Over the past few years, shoes like Hoka are positively everywhere. From patrolling city streets to holding court in the gym, these sneakers are having their moment with their unmistakably massive foam soles, curved design, and neon colorways. They may be comfortable and great for running, but hey, Hokas aren’t for everyone, and if you fall into that camp, I can’t say that I blame you (I find them positively hideous, myself).
Although they may be ugly, they’re certainly practical. And if you’re looking to emulate all of the best features of Hokas but with a few key changes, I’ve rounded up the top options that have a similar look and feel but offer something slightly different.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or searching for extra comfy walking shoes, these are the best Hoka-like shoes for guys on the go.
Key Takeaways
After hours and hours of research, I am confident in my picks. Here we go. Quickly gaining on the brand, the On Running Cloudgo Sneaker are the best shoes like Hoka if you’re looking for a foolproof jogging companion. These sneakers have oversized soles similar to Hokas, which reduces impact and drives you forward with a good-looking design.
Since they’re similarly priced to Hokas, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, consider the Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Running Shoes with a chunky gel-filled sole, breathable design, and plenty of color options at an affordable price.
Keep reading for more of the best shoes like Hoka.
Our Top Picks
Why they’re great: On has dominated the running shoe space for the past few years and the sneaker world in general. As a fierce competitor, these are some of the top options for shoes like Hoka, especially given the lightweight, innovative design. Heavily cushioned with a rocker design, the Cloudgo sneaker helps to propel you forward and soften every stride.
Who are these for? Choose this type of sneaker instead of Hokas if you’re looking for a more low-profile silhouette that still offers plenty of support while pounding the pavement. They’re supremely comfortable and designed to maximize energy return while road running to keep you fueled up no matter how many miles you’re gunning for.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These sneakers are available in a wide fit but are not as roomy as wide fits from other footwear brands like Asics.
Material: Polyester mesh | Sole Material: TPU Speedboard, Helion Superfoam | Sizes Available: US 7–14 | Colors Available: 12
Why they’re great: Although Hokas are designed primarily for running, the beauty of the shoe is that you can do almost anything in it. The same rings true for these sneakers from Tropicfeel, created to accompany you wherever life leads (they’re by far the best travel shoes for men).
From big city streets to trails off the beaten path, these performance kicks are the ultimate choice for ease of wear and versatility. They’re decked out with adventurous features like quick-drying material, extra grippy soles, and super durable construction.
Who are these for? The downside of Hokas is their wearability. Sure, they work for the gym, but they pretty much stop there. These sneakers are the best alternative if you want a pair of shoes that’ll take you from your workout to the bar without breaking a sweat (literally). They have less of an inflated look on the soles while still providing decent cushioning, making them simple to style outside of workouts.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The major flaw with these sneakers is the quality of the laces. The shoes have an incredible slip-on lacing system, but the piece of plastic on the end of the laces is prone to falling off, causing the strings to pull through the shoes rather than staying in place.
Material: Polyester mesh | Sole Material: Rubber, EVA foam | Sizes Available: US 6–12.5 | Colors Available: 10
Why they’re great: Maybe they’re basic, but these sneakers will get the job done. They’re bolstered by a PureGEL midsole, designed to soften each step’s impact without weighing down your stride. Coupled with unique technology on the bottom of the shoe, these Hoka-like shoes are constructed to help you rebound faster and conserve energy while on the move. They feel bouncy and breathable, made to propel you forward with each step.
Who are these for? These have a really similar fit to most Asics, just outfitted with extra cushioning in the midsole. So, if you’re a fan of this sneaker brand, these will fit flawlessly into your rotation, especially if you’re a roadrunner. They’re also backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health if you need extra support.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The laces on these sneakers are prone to coming untied, especially on longer runs.
Material: Jacquard mesh | Sole Material: AHAR LO and PLUS Rubber, PureGEL Technology | Sizes Available: US 7–15 | Colors Available: 19
Why they’re great: For an extra hefty dose of foam, the midsoles on these sneakers make them very similar shoes to Hoka. With a thick layer of foam running the entire shoe length, these New Balance kicks are cushioned to an extreme for extra spring in every step.
These are regarded as some of the best budget-friendly alternatives to Hoka. Wearing them is like walking on a cloud. They’re excellent for shock absorption and are comfortable right out of the box.
Who are these for? If you don’t want to spend $200+ on a pair of Hokas with a similar construction, then these are an incredibly affordable choice recognized by the APMA. New Balance has been making sneakers for nearly 120 years and is constantly at the forefront of new footwear innovations. Speaking of, there’s a more recent version of these shoes (the v5), but I find this pair more comfortable.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It might take a few wears to get the feel of these shoes. The extreme cushioning gives some wearers a slightly off-balance feeling, but it’s quickly overcome after wandering around in them for a bit.
Material: Mesh | Sole Material: Fresh Foam X | Sizes Available: US 7–16 | Colors Available: 19
Why they’re great: These are excellent performance sneakers, which makes them quite close to Hokas. Although they forgo the oversized foam addition, they still offer plenty of cushioning in the midsole, with a durable construction and impact-mitigating design. These sneakers are soft but still offer plenty of support, giving a slightly more stable feel compared to the rocker-shaped sneakers.
Who are these for? For tried-and-true running shoes that skip out on some of the newer bells and whistles, these hit the spot every time. Mizuno is an underdog in the running world, but the Japanese brand has been on the scene for more than 100 years, perfecting the craft of comfortable casual shoes. These Hoka-like shoes are a versatile choice that can be used for much more than hitting the track… pickleball, anyone?
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is the 27th rendition of the Mizuno Wave Rider, and die-hard fans of the shoe state that this version doesn’t live up to the previous one, namely because the toe box is slightly smaller. But you won’t know the difference if you’ve never owned a pair of Wave Riders.
