Hoka trainers, are they really worth the hype?

I’d been doing my research and found Hoka’s to be quite supportive and for the longer runs that I wanted to be doing they seemed the best fit but I just wasn’t sure what trainer to go for, there was such a selection and it was very overwhelming. I mean I say research but it was mainly just scrolling on TikTok looking for the prettiest one. Thank god I’m not a serious runner, just a hobby one. I decided to go for a gait analysis which I’d never done before and thank god I did as I’d been running with a massive overpronation which means my foot rolls over by more than it should so it was really impacting my running which was why I was have never ending injuries. I was actually heading towards getting the Clifton 8’s but they would have been the totally wrong shoe for me.

After running on the treadmill a few times and trying out different trainers on the advice from the man in the running shop who was very knowledgeable, I finally decided on a pair of the Arahi 6’s from Hoka in the colour costal sky. When it comes to aesthetics I think Hoka have won, they always have the most amazing colour selection no matter what shoe you’re after. I have always been a neutral girl when it comes to running, everything I have goes together seamlessly and if it was my choice I probably would have gone for the black/white option Hoka have and I know the costal blue colour isn’t very neutral but I have grown to love it so much. Hoka are also known for their j-frame technology which is designed to combat overpronation without adding unneeded stiffness or weight.

Fast forward to August and i’ve now ran just under 60 miles in them so feel I can give a good review on my thoughts. It’s classed as a lightweight stability trainer and I’ve definitely felt the support, it feels very light to run on and even though it really does provide a lot of stability, it does so without feeling overly stiff and rigid which is great. The sole is bigger than I’m used to but it’s made of foam which is where the cushioning comes from.

I’ve really felt a difference compared to my last pair of nike trainers which I picked out of sports direct having absolutely no clue what I was doing. I’ve been really enjoying my running in the Arahi 6’s, they have such a good cushioning so my feet don’t feel like they are pounding against the ground. They also have some mesh in the upper tops and in the lining which is breathable and moves really well when I run, i’ve had no blisters so far which is always a plus!

In the end I actually went for a size above what I would normally wear, I knew you had to go a little bigger with running trainers but I didn’t realise it was a whole size bigger but they are perfect and just the right size, thy feel very roomy and not tight at all. If you’re in between sizes I’d say go a little bigger than you have to, there’s nothing worse than snug trainers while running.

Overall, the Hoka Arahi 6 is my kind of shoe it helps stabilise my running form and well as help my overpronation, they really have changed the game with my running form and have helped me massively. Once I’ve ran a good 350/400 miles in these I will definitely be getting another pair but I will definitely be going for a gait analysis before, I really didn’t realise just how important it was so this is your sign to go and get one.

I can say Hoka trainers are definitely worth the hype they are getting. If you’ve been on the fence about Hoka’s let me encourage you to get them and join us on the other side, they are such are great investment and will immediately up your running game.

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