HOKA Running Shoe Review-Hype or Helpful?

 In Running

HOKA RUNNING SHOE REVIEW-HYPE OR HELPFUL?

Anyone paying attention to current running shoe trends would have noticed the recent emergence and rise in popularity of a bulky rocker bottom brand of shoes known as HOKA One Ones. These shoes seem to be appearing more and more on runner’s feet. I’ve observed a concomitant uptake of use by both recreational and elite athletes.

There are numerous shoes within the HOKA One One range, from the performance oriented Bondi 3, to the ‘running on grass’ Clifton (the lightest HOKA shoe). All of the HOKA One One range (click HERE to view the range) share common features that distinguish the shoes from what we would recognise as a more traditional motion control (e.g. ASICS Kayano) or lighter minimalist type shoe (e.g. NIKE Free).

THE FEATURES OF HOKA SHOES

The common features of the HOKA One One range that distinguishes these shoes from most other shoes are:

  • Larger soles (greater stack height) from forefoot to rear-foot (there can be up to 33mm of cushioning under the heel and 29mm under the forefoot, see the Bondi 4 road running shoe HERE. This greater midsole volume can be up to 2.5 x greater than a standard running shoe.
POGO Physio HOKA midsole

The HOKA cushioning: rearfoot and forefoot stack heights

  • Rocker bottom sole (this is not unique to just HOKA One Ones-there are a few shoe brands that produce rocker bottom shoes e.g. Sketchers, Altra). The HOKA rocker bottom is labelled as ‘Meta-Rocker’ technology, whereby the heel and toe of the shoe are wider than usual to help create a forward driving ‘fulcrum-type’ effect and faster transition of the runner’s body weight onto the forefoot. Shoes stability is also dependant on the width of the shoe – the higher the shoe the wider it needs to be to compensate for the height. Hence HOKAS have increased the width of the bottom of the shoe to compensate for the extra height.
POGO Physio Gold Coast HOKA Rocker bottom

The rocker bottom of the HOKAS

  • Manufacturer purported greater rebounding foam (HOKA claim 50% greater cushioning than a standard running shoe).

NOT SO FAR FROM A MINIMALIST SHOE

At first glance HOKAS appear to fly in the face of the trend towards lighter more minimalist running shoes, of whose popularity enjoyed a recent decade long boom. Interestingly many people fail to recognise that the heel drop (or pitch) of the HOKA One One range of shoes is in fact not greater in drop than more conventional shoes. The appearance of the shoes with the large rear -foot stack heights certainly gives the impression of a large heel drop height, but the reality is that the drop off all of the road-running HOKA One One range varies between 2mm and 5mm (click HERE). Compare this heel drop to an ASICS Kayano (HERE) shoe which typically has a 10mm heel drop, or a New Balance 860  (HERE) for example which also features a 10mm heel drop, and it’s interesting to note that if you define a minimalist shoe on the heel drop of the shoe alone, than the HOKA One Ones would in fact be a minimalist shoe!

POLARISED OPINIONS 

You Can Run Pain Free Revised EditionJust as the recent running world trend toward minimalist shoes such as the VIBRAM 5 fingers polarised the running community, so too the running world seems divided over the entrance and growing popularity of the HOKA One Ones.

As a physiotherapist and running enthusiast I have been observing the growing popularity of the ‘HOKAS’ for the last 2 years. My first recollection of the shoe was when a client of mine who was suffering from a long standing Achilles tendon injury wore the shoes into the practice and swore by the help that the HOKAS had afforded her efforts of running pain free. The appearance of the shoe immediately grabbed my attention and my scepticism of the extra bulky heel was high given my fervent penchant towards minimalist running footwear.

My scepticism of the HOKAS has remained high over the last 2 years however an observation of more and more runners wearing the HOKAS has led me to now do the research in order to form an informed opinion of this funny looking footwear. I have also observed a mini boom in local and QLD Australia based runners adopting the HOKA Ones Ones as their shoe of choice. Additionally I recently returned from the Cairns Ironman Triathlon where I observed a large number of competitors of all levels running in the HOKA shoes, including race winner and professional triathlete (and former junior triathlon friend) Luke McKenzie donning the HOKA’s en route to his 7th Ironman Title.

