Do Hokas Run Big or Small – Which Models Are True to Size?

Do Hokas Run Big

Everybody seems to love Hoka shoes, but when it comes to their sizing, do Hokas run big or small?

In fact, some Hoka shoes run small, some run big, some run true to size, and some tend to run narrow.

But fear not, for we are going to unravel the mystery and tell you how each and every Hoka shoe fits.

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Let’s dive right into it… 

Do Hokas Run Big or Small

Hoka’s flagship shoes, the Hoka Bondi and Clifton, tend to run small. For that proper fit, many runners, including me, find going half a size up from the regular shoe size provides the perfect balance of comfort and support. As fit preferences can vary, it’s advisable to try them on if possible or consult specific sizing information for these models to ensure an optimal fit for your feet.

But Hoka offers a wide range of width options to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for every runner.

When trying different models, we did find that a lot of Hoka models tend to run either on the snug side of true size or slightly larger. 

Of course, when it comes to sizing, there’s no size-fits-all kind of thing. It’s important to note that each individual’s foot shape, preferences, running style, and distance can influence the sizing experience.

So while race-day shoes do tend to run a little snug to provide that race-ready experience, daily shoes, on the other hand, generally have a relaxed fit.

Again, Hoka sizing can be a little bit iffy, so to give you accurate information about Hoka sizing, I’m going to talk about each model separately and see how it fits.

Let’s start with their thick-boy flagship, the Bondi…

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Hoka Bondi 8

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Hoka-bondi-8

I did go with a half size up and that’s because typically, I feel like the Bondi always fits a little bit more snug than I feel like it should.

My usual size 9, but I got it in size 9.5. Size 9 was fine but fit the same as the Bondis tend to fit, but the size 9.5 was spot on.

Typically, I really dislike sizing up with max cushion shoes because I feel like while it gives you a little bit more room in the shoe, it just gives you too much shoe and it makes exciting shoes boring and easy-day shoes feel clunky.

The Bondi 8 at that half size up didn’t feel clunky at all.

I’m actually going to recommend if you’re looking at the Bondi 8 for those recovery runs and those long runs, go up half a size and I think you’re going to appreciate that little bit of extra comfort for this comfort-oriented shoe.

Last but not least, the Bondi 8 comes in wide and extra-wide if you have a really wide foot.

If you’re wondering how running shoes should fit, check should running shoes be a size bigger.

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Why the Bondi is good for you

Hoka pretty much invented the max cushion genre and their Bondi is going to be in the plush and comfy range.

So, the Bondi 8 is going to be great for:

  • Easy runs
  • Middle distance runs
  • Long runs
  • Recovery runs
  • When your feet are tired and beat up.

It is super comfortable It gives you all the comfort that you really want to have on those days where the point of the run is:

  • Either to get in a bunch of miles and work on that aerobic base
  • Get the blood flowing from the previous day’s workout
  • And/or flush the system and get everything ready for the next workout

It’s squishy, it absorbs the impact, but it helps keep things rolling nice and smooth so that way you don’t really have to worry about any of the wear and tear on your body.

However, the Bondi is definitely not a tempo day shoe because it’s heavy for that as well.

Overall, everything about the Bondi just screams comfort. You’ve got memory foam in the heel, an Ortholite insole, an extra padded tongue, and a max cushion midsole.

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Hoka Clifton 9

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Hoka-clifton-9

How does the Hoka Clifton 9 fit?

I went with my normal size 9 with the Clifton 9 and it ended up fitting just right. I felt like the 9 is really dialed-in compared to the previous versions.  

In the Clifton 8, you might want to consider a half size down, especially if you’re wearing very thin socks in the hot summer months.  

Again, the Clifton 9 runs true to size and it does not feel too narrow through the toe box or the midfoot.

I also enjoyed the upper on Clifton 8 as well and so I’m glad to see that there weren’t too many changes in that regard because the shoe already fit really well for me.

The heel flare and pocket feel really secure with no moving in the heel while the semi-gusseted tongue helps to keep the tongue locked on top of your foot just a little bit.

