The Best HOKA Shoes for Running Fast
From fast workouts to race day, these road running shoes have got you covered.
Updated: March 24, 2022
If you're a fan of the HOKA ONE ONE Australia brand, you may already have a line-up of outstanding shoes in your closet: the Bondi for recovery days, the Clifton for everyday running, the Rincon for uptempo runs, or maybe the Speedgoat for days out on the trails. BUT if you're looking for something super speedy for race day, HOKA loyalists now have road racing shoe options for anything from s a 5K to ultramarathons (that work great for uptempo day too).
Best for 5K to Marathon
The combination of Hoka's all-new foam paired with a carbon fiber plate makes the HOKA Rocket X a perfect addition to any HOKA fan's racing arsenal. An elite racing option for runner's looking to race anything from the 5K to full-marathon, this shoe keeps weight to a minimum and has a thin, breathable mesh upper that ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
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What We Love:
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RW Staff Thoughts: "The Rocket X is Hoka's best racing shoe to date. It's light, cushioned, smooth, and responsive. Could the foam compound be a little lighter and more responsive? Yes, but this shoe's performance is still very impressive, and for the price point ($245), it may be best in class." -Connor, RW Reviewer |
Best for Marathon to Ultra
Offering maximal cushioning alongside a highly responsive, carbon-fibre plate, the newly updated Carbon X 3 brings race-ready speed to those striving to move fast over long distances. With a repositioned carbon plate and a softer underfoot feel, the Carbon X 3 provides the durability and protection necessary for the long haul without sacrificing the speed and efficiency needed to break PRs.
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RW Staff Thoughts: "The Carbon X 3 can be a versatile option for a number of people. Some can use it as a race day shoe, while others will find it works better as a fast training option, and some will also be able to use it for daily training." -Nath, RWAU Reviewer |
Best for Fast Daily Training and Uptempo Workouts
Taking inspiration from the Carbon X 2 and packaging it into an even more versatile design, the HOKA Mach 5 is a fantastic option for workouts, daily training, and everything in between. Completely updating the shoe from top to bottom, the latest version creates a much more bouncy expierence that feels smooth and efficient at nearly any pace. While their are more race specific options available from HOKA, the Mach 5 offers that fast and fun feel that you can bring out for every run of the week.
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RW Staff Thoughts: "The Mach 5 has everything you want in a versatile trainer that can also be used for race day. It is light, smooth, cushioned, and fits great." -Justin, RW Reviewer |
