Fun fact: Hoka—the brand behind what is arguably the internet’s favorite walking shoe—was born on the trails of the French Alps. So it’s no surprise that Hoka makes some of the best trail running shoes around and has a stellar reputation among elite ultramarathon runners. With their lightweight design and grippy outsoles, they’re an athlete’s dream and can conquer even the toughest, most technical trails, mile after mile.
Recently, I had a chance to chat with a handful of Hoka-sponsored athletes running the legendary 106-mile HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc, as well as the affiliated 101-kilometer and 57-kilometer races in Chamonix, France, right near the brand’s birthplace. I asked each about their favorite trail shoes for both races and recovery days. Find the Hoka kicks that literally keep the pros on their feet below.
Best for race day: Hoka Tecton X 3, $275
Most comfortable: Hoka Speedgoat 6, $155
Most budget-friendly: Hoka Torrent 4, $130
Lightest trail shoes: Hoka Zinal 2, $160
Best traction: Hoka Mafate Speed 4, $185
Best all-terrain shoe: Hoka Challenger 7, $145
Most joint-friendly: Hoka Skyward X, $225
Best for pushing the pace: Hoka Mach X 2, $190
Why look to Hoka for trail-friendly sneakers?
“The initial concept of Hoka was essentially to figure out how to run down a mountain as fast as possible with the least amount of impact,” says Colin Ingram, vice president of global product at Hoka. Along with super-grippy traction, the answer involved a ton of cushion, and when the brand debuted in 2009, it set off a then-revolutionary maximalist trend that inspired hordes of imitators throughout the footwear industry. Turns out, lots of people enjoy having stacks of comfy foam below their feet, not just trail runners.
And, no, you don’t need to run an ultramarathon through the Swiss alps to take up trail running. “Trail can mean the bike path next to your house. It can be getting lost in the woods. It can be running up a mountain,” Ingram says. “That’s the beauty of trail running—there always is something new to explore. And if a pair of shoes can create one less barrier to get you out there, then we’ve done the right thing.”
Shop the best Hoka trail running shoes, per pro athletes
Sizes: 5–11 (W); 7–14 (M) | Colors: 2 | Features: Double carbon plate, gaiter-like ankle collar
Every one of the Hoka athletes I spoke to was a fan of the new Tecton X 3, and most wore them for race day. “You can take them out of the box and start to run—forget about blisters or discomfort,” says Swiss runner Judith Wyder, who ended up taking second place in the UTMB OCC (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc Orsières-Champex-Chamonix). “It gives me an extra boost of speed, but still has enough cushion for long distances.”
The secret sauce in these shoes is the double parallel carbon plates under either side of the foot, which can individually respond to a rock or root you step on without throwing off your entire gait. “They rebound well; I feel like I am bounding uphill when I run in them,” adds runner Emily Schmitz from Wisconsin. At the same time, the traction on the outsole
Recommended Story For You :
The alpine secret for healthy weight loss
The Most Potent Fast-Acting Formula For Incinerating Stubborn Fat
Real Cortexi Users Real Life‑Changing Results
This Cold Drink Might Trigger Your Prostate
Red Boost is a powerful new formula for boosting male sexual health.
Everything you eat or drink eventually reaches your liver for processing.
Brand New Probiotics Specially Designed For The Health Of Your Teeth And Gums
Empowering You to Take Control of Your Blood Sugar Health!
Scientists Finally Discover the Root Cause of Belly Fat and Unexplained Weight Gain
