Latest news with #HokaClifton
Buzz Feed
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
The Shoes You'll Want To Wear All Summer
On those in-between days when it's rainy and sunny, or when you want to give your feet some air without giving up support, you want a shoe with the ease of a sandal but the utility of a sneaker. You want a sandal-sneaker hybrid, or maybe a sneaker-sandal hybrid. To keep your feet feeling good, we curated a selection of highly-rated women's sneaker sandals all with reviews about their comfort, stability and/or breathability. Enjoy the breeze of a sandal without stressing about how badly you need a pedicure, as these kicks cover your toes and keep your feet feeling happy. This mesh-sided Hoka option These Hopara 2s feature mesh overlays for easy draining, hindering rocks and dirt from sneaking in. Wear them on a long beach walk or a day in the city. These come in five 5–11 Promising review: "The surprise to me was the stable and supportive foot bed. Feels similar to my Hoka Clifton's. Apart from the sole, I appreciate that this wears like a shoe. It is not a sloppy fit. My thought is the upper is a nice upgrade from the previous years Hopara. The upper is comprised of a fine mesh fabric. Has adjustability in the heel strap, and an appreciated heel loop to grab if needed. Had ACL, MCL and meniscus injury to my knee - no issues found after walking all day at work in these shoes. Would I recommend this shoe? Absolutely - and if they come out with other colors (suggestion denim blue!) I would buy another pair." —MidwestannieGet them from Hoka for $135. A pair of secure Teva Omniums We love Tevas here, now including this sporty, closed-toes option. They have a buckle around the ankle for extra support, a covered toe for extra protection and a quick-drying upper that can go with you from the water to the market. These come in five review: "After a recent foot surgery, my feet are very picky on what is comfortable. I could wear these shoes for 24 hours straight." —Sally XXXSizes: 5–11Get them from Amazon for $61.31+. A pair of Keen cord sandals Made with nylon cord, these Keen sandals feel natural and free-moving on the feet, while still giving you plenty of stability and structure. They're interesting enough that you can wear them while sightseeing or running errands and still feel put together, but they're durable enough to go to the lake or mountains. These come in four 5–11Promising review: "These felt like a dream right out of the box! My podiatrist recommended them to me because I have almost no cartilage left in the joint of my big toe. The top of the shoe is wide and non binding, and the adjustable elastic makes for a secure fit. I wore them on a 3 mile hike the first day I bought them. They are so lightweight that you barely know you are wearing them. I'm ordering another pair for gardening as they dry quickly. You can't go wrong. They are the best newly designed shoe Keen has ever come up with." —Renee GGet them from Zappos for $140. A pair of Adidas Astir sandals With a molded EVA outsole and eye-catching top design, these Adidas kicks are form and function. The zig-zag design makes them eye-catching while the supported footbed will keep your feel feeling great. These come in the pictured color, as well as white with pink detailing. Sizes: 4–11Promising review: "I quite like this! Bought it for my mom to wear to the gym and it's perfect for yoga class that she can easily slip on and off. There's cushion at the sole so it's comfortable." —AnneGet them from Amazon for $55.09+. A pair of budget-friendly sporty sandals Another take on the classic outdoor sandal, these budget-friendly kicks come in an array of vibrant and neutral colors. They have a protective toe cap and adjustable strap to fit right to your feet. These come in 11 colors. Sizes: 5–11Promising review: "I first bought a pair of these eleven years ago and I still wear them. When shopping for summer shoes I went looking for Dream Pairs and found more colors. I bought two more pairs and plan to buy the other colors. They are comfortable all day. I have a high arch, bad knees and a bad back and I can wear these sandals all day in comfort. Rarely do you find women's shoes that are comfortable and well-made but these are both. I highly recommend them." —Jane HarrisGet them from Amazon for $30.99.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Hoka Clifton 10 Review: More Foam, Same Daily Comfort And Flow