RUNNER’S TYPICAL OPINIONS 

In asking fellow runners and clients their opinion of the HOKA One One range of shoes and they will share one of three responses:

  1. They will dismiss the HOKA’s as a flash in the pan’ fad soon to disappear from the running shoe marketplace
  2. In contrast they will praise the HOKA’s as a much needed running shoe innovation and ‘breakthrough’
  3. Or they will likely be aware of the shoes existence and be confused and searching for an answer as to whether the HOKA’s are actually ‘any good’.

After I have asked the what do you think question, the standard response is ‘what do you think?’. Given that the bulk of my physiotherapy week is spent working with runners, I figured it’s time to get informed and write a blog post about my findings.

POGO Physio HOKA Shoe Review

The HOKA Huaka-Road or Trail shoe

HOKA’S HISTORY

HOKA’s launched in 2009 right in the height of the minimalist shoe boom. The brand was pioneered by French athletes based out of San Francisco. HOKA’s grassroots following emerged from within the ultra-runners who embraced the notion that the extra ‘maximilist’ cushioning spared their legs some of the shock associated with running upwards of two back to back continuous marathons. However over recent years HOKA has developed a keen following amongst recreational runners. In 2014 HOKA’s annual sales swelled to a staggering 350% from 2013’s annual figures, the total sales topped $48million, with more than half a million pairs sold.

THE HUNT FOR THE PERFECT SHOE

As a physiotherapist I spend a great deal of time educating injured runners that there is no one magic shoe that will stop injuries. I educate the hopeful runner that there is instead a 5 step method (the premise of my book You CAN Run Pain Free!) that when implemented will give a runner maximum protection against the onset of injury. The 5 steps are in essence akin to ‘injury insurance’.

I caution runners that putting all their faith in a shoe while neglecting their running body or their training errors is a sure-fire path to both disappointment and injury. One of my favourite running shoe maxims is ‘form before footwear’. This maxim in essence means that a runner should focus on improving their running technique and form before they go spending excessive time and energy  looking for their ‘perfect pair of shoes’ that will cure all of their running ills and prevent injury.

So with my ‘form before footwear- don’t put all your faith in a shoe to prevent injury’ mantra once again broadcast let’s look at what I believe to be the benefits and potential drawbacks* of running in HOKA’s. I will unpack the scientific evidence where it exists as substantiated by research.

*Please note that my opinion of pros and cons is at this stage research based only, I am yet to run in a pair of HOKA One Ones.

THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF HOKAS

From conversations with runners I know wearing the HOKAS and my HOKA wearing physiotherapy clients, the most common benefits of wearing the HOKAs that I hear espoused are:

  1. Running in the HOKAs is reported to reduce muscle soreness and leg fatigue.

One client of mine enthusiastically reports that her quads and long standing plantar fascia problem seem to not be bothered when wearing the HOKAs. There may be some merit in this as the body’s nervous system automatically controls and sets leg tension when people run. For example when running on soft surfaces the runner’s legs are stiffened, and when running on softer surfaces e.g. the road or concrete the leg stiffness is automatically and subconsciously reduced, by a greater amount of knee bending (or flexion) on landing. Hence it may be extrapolated that with a softer shoe cushioning landing (such as the HOKAs) and the concomitant likely greater leg stiffness due to less bend on the stance phase of running, there may be less loading of the lower limbs and therefore potentially less muscle soreness.

I am not aware of any study that validates that the HOKAS reduces leg soreness however it has been well established in the scientific literature that a reduction in knee joint bending reduces knee joint loads (1). Hence the same effect likely holds for the softer landing that HOKAS produce.

  1. Running in HOKAS promote faster downhill running.

As a physiotherapist I promote high cadence downhill running as opposed to over-striding downhill running, for the reduced leg forces and therefore lowered injury risk sound technique results in. However some hills and descents are so steep (particularly in some trail running and ultra-events) that the adoption of an over striding gait is a necessary survival mechanism. For such steep descents using the HOKAS which will likely reduce the trauma to the quadriceps (see above) I would assume will enable faster downhill running. There is however no research available to validate my assumption in terms of the HOKAS specifically.

