Whether your weather is finally in a place where you are not drenched in sweat just from stepping foot outside, or just ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
HOKA Stinson 7
About:
The Hoka Stinson 7 is marketed as the "Swiss army knife of shoes," and it's easy to understand why. The cushion and stack height provide unparalleled comfort, no matter the surface and over long distances. The 42/37 mm stack height does not sacrifice any security, as the stabilizing H-Frame technology makes for a well-controlled, secure ride, even on more technical descents.
It is smooth on roads and gravel, as well as on rocky, uneven terrain. A squeaky sound can actually be heard as the multi-directional soles grip the ground on pavement. Rain, and even snow, would likely be no problem with this shoe! A durable toe cap offers protection for the accidental rock kicking that often occurs late in a run when the legs begin to fatigue. The upper features an engineered jacquard mesh, which feels both strong/secure, as well as incredibly breathable and light. This upper prevents overheating in even the hottest conditions, and drains pretty quickly after creek crossings, too.
Though the shoe is relatively heavy (10.8 oz w/12.9 oz m) with a big footprint, it rolls smoothly and effortlessly through the foot strike, making it an excellent choice for the longer efforts. The perfect blend of efficiency and comfort.
Things We Liked:
“The cushion, support, grip, and breathability make this an awesome shoe for long adventures, where terrain of every kind, rocks, roots, sand, streams, etc. may be encountered.”
“I've most enjoyed wearing these shoes for easy recovery days on non technical trails.”
Areas for Improvement:
“I have would be to make it fit truer to size. All other features were perfect, but the poor fit (too big) caused blisters after about 3 miles every time I wore it.”
“One improvement I'd like to see is to reduce the chunkiness and weight.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
The Hoka Stinson 7, is a max cushioned, rocketed, neutral, stable shoe that can be worn on the road or trail. Due to the overall chunkiness and weight, this would not be worn for shorter, faster races or highly technical trails. Instead the max cushioned Stinson 7 is best for slower recovery runs or longer non technical ultras. It fits true to size and has a bit wider toe box than other previously released Hoka styles. The heal locks in nicely and the toe cap provides good protection.
Specs
Type: Trail
Support: Stability
Cushion: Extra
Fit: True to Fit (some recommend to size down)
Weight: 10.8 oz
Drop: 5mm
Price: $170.00
Buy:
HOKA Gaviota 5
About:
The Gaviota 5 is Hoka’s newest max-cushioned stability shoe. From all outward appearances, the Hoka Gaviota 5 could trick many into thinking it was the next release of the Bondi. It adopts similar lateral lines along the midsole, has a similar stack height, and similar padding along the collar and tongue. However, the Bondi is not a stability shoe.
The Gaviota 5 is designed with Hoka’s new H-Frame technology which provides stability along both sides of the shoe to keep the wearer centered. This is an improvement from the J-Frame technology of previous models as well as Hoka’s other stability model, the Arahi. The J-Frame technology from before was effective at correcting for over-pronation (rolling inward) but not as effective for those who supinate (roll outward).
With the newer design, Hoka was able to pack this midsole with the softest foam they have ever used in a stability shoe. Coupled with the plush collar and tongue, Hoka has created one of their most comfortable shoes ever.
While the Gaviota can be used as a running shoe for base miles or long slow days, it really shines as a walking shoe and an everyday comfort shoe. This is a shoe for those who are on their feet all day long. At $175, it does rank as one of Hoka’s costlier models; however, much like the Bondi, the construction of this shoe is solid resulting in one of the most durable shoes in their lineup.
Things We Liked:
“The cushioning! Isn't that why any of us want these max-cushioned Hoka models? It's like walking on marshmallows.”
“I love a maximally cushioned shoe - running in the Gaviota 5 feels like logging miles on bouncy clouds.”
Areas for Improvement:
“The shoe is a bit heavy and bulky - likely from all the cushioning!”
“Well, they're heavy. It's not something that's fixable, though. That's the tradeoff for all of that foam and cushion.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
The Hoka Gaviota 5 is a good choice for runners who are looking for a comfortable and stable shoe for long runs and daily training. This maximally cushioned shoe utilizes a proprietary H-frame that pairs stability with cushioning for the best of both worlds. The creel jacquard mesh upper is breathable and the addition of a pull tab on the heel makes putting on and taking off the shoes a breeze.
The downside to all this cushioning is that the Gaviota 5 is a bit heavy and bulky. This shoe is best for easy recovery days when you want to feel like you're running on clouds. For race days and uptempo workouts, the Gaviota 5s might be a bit too much.
Specs
Type: Road
Support: Stability
Cushion: Max
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 9.1 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $175.00
Buy:
Hoka: Womens | Mens
HOKA Skyline Float X
About:
The Skyline Float X is an entirely new hybrid hiker. Combining responsive cushioning, rugged propulsion and crossover styling, the Skyline Float X will perform on the trail and is smooth on the street. It features a dual-density sugarcane EVA midsole with a 90% bio-based pebax plate sandwiched in between for a smooth ride and propulsion with each step. The upper is made with breathable air mesh that features 60% recycled yarn and the outsole grips uneven terrain with Vibram® XS Trek rubber.
Things We Liked:
“It is great to see a shoe with so many components constructed from recycled and sustainable materials.”
Areas for Improvement:
“This shoe is a mud magnet. While the design of the "Swallow Tail" heel and Vibram outsole may provide traction and a smooth transition for a variety of walking styles on dry trails, they quickly transformed into bricks within minutes of running on muddy trails as thick sludge collected in every part of the (very) substantial outsole.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
As a versatile hiking shoe, there is a lot to like-and even love-about the Hoka Skyline-Float X. First, kudos to HOKA for utilizing a variety of recycled and sustainable materials in nearly every component of this shoe. And there is a a lot of shoe. HOKA lovers will enjoy the high stack and cushioned feel provided by the Pebax plate in the midsole. The "swallow tail" heel provides stability and protection going downhill while the grippy Vibram XS outsole improves traction on slippery surfaces. Moreover, they come in color variations from neutral to vibrant, furthering their versatility from trail to sidewalk (or even post-hike shopping).
However, for those seeking a true trail running shoe, the Skyline-Float is a bit beefy. At over 12 ounces for women's shoes and 15 ounces for men's, while light compared to the average hiking boot, they feel clunky on the run. Additionally, the features that make for excellent traction on wet trails make them prone to collecting and retaining mud-making an already somewhat heavy shoe feel like a brick. All in all, as a versatile, durable, and sustainably constructed hiking shoe that looks and feels great in a variety of environments, the HOKA Skyline-Float X receives high marks.
Specs
Type: Walking and Hiking
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Firm
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 12.6 oz
Drop: 8mm
Price: $175.00
Buy:
Hoka: Womens | Mens
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read full affiliate disclosure here.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article