11 Comfortable Hoka Alternatives That Feel Just as Good (From $48)
|
Time to read 9 min
I own a pair of Hoka Bondis, and while I’ll admit they’re insanely comfortable, I don’t always love how quickly they wear out (or the fact that they now cost well over $150). And honestly, they’ve gotten so mainstream that I wanted to see what else was out there.
So I went down a rabbit hole of reviews, TikToks, and personal testing to find sneakers that give me the same cushy, lightweight feel, without the hefty price tag. Some of these I’ve worn on my daily two-mile walks in Miami, others I’ve tested while traveling (like walking 30,000 steps in Italy), and a few are reader favorites I kept seeing come up again and again.
Here are the 11 best Hoka alternatives I’ve found, starting at just $48.
the best cheaper hoka alternatives I wear on rotation
1. Lululemon Women's Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe
These Lululemon training sneakers come in a bunch of different colors, but the beige stood out to me. Something that I loved about these sneakers when I tried them on was the bounce it gives you when you're walking on hard floors or just running on the treadmill. They felt very lightweight on the legs and surprisingly paired well with all my workout sets. My favorite thing about these was not only could I run and train in these, but I was able to play tennis, go on leisurely walks with my dogs, or just run errands in them. They really are a well-rounded shoe that I often reach for.
If there was one critique that I would give these, it would be that they did not have the best arch support. So, if you are someone who is looking for that maybe this isn't the best option.
2. New Balance Women's Fresh Foam New balance Running Shoe
Amazon
I did some research on Tiktok to see if anyone found hoka alternatives and this girl was raving about these New Balance fresh foams. Not only are they cheaper, but she says that it feels like "walking on marshmallows."
They are made for running but can be a great walking shoe that is also cute. As someone who is 5'2, these were a yes for me because of how much height the shoes gave me.
The Gel-Nimbus from Asics have been a classic for a while now. They definitely have a cult following because of it's extremely nice cushioned heel while still feeling very lightweight on the foot. Something that I loved about these was I was able to run on the treadmill so effortlessly, but also wear them on long 3-mile walks. I got them in white and black and they have lasted nicely for the last 3 months of wearing them.
One honest reviewer said it best: "There’s no breaking-in period. They look great, feel great, and I’d highly recommend them.”
Brooks added GuideRails® tech to this one, which basically helps keep your feet aligned and reduces excess movement. Translation: if you struggle with knee pain, these might save you. They’re cushy, stable, and still responsive when you pick up the pace.
One runner swapped out her Hokas for these and said: “These are heaven-sent! Training for a half marathon feels easier in them.”
My husband has these and I ended up buying a pair for myself because he couldn't stop raving about them. Not only do they add height (as someone who is 5'2, I love that), but you really do feel like you're walking on clouds. I wore them during a full day of errands and my feet didn't ache at all by the end. The chunky sole looks a little wild at first, but they actually style really well with leggings and even jeans. Fair warning though - they run a little narrow, so if you have wider feet you might want to size up a half.
6. Alo Runner Sneaker: Stylish Unisex Hoka Alternative
Alo
Alo isn’t just about yoga sets anymore. These unisex runners are sleek, cushioned, and grippy enough for daily wear. I wore the Alo Recovery Sneaker on a Europe trip and walked 30,000 steps a day - so I trust their comfort. Just note that arch support is minimal, so if you have flat feet, you might want something like Brooks instead.
These unisex sneakers are great hoka alternatives because of its grip pods and cushioned outsole. Just keep in mind that it might not have the best arch support, so if you have flat feet these may not be for you.
7. Amazon Slip-On Walking Shoes: Best Budget Friendly Hoka Alternative
Amazon
These not only look exactly like hokas with the better price tag, but a lot of great reviews on Amazon prime.
One verified purchaser said, "I have all kinds of shoe brands. Pricey ones. They are great. I am postpartum and feet are not the size and width they used to be. I'm on feet for Nursing shifts and wanted reasonably priced shoes. After alot of searching bought these. I wear a 9.5- 10 and bought 11. They fit perfect. Not to narrow, room for toes to move, and soooooo comfortable. they really feel like my brooks or basics. I'm going to buy a few more pair in the other colors. lol. So worth it!!!"
8. ASICS Gel-Kayano 31: Supportive Hoka Dupe for Flat Feet and Overpronation
Zappos
My mom has plantar fasciitis and I got her a pair of these for Christmas last year. She went from barely being able to walk the dog to doing her full morning loop again. The cushioning plus the support structure really does make a difference if you deal with foot pain. I've also had a ton of readers message me saying these changed their daily walks completely.
The Kayano is on the pricier side, but if you need real stability (not just soft cushioning), it's honestly worth it.