Now in its 10th iteration, the Hoka Clifton has quietly become one of the most reliable and recognizable running shoes. I picked up my first pair—the Clifton 6—back in 2019, and I've logged hundreds of miles in every version since. It's the shoe you see everywhere because it meets so many needs, and while there's no official data that confirms it's the best-selling shoe, you wouldn't be wrong for thinking so. Expectations are always high when Hoka updates the Clifton, and after a few weeks of marathon training in the Clifton 10, I'm here to report it's as good as it's ever been. The Clifton is that go-to shoe in a runner's lineup that just works. It's not very fast, but it's not slow either. It's cushy without feeling mushy, soft yet surprisingly spirited. The Clifton 10 introduces some updates, like a higher drop, a new upper and more stack, but it feels like the many models that came before it. Essentially, it's a do-it-all style you can put on and forget about in the best way, and that's what makes it my favorite everyday running shoe. Here's what you need to know before you add it to your quiver. Price: $150 | Weight: 8.8 ounces (women's), 9.8 ounces (men's) | Drop: 8mm | Stack height: 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot) | Upper: Jacquard | Midsole: EVA foam | Outsole: Rubber Best for: Skip if: The reason runners fell in love with the Clifton when it launched is the same reason it's still so popular today: its cushioning. But to describe the Clifton 10 as this maximal, cloud-like shoe with a big stack implies it's clunky or even dull, when it's actually quite versatile. While training for a race, the Clifton 10 started as my shoe of choice for slow recovery runs, but over time it became my preferred option for long weekend runs and even the occasional tempo workout, thanks to Hoka's MetaRocker technology that helps with heel-to-toe transitions. For most workouts, the Clifton 10 was happy to oblige, though it's not the shoe I'd recommend for true speed workouts or qualifying races. And although this model has maintained a 5mm drop for years, the Clifton 10 increases that to 8mm—a 60% jump. Hoka says the change addresses how runners typically wear their Cliftons for hundreds of miles, during which repetitive impacts compress the foam and make it feel like a lower-drop shoe. By adding more foam, the Clifton 10 helps preserve Hoka's intended offset even after you've broken it in. During testing, I barely noticed the increased drop—and most runners probably won't either—but the added foam is a welcome upgrade that doesn't compromise stability. And in spite of the bigger midsole, it's still a lightweight shoe for what it offers. Mine weighs just under 10 ounces for a men's size 9.5. If this shoe's cushioning is its standout feature, the upper isn't far behind. It's one of the only shoes I can pull from the box, lace up and run in without issue. The new jacquard knit upper doesn't look or even feel all that different from the previous one, but it's breathable and seems to hold up well to daily use. According to Hoka, the forefoot is also slightly wider, which I can appreciate as someone with flat, wide feet. I've read a few reviews that suggest the redesign might rub if you have big toes or bunions, so keep an eye out for hot spots, and pack a Band-Aid if that's a concern. Material has also been added to the back of the shoe to make it softer and more forgiving in the heel. If anything, it feels ever-so-slightly more plush, but my heel still locks into the shoe and doesn't slip or move around. Again, this is a model you can lace up and run a half-marathon in without a second thought—the added padding doesn't change that. If anything, it just makes it that much easier to wear, especially if you need shoes for standing all day. The general consensus is that running shoes last between 300 and 500 miles, but it wouldn't be surprising if Clifton fans told me they push theirs well beyond those limits. That's not to say Cliftons are designed to outlast other running shoes, but in my experience, they hold up well to constant use. I've logged about 40 miles in my Clifton 10s, and they still feel as fresh and supportive as they did on day one. The uppers look great, and, in my experience, they're durable enough to resist ripping or blowouts (and I've never replaced a pair due to a lack of durability). All in all, I think the Clifton 10 is built to go the distance, literally and figuratively. While this is a well-rounded shoe from top to bottom, ultimately whether or not it's right for you depends on your needs. If you're after something truly fast and responsive, this isn't the shoe for you. And if you need a stability shoe for overpronation, it doesn't check that box either. Like any running shoe, it performs best when used as intended, and in this case, that means everyday training, long runs, walking and the occasional speed workout. There are a lot of other Hoka running shoes we recommend if you like the brand but can't find a spot for the Clifton in your lineup. The Clifton 10 checks every box I look for in a daily trainer. It's soft and plush yet surprisingly stable for a maximum-cushioned shoe. It offers just enough responsiveness when you need it and settles in when you don't. And it's easy to wear for hours on end. Its versatility makes it a great option for a lot of different runners. Whether you're lacing up your first pair of running shoes, logging miles for your next marathon or simply looking for supportive footwear for long hours on your feet, the Clifton 10 adapts to the task at hand. It stays true to what makes the Clifton so popular—and somehow makes it even better.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Celebrate Walking Day with comfort: I wore the Hoka Bondi 9s for a month and they're worth every penny