  1. Running in HOKAS reduces forefoot loading and likely Achilles tendon loads and stress.

Running shoes with rocker bottoms such as HOKAS are designed to prevent lower limb running injuries. Rocker bottom shoes have been shown to reduce excessive plantar pressure in the forefoot with walking (2). During running rocker shoes have been shown to reduce the peak plantar flexion (toes pointed) moment during the propulsion (or push off) phase of running. The result of this reduced load through the foot is a reduced load on the Achilles tendon (3). This finding has clinical relevance for runners rehabilitating or recovery from Achilles tendon pathology.

For these two reasons (reduced plantar flexion loads on the forefoot and reduced Achilles tendon loads) rocker shoes might play a role in the prevention and treatment of overuse injuries during running.

Such findings are in contrast to research findings that runners running in the’ daddy of all minimalist shoes’ the Vibram 5 fingers compared to normal runners resulted in a greater degree of forefeet bone loading and therefore stress on the forefoot (4). This additional forefoot stress can manifest in the form of running injuries such as metatarsal stress reactions and fractures and metatarsalgia.

Hence rocket bottom shoes such as the HOKAS might be of use for runners recovering from forefoot injuries as well as Achilles tendon injuries.

  1. Running in HOKAS allows an over-striding runner to get away with less than ideal running form.

Research validates avoiding over-striding as a sound injury prevention and rehabilitation strategy. A 2011 research paper found that when runners decreased their step length by 10% or more, reduced impact loading at the knee and hip was achieved (5).I encourage all runners to run with what I term ‘Great Technique’ (Step 2 of the You CAN Run Pain Free! 5 step method) in order to decrease injury risk and run faster. For the runner who is yet to master the first of the 5 principles of great running technique (not over-striding) the HOKAS may assist with a softer landing and absorption of the otherwise deleterious effects of the runner’s foot landing in front of their centre of mass.

Jonathan Beverly the shoe editor for Runners World was quoted as saying when running in HOKAS you’re running with the same posture as you would if you were barefoot but with all cushioning.

If you are looking for coaching on how to run with great technique check out my RUN101 Workshops HERE.

THE POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF HOKAS

The detractors of HOKAS claim the massive cushion on the shoe’s sole likely decreases the proprioceptive feedback that the feet give the brain. The result being that running in HOKAS would be potentially less efficient and economical compared to running in a more traditional shoe. Let’s take a closer look.

  1. Running in HOKAS may be less economical.

There has been no research looking at the difference in running economy between running in a minimalist shoe, a traditional motion control shoe, or HOKAS whilst running. However a 2014 research paper discovered that running with a rocker shoe was less energy efficient than running with a minimalist or standard running shoe (6). The study reported that the mass of the rocker shoes used I the study as the likely main contributor for the increase in energy consumption during running with the rocker bottom shoe. The relationship between shoe weight and running economy has been well documented previously in studies which showed that a 100g increase in shoe weight (mass) resulted in a 1% increase in oxygen consumption (V02) (5).

The study was comprised of only 18 runners- all of which were females aged between 18yrs and 55yrs, who ran at least 5kms twice per week for the year leading into the study. The average mass of the rocker shoes was 858g per pair, 541g per pair of standard running shoes, and 321g for the minimalist shoes.  The rocker shoes were modified by adding a stiffened rocker profile to the forefoot region of the standard shoe-increasing the weight of the standard shoe by 317g.

The oxygen consumption during running with rocker shoes was on average 4.5% higher than with standard shoes, and 5.6% higher than minimalist shoes. There was no difference noted in terms of ratings of perceived exertion across the three studied shoe conditions.

It is important to note that HOKA’s were not used in this study but rather the standard shoe was modified by an orthopaedic shoe technician.

  1. HOKAS may be dangerous for trail running.

Trail running represents a substantial greater danger than running on the road, largely due to the constant change in direction and surfaces that the trail runner encounters. A stable shoe is required so that when an unexpected rock or obstacle is encountered the runner will not roll their ankle. A low heeled shoe is generally a more stable shoe as the runner is closer to the ground and therefore their feet can ‘sense’ more allowing for the runner’s body to accommodate to the changing surface with each stride.

Due to the above I would reason that running with the high cushioned HOKAS would in my mind produce a degree of instability on trails. In saying that I am not aware of any research that supports my assumption. I also observed professional triathlete Josh Amberger run his way to victory in the 2015 edition of the Up the Buff Trail Run on the Gold Coast, while wearing HOKAS.