I ordered these because I wanted a backup pair of sneakers I wouldn't feel bad about beating up, and honestly they surprised me. For $38, the cushioning is way better than I expected and they look so much like Hokas that my friend actually asked if they were. The only thing is the material does feel a little cheaper up close compared to the real thing - but at this price, I really can't complain.
10. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: Reliable Hoka Alternative for Long Runs
Amazon
Out of all the brands, Brooks probably feels the most like Hokas in terms of cushioning and stability. The Adrenaline GTS 22 is supportive but still responsive, making it great for long runs or just everyday wear.
And finally, another New Balance worth mentioning if you’re looking for a more versatile option…
11. New Balance 1080v13: Comfortable Everyday Hoka Alternative
Zappos
I bought these as my everyday go-to sneaker and they haven't left my rotation since. They're cushioned enough for a gym session but still look cute with casual outfits - I've worn them out to brunch and shopping without feeling like I'm in full workout mode.
If you're just getting into running or mostly stick to easy runs, these are perfect. They're super forgiving on your joints and I noticed way less knee soreness after my jogs. That said, if you're training seriously or doing speed work, you'd probably want something with more responsiveness like the Brooks Glycerin. But for everyday comfort? These are hard to beat.
I own a pair of Hoka Bondis, and they make for a great walking shoe. However, they tend to wear out faster than I'd like. I went through my last pair in about 6 months of daily walks. Some great hoka alternatives for walking are On Cloud and New Balance. To be specific, I wear the Cloudnova sneaker and the New Balance 530 sneakers. Keep in mind these are JUST for walking. Not only do they look great (not like the nerdy chunky athletic sneaker) but they are comfortable. In Miami, during my two-mile morning walks, my feet feel great, and they last much longer than my Hokas. I also love that they're lighter, so my legs don't feel as heavy on longer days.
why is hoka so popular now?
Their shoes have amazing cushioning with stability, making them a runners best friend. I can also attest they are lightweight and have so many different styles to choose from.
On top of that, Hoka has done some great collabs with designers and streetwear brands which has really expanded their reach.
However, not everyone is a fan. Some runners find the chunky design to be uncomfortable and prefer a more traditional shoe shape. And a few users have reported issues with durability and fit, saying the shoe is not worth the pricetag.
Are Hokas good for healthcare workers?
Yes, but they wear out fast if you're on your feet all day. I have a friend who's a nurse and she loved her Hokas at first, but after about 4 months of 12-hour shifts they lost most of their cushioning. She switched to the Brooks Glycerin and said they held up way better over time. If you're a healthcare worker and want that Hoka-like feel without replacing your shoes every few months, I'd go with Brooks or the ASICS Gel-Kayano - both hold their cushioning longer and give you the support you need for long shifts.
What’s the best budget Hoka alternative?
If you're on a tight budget, I'd go with the NORTIV 8 sneakers or Amazon's slip-on walking shoes - both under $50. I've personally tried the NORTIV 8s and was surprised by how cushioned they felt for the price. They're not going to last as long as a $150 pair of Hokas, but if you want that bouncy, cloud-like feel without spending a lot, these are your best bet. I've recommended them to a few friends who didn't want to invest in Hokas and they all came back saying they were pleasantly surprised.
What brand is most similar to Hoka?
After testing a bunch of these myself, I would say Brooks and ASICS are the closest to Hoka in terms of that cushioned, supportive feel. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 gives you that same cloud-like bounce, and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus has a similar plush ride. Between the two, I personally lean toward Brooks for everyday walking and ASICS if you need more structured support for running. A lot of my readers have also told me On Cloud comes close, especially if you want something more lightweight and sleek looking.
Hi, I’m Kaylin. I’ve spent years researching, testing, and comparing products to find the ones that actually live up to their promise. What started as my personal habit of hunting for the best quality at a fair price has grown into a trusted space where thousands of readers come to make smarter shopping decisions. Every recommendation is based on real use, detailed research, and honest feedback, so you can feel confident that what you’re buying is genuinely worth it. My goal is to help you save time, money, and stress by sharing products that last and truly add value to your life.
Thank you so much for your honest opinion. I’m a short fat overweight person that has always been in shape. I worked out 6 days a week religiously and I had to have emergency surgery 2 x on my lower back. So no more working out for 6 yrs. Hence the fat person now. But I’m determined to lose this weight and buy some of the shoes you suggested. I need cushion in my heel and ankle and the soles of my feet under my toes. That’s what hurts me the most after my 4 mile walk. Thank you you have given me some hope.
Need new sneakers for walking program.
Select a purchase option to pre order this product
```liquid
```
Skip to content