As a trail runner, I've put thousands of miles on pavement, dirt and everything in between. I've tried the best running shoes money can buy — and I've been let down. But even if you're just jogging around the neighborhood, walking the dog or standing on your feet all day, Hoka's new Bondi 9 shoes deliver next-level comfort. They're legit for serious runners, but at the end of the day, most people buy them because they're just really comfortable. And since it's National Walking Day, it's worth pointing out: You don't need to be training for a marathon to appreciate these shoes. To put them to the test, I wore them nonstop for 30 days. They became my go-to for everything from running to errands to chasing my toddler around the playground. They're cushioned enough for marathon training, but they're so plush that I find myself wearing them everywhere — yes, even when I'm not running. Related: Hoka Bondi vs. Hoka Clifton: Which cloud-like sneaker is best? There's something so satisfying about unboxing a fresh pair of running shoes — peeling back the tissue paper, catching that new-shoe smell and feeling the plush cushioning for the first time. As soon as I pulled the Hoka 9s from their signature blue box, I could tell they were built for comfort. The thick, pillowy midsole and soft, structured upper stood out immediately. Naturally, I took them for a spin — a 5-mile walk. I had no blisters, no hot spots, no foot or knee pain whatsoever. They were plush, not stiff, right out of the box. Hoka is known for its bright, eye-catching colors, but it's keeping things relatively neutral so far with the Bondi 9s. Options include all-white, all-black, blue and gray. I went with gray and white. I'm usually a size 9, and that held true for the Bondi 9s. If you have wider feet, good news: Hoka offers wide and extra-wide versions. The shoes have a snug midfoot and roomy toe boxes that let my toes spread naturally. Heel lockdown is solid — there was no slipping, even on longer walks and runs. If you wear orthotics, thicker socks or just like more wiggle room, you may want to size up. Hoka offers a 30-day try-on period, so you can order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. A family member who runs ultramarathons first clued me in about Hokas. "They're like pillows for your feet," he said. And he was right: I have never worn shoes with more cushioning than the Bondi 9s. These have a stack height of 43 millimeters in the back (42 for the women's shoes), 2 millimeters more than the Bondi 8s. What does this mean for comfort? Well, there's loads of it. If you're coming from a shoe with minimal or even medium cushioning, the difference will be night and day, in a good way. It usually takes me a few miles to get used to a new shoe, but that wasn't the case with the Bondi 9s. They were my feet's best friend from mile one. The Bondis' thick foam doesn't just soften impact — it adds a surprising bounce. With each stride, I felt an unexpected responsiveness that propelled me forward rather than sinking me into the shoe. The Bondis delivered plush comfort without sacrificing speed, truly the best of both worlds. Related: Want truly comfy walking shoes? Here's what to look for, according to podiatrists It's hard to gauge long-term durability after a month of testing, but here's what I can say. I am not gentle on my running shoes. I've worn these on gravel-strewn trails and to the gym; I've chased my toddler around in them. So far, they've handled it all without major signs of wear. The outsole still has plenty of tread, and the midsole hasn't compressed or lost that signature Hoka cushioning. That said, Hokas have never been known for having the most resilient outsoles. Previous versions of Bondis and Speedgoats, a Hoka trail runner, tend to wear down faster, especially for midfoot or forefoot strikers. If you're using these primarily on pavement or putting in high mileage, you might notice some wear sooner than you would with a stiffer, less cushioned shoe. As for breathability, the engineered mesh upper does a solid job of keeping things ventilated, at least in cooler weather. My