-toe drop, which is the height difference between the elevated heel and lower toe. A drop of eight to 10 mm can help propel a runner forward, but that's too much of a drop for walking, which requires a more natural gait for comfort and for foot health, especially when your feet are already afflicted with a condition. 'A slightly elevated heel-to-toe drop [can] lessen the strain on the Achilles tendon and the fascia,' says Dr. Naim Shaheed of the Ankle & Foot Centers of America. The five mm drop of the Bondi 9s is ideal for many people who take long walks and the SCF (super critical foam) midsole greatly reduces the pain of plantar fasciitis. Gold says of these shoes: 'I recommend the Bondi often because it's one of the most cushioned shoes Hoka offers. It provides generous, soft padding underfoot, and that's exactly what sore heels and arches need. And the wide, stable base helps maintain alignment of the foot while you're walking.' These shoes are a tad heavier than most of the others we're covering, but they're still light enough to walk for miles. And any heat that builds up during those long walks is readily released through the generous venting in the knit upper. Amazon Weight: 9.1 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 6 mm | Midsole: EVA foam | Upper: Creel Jacquard mesh Excessive pronation, which is when the foot rolls inward with each step, can be a problem all on its own, putting excess strain on muscles, ligaments and tendons, and it can exacerbate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, the Gaviota 5 shoe from Hoka can help prevent this foot rolling. 'If you want something with a bit more structure and support, the Gaviota 5 is a great pick," says Gold. He adds, 'Its 'H-Frame' construction holds the foot in place without feeling overly rigid. For those patients who tend to overpronate or require a touch more guidance when walking, I rate it.' The Gaviota 5 has the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association and receives stellar reviews from users, who praise its stability and comfort. The upper's creel Jacquard mesh is an engineered, polyester-based mesh fabric that's often used in running shoes and is characterized by its flexibility, soft feel and breathability. This is a pricier Hoka than most, but if you have plantar fasciitis and a tendency to overpronate, it's worth the price. Hoka Weight: 6.6 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: EVA foam, memory foam | Upper: Dynamic mesh A recovery shoe is a type of footwear specifically designed to aid in the recovery process after intense physical activity or long periods of standing, but they can also bring great relief from chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis. Recovery shoes are typically more comfortable than standard shoes and offer features like enhanced cushioning, support and pressure distribution to promote faster healing and reduce muscle fatigue. The Ora Recovery Shoe 2 from Hoka is a lightweight slip-on shoe with a cushioned and contoured midsole and a dose of memory foam added under the heel for even more comfort. While perfect for indoor wear like a comfortable slipper, you can indeed use these shoes while you're out and about. They have an elastic band at the ankle that adds support and keeps the shoes on your feet, and they have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, which is ideal for walking. Hoka Weight: Varies | Heel drop: 5 to 8 mm | Midsole: 35% sugarcane EVA foam, memory foam | Upper: Ripstop and webbing Hoka's Project Transport Shoe is where style meets support and comfort. While most Hoka shoes look fine in a sporty way, few people would call them stylish. These shoes, on the other hand, make a statement even as they cradle your feet and offer the cushioning and stability you need when you have foot ailments. And don't think that because they were made with style in mind that they lack in technical chops: The Project Transport shoes have a tough Vibram rubber outsole with a tread pattern suitable for use on multiple types of terrain, while the EVA midsole, made with renewable sugarcane, offers plenty of arch support and foot comfort. The shoes lace up for a proper fit but then a zippered closure covers the laces, leaving the upper looking sleek and modern. And highly reflective detailing on the exterior of that upper catches plenty of light at night, both helping you stay visible and offering just a bit more of a fashion statement. Note that while Hoka claims these have a 5mm heel drop, many reviewers feel that it's closer to 8mm. The gear team at Forbes Vetted conducts extensive research, expert interviews, close reading of customer reviews and, when possible, hands-on testing of all products we cover. Our editors and writers have extensive experience reviewing footwear of all kinds, from the best workout shoes for women to the best dress sneakers that are still comfortable. To make sure we recommended the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis, we broke things down by category—the best Hoka shoes for running, walking, recovery and more. We also relied on the expertise of the Forbes Vetted gear team and the experts we interviewed. Regardless of the type of Hoka shoe—or shoe from another brand—that a plantar fasciitis patient ultimately chooses, the shoe must have the following attributes in order to help mitigate the affliction. The midsoles of every shoe covered here provide excellent arch support, which is critical for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. Good arch support helps distribute weight evenly and absorb shock, reducing pressure on the plantar fascia. Ample heel, midsole and forefoot cushioning absorbs shock and provides comfort to the feet, reducing the pressure concentrated on inflamed tissue and bringing some pain relief. Hoka shoes are renowned for their cushioned feel. A heel-to-toe drop of between 5mm and 8mm is considered the sweet spot for plantar fasciitis relief, and every Hoka shoe we included here falls somewhere in that range. Just as you need ample support and cushioning under the foot when you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, you also want a flexible and comfortable upper that lets the foot move naturally. We looked for Hoka shoes with woven and flexible uppers that would keep a foot secure but not restrained. 'Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often resulting from strain on the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot,' says Shaheed. It can be caused by strain created by repeated activities like running or dancing. Additionally, it can be caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, excess weight or advancing age. Yes, choosing the right shoes can significantly help manage and alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Shoes with good arch support, cushioning and a wider toe box can reduce stress on the plantar fascia. With one caveat about toebox size, all of the Hoka shoes selected here meet those criteria. Heel-to-toe drop in running shoes affects plantar fasciitis because it influences how weight is distributed during foot strikes, potentially exacerbating or alleviating pain. Lower-drop shoes encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike, while higher drops promote a heel strike, impacting the load on the plantar fascia. A higher drop (as in much above 8mm) may encourage a heel strike, potentially increasing stress on the plantar fascia, especially during activities like running or walking. This can be counterproductive for plantar fasciitis.