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Why the Clifton is good for you

The Clifton is pretty much your standard daily trainer type of shoe. It’s a great companion if you just want to:

I feel like you’re getting that modern Clifton ride that Hoka has really dialed into in the last several versions of this shoe, but there’s an extra springiness, lightness, and airiness to it that makes it really fun to run at faster paces.

So this new foam configuration has a bounciness to it that really had me double-checking that yes this shoe is a compression molded EVA foam.

It felt really good when I needed the shoe to absorb impact on my recovery runs but also could rise to the occasion if I needed to take it on some faster-paced workouts. However, it’s just not the most responsive shoe out there.

Overall, the Clifton 8 was in the daily training easy-run category, but the Clifton 9 could do your:

  • Easy days
  • Recovery runs
  • And a little bit of your faster workouts

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Hoka Mach 5

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Hoka-mach-5

How does the Mach 5 fit?

The Mach 5 tends to fit a little bit on the voluminous side. For some of you, that might be the biggest plus that this shoe provides, but I think it’s just going to be a little bit big for a lot of you guys.

I think a half size down might help you get a dialed-in fit.

The Mach 4 runs true to size with no issues at all.

But, if you have wide feet or if you prefer a little more room for your toes to splay out, get the Mach 5. And if you still want to get the Mach 4, you might want to get the wide option because it’s not an overly roomy toe box.

Then if you prefer a snug fit over too much room in your toe box especially if you want to go a little faster, go with the regular width in the Mach 4.

All in all, I feel like the fit on the Mach 5 isn’t quite dialed in compared to the Mach 4. But on the other hand, it does make for a very roomy toe box experience.

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Why the Mach is good for you

The Mach 5 is a really versatile shoe. It is a classic jack of all trades for your everyday training needs like:

  • Easy runs
  • Recovery runs
  • Long runs
  • Tempo runs
  • Long runs
  • Middle distance runs
  • Something with some strides in there
  • Maybe even strides and workouts

The Mach 5 is not quite a threshold day or track workout shoe. For track workouts, you would want to pick a shoe like the Brooks Hyperion Tempo which is about 1 oz lighter.

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Hoka Mach X

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Hoka-mach-x

How does the Hoka Mach X fit?

The Mach X runs true to size with no issues. The upper has a slightly more performance-oriented fit than the standard Mach. It fits snug but not narrow and keeps your foot locked in place.

The shoe fits really secure through the midfoot with that gusseted tongue and then offers enough space through the toebox for average-sized feet.

I should also note that the Mach X is not going to be available in wide sizes.

Why the Mach X is good for you

The Mach series has quite a history as that speedy daily trainer. But with the newest release of the Mach X, we get an even faster iteration that’s going to live side by side with that standard Mach.

The new midsole is going to take everything you like from the Rocket X 2 but just fine-tune it a little bit more for workouts and daily training. And then the new PeBa plate allows the shoe to adapt for those slower efforts and just gives it that little extra pop.

For me, the Mach X does so many things well. I found myself personally using it most for workout days when I wanted one shoe to warm up, do the workout, and cool down.

It performed really well at slower paces and faster paces as well. I also used it on a long-run day when I wanted just more of a steady up-tempo shoe that could go those longer miles.

Overall, you can pull the Mach X out when there’s multiple paces. I’m talking intervals, fartleks, and progressive runs. You’re going to have the comfort for the slower paces but you’re also going to have the responsiveness when you want to pick up the pace.

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Hoka Rincon 3

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Hoka-rincon-3

How does the Hoka Rincon 3 fit?

Just like the Rincon 2, the Rincon 3 fits true to size with no issues. I went true to size and I think that’s the right way to go for most people.

The Rincon 3 might fit a little bit narrow through the toe box if you have a wider forefoot. The upper is slightly accommodating, but it’s probably nowhere close to a Clifton.

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Why the Rincon 3 is good for you

The Rincon 3 is a lightweight versatile do-it-all shoe that has been popular since its initial launch.

It’s good for:

  • Long runs
  • Tempo run
  • Easy-day runs

But it’s a little bit too soft through the midsole for a threshold run which is faster than a tempo run.

