The Best HOKA Shoes for Full & Half Marathons

When choosing which shoe you'll use for your next marathon or half marathon, there are a multitude of great options. So many, in fact, that trying to select the best shoe can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, HOKA has a stellar line-up of shoes that we know are perfectly suited for marathon distances, whether you're tackling the half or the full 26.2.

In choosing the ideal shoe for your upcoming race, it's important to take a few moments to reflect on your specific goals and the experience you're hoping to have throughout your event. For example, are you all-in for "party pace" with friends or family, not worried about speed but focused on maximum enjoyment while covering the distance? Are you tackling an intimidating distance for the first time and seeking ultimate comfort for a walk/run? Or are you igniting the competitive fire and focusing solely on the fastest possible time? Our breakdown of shoes below can help you identify the right shoe for each scenario. Of course, there are more answers than just these examples, and your intentions will go a long way toward making the best possible choice for yours.

Our experienced team of experts tests out all the newest running shoes over a broad range of paces, distances, and terrains to determine the best options available. After putting in the miles and composing in-depth reviews, we huddle to discuss, debate and curate our "best of" lists to empower you to make an informed choice for your specific needs and goals.

Behold HOKA's latest and greatest high-tech racing creation: the Cielo X1. Stepping into this shoe reveals a truly unique and grin-inducing experience of max-stacked springy super foam primed to fly. No mistakes about it; this is absolutely a speed performance shoe with all of the cutting-edge components, but it also provides an incredible amount of trampoline-like comfort compared to the firmer-tuned sport suspension of the Rocket X 2. While the Cielo X1 leans on the heavier side for a racing shoe, it's challenging to find a competitor that maximizes speed and comfort for long pavement miles like the Cielo X1. Bottom line: this is the ideal weapon to attack fast paces in a half or full marathon without attacking your joints!

If you really want to lay it all on the line, the HOKA Rocket X 2 is a shoe that will push you forward to the finish line. This race-ready speed machine is built with a full-length carbon fiber plate sandwiched into a midsole made of HOKA's light and responsive PEBA super foam, providing the ultimate experience in racing performance. Incredibly lightweight yet still highly cushioned, the Rocket X is the perfect prescription for pure speed.

A bestseller and "can't go wrong" option, the Clifton is the tried and true daily companion that's arguably the representative example of what HOKA's all about. Tall cushioning and feathery weight coexist seamlessly in a smooth-rolling package. While some previous versions of the Clifton have been a bit narrow, the current version 9 is friendlier to more foot shapes with additional space through the midfoot. Additionally, the midsole is now 10% firmer to avoid instability or bottoming out the foam during long runs. There's no need to break the bank or get overwhelmed with the super foam and carbon plate tech blitz if you don't want to. Lace these up, put a smile on your face, and tackle that race with no regrets.

For stand-up supportive cushioning for the long haul, look no further than the HOKA Gaviota. As HOKA's most cushioned stability shoe, the Gaviota is often considered the stability sibling of the neutral Bondi model. Featuring the brand's latest and strongest H-Frame technology, the Gaviota offers overpronation support that delivers trusted stability for the full length of a marathon. For those wanting something lighter and less cushioned, the Honorable Mention for this category goes to the Arahi (Women's | Men's ), which is more like the stability sibling of the neutral Clifton.

The Bondi also should be strongly considered in the "Just Give Me a Normal Shoe" category, but it's a bit taller and heavier than the Clifton. If you want to insulate your soles and joints from the pavement with a towering amount of cushioning for ultimate comfort as your miles add up, then the Bondi is the industry standard. The plush and stable foam offers a touch of bounce that helps to keep the shoe from feeling sluggish. While this shoe doesn't feature a carbon plate, the rockered shape helps maintain forward momentum, even at the end of a long race. Be aware that version 8 is snug-to-narrow through the midfoot arch area, so you might benefit from a wide rather than standard width, especially as feet tend to swell over long distances. Lastly, if you benefit from extra stability support for overpronation, your best bet is to go with the Gaviota above.