Material: Jacquard air mesh | Sole Material: X10 Carbon rubber, Mizuno Enerzy foam | Sizes Available: US 7–16 | Colors Available: 14
Why they’re great: As the best alternative to Hoka’s Challenger line, you’ll make great use of these on any trail. With extra pronounced lugs for grip, a shockingly lightweight design, and a cushioned midsole, these sneakers will help you conquer mile after mile on uneven terrain. Coming in at well under $100, these Hoka-like shoes are also a compelling budget alternative to Salomon’s internet-breaking trail sneakers and work well for urban streetwear, too.
Who are these for? Trail running requires significantly more traction than city streets, so if you’re headed to the woods, these are the top choice for practical footwear that looks as sharp as it functions.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The uppers on these sneakers are made from a thick, padded mesh that’s less breathable (but more durable) than other pairs of Hoka-like runners. If you don’t plan on stomping through the backcountry, Saucony’s Triumph 19 is a great alternative, especially if you’re gunning for a similar overly cushioned running shoe like Hoka.
Material: Mesh | Sole Material: PWRRUN cushioning, PWRTRAC rubber outsole | Sizes Available: US 7–13 | Colors Available: 7
Why they’re great: With a slightly reduced “moon shoe” look, these are the best shoes like Hoka for a less pronounced appearance. This doesn’t cut down on their practicality, though, as they have a plush midsole and breathable fit.
Brooks doesn’t go overboard with the support here but does pull out all the stops for cushioning that works for running, the gym, or any other sports-focused activity. Instead of trying to keep your balance with rocker foam, these shoes keep it simple with everything you need for a comfortable workout.
Who are these for? If you want a softer landing while running and a super comfortable shoe, these are a great option, especially if you aren’t a fan of overly cushioned sneakers like Hoka. In my opinion, this also makes them more wearable while still being accepted by the APMA. Not to mention the nearly fifty colorways that ensure that you’ll find a pair that suits your tastes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some may find the toe box a bit narrow on these shoes. However, they come in wide and extra wide fits, for those searching for shoes for wide feet.
Material: Air mesh | Sole Material: DNA LOFT V2 cushioning, rubber | Sizes Available: US 7–15 | Colors Available: 43
Buying Considerations for Shoes Like Hoka
Sole Design
The primary consideration when choosing Hoka-like shoes is the sole design, since this is the main draw of the brand. Hokas are known for their oversized, extra cushioned midsole, crafted to propel runners forward, provide ample support, and absorb shock with a rocker-shaped construction. Choosing footwear with a similar sole is paramount if you’re looking for Hoka-like shoes.
The good news is that many brands have been mimicking Hokas’ revolutionary design and employing a twin sole in their own running sneaker renditions.
The only downside is that the chunky sole can be challenging to style and difficult to wear outside of workouts. If you’re looking for a more versatile sneaker, then you may want to consider a more low-profile sole design similar to the Tropicfeel All Terrain Sneakers or the Mizuno Wave Rider 27.
Extra Features
It’s also worth considering shoes with extra features to aid in your exercise endeavors or overall footwear experience — after all, these are some of the best men’s shoes for standing all day. Some beneficial sneaker qualities to look out for include breathable material, a lightweight design, quick-drying uppers, and robust traction or extra grip.
It depends on your intended uses because, for example, if you’re shopping for road sneakers, you won’t need deep lugs on your shoes. But if you’re hitting the trails, then weather resistance and extra traction is always a plus.
Carefully consider when and where you’ll use your shoes to determine which additional features you may benefit from.
Size & Fit
Finally, the best Hoka-like shoes have a massive variety of sizes and fits to cater to a whole slew of individuals. Many of them offer wide fits for gents rocking larger feet. You’ll also quickly discover that many running sneakers have a narrower toe box, which keen reviewers always point out. Since shoes on this list are primarily designed for running, choosing the right size and fit is essential for a comfortable experience.
How We Chose
To choose the best Hoka alternatives, the following criteria were used:
Brand Reputation: These days, many people buy Hokas mainly because of the brand name. Since the company’s reputation carries such a hefty weight, all of the brands on this list have similar clout. Plus, many of these businesses have been making sneakers for far longer than Hoka has been on the map.
Design: All shoes on this list were explicitly chosen for their innovative design, which closely matches that of Hoka. These sneakers were selected for their similar construction, from oversized soles to supremely breathable uppers.
Running Features: Most people make a beeline for Hokas because they’re specifically designed for running rather than as general sports shoes. The shoes featured here emulate similar running features to cater to the sport and beyond.
Price: Hokas and most decent running shoes come with a considerable price tag. The shoes on this list cover a wide range of costs, so every man can find footwear that suits his unique needs and budget.
Why Trust Us?
Jane is an experienced fashion writer who specializes in athleticwear. It’s fitting, considering it’s all she wears, from running shoes to sweatsuits. Through her writing and extensive research, Jane strives to help men make informed decisions when choosing the best clothing and footwear for their specific purposes.
Through this article and related posts like best athleisure brands and best tracksuits for men, Jane is dedicated to doling out the latest fashion advice, prioritizing comfort and practicality over all else.
Final Verdict
The best shoes like Hoka are the On Running Cloudgo Sneaker, which has a specialized design to support runners by cushioning impact. Considering that they have a similar price point to Hokas, if you’re looking for a more affordable choice, the Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Running Shoes are tried-and-true classics with a gel-filled midsole and lightweight design.
FAQ
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Hokas are special because they’re specifically designed for runners, helping to propel them forward with more power using less energy. The shoes are insanely comfortable and have an extra large foam midsole with a slightly curved shape that drives wearers forward with a very lightweight design. Hokas also have a larger toe box than most running shoes, making them attractive for men who like more room in their sneakers.