I’ve been using it as kind of an everyday trainer doing a little bit of everything in it. But especially when I do want to pick up the pace a little bit, that’s where the Rincon 3 really comes in handy.

It is great when there might be a couple of pace changes and you might not want to bring your heavier daily trainer but maybe not so many that you would reach for a carbon-plated shoe.

I’ve done speed workouts in this shoe, 5k pace work running, 800-meter intervals, and the shoe does a really fantastic job of quick turnover and a fast feeling when you’re really pushing off the toes.

Waiting for the release of the Rincon 4? Here’s what I think is the release date plus my wish list for the Rincon 4. 

Hoka Carbon X 3

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Hoka-carbon-x-3

How does the Hoka Carbon X 3 fit?

The Carbon X fits true to size. The fit is good, the gusseted tongue is spot on, and the comfort is decent.

This is a performance shoe and it’s supposed to fit on the tighter side, but compared to the Carbon X 2, there’s a little bit of volume in the toebox on each side and there’s more total volume in the top as well in terms of the height of the toebox.

The X 2 has a more traditional upper compared to this great knit upper on the X 3. For me, this is a fantastic example of how knit materials can be used in a performance shoe. It’s super comfortable and fits on the foot really well.

But while this knit upper is so stretchy and comfortable, it’s also strong and that strength comes from the monofilament fibers that are interwoven between some of the knit material. This gives the shoe its structure and shape so that way it can handle intense efforts. 

However, the Carbon X 3 is a wider base of a shoe, which helps it become more useful at some of those slower paces.

Why the Carbon X 3 is good for you

While Hoka positions the Carbon X as an endurance racer, for those of us who aren’t trying to break 50-mile road running records, the shoe is still great.

I feel like the easy and marathon pace is really the sweet spot for me. But for something where you’re going to be a little bit faster than marathon pace like for a threshold workout, the Carbon X is still a very capable shoe. 

The Profly midsole foam really steps up to the task of when you are pushing off a little bit harder or when you are hitting the ground a little bit harder at those harder efforts.

But if there are some days when you want to take the Carbon X for an easy run, I think this is one of those carbon-plated shoes that won’t really penalize you or really feel like an out-of-place choice.

That being said, is the Carbon X a shoe that you would probably get for easy paces? Probably not. For that, I would look at the Mach which is a very similar concept and design.

I think the Carbon X and the Mach are going to be great companions with the Mach 5 being for your daily training and the Carbon X 3 for your longer runs and speed days.

Again, I really enjoyed the Carbon X 3 for harder marathon pace efforts and for easier efforts as well.

Hoka Rocket X 2

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Hoka-rocket-x-2

How does the Hoka Rocket X 2 fit?

The Rocket X 2 runs true to size with no issues at all with the width through the midfoot. I feel like Hoka really nailed a good fit in the Rocket X and I think that the internal midfoot cage does a good job of keeping you locked in.

Everything feels nice and secure thanks to this mono mesh upper and the internal midfoot cage that keep you nice and locked into the shoe.

I do feel like I have plenty of room in the toe box so nothing’s getting crunched or smushed. Yet, the shoe doesn’t feel sloppy by any means.

In terms of the heel, there’s not a ton of structure, but we do have a couple of bumper pads along the sides and toward the back of the heel to help with fit and lockdown and add a little bit of comfort.

But if you have an extra-wide foot, I would foresee the Rocket X 2 feeling a little too snug.

Why the Rocket X 2 is good for you

For me, Hoka has been falling behind the competition when it comes to their carbon-plated racers.

The biggest news about this is that the Rocket X 2 finally brings Hoka away from compression-molded EVA in their racing shoes. Now the shoe has got a Peba foam and there’s two layers of it, one above and one below the carbon fiber plate.

I think the Rocket is best for sessions, of course. But I feel like there’s enough stack height in it where you can take it for those long runs and those marathon workouts and your feet are going to feel good. Plus, your body is going to feel relatively protected so you can get to that next session in good condition.

I definitely think you can race half marathons and probably 10ks and 5Ks in the Rocket X because it feels like a fun fast shoe. But because that PeBa foam is a little bit on the dense side, I’m not positive that I’d want to take this for a full marathon race.

