Are Hokas Good For Heel Strikers?

Hokas are very well-made shoes and are excellent for running. They are comfortable and have plush cushioning that helps you to run longer miles. But are Hokas good for heel strikers? Since 60% of runners and more than 70% of marathoners are heel strikers, this is a very important question to them.

Hokas are good for heel strikers as they have excellent heel cushioning and provide you with good shock absorption on landing.

Hokas are excellent running shoes. Most of them have thick cushioning and provide you with ultimate shock absorption.

However, there is one thing you should be aware of if you are a heel striker. When you land your Achilles area stretches a lot more than that of the runners who forefoot strikers.

Due to this, they are more prone to injuries like Achilles Tendonitis or other types of calf pains.

Hoka being a low-drop shoe brand, may not be able to help you if you have this kind of problem. Otherwise, they are great shoes for heel strikers.

Hoka Carbon X 3

Is Hoka Carbon X 3 Good for Heel Stikers?

Hoka Carbon X has slightly more cushioning in the heel area as it has a heel-drop of 5mm. This additional cushioning along with the extended backward heel cushioning is good for heel strikers.

If you observe the silhouette of Hoka Carbon X above, you will find that the heel area is extended backward.

Also, the drop of this running shoe is around 5mm. Which means it has additional cushioning in the heel area.

Both of these come together to provide you with excellent protection against heel striking.

Hoka Mach Supersonic

Is Hoka Mach Supersonic Good For Heel Stikers?

Hoka Supersonic is good for heel strikers because the overall cushioning of this shoe is great and also has added cushioning in the heels.

Hoka Supersonic has a heel drop of around 5mm. This means the heel cushioning of this shoe is more.

Along with that, it has the cushioning of the heels is extended backward and provides you with further protection.

In Mach Supersonic you also have the ProFly+ topsole which adds another level of cushioning to these shoes.

All these together provide you with excellent heel cushioning and are great for heel strikers.

Related: Why Do Hokas Hurt Your Feet?

Hoka Gaviota 4

Are Hoka Gaviota bad for heel strikers?

No, Hoka Gaviota is not bad for heel strikers. It is an excellent shock absorber when you land on your heels as the cushioning of the heel area is high. Hoka Gaviota is good for heel strikers. The drop of Hoka Gaviota is 5mm. This makes the cushioning of the heel area slightly thicker than that of the forefoot. Also, Hoka Gaviota has an overall high heel and forefoot stack which means it has more cushioning overall. This makes it great for heel strikers and provides you with an excellent running feel.

Hoka Bondi 7

Are Hoka Bondi Good For Heel Strikers?

Yes, Hoka Bondi running shoes are good for heel strikers. They have one of the thickest cushioning than any running shoe has which makes them excellent at shock absorption.

Hoka Bondi has the smallest heel drop among the Hoka running shoes. It has a 4mm drop which technically provides it slightly thicker heel cushioning.

Also, the overall stack height of Hoka Bondi is huge and makes it one of the comfiest cushioning around.

Along with that, it has a beveled heel that makes the landing on heels softer. All these factors come together to make Hoka Bondi a good running shoe for heel strikers.

Hoka Clifton 8

Is Hoka Clifton 8 Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Clifton is good for heel strikers because it has a thick midsole with extra cushioning at the heels. It also has a beveled heel area for protecting you against heel landing.

Hoka Clifton is also a low drop shoe with a 5mm heel drop. However, the overall heel stack of this shoe is excellent and provides you with good cushioning.

Also, due to the thickness of the heel area, it is an excellent shock absorber and provides you great protection against heel strike.

It has a slightly beveled heel. This is an additional measure to protect you against a heel strike.

Hoka Arahi 6

Are Hoka Arahi Running Shoes Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Arahi running shoes are good for heel strikers. It has one of the thickest cushioning and the heel cushion is extended backward. This provides additional cushioning on landing.

Hoka Arahi is one of the most comfortable running shoes from Hoka. It has a huge midsole stack and provides you with one of the best shock-absorbing capabilities among running shoes.

