Hoka Bondi SR
Sizes: 5 to 11 (W), 7 to 15 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 6mm | Colors: 5 | Special feature: Water resistant
- What’s notable: The Bondi 8 is extraordinarily plush and has a no-slip tread.
- What could be better: Because it’s leather, this shoe is not as breathable as one with more mesh.
Hoka took their most cushioned shoe—the Bondi 8—and made it even plusher. Crafted from water-resistant leather, it can handle spills, puddles, and other wet conditions, and the sky-high level of EVA midsole cushioning absorbs pressure to keep your feet comfortable. If you work in the service industry or medical field, you’ll also appreciate the grippy sole, which prevents slip on slick surfaces.
Best Lightweight Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Lots Of Foam Cushioning Without Being Heavy
Hoka Clifton 9
Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 16 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 5mm | Colors: 21 (W), 26 (M) | Special feature: Reflective heel panel
- What’s notable: The Clifton 9 is padded with layers of foam but still lightweight, and the grippy outsole offers solid traction.
- What could be better: Some say the tongue comes up too high in the front and causes irritation.
The Clifton 9 is arguably Hoka’s most popular all-around shoe. While it’s excellent for walking and running, it’s also a top pick for standing all day, thanks to the compression molded EVA foam midsole, cushioned rocker bottom, breathable knit material and excellent traction. Hoka added more heel stack (which translates into more cushioning) while shaving off four grams of weight to keep you feeling light on your feet. If you work outdoors, consider the weatherproof Clifton 9 GTX.
Best Stability Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Keeps Your Body In Proper Alignment
Hoka Gaviota 5
Sizes 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 15 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Colors: 10 |Heel-To-Toe Drop: 6mm| Special Feature: Stretchy creel mesh material
- What’s notable: This pick combines plush comfort with just enough stability.
- What could be better: It’s a little on the heavy side, and the traction isn’t as grippy as some other Hoka sneakers.
When walking or running, stability is important because it prevents overpronation (when your feet rolling excessively inward on impact with the ground). But stability features are key for standing as well, because they improve your posture and keep your body in proper alignment. The Gaviota 5 has an H-shaped frame to evenly distribute pressure across your foot, plus it has a wide, highly cushioned base and CMEVA (compression molded ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole foam for comfort.
Best Cushioned Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Pillowy To Prevent Foot Aches And Soreness
Hoka Bondi 8
Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 16 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide, X-Wide | Colors: 17 (W), 19 (M)| Heel-To-Toe Drop: 4mm| Special Feature: Ortholite hybrid sockliner
- What’s notable: These sneakers have a a full-length EVA midsole, a memory foam collar and come in wide and extra wide widths.
- What could be better: Some people find the stacked rocker bottom takes some getting used to.
The Bondi 8 is a super-cushioned, neutral shoe (no extra stability technology) that’s designed to be exceptionally comfortable and shock-absorbing whether you’re walking or standing. Hoka recently made a few important upgrades to this shoe, including using softer and lighter foams and adding a wide, rear “crash pad” to improve balance and stability. A memory foam collar hugs your ankles, and the engineered mesh material keeps feet cool.
Best Versatile Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Cushioning, Plus Reflective Features
Hoka Transport X
Sizes: M4/W5 to M14/W15 | Width: Regular| Colors: 6 | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 5mm| Special Feature: Reflective details
- What’s notable: The midsole foam and carbon fiber plate make feet feel springy.
- What could be better: It’s not available in a wide width.
This all-gender shoe may be designed for daily acitivities (as opposed to some other shoes on this list which are designed for running and other athletic activies), but it’s still packed with plenty of cushioning plus a carbon fiber plate for extra comfort and bouciness. What’s more, it has relective elements to boost visibility at night (helpful for those who work outside), and a sticky rubber sole to prevent slipping and sliding.
Best Supportive Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Extra Features To Minimize Pain
Hoka Arahi 7
Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 15 (M) | Width: Regular, Wide | Colors: 10 (W), 9 (M)| Heel-To-Toe Drop: 5mm| Special Feature: Stretchy dual gusset to keep tongue firmly in place
- What’s notable: J-Frame technology provides stability, and the flat knit upper hugs the foot.
