Hoka Just Dropped Comfy, Supportive New Sneakers — and They’re the Perfect Walking Shoes for Travel

They are breathable, blister-proof, and help with overpronation.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

As a trail runner and hiker, I love spending time in nature every chance I get, and one of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new city is to get a run in. I have tested many shoe brands on my trips, and no one makes running shoes quite like Hoka (in my humble opinion). So when I got a chance to test out the new Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take them on a few trips — and was very surprised at how well they performed on both concrete and gravel.

This is the seventh iteration of the brand’s iconic stability running shoe, the Arahi. It is a higher stack height training shoe perfect for those who want full-length medial stability in their daily sneakers. And though deemed running shoes, they also perform well as a daily walking shoe for travel if you’re exploring town and on your feet all day.

Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes

REI

$145

Buy on REI

$145

Buy on Zappos

Right off the bat, I noticed that the overall fit of the shoe is quite tapered compared to some of the other Hoka shoes thanks to a new updated flat knit upper. This might be a challenge for someone with a wider foot, but combined with a plush tongue and a signature high-heel collar, my foot and ankle felt quite snug and comfortable. I didn’t have to size up like I sometimes do with other running and hiking shoes. The toe box is still quite roomy, so you do have space to wiggle your toes. But if you want a bit more room in the front of your foot, choose the wide version. And like other Hoka shoes, the heel is slightly wider than the front, which gives your foot a bit more stability when you are running on trail or gravel.

The Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes’ midsole is made from CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) and is stiffer and firmer than some of the other shoes in its class. I prefer a firmer shoe especially as I run on trails that have loose rocks and gravel so I don’t have to be concerned about slipping or sliding.

Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes

REI

$145

Buy on REI

$145

Buy on Zappos

The shoes also have the brand’s “J-frame” technology, a firm piece of form shaped like the letter J in the EVA midsole that hooks around the heel to the medial side of the foot, which helps mitigate overpronation. (Overpronation is when your gait causes the arches of your feet to flatten more than they normally would. Over time this puts strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your arches causing a lot of foot pain.)

But don’t just take my word for it. One shopper on Hoka’s website noted that they are the most comfortable shoes they have ever worn. “I have neuropathy from chemo, and I feel so much more secure in my Hokas.”

These shoes are a bit heavier at more than one pound, so if you are looking to pack a pair of running shoes or everyday trainers on your next trip, I would wear these on the flight. Thanks to their streamlined look and updated colorways, they are stylish, and I got quite a few compliments from my fellow passengers when I wore them on my flight. Another shopper agreed with me that they are great power walking shoes. “Easily broken in. Hold up well for a 3-mile power walk,” they added.

Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes

REI

$145

Buy on REI

$145

Buy on Zappos

The Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes are best for beginning runners or those who run moderate distances at an easy to moderate pace which is exactly how I run. It is not an extremely technical shoe so if you are looking for trainers that can multitask as walking and running shoes for everything on your itinerary, these are a great choice.

If you are looking for similar everyday sneakers or running shoes for beginners, check out more popular options below.

More Comfortable Running Shoes:

Salomon Sense Ride 5 Trail-Running Shoes

REI

$140

Buy on REI

Brooks Divide 4 Sneakers

Zappos

$100

Buy on Zappos

Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 9 Trail-Running Shoes

REI

$160

Buy on REI

Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail-Running Shoes 

REI

$140

Buy on REI

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