- Pros: Supportive and plush but not too stiff; lightweight; secure upper that’s not too rigid; has APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Cons: May feel too thick and cushy for anyone used to flatter, more minimalist styles
Unless you live under a sneaker-less rock (hey, it’s possible), you’ve probably spotted all sorts of people passing you on the street, at the gym, or grocery store sporting Hoka walking shoes with their hefty heel heights (the thickness of the sole, measured from the ground up to the point where the foot sits).
Podiatrists consistently recommend the brand’s footwear for comfortable shoes, including the latest Clifton 10. “It has won the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance multiple times,” says Jason Gold, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist with Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. Despite the sneaker’s ample arch support and layers of cushioning, it’s impressively lightweight, which allows you to walk for longer periods with less stress and strain on the musculoskeletal system of the lower extremity, says Gold. This 10th iteration of the style now has an 8mm heel stack (instead of the 5mm of earlier models) that supports the foot’s natural rocking motion, helping you move further without expending as much pressure and energy.
“I walk my puppy a minimum of three miles per week day and up to seven on the weekend. No matter our distance, the Hoka Clifton is my go-to shoe for walking her because the foam insole cradles my foot, rather than allowing the weight of my foot to sink in like my body on a memory foam mattress,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Kassel. “I also love that slim profile of the upper, which keeps my foot secure without feeling too snug. What sets it apart from the earlier models I’ve worn is how much va-va-voom I get per step. My high-energy border collie loves how much faster our walking pace has been!”
(It’s worth noting that, if the Clifton 10 is low on sizes, the Hoka Bondi 9 is another great option; however, experts prefer the Clifton because it’s “much lighter in weight in comparison, which may make it a more suitable, comfortable choice for many walkers,” says Mohammad Rimawi, DMP, a board-certified podiatrist with Manhattan Foot Specialists in New York City.)
Type: Sneaker | Heel drop: 8mm | Shoe weight: 8.8 oz. | Cushioning: Maximum | Width Options: Regular, wide, extra wide | Closure type: Lace-up | Sizes: 5–12 | Colors: 7 | APMA Seal of Acceptance: Yes