- What could be better: While it’s quite plush, it’s not as heavily cushioned as some of the other sneakers on this list.
The Arahi 7 utalizes J-Frame technology to provide support in the arch area (without feeling stiff) and keeps your body in alignment while you’re standing. The flat knit upper is breathable and supportive, the tongue is plush, there’s a nice amount of cushioning—and the durable sole is up to the task of standing for hours on end.
We research, test and thoroughly analyze the best shoes on the market and have published a wide variety of footwear stories. Our recommendations are always informed by firsthand experience, independent reviews and unbiased opinions.
- This list was compiled by Forbes Vetted contributing writer Lesley Rotchford, who has been covering men’s and women’s fashion for more than 20 years. She is also a former track runner and has extensive experience testing and wearing running sneakers, including Hokas.
- The publication of this article was overseen by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has written and edited lifestyle content, including health and fitness articles, for more than 20 years.
- We frequently tap our internal expert sources to gain firsthand insight on the products we feature, and we also interview external expert sources. For this piece, we consulted foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Mark Drakos, medical director of the Hospital of Special Surgery Long Island, about what features to look for when selecting shoes for standing all day.
How We Chose The Best Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Forbes Vetted contributing fashion writer Lesley Rotchford researched the most popular Hoka sneakers for standing, and tested some herself by wearing them all day (even standing in them while she was writing) to ensure they offered enough comfort and support. She then compared her picks with customer reviews and ratings to ensure the selections on this list met consumer expectations. Lastly, she interviewed foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Mark Drakos, medical director of the Hospital of Special Surgery Long Island in Uniondale, New York, about what makes a solid standing shoe.
What To Look For In Shoes For Standing All Day
When it comes to cushioning, you can’t have too much. “If you have a job that requires being on your feet all day, look for the most cushioned shoe you can find,” says Dr. Drakos. “You want a thick layer of foam to cushion the area and absorb shock.” Look for shock-absorbing foams like EVA, TPU and PEBA, “and carbon plates can increase comfort too,” says Drakos. Cushioning often comes at a cost—extra weight—but the Hoka Clifton 9 is unique in that it’s highly cushioned but weighs in at just 8.7 ounces.
Stability shoes are a good choice for people with flat feet, because they offer more support and keep feet in a neutral position—which can prevent foot pain when standing. “Stability shoes tend to have thicker soles and more arch support, and this is all helpful when standing for long periods of time,” says Dr. Drakos.
When standing for long periods, look for breathable uppers made out of materials like mesh or knit. “This prevents your feet from getting too sweaty, and provides more flexibility in the shoe,” says Dr. Drakos. These stretchy materials can also be more comfortable for those with wide feet or circulation problems that can lead to foot swelling. Leather is another good option; it’s not as breathable as mesh but it offers extra support.
This is a buzzy term in the sneaker world these days, and it refers to the difference between the amount of cushioning under your toes and the amount of cushioning under your heels. “I don’t recommend minimalist [zero drop] shoes because they don’t offer enough protection and can lead to stress fractures, but a very high heel-to-toe drop can put pressure in the forefoot,” says Dr. Drakos, who prefers a more balanced heel-to-toe drop. The most common measurement is 10mm, and our top pick, the Bondi SR, has a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm, indicating a more balanced level of cushioning throughout the shoe.
Which Hoka Shoe Is The Most Comfortable?
The Bondi 8 is considered the most comfortable of all of the Hoka sneakers, due to its layers of pillowy foam cushioning, memory foam collar and breathable mesh material.
Are Running Shoes Good For Standing All Day?
Yes. The same features that make running shoes comfortable to jog in also make them comfortable to stand in—namely, cushioning, support and breathability. Runners sometimes complain that extra cushioning slows them down on the roads or in a race, but the additional weight isn’t an issue when standing.
Does Standing Cause Feet To Swell?
Sometimes standing or walking for long periods can cause some minor swelling—but there are many other factors that can contribute to foot swelling too, including circulatory conditions, pregnancy and injuries. Either way, it can be uncomfortable. If you are struggling with foot swelling, look for roomy, flexible shoes like the Bondi 8 (which comes in wide and extra wide widths), and Dr. Drakos recommends wearing compression socks as well.
