More and more frequently we see requests for advice on which HOKA ONE ONE models to buy appearing in the Runlovers Club-our Facebook group. Questions about what the characteristics of the various models are, how they perform, and what the different alternatives are.
To try to shed some light on the different choices to be made within the HOKA catalog, here I am armed with paper, pen and inkwell (not true: I’m in front of the computer).
Let’s start from the beginning: the common traits
Why so many questions in recent times about the California brand (although originally born in France)? The reason is very simple: the design-level efforts made in past years are now paying off, and Hoka shoes have remarkable common qualities.
As I told you, all HOKA ONE ONE models have some common design features such as, for example, the 5 mm drop (except for the Bondi where it is 4 mm). Such a low drop leads to a more natural stance shifted toward the midfoot, rather than toward the heel as in more “traditional” shoes. As a result, the mechanics of the foot are better utilized, efficiency and running enjoyment are increased.
All of the shoes have, in addition, a special curvature of the sole shape-you notice it by looking at them in profile-which is called the Meta-Rocker. The height of the positioning of this curvature (more or less toward the forefoot) characterizes the behavior of the shoe, shifting the feeling of “forward body projection.” To be more clear: you have the feeling that the shoe is “pushing” you toward the movement.
Another key feature to be aware of is that each HOKA ONE ONE model is designed to contain the alignment of the foot with the ankle-ankle-hip system. In fact, the foot is inserted inside the midsole instead of placed on top (as is the case in most shoes). Basically, the midsole is concave rather than flat, and its ends rise toward the foot to wrap around it. This way we have shoes that are always protective, while not formally being stable shoes.
The last two traits common to all HOKA models for road running are light weight and comfort. Whichever model you choose, even the most “extreme,” it will always give you a comfortable and cushioned feel. Be careful, however, do not be fooled by the exposed midsole thickness-some models are very responsive and fast. You simply do not have to use uncomfortable shoes to go fast.
The weight, then, is always very low. This is not a detail to be overlooked: 20 grams per 10,000 steps how much do they really weigh?
Now that we understand HOKA’s Glide family a bit better-the one with the most cushioned models, to be clear-let’s look at the two main models to consider. Although, we will actually see together, there are five. ;)
BONDI 7: maximum cushioning and comfort
Bondi 7 is undoubtedly the most cushioned model in the HOKA ONE ONE catalog. Designed for any distance, if you are looking for a shoe that will accompany you on both daily and longer outings, you need to look in this direction.
But maximum cushioning does not necessarily mean wearing heavy, structured shoes. The Bondi weighs 252 grams in the women’s version and 303 grams in the men’s, both with a drop (the differential between heel and forefoot) of 4 mm. And, with these characteristics, we are talking about the “heaviest” shoes in the Hoka production.
Bondi 7 is a reliable, well-cushioned shoe devoted to comfort in every component.
Drop: 4 mm
Weight: 252 g (woman) | 303 g (man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7
(find the women’s version here)
GAVIOTA 3: Like the Bondi 7 but with anti-pronation support
We’ve talked about them here before, the HOKA Gaviota 3 are the cousins of the Bondi but with theaddition of J-Frame anti-pronation support. The dynamic features do not change but, simply, an additional supporting element is added.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 265 g (woman) | 319 g (man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Gaviota 3
(find the women’s version here)
CLIFTON 7: cushioning and lightweight for every use
Cliftons are shoes suitable for almost any use: you ask and they adapt. They are smooth and comfortable at milder paces and over long distances, but when you decide to speed up, they become responsive and fun.
Cushioned, flexible and fast, as you may have guessed, the Cliftons fall into the category of shoes that go with everything. But, in this case, you don’t have to think about having to compromise in cushioning, comfort or responsiveness; I won’t hide the fact that they are among my favorite shoes ever.
Basically, the Clifton 7s are like nonfat chocolate: perfect.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 201 g (woman) | 247 g (man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7
(find the women’s version here)
CLIFTON EDGE: the Clifton project reinterpreted
Introduced last June 2020, the Edge are not a particular version of the Cliftons. They are a true reinterpretation of the model to push the concepts of fluidity and agility to the maximum.
Their new shape, with the midsole extended at the heel (a detail inherited from the TenNine), should not scare you because it is functional precisely to have characteristics of great rolling fluidity, while respecting the cushioning and responsiveness of the model from which they are inspired. This is also what innovation is all about: going down new paths to achieve new results!
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 204 g (woman) | 252 g (man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge
(find the women’s version here)
ARAHI 5: the same dynamic as Clifton but with more support
We close the roundup with the Arahi 5s, which, as with the Gaviota 3s, are the antipronation counterpart of the Clifton 7s.
The dynamic features do not change, simply the J-Frame is added to give additional foot support only when needed.
But, again, without ever betraying the DNA common to all HOKA ONE ONE shoes.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 221 g (woman) | 275 g (man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 5
(find the women’s version here)