  1. HOKAS are perceived to be a heavy running shoe.

It’s natural to look at a shoe the size of the HOKAS and assume that the shoe must be heavier than its less bulky counterparts. Interestingly despite the size of the HOKAS they are actually a mid-weight running shoe. They are light given their size, but not light compared to pure minimalist shoes. You can view the weight of the HOKA range of shoes HERE.

As reported above the relationship between shoe weight and running economy has been well documented previously in studies whereby a 100g increase in shoe weight (mass) resulted in a 1% increase in oxygen consumption.

However interestingly one study revealed that the extra oxygen consumption associated with the wearing of heavier running shoes was offset by the effect of cushioning. Researchers reported that negative effects of extra shoe weight were offset by the positive effects of additional shoe cushioning (6).

POGO Physio HOKA Evening

To purchase HOKA shoes or not?

IN SUMMARY

Potential Benefits

  • reduce muscle soreness and leg fatigue
  • promote faster downhill running
  • reduced forefoot loading and likely Achilles tendon loading and stress
  • allows an over-striding runner to ‘get away’ with poor running form

Potential Drawbacks 

  • Running in HOKAS may be less economical
  • HOKAS may be  dangerous for trail running
  • HOKAS are perceived to be a heavy shoe

MY CLOSING THOUGHTS

I am not affiliated with HOKA however after conducting my research I am eager to trial a pair of HOKA One Ones and will shortly be looking to purchase a pair to put them to the test*

*note: I am yet to test the HOKAs but intend to still do so-will keep everyone posted (October 2016).

ps. If you are  a Gold Coast based runner The Athlete’s Foot Pacific Fair or Tweed Heads stock the HOKA Range.

RELATED POST

Highly cushioned running shoes: friend or foe? HERE>>

You CAN Run Pain Free running book

Brad Beer (APAM)

Physiotherapist, Author Amazon Running & Jogging Bestseller You CAN Run Pain Free!,  Founder POGO Physio

REFERENCES

  • (1) LenhartR, Thelen D, Wille C, Chumanov E, Heiderscheit B. Increasing Running Step Rate Reduces Patellofemoral Joint Forces. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: 2 August 2013
  • (2) Brown D, Wertsch JJ, Harris GF et al. Effect of rocker soles on plantar pressures. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004: 85 (1): 81-86.
  • (3) Boyer KA, Andriacchi TP. Changes in running kinematics and kinetics in response to a rockered shoe intervention. Clin Biomech 2009: 24(10): 872-876.
  • (4) Bergstra, S. Kluitenberg, B. Dekker, R. Bredeweg, S. Postema, K. Van den Heuvel, E. Hijmans, J. Sobhani. S. Running with a minimalist shoe increases plantar pressure in the forefoot region of healthy female runners. J Sc & Med in Sport, 18 (4): 463-468.
  • (5) Chumanov E, Heiderscheit B, Michalski, M, Christa M, Ryan M. 2011. Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43 (2): 296-302.
  • (6) Sobhani S, Bredeweg, S, Dekker R, Kluitenberg B, van den Heuvel E et al. Rocker shoe, minimalist shoe, and standard running shoe: A comparison of running economy. J Sc & Med in Sport 2014: 17: 312-316.
  • (7) Tung, Kryztopher D.; Franz, Jason R.; Kram, Rodger. A Test of the Metabolic Cost of Cushioning Hypothesis during Unshod and Shod Running. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: 25 July 2013

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Showing 29 comments
  • Robert Quirk
    Reply

    Good review. I changed from Newton to Hoka a few years and have been very glad I did. I have found them more stable and had less soreness. I originally ran in Bondis now I use Cliftons. Re plantar I started using an off the shelf sports orthotic. No more plantar.

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Rob thanks so much for your comment. I know of several runners who have transitioned from Newtons to HOKAs and they too are enjoying the new ‘ride’-thanks for sharing #runpainfree

  • Wendy satara
    Reply

    I’m a podiatrist and find them great for myself and my patients that have any first mPJ pain, they rock over the forefoot and de crease flexion at the big toe joint reducing pain in those who have arthritic forefoot pain.

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Thanks for your comment Wendy-your input is welcome. I have likewise observed similar results with clients suffering from fore-foot pain.