Also, the cushioning of the heel area is extended backward. This provides additional cushioning on landing and extra shock absorption.

All of these features together make Hoka Arahi good for heel strikers.

Hoka Rincon 3

Is Hoka Rincon Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Rincon is good for heel strikers because it has a decent amount of cushioning and thicker heel cushioning. This protects heel strikers from impact and is good for them.

Hoka Rincon has balanced cushioning. This means it is more responsive than some of the more cushy running shoes from Hoka like Arahi.

However, the cushioning that Rincon provides is great for heel strikers as it is thicker on the heel area.

Also, the heel cushion is slightly extended backward providing added cushioning. This is also beneficial for runners who land on their heels as this added cushioning will act as an excellent shock absorber.

Overall, Hoka Rincon is excellent for heel strikers.

Hoka Mach 5

Are Hoka Mach 5 Running Shoes Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Mach 5 is good for heel strikers. They have good midsole cushioning with added cushioning at the heel areas. It also has an added topsole and extended heel cushion to provide additional protection to heel strikers.

Hoka Mach has good midsole cushioning. It has a drop of 5mm. This provides you with slightly more cushioning at the heels.

Also, the heel area of this shoe is extended backward providing you with added cushioning on heel landing.

I would say that this kind of extension at the back actually encourages heel strike. Also, it has an improved topsole which is made from PROFLY+ material. It is an upgrade from PROFLY and provides you with a bouncier and cushy ride.

It also acts as an added cushioning material for heel strikes.

Hoka Clifton EDGE

Is Hoka Clifton EDGE Good For Heel Striker?

Hoka Clifton EDGE is excellent for heel strikers as it has extended heel cushioning backward which protects you from a heel strike.

Hoka Clifton EDGE is a slightly enhanced version of the Hoka Clifton and that enhancement is purely visible in the heel area.

The heel of Hoka Clifton EDGE is extended outward and that acts as an additional cushioning when you land on your heels.

To some extent, this kind of heel extension actually encourages heel strikes. Anyways, apart from the extended heel area, the heel area cushioning itself is thicker.

This is an additional cushioning that when combined with the beveled heel, actually produces excellent protection against heel stikes.

Hoka Kawana

Should you use Hoka Kawana if you are a heel striker?

Yes, you can use Hoka Kawana even if you are a heel striker. It has good cushioning in the heels and has an extended heel area at the back along with the beveled heel structure. This provides protection if you are a heel striker.

Hoka Kawana is a lightweight decently cushioned responsive running shoe from Hoka. They have balanced cushioning and provide you with a comfortable ride.

It has slightly more cushioning in the heels which are good for a heel striker. Also, the heel area is extended backward.

This is an added level of cushioning for the heel strikers as this is the first part that lands on the ground when your heel strikes.

Also, the beveled heel area is also one of the other measures that Hoka Kawana has that helps you if you are a heel striker.

Hoka Elevon 2

Is Hoka Elevon 2 Good For Heel Strikers?

Yes, Hoka Elevon is good for heel strikers. It has thicker cushioning in the heel area, protruded heel cushioning, and a beveled heel. All these are good for heel strikers.

Hoka Elevon is a well-cushioned running shoe that is great for heel strikers. It has thick cushioning in the heel area which is good for heel strikers.

The topsole of Hoka Elevon is made from PROFLY. This is a cushy and bouncy material and provides you with added cushioning.

Also, the heel area protruded outside acts as an added cushioning against heel strike.

The beveled heel also helps in shock absorption and is an added protection against heel striking.

Hoka Rocket X

Is Hoka Rocket X Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Rocket X is good for heel strikers as it has thick cushioning. This acts as a good shock absorber. Also, the carbon fiber plate helps in faster propulsion reducing the overall impact.

Hoka Rocket X is a running shoe with good cushioning. This makes it good for heel strikers. However, like some of the other models from Hoka, it doesn’t have an extended heel area for added shock absorption.