Holy HOKA! The game has been elevated, and the volume has gone to eleven. This new player on the scene delivers a stratospheric stack height of plush cushioning, standing at least 5 mm taller than even the Bondi. As a "super trainer," the Skyward X sits in the beautiful overlap between daily trainer and racing super shoe. For clarity, super trainers are not optimized for pure speed like their racing counterparts. However, they incorporate some of the same technology, such as super foams and plates for maximizing running efficiency, but in a more user-friendly daily training-type package. If you want to stand out in the tallest, plushest, most premium ride on the road, hands down, this is the one. However, if you favor a less-stacked option in the super trainer category, strongly consider the Honorable Mention, the Mach X (Women's | Men's). Although choosing a winner between these two was challenging, we couldn't resist the "rule-breaking" eye-popping Skyward X ahead of its official release.

HOKA's Mach is a long-time fan favorite for its lightweight and responsive ride. The latest version, Mach 6, has been upgraded with new supercritical EVA midsole foam for a more energetic and resilient underfoot feel. The shoe also shows improvements in durability and grip, thanks to a new strategically placed rubber outsole. Overall, the Mach is a lively and exciting shoe that provides plenty of protection for halves and full marathons, all in a lightweight and budget-friendly package.

We can't resist an Honorable Mention to the Cielo Road (Women's | Men's) for those thrill seekers wanting an even lighter weight and more connected to the road option with a PEBA super foam midsole. Essentially a modern take on a classic racing "flat," the Cielo Road is likely more at home at the 5K/10K distances. However, it could definitely be an enjoyable choice for the right runner seeking a lighter, firmer, less cushioned experience.

From speedy racing shoes to comfort-oriented cruisers, we believe that there is a HOKA model for every runner. Regardless of the experience you are looking for on your next half or full marathon, we hope this guide helped identify the HOKA running shoe to fit your needs. Still unsure where to start? Our team of experts are here for you! Contact us by phone, email, or live chat for any questions and concerns you need addressing. You've got this!

1. What makes HOKA running shoes suitable for marathons?

HOKA running shoes are known for their superior cushioning, lightweight design, and unique midsole geometry, which help reduce fatigue and provide comfort over long distances. These features make them an excellent choice for marathon runners.

2. What makes a running shoe better for a half marathon versus a full marathon?

While most runners can use the same shoe for a half or full marathon, those looking to optimize speed may choose specific shoes to cater to each distance. For a half marathon, runners might prioritize a lighter, more responsive shoe that allows for a faster pace and quicker turnover while compromising some comfort. For a full marathon, runners often look for shoes with maximum cushioning and support to help manage the longer distance and reduce fatigue over the 26.2 miles.

3. Are HOKA running shoes suitable for all types of runners?

Yes, HOKA offers a variety of shoes designed to cater to different running styles and needs, from neutral runners to those requiring stability features.

4. Do HOKA running shoes require a break-in period?

With their soft cushioning and plush uppers, many runners find HOKA shoes comfortable right out of the box. We advise runners to break them in with shorter runs before using them for long-distance events.

5. How durable are HOKA running shoes?

HOKA running shoes are designed for durability, but their lifespan can vary depending on factors, such as running terrain, mileage, and individual wear patterns. On average, the shoes last between 300-500 miles.

6. Can I use HOKA running shoes for trail marathons?

Yes, HOKA offers specialized trail running shoes, such as the HOKA Speedgoat and HOKA Tecton series, which provide traction and stability on rugged terrain.

7. Are HOKA running shoes good for runners with injuries?

HOKA's cushioned design can benefit runners dealing with certain injuries, as the extra padding helps absorb impact and reduce stress on joints. For personalized advice, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.

8. How do I clean and maintain my HOKA running shoes?

To clean your HOKA running shoes, use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing or drying, as it can damage the materials. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

9. Can I use HOKA running shoes for other activities besides running?

While HOKA running shoes are designed specifically for running, many models are versatile enough for other activities like walking, gym workouts, and casual wear due to their comfort and support.