I think a lot of people are going to be able to do that and I think they’re going to have a great time with it. But as a non-elite runner, I love something that just deflects a whole bunch and has a lot of squish to it.

Again, I do think the Hoka Rocket X 2 definitively is a marathon shoe, but it’s just not going to be for everyone.

Hoka Arahi 6

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Hoka-arahi-6

How does the Hoka Arahi 6 fit?

The Arahi 6 fits true to size. However, it is definitely more narrow through the toe box but not overly narrow for someone who has a wider foot or likes a little bit more room. In this case, I’d probably go up half a size or go with the wide version.

The sturdy heel collar along with the semi-gusseted tongue do create a nice lockdown feel in the heel pocket.

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Why the Arahi 6 is good for you

This is a reliable stability daily trainer with a moderate-to-fairly high level of stability, which makes it great if you:

  • Have some issues like Plantar Fasciitis
  • Overpronate (your foot roll to the inside too much)
  • Need a hint of guidance through your foot strike

The Arahi is almost like a stability version of the really popular Clifton which is their conventional neutral max cushion daily trainer. There’s still that J-Frame design that offers a little more unique take on stability but maybe not quite as obtrusive as a typical medial posting.

Stability shoes tend to weigh more than neutral shoes because of all the extra stability features and elements built into the midsole, outsole, heel counter, and upper, but the Arahi 6 is lighter weight compared to most other stability shoes, which is really awesome.

But it’s still a little bit heavy for tempo days.

The ride of the Arahi 6 is a little dense. It does not give you a soft ride like the Mach or a bouncy ride like the Clifton.

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Hoka Gaviota 4

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Hoka-gaviota-4

How does the Hoka Arahi Gaviota 4 fit?

As the thickest most premium max cushion stability shoe of all time, the Gaviota 4 definitely runs true to size and you won’t have to size up or down.

The fit is excellent and helped me feel very connected to the shoe, which is important for a max cushion shoe where you are high off the ground.

But unlike the Bondi, the Gaviota 4 is only available in wide but not in super wide. I think they would do really well by offering a 4E option because people who are looking for that max stability max cushioned shoe a lot of times are falling in the wider side anyway.

The materials are not super elasticy, but compared to the Gaviota 3, the Gaviota 4’s upper definitely feels a little bit wider and a little bit more forgiving. The Gaviota 3 was a little more sewn in along the side and so it did feel a little more constricting.

Why the Gaviota 4 is good for you

While the Arahi is almost that stability version of the Clifton, the Gaviota is almost the max cushion stability version of the Bondi.

If you’re an overpronator and tend to roll to the inside too much, the shoe’s J-Frame technology is designed to keep you up in the middle, and when you do that, the whole chain tends to line up. Your knees, hips, and back sort of straighten up from the base forward.

It’s a good shoe for those easy runs and long runs. So if:

  • You need a shoe for those easy runs and long runs
  • You’re on your feet all day
  • You just want some stability in a max cushion shoe
  • You have overpronation issues
  • You need a shoe for your Plantar Fasciitis
  • You’re somebody who’s doing some walking…

… the Gaviota 4 is a great fitting option. Again, it is the max cushioned stability version of the Bondi and the larger more cushioned stability shoe compared to the Arahi.

Hoka Trail Running Shoes

Hoka Torrent 3

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Hoka-torrent-3

How does the Hoka Torrent 3 fit?

The Torrent 3 runs narrow, which is something that carries over from the previous version as well.

But the Torrent is designed to be more of a race-ready trail shoe or a trainer, which explains the narrow fit. So, if you have a wide forefoot, I bet your toes are going to press up a little bit against the outer walls of the toebox.

What makes things worse is if you do need a wide shoe, unfortunately, the Torrent 3 is not available in a wide.

Why the Torrent 3 is good for you

The ever-popular Hoka Torrent is back in its third iteration and I’m happy to report that the shoe keeps so much of what worked in the previous version while updating the slightest bits for an improved race-ready trail Hoka crusher in a lightweight package.

This is a trail runner for those classic 12 to 20-mile long runs on the trails. I wouldn’t take this out on a buffed-out road because it’s just a little too aggressive through the outsole lug pattern.

