It’s Time to Replace Your Hoka Running Shoes with These Better Options

What do ultramarathon runner Latoya Small, popstar Britney Spears, and model Bella Hadid all have in common? All three — and many more athletes and celebrities — have been spotted wearing Hoka shoes, in Hollywood and beyond. Since the brand’s launch in 2009, Hoka shoes have been gaining popularity and momentum, and many people consider this the “it” shoe of the era. Hoka shoes are incredible supportive, have a “rocker” design that allows for more momentum and comfort, and offers both softness and rebound. It’s no secret, then, why everyone and their mother seems to be reaching for Hoka shoes. But these shoes can also come with a hefty price tag; expect to spend no less than $100 on a pair. 

Although Hoka has exploded in the public eye, and is much-loved by many athletes and hikers, many critics believe that Hoka excels on social media — but not so much in real life. And even though Hoka has been seen on celebrity and athlete feet alike, the brand is still competing with huge powerhouses in the running world — Asics, Nike, and New Balance, just to name a few — with decades of combined experience. Many of these competitors also offer benefts and features in their shoes that far outshine what Hoka offers. To determine the running shoes you should buy instead of Hoka, 24/7 Wall St. explored consumer review sites, forums like Reddit, and running-specific websites to see what people were talking about. We listed them in order based on the information we found. But it’s important to note that reviews may be subjective. (Not feeling Nike either? Here are 10 athletic shoe brands to try that aren’t Nike.) 

Why Discuss Running Shoes?

The running shoe industry in the United States is massive — and shows, currently, no sign of slowing down. Evaluated at $10 billion in 2023, the market is forecast to reach a valuation of $14 billion by 2032. Running shoe popularity fluctuates based on a number of factors, including fitness trends, affordability, the incorporation of technology, and even celebrity endorsements. In many ways, this is how Hoka has thrived: relying on reputation from influencers and celebrities who highly laud the shoes’ benefits. However, if you’re looking for new running shoes, it’s important to look beyond the glitz and glamor to uncover what shoes have the benefits you need — lest you get hurt while running. 

Here are the 10 running shoes that you should buy instead of Hoka: 

10. Adidas 

• Headquartered: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Best running shoes: Ultraboost 5X, Supernova Rise, Supernova Solution, Ultraboost 1.0
• Global revenue: $23 billion
• Famous endorsements: Leo Messi, David Beckham, Noah Lyles, Haley Van Lith

The Runner Up

Often considered the second-best athletic company in the world behind Nike, Adidas makes a superb running shoe. While Hoka looks trendy and fun, Adidas sticks to its roots as a 100-year-old brand that has grown into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse. Famously built by the brothers who split with one going on to open up Puma, the Adidas brand and its three stripes are recognized worldwide. 

9. Nike

• Headquartered: Beaverton, Oregon
• Best running shoes: Pegasus 41, Alpha Fly 3, Vapor Fly 3, Zegama 2
• Global revenue: $51.36 billion
• Famous endorsements: Michael Jordan, Eliud Kipchoge, Craig Engels, Sha’Carri Richardson, Elise Cranny

Needs No Introduction 

As a running shoe and athletic brand, Nike needs no introduction. The undisputed heavyweight in the running shoe world, Nike has been at work building the best shoes for over 60 years. In that time, Nike has made some of the best running shoes around and used its popularity on the track to springboard into basketball shoes, where it first made a basketball shoe for then relatively unknown college champion Michael Jordan. If you’re choosing between Hoka and Nike, why not choose the brand that’s already established consumer trust as a key part of its reputation? 

8. Puma

• Headquartered: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
• Best running shoes: Deviate Nitro 3, Magnify Nitro 2, Velocity Nitro 3, ForeverRun Nitro
• Global revenue: $9.03 billion
• Famous endorsements: Usain Bolt, Neymar, Lewis Hamilton

The Lightning Shoe

Remember how we mentioned two brothers who founded Adidas? Well, Puma was established by Rudolf Dassler — one of the brothers — following the famous split. Since that time, Puma has become known for its consistently high quality and performance. Boosted by the endorsement and partnership with Usain Bolt since 2002, the brand has long been labeled one of the world’s top running shoes and athletic brands. The Deviate Nitro 3 is considered one of the best all-around running shoes in the world.  