However, although it doesn’t have a thick cushioning, it has a carbon fiber plate which helps in its faster propulsion, and a more efficient toe-off.

Hoka Speedgoat 5

Are Hoka Speedgoat 5 running shoes good for heel strikers?

Hoka Speedgoat 5 running shoes are good for heel strikers. It has compression-molded foam as the midsole and is great for shock absorption for heel landing.

Hoka Speedgoat is a trail running shoe from Hoka. However, it has a similar cushioning to Clifton.

It is responsive and has a protective toe rand and 5mm lugs to carry you through the uneven trails.

However, the cushioning of Speedgoat is excellent. It is good with shock absorption. It is slightly protruded outwards, which is an added cushioning for heel landing.

It also has a mild heel bevel which is an added advantage for heel landers.

Hoka Torrent 2

Is Hoka Torrent 2 Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Torrent is good for heel strikers. The thickness of the heel area is more than that of the forefoot. This added cushioning is great for shock absorption during heel landing.

Hoka Torrent is a lightweight responsive shoe that is good for speed running. However, being a speed running shoe, it doesn’t have the midsole thickness like that of the other models from Hoka.

Regardless, it has some added cushioning in the heels and this makes it good for heel landing.

The shock absorption is decent and you will be able to move quickly from heel to toe when using this shoe.

Unlike many of the other models from Hoka, it doesn’t have that added extended heel cushioning which would have been better for heel landing.

However, it has PROFLY topsole which is an added cushioning and provides you with a bouncy ride.

Hoka Stinson ATR 6

Is Hoka Stinson ATR 6 Good Heel Strikers?

Hoka Stinson ATR is good for heel strikers as it has very heavy cushioning in the heel area. The heel area protruded outside and it has beveled heels for better shock absorption on heel landing.

Hoka Stinson ATR is a good trail running shoe for heel strikers. It is excellent with shock absorption and cushioning.

The heel stack of Hoka Stinson is excellent and stands at 37mm. This is a huge cushioning and is great for heel striking as it will provide you with optimal shock absorption.

Apart from a huge heel stack, the heel cushion is extended outside, which provides you with added cushioning on heel landing.

Also, since it has a beveled heel, it provides better heel landing with an increased surface area which provides better impact dissipation.

Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX

Can Heel Strikers Use Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX?

Hoka Speedgoat GTX can be used by heel strikers and is a good choice. It has thick midsole cushioning in the heel area along with cushioning extension in the back and a mildly beveled heel for better landing on the heels.

Like Hoka Speedgoat, Hoka Speedgoat GTX is good for heel strikers. It has a thick heel cushioning of 32mm.

This is a good heel stack and will provide you with excellent cushioning when you are landing on your heels.

Also, like Speedgoat, Speedgoat GTX also has extended heel cushioning at the back. This is excellent for heel strikers as it provides you with added cushioning on landing.

Apart from that, it is also a mildly beveled heel. This provides an added surface area on landing and improves the impact dissipation.

Hoka Zinal

Is Hoka Zinal Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Zinal is good for heel strikers because it has a good amount of cushioning in the heels, extended heel cushioning, and beveled heels for better impact dissipation.

Hoka Zinal is a lightweight decently cushioned trail running shoe. However, the thickness of the heel cushioning is enough for it to have good impact absorption.

Also, the heel is slightly thicker than the forefoot and this adds more cushioning to the heels. There is a topsole in this shoe made of PROFLY material. This adds an additional layer of cushioning and bounce for the shoe.

The heel area is extended backward and this adds added cushioning to the heel on landing. Also, the mildly beveled heels will provide better shock absorption to the heel landers.

Hoka Mafate Speed 3

Is Hoka Mafate Speed Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Mafate Speed is good for heel strikers because it has a very thick heel cushioning. This heel cushioning is slightly extended backward to provide additional cushioning during heel landing.

Hoka Mafate Speed has one of the thickest midsole cushioning available for running shoes. This is excellent for shock absorption and provides you with a great running experience on the trails.