For me personally, this would be something that I’d run like a half marathon in. Anything longer than that and I might want a little bit more underfoot for that extra comfort.

But for the majority out there, the Torrent 3 is great if you’re training for an ultra-marathon and you wanted something more nimble than the Speedgoat for example.

Speaking of the devil…

Hoka Speedgoat 5

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Hoka-speedgoat-5

How does the Hoka Speedgoat 5 fit?

The Speedgoats are notorious for being narrow and that doesn’t change in the Speedgoat 5. It’s still a narrow shoe and a good option for runners with narrow feet.

But the stretchy vamp across the forefoot allows for a more accommodating fit through there. So, you’re going to have a bit more volume in the shoe and the upper sort of allows your foot to fill that void versus trying to conform your foot in any specific way.

But here’s something you really have to know…

With my shoe, after 30 to 40 miles, the upper material started to stretch out and ended up providing me with more volume because of that.

Unfortunately, with that narrowness through the platform and the low ceiling height, the fabric doesn’t really have anywhere to go and you’ll have to really lace this tightly down the midfoot.

Normally, when this sort of thing happens in a shoe, I’d almost recommend going down a half size, but in this case, I don’t because you don’t want your toes rubbing along the toebox because it’s so narrow. I guess you’ll just kind of have to deal with it.

Overall, the upper stretching out in the Speedgoat 5 is going to make it difficult to get the precision fit that the Speedgoat has sort of been known for.

Why the Speedgoat 5 is good for you

Hoka calls the Speedgoat 5 “a grippy cushioned trailblazer that’s a workhorse for technical trail”.

I’ve been using this shoe as a faster trail running shoe and found it surprisingly soft yet surprisingly fast.

It’s got a bit more of an aggressive rocker to it and I felt pitched forward a little bit more because it feels like there’s just a little bit more nimbleness in the forefoot.

I think the Speedgoat sits in between the Mafate Speed and the Zinal. If you want to be on the ground a little bit but still kind of have the Zinal zippiniess, then I feel like the Speedgoat 5 is a fantastic shoe.

You have that low-volume toebox which gives you that locked-in racer feel, but you get a little bit of flexibility through the upper when your feet are starting to swell if you’ve been in these shoes for a couple of hours.

Overall, if you like to go fast, you’ll feel at home, and if you like to go nice and slow in the mountains, I think you will also find a comfortable place in the Speedgoat 5.

Hoka Mafate Speed 4

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Hoka-mafate-speed-4

How does the Hoka Mafate 4 fit?

The Mafate fits good, but I had to go a half size up.

But if you’re getting this especially for your longer distance runs, I would recommend sizing up. As I said earlier, sizing up sometimes makes shoes feel a little bit clunky and less exciting, but I’m still feeling all the excitement in the Mafate Speed 4 even though I’m up half a size.

On the upper, you have jacquard mesh mixed with the stretchy elastic vamp held together by ever-tightening laces. 

The dynamic toebox is awesome. It allows for the foot to spread a little bit more and gives the shoe a little bit more room in that toebox to make the shoe a little bit more comfortable for those longer runs.

If you’re struggling with your lacing, here’s how to lace your shoes properly for the perfect fit.

Why the Mafate Speed 4 is good for you

The new Mafate Speed 4 is a continuation of the Mafate heritage and I have been absolutely loving it.

The Mafate shines in long training runs. If you’re racing a 50 or 100 mile on trails that need a little bit of good grip with that outsole, I think this is the right Hoka trail shoe for you.

But while the Mafate has been known for its ability to handle long days in technical terrain, Hoka doesn’t want you to forget that this shoe has the word speed right in the name.

The Profly+ is that supercritical foam which gives the shoe extra springiness, extra cushion, and extra lightness while also still maintaining some of the springiness that you need for the shoe to maintain its snappy ride.

As someone who doesn’t spend the majority of his time running in the trails, with the Mafate Speed, I really don’t have to worry about bringing the wrong shoe for the wrong trail. I feel like this is a trail shoe that almost no matter what kind of trail situation I’m bringing it for, it feels like I’ve made the exact right choice.