feet never felt overly warm, but the real test will come in the summer. Given the amount of foam underfoot, they may run a bit warm, but that's the trade-off for maximum cushioning. If you're on your feet all day — whether pacing hospital halls, chasing kids or grandkids, or running errands — these are the most cushioned shoes you'll find. They also make an excellent recovery shoe for runners logging high mileage. Are these a magical cure for plantar fasciitis or a bum knee? No‚ but no shoe is. Still, Bondi 9s offer exceptional cushioning and support, helping reduce impact stress and providing a smoother ride for those with aches and pains. The curved sole encourages a smooth transition from heel to toe, which may ease joint strain. No shoe can replace proper recovery and strength training, but these are a great option for anyone looking for extra comfort underfoot. The only time I leave these shoes at home is when I hit the gym for strength training. The thick cushioning is great for running and walking, but for weightlifting — especially squats and deadlifts — I prefer my grippier, more grounded Nike Metcons. Related: These are the best Hoka shoes for walking If you loved the Hoka Bondi 8, don't worry — the 9s will feel familiar, with a few key upgrades. The midsole is softer and more responsive, and the upper got a refresh with a more accommodating fit that hugs your foot without feeling restrictive. The Bondi has never been lightweight, but the 9 shaves off 0.3 ounces, making for a slightly less clunky feel. If you're comparing the 9s to the Bondi X, that's a different story. The Bondi X takes that plush cushioning and adds a carbon plate, making it more performance-oriented. It's still a Bondi — well-cushioned and built for long miles — but with extra propulsion for those who want more speed. If you're mostly walking, working on your feet or prioritizing maximum comfort, the Bondi 9s are the better pick. If you want something with more zip, the Bondi X might be worth a look. How do they compare with other shoes? Well, they offer more cushioning than anything I've worn. Even Nike is playing catch-up, adding more foam than ever before (the Nike Vomero 18 now has a 46-millimeter stack height, 3 more than the Bondi 9). Will I be throwing away all of my previous pairs of running shoes? No. (That would be wasteful!) Plus, different shoes serve different purposes — some are better for speed work, others for trails and still others just fit my mood on any given day. But will the Bondi 9s become a go-to in my rotation for walking, easy runs and recovery days? Absolutely. The plush, bouncy cushioning, improved fit and surprisingly smooth ride make for one of the most comfortable shoes I've tested in a long time.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I wore Hoka's ultra-cushioned Bondi 9s for a month — they're my new go-to shoes
As a trail runner, I've put thousands of miles on pavement, dirt and everything in between. I've tried the best running shoes money can buy — and I've been let down. But even if you're just jogging around the neighborhood, walking the dog or standing on your feet all day, Hoka's new Bondi 9 shoes deliver next-level comfort. They're legit for serious runners, but at the end of the day, most people buy them because they're just really comfortable. To put them to the test, I wore them nonstop for 30 days. They became my go-to for everything from running to errands to chasing my toddler around the playground. They're cushioned enough for marathon training, but they're so plush that I find myself wearing them everywhere — yes, even when I'm not running. Related: Hoka Bondi vs. Hoka Clifton: Which cloud-like sneaker is best? There's something so satisfying about unboxing a fresh pair of running shoes — peeling back the tissue paper, catching that new-shoe smell and feeling the plush cushioning for the first time. As soon as I pulled the Hoka 9s from their signature blue box, I could tell they were built for comfort. The thick, pillowy midsole and soft, structured upper stood out immediately. Naturally, I took them for a spin — a 5-mile walk. I had no blisters, no hot spots, no foot or knee pain whatsoever. They were plush, not stiff, right out of the box. Hoka is known for its bright, eye-catching colors, but it's keeping things relatively neutral so far with the Bondi 9s. Options include all-white, all-black, blue and gray. I went with gray and white. I'm usually a size 9, and that held true for the Bondi 9s. If you have wider feet, good news: Hoka offers wide and extra-wide versions. The shoes have a snug midfoot and roomy toe boxes that let my toes spread naturally. Heel lockdown is solid — there was no slipping, even on longer walks and runs. If you wear orthotics, thicker socks or just like more wiggle