The Best HOKA Shoes for Running Fast

If you're a fan of the HOKA brand, you may already have a lineup of outstanding shoes in your closet: the Bondi for recovery days, the Clifton for everyday running, or maybe the Speedgoat for days out on the trails. But if you're looking for something super speedy for race day or an uptempo workout, our expert testers have hand-selected each road shoe option for everything from 5Ks and half marathons to ultramarathons.

Our team of experienced testers hit the roads, tracks, and trails, putting each pair of shoes through the test to make their expert recommendations. From speed workouts to long-distance runs, we explore every aspect of performance, ensuring that only the top contenders make it into our final selection. Through extensive in-house testing, our dedicated team meticulously assesses each shoe's performance across diverse distances and terrains to ensure that our recommendations are backed by careful examination and expertise, empowering you to make informed choices tailored to your running needs.

Featuring 2-layers of ultra-resilient PEBA foam, the HOKA Cielo X 1 offers a soft yet resilient underfoot feel and works with the winged carbon fiber plate and rocker geometry to maximize energy and efficiency, making it easier to run faster for longer. This marathon racing shoe gives runners long-lasting protection and is a perfect option for runners who prioritize comfort and protection above all else.

The combination of HOKA's all-new foam paired with a carbon fiber plate makes the Rocket X 2 a perfect addition to any HOKA fan's racing arsenal. An elite marathon racing option for runners, this shoe keeps weight to a minimum and has a thin, breathable mesh upper that ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

In an era of racing shoes where it's carbon plate or bust, the HOKA Cielo Road proves that there is still room for the racing flat, albeit in a modernized package. Featuring the same lightweight and ultra-responsive PEBA foam as the Rocket X 2, the HOKA Cielo Road is a blazing-fast race day shoe that delivers a more natural underfoot experience and allows runners to remain in control despite keeping the foot on the gas.

The HOKA Mach 6 is an energetically bouncy uptempo running shoe engineered to excel during all your uptempo and daily runs. Featuring a supercritical EVA foam, the Mach 6 delivers an incredible mix of speed and protection that works well for a variety of paces. Paired with a new creel jacquard mesh that securely hugs the foot while providing a lightweight and breathable finish, the Mach 6 is the perfect choice for runners looking for a high-performance daily trainer.

The HOKA Mach X is a fantastic option for workouts, daily training, and everything in between. Thanks to its high-octane midsole that features a layer of PEBA foam and a Pebax plate, the Mach X is bouncy, efficient, and primed to handle all types of runs. While HOKA has more race-specific options in their lineup, the Mach X delivers a fast and fun feel from versatile runs during the week to race day.

For ultra-performance in ultramarathon races, HOKA has delivered the Tecton X 2, which features the same innovative midsole setup that was introduced in the first version—parallel carbon fiber plates with a two-part ProflyX midsole cushioning construction—along with an all-new Matryx upper for long-lasting comfort and breathability. And with a lightweight underfoot feel, this shoe won't work against you as the miles rack up. While it doesn't boast the most aggressive lug design, the Vibram Litebase Megagrip outsole offers excellent grip on less technical trails and stands up against the best of 'em in the durability department.

If you're looking to blaze through some trails, the HOKA Zinal 2 is not only the best HOKA option, but it is also in the conversation to be the best option across all brands. With a flexible and responsive midsole, a sock-like fit in the upper, and Vibram rubber in the outsole, this extremely lightweight shoe is the perfect option for short-distance races on the trails.