Whether I’m running directly on hard rocks or softer buffed-out trails, I just feel like the foam is perfectly tuned to the surface that I am running on and it just feels like a shoe that I could spend hours and hours running in.

In terms of grip, I’ve run in all sorts of conditions with this shoe, rainy, muddy, slippery, dry, and it just holds up really well.

Hoka Tecton X 2

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Hoka-tecton-x-2

How does the Hoka Tecton X fit?

Just like most Hokas, the Tecton X fits true to size. It fits very well and hugs that foot nice and securely.

I did have to lace the Tecton pretty tight for my foot shape and so there’s definitely plenty of room left in the shoe for somebody with slightly more voluminous feet.

Why the Tecton X 2 is good for you

Made from vegan and recycled materials, the Tecton is fast, efficient, and it’s built for racing. 

This is kind of like that ultimate efficient racer that can be used for ultra-marathon distances.

So if you’re going to be doing longer distances and want some of that extra efficiency and propulsion that you can get from the great foams and great plates, the Tecton X 2 is for you.

But if you’re looking for just nothing but teeth, then get something like the Zinal or the Speedgoat.

In terms of stability, the parallel independent carbon fiber plates definitely give the Tecton a lot of flexibility compared to other carbon fiber-plated trail racing shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Edge.

If it’s a really technical trail, you might not want to use the Tecton, but for most trails, I think it would be plenty stable and work out really well.

It’s a shoe that you can take if you need to run on a little bit of pavement because the lugs are not too aggressive. But you can take it to the trail and still have plenty of great grip. I even took these on snow and I had really no issues with traction.

Overall, if you’ve got a race where you’re going to be running a couple of miles on the road or maybe you live somewhere but you’re going to run to the trail, I think this shoe can work fine for that.

Hoka Zinal 2

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Hoka-zinal-2

How does the Hoka Zinal 2 fit?

While the Zinal 2 pretty much fits true to size, the toebox does provide decent room for toe splay, and the midfoot fits very well. However, if you do have a wide foot, this probably will be a little snug in this race-focused upper.

The area where I think the Zinal fits weird is in the heel…

I found that the heel fits a little bit sloppy and provides a slightly loose heel hold, resulting in some occasional slippage.

But apart from the heel, everything is snug, secure, and locked down. What’s important in terms of speed is that Zinal has got that race-ready fit when you’re picking up the pace.

And it provides a really secure lockdown when you’re bombing down those trails thanks to the strategically placed reinforcements inside the shoe to help give you a little bit better support and lockdown in that shoe.

Why the Zinal 2 is good for you

The Zinal came in hot not too long ago as that neutral low-to-the-ground aggressive trail running shoe for those fast distances.

Probably the best thing about the Zinal is it is confidence-inspiring over that technical terrain and really that’s all you want out of a technical trail racing shoe.

The grip of the Zinal 2 has been nothing short of amazing no matter the terrain (fast trails, dry trails, wet rocks, roots) or the weather (snow, rain…).

The Vibram outsole leaves you feeling confident bombing down the trail letting you focus more on the run and less on whether the shoe is going to grip.

In terms of stack, you would typically opt for something with a little bit more stack for that extra protection on the trails.

However, given that this is a shoe that you pick up the pace in and a shoe that I would use more for speed training, I do think that the stack is going to be just enough to offer that protection but still allow you to get those paces in a more nimble package.

I think I would probably find myself using these shoes most for 5K, 10K, and maybe even a trail half. But once I get up into those marathon distances and up, I would opt for something with a little bit more stack in a race-ready package like the Tecton X above, the Mafate, or the Speedgoat.

But if you’re looking for pure speed on a technical trail, the Zinal 2 is your shoe.

All in all, with a more nimble design, more aggressive outsole, and that fine-tuned upper built for race day, the Zinal 2 has everything you need to move fast out on the trails.

Hoka Challenger 7

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Hoka-challenger-7

How does the Hoka Challenger 7 fit?

The Challenger 7 runs true to size. It’s roomy and it’s forgiving thanks to the simple flexible mesh upper that allows for a decent amount of foot volume and does a good job of locking your foot down across the midfoot.

