10 Best Hoka Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (Men and Women) 2023 - Plantar Fasciitis Runner (2024)

Do you often feel a sharp stabbing pain in your foot, particularly during the mornings? Does it limit your mobility and ability to exercise? If so, then plantar fasciitis is the probable culprit.

The exact cause of this is still unknown, but proper rest after exercising and wearing the appropriate footwear have both made a big difference. In today’s article, we’ll be sharing the 10 best Hoka shoes for those men and women suffering from this condition.

We hope to reduce your pain points with buying this, literally and figuratively.

Which Hoka Men Shoes Are Best For Plantar Fasciitis?

The needs of male athletes are a lot different from women. Usually, they are bulkier, more muscular, and have a heavier frame to support. Their chosen footwear, specifically from Hoka, must address those impending concerns to avoid serious injuries.

Join us as we identify the 5 best Hoka shoes for men based on functionality, range of features, and affordability.

Compared to other Hoka shoes, a majority of users shared that the Bondi 7 offers a snugger fit. It covers your ankles, cradles the Achilles, and accommodates those with a narrower heel. This feature greatly helps prevent any injuries from occurring.

As an added bonus, the Hoka One One Bondi 7 Running Shoes come in several colors, making it a real crowd pleaser. You can easily select a pair that matches your style and personality. Plus, wear it with either workout clothes or casual wear because it’s that versatile.

The Clifton 8 is engineered with Hoka’s patented ultra-plush tongue and refined pull tab. Users enjoy greater flexibility when exercising, but are also assured that their feet are protected. Additional rubber cushions around the bottom increase durability and comfort for extended workouts.

These features have made the Hoka One One Clifton 8 a popular choice among marathoners and triathletes. It may be a little expensive compared to other running shoes, so only buy this pair if you jog more than thrice a week.

Among all offerings, these are probably the most affordable. If you’re looking to get your first pair of Hoka shoes, the Mach 4 is a practical choice. It comes with all the basic attributes like a soft cushion, a synthetic sole, and breathable lining.

Just take note that the Hoka One One Mach 4‘s outsoles are a bit thin. So it is not recommended to wear it on rougher terrains. It’s much better suited for indoor exercises, on light jogs outside, or whenever traveling.

Beginners will find it very appealing. More serious athletes, though, will be better off choosing a higher-tier model.

For starters, its synthetic covering is designed to provide added durability, while a full-length EVA midsole offers stability when working out. Both these help reduce stress on your body by absorbing the shock. As such, it significantly reduces the likelihood of sprains and muscle strains around your legs.

The Hoka One One Arahi 5 Textile Synthetic Trainers is one of the most versatile running shoes around. Many different sports personalities, fitness coaches, and athletes have reaped the benefits of simply wearing it while exercising.

The full-compression midsole feels extremely soft, and does wonders in eliminating any excess pressure. Feel free to use them on almost any outdoor activity. This includes mountain climbing, track-and-field competitions, and other extreme exercises.

Finally, those who want to look good while doing their lunges will love how the Rincon 2 looks. It has stylish and eye-catching curves wrapped around a sleek mesh cover. It comes in several color palettes, too, to pair with any ensemble.

Which Hoka Women Shoes Are Best For Plantar Fasciitis?

Identifying the 5 best Hoka shoes for women was a real challenge, especially because there are so many options. Female athletes are also more likely to sustain leg injuries including runner’s Knee, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. Therefore, when buying footwear for them, there must be a greater priority put on the quality of cushions and the sole.

Let’s take a quick look at each of the five contenders.

The main selling point of the Hoka One One Bondi 7 for women lies in its comfort. They provide a snug fit over all the important parts of your foot. Cushions are made soft as well to negate the force caused by running and jumping.

These Bondi 7s are even equipped for other activities outside. They have a higher-than-usual midsole and sturdy exterior so it won’t easily succumb to wear-and-tear.

One of our team members experienced the same thing. But this time, they lauded over the added padding. She is a hardcore triathlete that runs 10k marathons regularly. The Hoka One One Clifton 8 really helped her maintain a steady pace because she hardly felt any strains.

These running shoes are quite pricey, though, so beginners will want to steer clear. Unless, of course, they plan on ramping up their workouts significantly.

Just be warned that because it possesses minimal traction, it is not advisable using these shoes on wet surfaces or rugged terrains. They aren’t exactly known for their durability. So signs of damage might be more evident.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to nit-pick too much. The Mach 4 is still considered as one of the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis, particularly for women. Its ergonomic design is perfectly suited for indoor exercises and workouts at the gym.

