- Pros: Supportive and soft without being too hard; easy; reliable, not too hard top; has APMA approval mark
- Cons: May be too thick and soft for those used to minimalist styles.
Unless you've been living under a sneaker-less rock, you've probably noticed all sorts of people walking past you on the street, at the gym, or at the grocery store exercising. Hoka walking shoes with their enormous heel height (the thickness of the sole, measured from the ground to the point where the foot is).
Podiatrists consistently recommend the brand as a comfortable shoe, including the newest Clifton 10. “It has won American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) “Acceptance mark” several times,” says Jason Gold, DPMcertified orthopedist with Center of foot, ankle and leg veins in Boynton Beach, Florida. “Despite its extensive arch support and layers of maximum cushioning, the shoe is impressively lightweight, allowing you to walk for longer periods of time with less stress and strain on your lower extremity musculoskeletal system,” says Gold. This 10th version of the model now features an 8mm heel height (instead of 5mm in previous models) that supports the natural swing of the foot, helping you move further without expending much pressure and energy.
“I walk my puppy a minimum of three miles on weekdays and up to seven on weekends. Regardless of our distance, the Hoka Clifton is my go-to shoe for walking with because the foam insole cradles my foot rather than allowing the weight of my foot to sink like my body does on a memory foam mattress,” says Glamor participant Gabriel Cassel. “I also love the slim profile of the upper, which holds my foot securely without feeling too tight. What sets it apart from previous models I've worn is how much va-va-voom I get per step. My energetic border collie loves how much faster we walk!”
(It should be noted that if the Clifton 10 is a small size, Hoka Bondi 9 This is another great option; however, experts prefer the Clifton because it is “much lighter in comparison, which may make it a more suitable and comfortable choice for many walkers,” says Mohammad Rimawi, DMP, certified orthopedist with Manhattan Foot Specialists in New York.)
Type: sneakers | Whole licorice: 8mm | Shoe weight: 8.8 oz. | Depreciation: Maximum | Width options: Regular, wide, extra wide | Closure type: Lacing | Dimensions: 5–12 | Colors: 7 | APMA acceptance mark: Yes
