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Hoka started in Annecy in 2009, when two former Salomon staff built a shoe with far more foam underfoot than anything else on the market and aimed it at ultra runners coming down mountains. The oversized midsole, and the rocker shape it creates, is still what the whole range is built around - road shoes, trail shoes and hiking boots alike. In about a decade it went from a niche ultra brand to something people wear to work all day, which tells you most of what you need to know about how the cushioning feels. Wild Earth stocks Hoka in men's and women's sizing, with free shipping Australia-wide on non-bulky items and 80 days to return anything, sale items included.
It comes down to how much foam you want under you, and whether you're mostly running or mostly on your feet.
Everyday running: Clifton
The one most people should start with. It does daily runs, long runs and walking without being a specialist at any of them, and it's lighter and lower than the Bondi. If you're new to Hoka and not sure which way to go, this is the safe answer. We currently have both the Clifton 10 and the Clifton 11 on the site - same shoe in two generations.
Maximum cushioning: Bondi 9
The most foam Hoka puts under a road shoe. It's the one to look at if you're on your feet all day, walking more than running, or coming back from a long stretch off. The trade-off is real - it's the heaviest shoe here and it sits you a long way off the ground, so if you want to feel the surface or you're doing anything quick, it's the wrong pick.
In short: Clifton for a good all-rounder, Bondi 9 if you're standing or walking all day.
On the trail it's the ground that decides, not the distance.
Rough and technical ground: Speedgoat 7
Deep lugs and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is one of the grippiest compounds going on wet rock. This is the one for steep, loose or root-covered tracks. It runs snug through the front of the foot compared with the rest of the Hoka range, and going up half a size is common - worth knowing before you order.
Trail and road in the same run: Challenger 8
Shallower lugs, so it rolls along bitumen and fire trail without the studs getting in the way. Honestly, this suits more Australian running than the Speedgoat does - a lot of what we run here is hardpack, fire road and a bit of pavement getting to the trailhead.
Long days and ultras: Mafate 5 and Mafate X
The most foam of the trail shoes, aimed at people still running after five or six hours. Either is overkill for an hour on a local track, and you'll feel the weight. The Mafate X is the newer, more built-up take on the same idea; if you're deciding between the two, check the stack and the weight on each product page.
Trail racing: Tecton X 3 and Rocket X
Both are carbon plated, light and expensive, and both are built for a result rather than for training. The Tecton X 3 is the ultra-distance racer - more shoe under you, and enough of it to still be running late in a long day. The Rocket X is the lighter, lower option for shorter and faster efforts. Buy either for a specific event, not for your weekly kilometres.
In short: Speedgoat 7 for technical ground, Challenger 8 for mixed surfaces and most weekend running, Mafate 5 or Mafate X for very long days, Tecton X 3 or Rocket X for race day.
Hoka's hiking footwear is cushioned rather than stiff, which is the opposite of how most hiking boots are built. That suits some trips and not others.
Heavier packs and multi-day: Kaha 3 GTX
Leather, taller, waterproof, and the most supportive thing Hoka makes for walking. This is the multi-day option, and the only waterproof hiking option we carry from Hoka. Even so, it's still a cushioned boot - if you're carrying twenty-plus kilos across scree, or you need something that takes a crampon, look at a traditional stiff-soled boot instead.
Hot weather and wet crossings: Infini Hike TC
A hiking sandal on a cushioned Hoka midsole. It isn't waterproof and isn't meant to be - it drains and dries fast, so it's the one for summer walks, creek crossings and anywhere your feet are going to get wet anyway. Not the pick for cold weather, scrub or anything where you want your toes covered.
In short: Kaha 3 GTX for multi-day with a real pack, Infini Hike TC for hot weather and wet feet.
Creek crossings and rock hopping: Hopara 2
A closed-toe hybrid that drains and grips wet rock, so it works where a sandal is too open and a shoe stays waterlogged. It's also become a summer shoe people just wear around, which is fair enough.
After the run: Ora Recovery Slide
A thick, soft slide for feet that have done enough for one day. Nothing technical about it - it's comfortable, and that's the whole point.
In short: Hopara 2 for wet ground and creek crossings, Ora Recovery Slide for afterwards.
Hoka's standard width is already more generous through the forefoot than most running brands, but several models are also made in a wide option. If you're between sizes with narrow feet, half a size down is worth considering; with wide feet, stay in your usual size and look for the wide.
Check out our Hoka Size Guide for a conversion chart, and if you're stuck between two sizes, contact our Customer Service team and we'll talk it through with you.
Road and everyday: Road Running Shoes, Casual Shoes
Trail and hiking: Trail Running Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Hiking Boots
Water and recovery: Water Shoes, Sandals & Thongs, Slippers
Look after them: Socks, Footwear Care, Foot Care, Footwear Accessories
Free shipping Australia-wide, bulky items excluded, and 80 days to return anything - sale items included. Full detail is on our shipping and returns pages. If a pair doesn't work out, send them back; footwear is the hardest thing to buy online and we'd rather you got the right size than kept the wrong one. You can also try them on at either of our store locations, on the Gold Coast at Burleigh Heads and in Brisbane.
Do Hoka shoes fit true to size?
For most models, yes - order your usual size. The Speedgoat is the exception people run into most, since it's snugger through the toes than the rest of the range and half a size up is common. Our Hoka Size Guides page has the full conversion chart, and Hoka is sold here in US sizing, which is the same as Australian sizing.
Are Hoka shoes good for wide feet?
Generally yes. The standard width is broader through the forefoot than most running brands, and several models come in a wide as well. Which models offer a wide changes between generations, so look at the size options on the individual shoe.
What warranty do Hoka shoes come with in Australia?
Hoka's warranty covers manufacturing faults, and it's separate from normal wear - a midsole that's compressed after a lot of kilometres isn't a fault. Your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply on top of it either way. If something has gone wrong with a pair you bought from us, contact us and we'll sort it out with Hoka for you rather than sending you off to do it yourself.
Are Hoka shoes good for walking and standing all day?
It's one of the main reasons people buy them. The Bondi in particular gets worn by people who spend a shift on their feet rather than running at all. What we can tell you is how the shoe is built; if you're buying footwear to manage a foot problem, see a podiatrist first and take their advice on what shape of shoe to look for.
How long does a pair of Hokas last?
Less than a firmer shoe, usually. The soft foam that makes them comfortable is also the part that packs down, and it goes before the outsole looks worn - so the shoe can look fine and feel flat. If they've stopped feeling springy, that's the signal, not the tread.
Can I see Hoka in store before I buy?
Yes, at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and at our Brisbane store. Stock on the shelf differs from what's online, so if you want a particular model and size held, give us a ring first and we'll check for you.