Re: Hoka Shoes

CJC · ‎03-11-2010

I'm a walker but I'm old so have the typical issues of bunion and hammertoes. Tried Hokas but they are very bulky on my petite frame. I wear Brooks Ghost which give neutral support with plenty of room in toes and slimmer fit through heel.

bargainsgirl · ‎01-13-2012

@amyb wrote:
I need some new athletic sneakers as well as some good supportive shoes, due to recent Planter Fascitis diagnosis.
Only just heard of Hokas yesterday, and people very speak highly of them, and love them.

I saw an old 2021 thread here, but I'm starting a new one since that's old...and I didn't see sizing addressed...

Can anyone tell me how they run? Did you order your true shoe size? I didn't see on the website if they tell you how to size them.

I may have just missed this info, but asking here, in case anyone can advise. Tks!

I never tried Hoka because of the "rocker" motion like Alegria. However, having completely flat feet and artritis, I have tried On Cloud which I like very much and a friend swears by Kuru brand. You just have to try and see which feels best on your foot. Zappos carries MANY brands and free shipping BOTH ways. I will not buy shoes from Q because I will not pay $12.00 just to try on... Good luck! I know feet are a pain!!

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@amyb - I developed PF four weeks ago and my walking regimen came to a halt. I've been doing all the things - ice, epsom salt soaks, tennis ball, step stretches, massage, RLT, manual stretching, you name it. I'm improved but not 100% back to normal. I found some Fitna insoles that I like a lot. They are very supportive in the arch and have some nice cushion in the heel, but I still need more and want new shoes. I learned about Hoka's a few months ago. Last week we were at an outdoor market and came upon a lady wearing them. I asked some questions and she really endorsed them. DH and I went to D*ick's Sporting Goods today. I was thinking about some ASICS but interested in Hokas too. I ended up trying on a couple pair. One was a Bondi 7. It felt great and even better with my insole. I didn't care for the color though. I came home and did a little internet research but couldn't find anywhere that had fast shipping. There's another D*ick's that we're going to tomorrow. It looks like they have a few colors that I'd be happy with. I'm going to try the Bondi 8's too because they are supposed to be super cushiony and highly recommended for PF. Another model, the Regati is recommended for over pronation. I think I'm going to get a fun pair and a solid white pair.

sueinsf · ‎03-13-2010

I've been wearing Hoka Bondi for about 5 years and I'm happy with them. I have a high instep, small feet (2 different sizes) and wear orthotics. The owner of a well known running and specialty shoe store recommended these to me (before this I wore mostly Asics). They are a bit clunky at first but once used to that they are very comfortable. I wear them everyday.

Gorgf · ‎03-10-2010

@amyb You might have a ordering site that offers a list the brands and sizes you currently wear and recommended size. ******'s Sporting Goods had this. The first pair I ordered from Amazon and found them a little uncomfortable to walk in all day in my regular 7 1/2. I ordered a half size larger, 8 as recommended on the size chart. My feet look bigger though.

I found out about them at my Dog Park. Two P.A. friends in the medical field wore them. We walk our first mile in the day out there with the dogs.

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

Thank you, everyone, for your continued posts giving me very helpful info on Hokas and even some of you who've also had Plantar Fascitis. @JeanLouiseFinch and @Gorgf very helpful info...I'll be looking into it all! @CJC @bargainsgirl also thanks for that feedback.

I'll check our my local ******'s (a few towns from me) maybe before I go to the Runner's Store I spoke of. I know the Runner's store used to have the kind of knowledgable help that would check out your foot and your old running shoes to see "how you walk" (pronate, supinate etc) and advise accordingly, what sneaker would be best. That's how they first recommended the Brooks Dyad for me.

******'s has some helpful sales people, so I just might go there also.

@JeanLouiseFinch this is getting in the way of my walking routine too and I haven't been happy about that. Especially since I really need to lose about 15 lbs! So it's been bumming me out. But...I'm not giving up, and will figure it out. I'll be going to shop for these this week.

I think it will be the most helpful to go to a brick & morter store first...then once I know which work best for me and my correct sizing, from there I'd shop online if I needed others down the line. Although I know places like Zappos etc will do free shipping back and forth. Just easier to start in B&M, I think, for now.

Again, everyone thank you so much!

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

We made it to D*ick's. I bought two pair of Hoka Bondi 8's, even wore a pair out of the store. I wanted a third pair but couldn't justify it right now.

manny2 · ‎05-24-2010

Hoka is the best shoe in my opinion. I love them. They are not rocker motion unless you buy the recovery sandal. (This was mentioned in a post)

Also mentioned in a post was the foot bed being too soft. You have a choice of whether you want more cushion or not in the footbed. That will be by style.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
We made it to D*ick's. I bought two pair of Hoka Bondi 8's, even wore a pair out of the store. I wanted a third pair but couldn't justify it right now.

So much for self restraint. I found Bondi 8's on the Walmart website for less than on the Hoka or D*ick's websites. It's definitely a splurge, but I treated myself to more shoes. One of the colors is sold out everywhere else that I've looked for it so that one was a great score!

22eyesblue · ‎09-08-2010

@amyb

I wear and love Hokas. They have different styles for diffeent foot needs. Their maximum stability with cushion is the Gaviota. The web site has a shoe finder with questions to help you make the style choice best for you.

As for sizing - I always go up in athletic sneakers because I use my custom orthotic. In sandals I wear a 9 but in closed toe shoes I wear a 9.5 typically. My Hokas are a 10. You may want to consider ordering from their site or Zappos so that you have ease of returns and exchanges. One final note - I always wear mid weight socks with my Hokas.

Good luck!