This upgrade is great news for runners. Besides giving a wider range of foot movements, it also serves as a shock absorber when running. Heftier lugs on the outsole increases durability, too, even when used outdoors.

All in all, the Hoka One One Rincon 3 is ideal for female athletes who take sports seriously. Its lightweight and engineered body was created to help better performance.

The Hoka One One Women’s Arahi 5 is recommended to professional sports women because of how well it supports their feet. The bottom of the shoe widens slightly, and serves as a shock absorber when taking part in strenuous activities.

It’s also a great alternate shoe to change into after racing. It provides immense comfort, so your feet can cool down and start recovering.

The Importance of Wearing the Correct Footwear

There are plenty of preventive measures for plantar fasciitis. Proper stretching and resting before and after working out are just some. But still, the best remedy is wearing the appropriate footwear, even just for walking.

Hoka shoes are an ideal choice because they reduce pressure, as well as keep your feet relaxed. These help regulate heat, which improves blood circulation and reduces stiffness. We’ll be sharing a bit more in the upcoming section.

Advantages of Hoka Shoes

Most people think all shoes function the same way. Oh boy are they wrong.

Newbie athletes mistakenly wear sneakers for running, and then immediately regretting the decision. Their heels and ankles would often flare up from intense exercise. As a way to cope, they would end up switching to Hoka shoes, instantly feeling a difference.

Hoka One One is a company originating from France, and established in 2009. They pride themselves on creating the most functional running shoe through enhanced cushioning and a meticulously-engineered midsole. So much so that perennial athletes like Ryan Hill, Julia Kohnen, Patrick Nilsson, and Sika Henry have endorsed them.

Hoka shoes are a lot wider than other running shoes, more lightweight, and equipped with added durability. When you run, the stress on your feet is undeniable. Having this technology provides greater mobility, thus reducing the likelihood of injuries.

Are Hoka Shoes Really Expensive?

Yes, compared to other brands, Hokas are a bit pricier. But that’s because they provide more features, grounded on science and research.

A more practical way of looking at Hoka shoes is as an investment. These have the ability to properly support your feet during workouts, and keep them from harm. That’s why they are better suited for serious athletes, professional runners or track-and-field stars, and individuals who prioritize health.

Beginners will probably just be scared off by the price tag. So choosing a cheaper option would be more practical.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Hoka Shoes

Not everyone is familiar with Hoka shoes. Which is why some people may have difficulty when choosing the perfect pair. In this next section, we’ll be sharing some important factors to consider before even taking out your credit card.

Sizing and Fit

Different brands have varying ranges in sizes. A size 10 here won’t necessarily fit the same in other brands.

As such, it is recommended fitting a piece of footwear first to test its snugness. Especially for Hoka shoes that have unique dimensions. Then, for those buying online, be extra careful when going through the specs. If possible, cross-check them with existing shoes you own to verify its fit.

This factor is really tricky because it relies on a person’s preference. Some people like it tight, while others prefer something more loose. Just remember to always prioritize comfort above anything else.

Budget

The price spectrum of Hoka shoes is incredibly wide. They sell top-tier models that are a bit pricey, while rudimentary designs are more affordable.

Have a budget in mind to avoid overspending. Then, select only from options within that range. This practice should force you to identify only the most essential features based on needs and lifestyle.

Strength of Cushions

Would you consider yourself a hardcore triathlete? Do you often run marathons that require lots of jumping and lunging? Or are you just planning to jog on a treadmill at your local gym?

Cushions are perhaps the most important part of Hoka shoes. These are the distinguishing elements of this brand. And choosing how thick or streamlined the padding is will greatly depend on your chosen activities.

Obviously, physically-demanding exercises would require thicker cushions that absorb more pressure. While their basic shoes are perfectly suited for workouts, as well as light running.

Summary

Plantar fasciitis is no laughing matter. If not treated immediately, it has the potential to develop into long-term chronic injuries to a person’s foot, heel, and even knee. That’s why wearing the proper footwear when exercising is so important, because it reduces unnecessary stress that other rubber shoes just cannot do.

Among all available options, Hoka Shoes are perhaps the most reliable. They are technologically designed to offer added comfort and protection to both professional athletes and newbie health aficionados.

After going through the different models, it is certain that the Hoka One One Arahi 5 is the best Hoka shoes for both men and women suffering from plantar fasciitis. It’s not only stylish, but also ergonomically designed to maximize your performance when exercising. And when things get too intense, it helps minimize pressure through its engineered cushions, too.

If you are someone who is into sports, this is definitely a piece of footwear worth investing in.