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f{{DISPLAYTITLE:A review and comparison of Hoka One One running shoes}}
The Hoka shoes started the 'maximum cushioning, minimum drop' style of shoe with their thick, softly cushioned soles. They reduce the pounding on the soles of your feet, but they are not without their downsides. The [[Hoka Clifton]] is one of the most impressive shoes I've come across recently, with remarkable levels of cushioning at a light weight. I've included some recommendations to help you evaluate if Hokas are right for you.
=Introduction=
=Hoka or Altra?=
[[File:HokaOlympusSlice.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|A comparison between the Altra Olympus and Hokas.]]
While Hoka was the first company to produce the Minimax Maximalist style of shoe, but Altra has started to produce comparable shoes. The Altra key selling points are zero drop (no high heel) and a shape that matches the human foot. Initially the Altra shoes were minimalist, with thin, firm midsoles, but they have introduced some thicker, softly cushioned shoes such as the [[Altra Olympus]]. At the same time, Hoka has moved to thinner, firmer shoes such as the Rapi Nui, Conquest or huaka. I've run in both Hoka and Altra shoes, even swapping between them during 100 miles races. As you can see from the picture of the dissected shoes above, the shoes are quite similar, but the Hoka has a much more abrupt taper of the midsole at the front of the shoe. By comparison the Altra tapers more gradually from further back. I find the Altra a better Minimax Maximalist shoe than the Hoka range, but things may change as each manufacturer evolves (or devolves) their product range.
[[File:HokaOrAltra.png|none|thumb|500px|A tongue-in-cheek look at the different shapes of the Hoka and Altra shoes.]]
=The Meta-Rocker=