  • Joel
    Reply

    Great review, I’m due for some shoes normally wear Kayanos but have been dealing with a mild niggly Achilles for 6 months. Not getting worse but not getting better, I’m doing my calf raises and drops, and foam rolling/release.

    This article has caught my eye. Do you know which Hoka model would be best for general road running/training? I would be keen to see if I notice any improvement in regards to my Achilles.

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Joel-thanks so much for your comments-sorry to learn of your achilles tendon pathology: what is the exact diagnosis: is it a insertional or mid-portion achilles problem?

      In the meantime re shoes be led by comfort above all else-check this blog out for more info re considerations when buying shoes:

      https://pogophysio.com.au/blog/which-running-shoes-should-i-buy/

  • Ben Sibley
    Reply

    Hi Joel,

    As a Podiatrist and stockist of Hoka I do have a bias towards these shoes!!!. Just letting you know up front.

    From a Hoka shoe choice standpoint . .. Stinson gives greatest stability for running and off loading of the forefoot and plantar fascia forces and achilles. I actually measure this using force-plate technology on our treadmill The treadmill has forceplate built into the treadmill and is great for gait analysis. The drawback with stinson is that if you have a cavus (high arch foot type and broad forefoot – you may have some compression issues and may need a larger size.) If you have a large posterior heel bump- Haglunds Deformity (sometimes comes along with achilles tendonitis) it may cause some rubbing or irritation.

    If you have relatively stable gait and still have broad forefoot and cavus foot type then the Bondi4 Wide fit (2e)may be an option. Drawback is that if you have ankle instability midfoot instability issues and are a heel to toe striker you may find these shoes unstable and make the feeling of instability sensation worse. If your midfoot to forefoot striker then the Bondi4 should not be an issue with you.

    Hope that gives you a heads up.

    Warm regards

    Ben Sibley – Podiatrist
    Your Podiatrist Brisbane

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Thanks for the detailed information Ben re the Stinson and the Bondi4 Widefit HOKA’s. Have you run in a pair of HOKA’s yourself? if yes what’s your verdict?

      Brad Beer
      POGO Physio

  • Ana Castro
    Reply

    I just purchased the Clifton 3. I want to love them. I ran 8 miles in them yesterday and ended up with rubbing on inside of both my feet, a blister on the front by the tongue of the shoe. Besides that I felt I could run further if not for the blister and pins and needles on the side.
    What can I do to make them not rub?

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Ana,

      First thing try a different sock-I’m not a podiatrist however as a runner myself have found that socks can make a difference to blister incidence. Injinji make a good ‘anti-blister’ sock. Secondly, ensure you have the laces tensioned to eliminate forefoot slippage in the front of the shoe.

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Silvia
    Reply

    I’ve become sort of a half fan of this shoe in the sense that I am got the Clifton 2 and am amazed at how light it is (7.0 ounces is about the same as brooks launch), so 1. The shoe does not feel heavy at all 2. I thought it would be a slow shoe because of the cushioning being so high, it’s not, I can speed up and maintain just as much in this shoe as in others (brooks adrenaline or saucony triumph or new balance 1080) 3. I fixed my cadence to be higher than 180 in all other running shoes I tried, however in the hokas it seems to fall kind of fast after 5 miles and I am not sure why. Which eventually makes my IT band upset 4. The shoe did rub me the first couple of runs but that’s no longer an issue.

    I think as soon as I manage to understand what my candence is doing in these shoes only, they will be fantastic shoes! (Maybe what’s weird is that the shoe won’t be as flexible because of the thick stack and that messes with my legs in longer running…) I do think these shoes are great for jobs like nurses, docs, lab workers and anyone who stands a lot during the day because no kidding, I can walk miles in them and my foot doesn’t feel any sign of fatigue…

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Silvia thank you for your comments. All the best with your running.

      Brad Beer

  • Constant
    Reply

    I had a partial knee Arthroscopy over 7 years ago before I started running more serious. I’ve been having knee pain of late and was wondering what the general feel is about Hoka and shock absorption in my scenario? Also which one of their models is best suited?

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Thanks for your question-full response to follow shortly.