However, this cushioning is thicker in the heels and that acts as additional cushioning for heel strikers.

Also, the heel cushion is extended backward and adds to the existing cushioning of the midsole.

Hoka Anacapa Low GTX

Is Hoka Anacapa Low GTX Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Anacapa Low GTX is good for heel strikers. It has a thick heel cushioning with extended heel support for better shock absorption. It also has a beveled heel which is good for impact dissipation for heel strikers.

Hoka Anacapa Low GTX is an excellent trail running shoe. It is comfortable and provides you with good shock absorption, even if you are a heel striker.

The heel area has a thicker cushioning and the heel stack is at a height of around 30mm. This is a good amount of cushioning and is great for heel strikers.

The heel cushioning is extended backward which is an added advantage for the heel striking runners.

The beveled heel also adds to this comfortable heel striking experience and helps with better shock absorption.

Hoka Challenger ATR 6

Is Hoka Challenger ATR 6 Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Challenger ATR is good for heel strikers. It has a thick cushioning especially at the heels. It also has beveled heels which are great for heel striking.

Hoka Challenger ATR is excellent for any terrain. It is a comfortable running shoe that can help you run both longer and shorter distances.

The thick cushioning that it has in the midsole is excellent for shock absorption. Also, added top layer is additional cushioning material.

The heel is extended backward and provides additional cushioning for the runners. Along with the beveled heel, it is excellent for heel striking.

Hoka TenNine

Is Hoka TenNine Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka Tennine is excellent for heel strikers. It has excellent heel cushioning which is also extended considerably on the outside to provide additional support to the heel strikers.

The construction of Hoka TenNine is such that, it encourages heel striking. This is one of the few shoes that encourages this kind of running pattern.

Also, the thickness of the midsole is also good. It is excellent with shock absorption and provides good cushioning at the heels.

One thing which is not present in Hoka Tennine is that it doesn’t have beveled heels. However, due to the length of exterior cushioning of the heels, you will hardly notice it.

Hoka EVO Jawz

Is Hoka EVO Jawz Good For Heel Stikers?

Hoka EVO Jawz is not good for heel strikers. The cushioning level is not very high as this is a speed shoe. Also, it doesn’t have any extended heel cushioning or beveled heels for better impact absorption during heel strike.

I would not prefer Hoka EVO Jawz for heel striking. The cushioning level of EVO Jawz is good. However, it is meant for speedrunning and shorter distances.

So, the level of cushioning is not as high as other models from Hoka. Also, unlike the other models, it doesn’t have any extended heel cushioning or beveled heels for better impact dissipation.

That is why it is better to not use Hoka EVO Jawz if you are a heel striker.

Hoka X Bodega Kaha Low GTX

Is Hoka X Bodega Kaha Low GTX Good For Heel Strikers?

Hoka X Bodega Kaha Low GTX is good for heel strikers. It has excellent heel cushioning, extended heel support, and beveled heels.

Hoka X Bodega Kaha Low GTX is a trail running shoe that is meant for the wetter regions. It is lightweight, cushy, and excellent for even long-distance running.

The heel cushioning of this shoe is also very good. It has a high heel stack that is excellent for shock absorption.

Also, the heel cushioning is slightly extended backward with a beveled heel. This makes the impact absorption even better and is excellent for heel strikers.

← Why Are ON Cloud Shoes So Expensive? (21 Reasons Why...) How To Train For A 6km Run In 2 Weeks? →

Madhusree Basu

Author, Admin

Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.

Do Hokas Run Big, Small, Or True To Size?

How To Prevent Stiff Legs When Running?

10 Best Running Shoes For Ingrown Toenails (Highly Rated)

Why Do My Calves Hurt After Running?

How To Break In New Running Shoes?

Are Nike React Good For Running? (Detailed Analysis)

New Balance Size Chart Vs Nike

ON Running Vs Nike Sizing: Differences And Similarities

How Do Mizuno Shoes Fit Compared To Nike?