You do have the ankle lock lacing sort of dialed in there so you’re able to get a better lockdown around the heel.

Why the Challenger 7 is good for you

The Challenger has always been that versatile almost all-terrain Clifton of the trails. The 7 is the closest that the Challenger has come to its original form in quite some time.

The Challenger is considered Hoka’s attempt at this new category of shoes called “road-to-trail shoes” or “transitional shoes”.

In terms of how technical it can go, you can definitely take this on road, gravel, and beyond. There are more very grippy options like the Speedgoat and Zinal, but the Challenger will handle most of those traditional buffed-out trails.

The outsole rubber has minimal lugs that are more geared for dry-specific conditions, which makes the Challenger do just fine if you’re running on:

  • Dry trails
  • Summer trails
  • Gravel trails
  • Roads

Overall, the Challenger is a great cross-over shoe that you would run from your house to the trail and then back.

Hoka Solimar

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Hoka-solimar

How does the Hoka Solimar fit?

The Solimar fits true to size, but where it’s a little bit off is the width of the toebox. It’s just a little bit narrow and the outside toe might rub just a little bit.

However, this knit upper is a little bit stretchy and it really wasn’t much of an issue.

So if you do have a wider foot, the knit upper does stretch in the toebox. Or better, you can get the wide version of the Solimar.

Why the Hoka Solimar is good for you

The Solimar is a definitely different shoe that falls in a new category in the Hoka lineup. It’s not the maximum cushioned that’s designed to go long on the roads or on the trails.

If you want to run fast or long, this isn’t the shoe for that. This is what I would call a home-to-gym-to-home shoe. If you want to run two miles to the gym, go do your strength workout, and run 2 miles back, this is the shoe for you.

Hoka Kawana

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Hoka-kawana

How does the Hoka Kawana fit?

The Kawana fits true to size. We have a recycled engineered jacquard mesh which is very stretchy and very comfortable.

Why the Hoka Kawana is good for you

Hoka made the Kawana’s midsole a little bit firmer and I think the main reason for that is that this is a moderate stability shoe.

What that means is when your foot lands, the Kawana is going to prevent you from crashing in either too much inward or too much outward. It’s going to help keep your foot planted and hopefully also your ankles and your knees in a better alignment.

Hoka Cavu 3

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Hoka-Cavu-3

How does the Hoka Cavu fit?

If you have a lot of volume to your foot, especially through your toes, this might be not the shoe for you.

Why the Cavu 3 is good for you

This is how I would foresee the Cavu:

You’re going to jog in this shoe to the track for two miles for example. And instead of bringing a second shoe for your track workout, you’re going to keep the Hoka Cavu on your feet and you’re going to do 8 by 400 meters around the track with 60 seconds rest, then you’re going to jog two miles back to your car for your cool down.

So…

Do Hokas Run Big?

Now you have the answer. As you can see, Hoka sizing differs from model to model. If you’ve ever had any issues with Hoka sizing, please share your experience down below in the comments section.

Until then, stay safe 🙂

About Eric Barber

Eric Barber is a happy father of two little angels, a husband, and a runner. He eats, sleeps, and dreams anything foot related: running shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, you name it. It all started when Eric was a shoe store specialist watching and fitting people's feet day in and day out.

6 thoughts on “Do Hokas Run Big or Small – Which Models Are True to Size?”

  1. I have a narrow foot and tried the Cliftons. My normal shoe size for running is 8.5. The Clifton was a great shoe and I could see loving it but because the shoe was so big My foot was sliding around too much. My heel was not locked in and I felt the looseness would cause rubbing on my heel and my haglunds deformity. From reading your reviews I think the Mach my be a better fit for me.

    Reply
    • Have you tried size 8? Although they look big, Hokas are not that big on the inside. If you get the Mach, tell us about the fit, please?

      Reply
    • Hokas are known to fit on the smaller side. The Challenger 5 was a bit tight, but while the 6 still hugs the foot, it doesn’t fit as tight and it’s true to size for most foot sizes and shapes.

      Reply

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