  • Allen Cuttler
    Reply

    Hi…I enjoyed the article, thank you, and have read reviews with interest. I`m neither a pod. or fan of any particular shoe or shoe brand. In a brief history( to give some respect to my comments to come) i have run in various shoes and models dating back to Nike Day Break and Onitsuka Tigers, and many others, some suiting me, others not( part of my experiments with shoes) I have been in specialized running retail/ fitting, for over 28 years, and have A LOT of k`s in my legs!. Hoka One One…as a retailer here on the Queensland East coast, i was the first to entertain Hoka One One, and put them into store, i loved the shoe! Stinson, and the first Bondi. The above benefits of Hoka as stated, i believe to be true, in part… Choosing the right model( and this goes for any shoe) depends a lot on, male/ female, gait and foot last, along with whether an orthosis is being worn. Hoka, without doubt will shorten the stride, and the Achilles and calf, along with postural changes. Hoka, in my humble opinion, is a `lazy runners` shoe ( general population). Some of the above comments would suggest this too. Along with its popularity, has come as many disgruntled consumers. Blistering ( just behind the 1st MPJ, on the medial aspect of the foot.) Extreme compression of mid sole, creating( even with the Meta Rocker) extended downward forces and time , between mid foot stance and toe off( Proprioception) resulting in knee pain. Flared, square crash pad producing a `whip lash` effect from Lateral heel strike to Medial mid foot stance. Instability on trails( already mentioned above) The one i have personally found if wanting to migrate back to a `generic` shoe,even with a greater `off set` than 5/6 mm, and subsequently a common factor in discussing this with fellow runners,is extreme calf discomfort, especially Achilles, Gastrocnemius, Gastrocnemius M, Soleus, Soleus M and Fibularis Longus.This may suggest that for many runners, they will be `married` to Hoka for life…good/ bad?? It has taken me nearly 3 months to adapt back to a 6mm `off set` generic shoe. I`m skeptical of the fact the Hoka shoes should be viewed as the `savior` to all runners, and their mechanical issues. I have personally fitted some very happy customers with Hoka shoes, but at the same time, have also suggested to certain runners, that these would not be the most suitable shoe choice for them too.( This goes for any shoe deemed in/correct) I`m certain that maximal shoes will out live minimalist shoes. Either way, because your friend likes a certain shoe, don`t just go out and buy a pair, get properly assessed for which ever shoe, no matter the color, that suits your bio mechanics, foot last and feet comfort.Happy running!

    • Michael Lewis
      Reply

      I am a semi-elite, male, master’s runner. After more than a couple decades running in “normal running shoes”, and then briefly trying Hokas, all I can say is that they screwed up my stride. I ran in them once, used them for a general purpose shoe (walking around, mostly) during Christmas vacation, and couldn’t stand my first run in them after starting up training again after the New Year. When I tried to switch back to normal shoes, I found my stride and ability to run fast were both hindered. I couldn’t tell where my feet were when wearing normal shoes and often had a sense that I was about to trip and/or fall. Just identified and validated my suspicion that it was the Hokas today after trying them back on and walking around. Sure enough, my steps were sure and firm, but as soon as I put back on normal shoes I felt vague and uncertain with my footsteps again.

      I would not recommend these for an already efficient runner with a clean gait. I’m trying to re-learn my efficient gait and stride, now. Ugh… But I am happy to have finally figured out it was the Hokas that messed me up and not some sort of health/nervous system issue. 🙂 For awhile I thought my limbs weren’t talking to my brain! Scary stuff!

      My first run with the Clifton 4s was on a treadmill, and I survived 8 miles. My next run was on pavement, and the shoes were unbearable. They interfere with one’s gait waaaaay too much, in my opinion, and I couldn’t
      run fast in these shoes if I wanted to.

      • Brad Beer
        Reply

        Hi Michael,

        Thank you for your comment re your HOKA experience.

        Given that I am independent of the brand-I can appreciate how you could feel with the greater stack height comes less ‘feedback’ with the ground -if you are a runner that really needs the feedback from ‘think soled’ shoes and you end up in HOKAS I can see the potential to lose feel and the sequalae you reference being possible.

        Happy running in 2018!

        Regards Brad Beer

      • Allen Cuttler
        Reply

        Hi Mike..i agree totally with your findings. Unfortunately, a lot of runners are oblivious to what Hoka shoes will do and have done to their bio mechanics. Like you, I have got back to a far better running style having replaced Hoka with a better off set, generic shoe.

  • Auto injury treatment
    Reply

    It’s wonderful.

