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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:A review and comparison of Hoka One One running shoes}}
The [http://www.zappos.com/hoka-one-one 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 Hokas are one of my [[Shoes| recommended running shoes]], but I think the [[Altra Olympus]]/[[Altra Paradigm]] is a 'better Hoka'. However, highly cushioned shoes are not without their downsides and [[Are your running shoes injuring you| may be responsible for some running injuries]]. I've included some recommendations to help you evaluate if Hokas are right for you.
=Introduction=
Hoka One One, pronounced "Hoka O-nay O-nay", means "now it is time to fly" in [http://www.maoridictionary.co.nz/index.cfm?dictionaryKeywords=hoka&search.x=0&search.y=0&n=1&idiom=&phrase=&proverb=&loan= Maori]. These shoes have midsoles that are much thicker and softer than traditional shoes. The soles are also wider to prevent the higher soles making the shoes unstable, like stilts. However, the sole is not as thick as it appears from the outside, as you can see from the image below. The foam in the midsole comes up the sides of the shoe much higher.
=The Hoka Problems=
* The thick sole of the Hokas produces a greater ankle stress on uneven surfaces. The wider sole reduces this problem a little, but when trail running this is still an issue. In the past I have never had trouble with twisting my ankles, but the Hokas did cause some ankle stress and pain.
* The added cushioning protects the soles of the feet, but I've found I've had joint stress with the Hokas that I've never had with my [[Modified Nike Free]]. This is in line with the research that has shown [[Are your running shoes injuring youThe Science of Running Shoes| greater joint stress with greater cushioning]].
* Even though the cushioning of the Hokas is far softer than other shoes, the thickness makes them quite stiff. This reduces the natural flexing of the foot, but it also puts extra stress on some areas of your foot. The skin on the back of the heel has more friction and the tendons under where the laces are tied have more pressure. I've found that [[Lacing]] the Hokas loosely limits the tendon stress, and my [[Blister Prevention and Socks| favored sock combination]] mitigates the [[Blister Prevention| friction]].
* I've found my [[Running Form]] tends to degrade while running in the Hokas rather than my [[Modified Nike Free]]. When I swap back, it takes a few miles for my form to recover. I've also noticed that my [[Cadence]] is lower in the Hokas, but this might be due to the extra weight.
# Are you willing to try out minimalist shoes? I'm a big proponent of minimalist footwear, but I realize not everyone wants to try it out.
# See how one of [[Minimalist Running Footwear| these minimalist shoes]] works for you.
# Try the Hokas, starting with the [http://www.zappos.com/hoka-one-one-bondi-s-red-white-yellow Bondi Speed[Hoka Clifton]] or the [http://www.zappos.com/hoka-one-one-bondi-b-white-grey-citrus Bondi B]
# How far do you run? Hokas may have some advantages over minimalist shoes for longer ultramarathons.
# Try the Hokas for your longer runs. Obviously test them out on shorter runs and build up, but I'd recommend using the Hokas for the long stuff and the minimalist shoes for the rest.