room, you may want to size up. Hoka offers a 30-day try-on period, so you can order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. A family member who runs ultramarathons first clued me in about Hokas. "They're like pillows for your feet," he said. And he was right: I have never worn shoes with more cushioning than the Bondi 9s. These have a stack height of 43 millimeters in the back (42 for the women's shoes), 2 millimeters more than the Bondi 8s. What does this mean for comfort? Well, there's loads of it. If you're coming from a shoe with minimal or even medium cushioning, the difference will be night and day, in a good way. It usually takes me a few miles to get used to a new shoe, but that wasn't the case with the Bondi 9s. They were my feet's best friend from mile one. The Bondis' thick foam doesn't just soften impact — it adds a surprising bounce. With each stride, I felt an unexpected responsiveness that propelled me forward rather than sinking me into the shoe. The Bondis delivered plush comfort without sacrificing speed, truly the best of both worlds. Related: Want truly comfy walking shoes? Here's what to look for, according to podiatrists It's hard to gauge long-term durability after a month of testing, but here's what I can say. I am not gentle on my running shoes. I've worn these on gravel-strewn trails and to the gym; I've chased my toddler around in them. So far, they've handled it all without major signs of wear. The outsole still has plenty of tread, and the midsole hasn't compressed or lost that signature Hoka cushioning. That said, Hokas have never been known for having the most resilient outsoles. Previous versions of Bondis and Speedgoats, a Hoka trail runner, tend to wear down faster, especially for midfoot or forefoot strikers. If you're using these primarily on pavement or putting in high mileage, you might notice some wear sooner than you would with a stiffer, less cushioned shoe. As for breathability, the engineered mesh upper does a solid job of keeping things ventilated, at least in cooler weather. My feet never felt overly warm, but the real test will come in the summer. Given the amount of foam underfoot, they may run a bit warm, but that's the trade-off for maximum cushioning. If you're on your feet all day — whether pacing hospital halls, chasing kids or grandkids, or running errands — these are the most cushioned shoes you'll find. They also make an excellent recovery shoe for runners logging high mileage. Are these a magical cure for plantar fasciitis or a bum knee? No‚ but no shoe is. Still, Bondi 9s offer exceptional cushioning and support, helping reduce impact stress and providing a smoother ride for those with aches and pains. The curved sole encourages a smooth transition from heel to toe, which may ease joint strain. No shoe can replace proper recovery and strength training, but these are a great option for anyone looking for extra comfort underfoot. The only time I leave these shoes at home is when I hit the gym for strength training. The thick cushioning is great for running and walking, but for weightlifting — especially squats and deadlifts — I prefer my grippier, more grounded Nike Metcons. Related: These are the best Hoka shoes for walking If you loved the Hoka Bondi 8, don't worry — the 9s will feel familiar, with a few key upgrades. The midsole is softer and more responsive, and the upper got a refresh with a more accommodating fit that hugs your foot without feeling restrictive. The Bondi has never been lightweight, but the 9 shaves off 0.3 ounces, making for a slightly less clunky feel. If you're comparing the 9s to the Bondi X, that's a different story. The Bondi X takes that plush cushioning and adds a carbon plate, making it more performance-oriented. It's still a Bondi — well-cushioned and built for long miles — but with extra propulsion for those who want more speed. If you're mostly walking, working on your feet or prioritizing maximum comfort, the Bondi 9s are the better pick. If you want something with more zip, the Bondi X might be worth a look. How do they compare with other shoes? Well, they offer more cushioning than anything I've worn. Even Nike is playing catch-up, adding more foam than ever before (the Nike Vomero 18 now has a 46-millimeter stack height, 3 more than the Bondi 9). Will I be throwing away all of my previous pairs of running shoes? No. (That would be wasteful!) Plus, different shoes serve different purposes — some are better for speed work, others for trails and still others just fit my mood on any given day. But will the Bondi 9s become a go-to in my rotation for walking, easy runs and recovery days? Absolutely. The plush, bouncy cushioning, improved fit and surprisingly smooth ride make for one of the most comfortable shoes I've tested in a long time.