  • Matt
    Reply

    Thank you for your article.

    I’ve struggled with tight calves and painful achilles tendons for years. 12 months ago I changed to Hokas. They have been perfect for me – my achilles and calf issues have been non-existent since running with them. I absolutely agree with your suggestion they may be unsuitable off-road – their height significantly increases the risk of twisting an ankle on uneven surfaces (I say this from experience!).

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Thanks for the comment Matt.

      Pleased you are enjoying injury free running!

      What’s next for you?

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Michelle
    Reply

    Please help! I am a runner but ive been suffering with Planter Fasceitis for the last 2 months. Ive been told to try a Hoka shoe but I have no idea which one??? I have a very narrow small foot

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Michelle,

      Sorry to read that you have been suffering from plantar fasciitis (my full blog on how to best treat plantar fasciitis will be released next week-may be good to keep an eye out for it).

      With regards to your query re your best HOKA option I suggest trying the HOKA One One Conquest 3. Also take a look at this table for other brand options for narrow feet HERE>>

      All the best.

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Allen Cuttler
    Reply

    I am both surprised and disappointed that you have prescribed a Hoka shoe, and specific model to Michelle. This forum is fantastic, and I get a great deal out of your posts. To suggest to Michelle that Hoka will ‘cure’ PF is misleading to say the least. Michelle, do yourself the biggest favour, book an appointment with a local podiatrist , preferably one that runs, and have a proper gait analysis done. There are many contributors to PF, that by simply going out and buying another shoe, would not solve. It is also a myth that all pods. try to sell everyone an orthotic. Plus, and good physiotherapist would also help you diagnose the problem, and treat your painful foot. Unfortunately Michelle, many running shoe retailers, know absolutely nothing about running shoes, hence, a podiatrist is your best direction. I really hope you have not bought the suggested Hoka yet?!

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Thanks for your comments Allen. I’m not sure why you disappointed. My suggestion was to ‘try’ the HOKA’s on and see how they feel. Nothing misleading there.

      Regards Brad Beer

  • Allen Cuttler
    Reply

    Hi Brad. I honestly would have thought to have a full gait analysis done before buying any shoe would have been better, rather than suggesting a model of a brand. What our friends run in/ suggest, are not necessarily what`s good for `us`. Along with the fact that there is a definite injury, finding the cause would seem important, rather than a `pot luck` shot at a shoe. Always enjoy this site, and a healthy discussion. Thanks Brad.

  • Mark
    Reply

    Hi Brad,
    I have had an MTP fusion about a week and a half ago and I am planning for when I eventually go back to work. I am a teacher and half my timetable is PE, from 5 year olds to 15! I have ascertained from reading around on the web, that a rocker bottomed sole is going to be beneficial to me. I plan to buy a pair maybe a size bigger than normal to allow for swelling. Any advice is gratefully appreciated. Regards, Mark.

    • Brad Beer
      Reply

      Hi Mark, Thank you for your question. First of all I wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery! Hoka is a good rocker option for once you are out of your post op boot and can actually fit your foot inside a shoe. This is one of the shoes a surgeon I work with likes patients to be placed into long term. Residual swelling can be a bit of an issue and my advice would be to fit the length and width of the shoe correctly with a reputable shoe store and experienced staff member (pick out the manager or 2ndic) potentially having to go up a 1/2 to full size larger than what you usually do. This is as about as far as you can go length wise before the shoe will not function properly under foot (slip inside as well as out of the heel) not to mention not fit the other foot correctly. This is where I would suggest finding a reputable pedothotist (boot/shoe maker) who will hopefully be able to modify the shoe to accommodate the swollen 1st MTP. Before purchasing the shoe make sure you ask if you can return once you have bought (as long as you don’t wear it) and then take it to the pedorthotist to inspect. The upper parts of running shoes these days are getting more and more complicated with the materials they are using which is making it more difficult for modifications. I hope this advice helps and please feel free to contact me at aleks@sportsmedpodiatry.com.au or alternatively on my mobile (0412969893) if you have any further questions. Kind regards, Aleks

  • Jiskcosn
    Reply

    The perfect running kicks that rightly fits is what makes the real difference between a bad choice and a good running sneaker choice as they will provide ease, feeling-free motion, and a relief irrespective of how many miles you cover.

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