7. Asics

• Headquartered: Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
• Best running shoes: Gel-Kayano 31, Novablast 5, Gel Nimbus 26, Gel Kayano 31
• Global revenue: $3.8 billion
• Famous endorsements: Emma Bates, Brian Cox, Valarie Allman, Novak Djokovic

All-Around Greatness

Arguably one of the best all-around running shoes available today, ASICS makes something for everyone. While other running brands might specialize in one thing over another (for example, Hoka specializes in shock absorption and support), ASICS looks to be everything to everyone — with all the features you’re searching for from a solid running shoe. Best of all, ASICS shoes give you the same level of track performance with its Gel series of running shoes at a price far more affordable than that of Hoka, for which you are paying for the trend. 

6. Tracksmith

• Headquartered: Wellesley, Massachusetts 
• Best running shoes: Eliot Runner
• Global revenue: $18.5 million
• Famous endorsements: N/A

A Growing Upstart

Founded by Matt Taylor, Tracksmith has made a name for itself in the industry as a “cult favorite,” despite the fact that the brand is still relatively up and coming. Tracksmith’s fanbase might be a trendy following versus the massive fanbase Hoka enjoys. But Tracksmith will undoubtedly surprise anyone who puts their foot into one of the company’s shoes for the first time. Its most popular shoe, the Eliot, is plain in a way Hoka is not, with a retro feeling opposite of Hoka’s bright and flashy colors, all while adding a Pebax foam midsole that feels right with every step.

5. Brooks

• Headquartered: Seattle, Washington
• Best running shoes: Ghost 16, Hyperion Max 2, Ghost Max 2
• Global revenue: $1.2 billion 
• Famous endorsements: Jess McLain, Chrissie Wellington, Dathan Ritzenheim

A Century of Experience

With over 100 years of experience, Brooks knows how to build a great running shoe. As a Hoka alternative, it offers better support, which has helped the company earn a 25% market share in the specialty running shoe market. Brooks has been named the best running shoe in the running world every year since 2017. 

4. Altra

• Headquartered: Logan, Utah
• Best running shoes: Escalante 4, Long Peak 9, Olympus 6
• Global revenue: $10.45 billion (parent company VF Corporation)
• Famous endorsements: Kara Goucher, Alysia Montano

Revenue Doubler

Altra shoes stand out compared to Hoka because Altra Running has effectively doubled its sales revenue every year since 2011. More than 1,500 retailers carry the brand, and it is growing, meaning Altra could very well be the next “it” shoe around town. The company even introduced its smart shoe in 2015 to help you track stride, foot strike zone, foot imbalance, and pace to help improve your run. 

3. Saucony

• Headquartered: Kutztown, Pennsylvania
• Best running shoes: Kinvara 15, Endorphin Speed 4, Peregrine 4
• Global revenue: $1.4 billion (parent company Wolverine World Wide) 
• Famous endorsements: Molly Huddle, Laura Thweatt, Jared Ward

Long-Distance Champion 

Saucony shoes are a favorite of long-distance runners, and there is a very good reason why: durability. The company has undergone several acquisitions, including ownership by brands like Stride Rite and now Wolverine World Wide. Still, it hasn’t impacted the success of the Saucony running shoe. This is especially true for trail runners, who love the overall impact of Saucony shoes against the ground. 

2. New Balance

• Headquartered: Boston, Massachusetts
• Best running shoes: Fresh Foam X, Rebel V4, SC Elite V4
• Global revenue: $6.5 billion (2023) 
• Famous endorsements: Gabby Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Coco Gauff, Jamal Murray, Cooper Flagg

Olympic Champion Shoes

Since gold medalists Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wore New Balance shoes in Paris 2024, there is good reason to believe the brand’s success on the track will transfer to the road and trail. The company has long been near the top of the running world, and it won’t be surprising to see that it’s among the best Hoka alternatives with ultra comfort and road feel. 

1. On Cloud

• Headquartered: Zurich, Switzerland
• Best running shoes: Cloudmonster, Cloudeclipse, Cloudstratus 3, Cloudsurfer Trail
• Global revenue: $2.04 billion (2023) 
• Famous endorsements: Hellen Obiri, Roger Federer, Iga Swiatek, Ben Shelton

The “Other” Trendy Shoe

Listen up, trendsetters: as much as Hoka is considered trendy, you’re missing out on another shoe that’s equally trendy with maximum benefits. The brand? On Cloud. The company lives up to its name, famously offering the optimal amount of cushion, which makes you feel like your foot can take more of an impact without affecting overall comfort. Many runners using On Cloud shoes praise its ability to give them a performance boost without sacrificing any energy in return.

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