Why These Hokas Became My Go-To Workout Shoes

These days, I am a lot more conscious about how my body is feeling during a workout. I used to just chuck any shoe on and call it a day, but I’ve found that the design of a sneaker can really contribute to the overall success of whatever movement I am doing. From feeling comfortable while I walk to ensuring I am strengthening the right muscles, I really need all the support I can get.

I still absolutely love my Brooks Ghost Max sneakers for walking and running, but I knew instantly that they’re not the best sneakers for training because of their plush cushion. I have been in the market for finding a shoe that keeps my stability in line, that can also be worn for a walk if needed. So, when Hoka updated the Arahi, one of its most supportive shoes, I was sold on trying them. After several months of wear during workouts, I’m still loving them.

Hoka Arahi 7 

These Arahi 7 sneakers are unlike any shoe I’ve owned before. I received them from the brand for testing, and I’ve been wearing them for my weekly workouts ever since (I work out a minimum of four times a week). Honestly, I really wasn’t sure if I’d like them when I first started wearing them. They’re quite stiff and snug—a far cry from the pillowy base of my Ghost Max’s. But the more I wore them, the more I realized I actually loved them. 

My consistent workouts are split into two: a round of cardio and a round of strength training with weights. When shoes are too plush on the bottom and flexible on the upper, it’s a lot harder to reach proper form for quite a range of weighted exercises, whether it’s squats, lunges, deadlifts, or bent-over rows. I end up tilting where the cushion tapers, or my ankles end up moving around up top. These Arahi 7 sneakers were by far the best shoes I have ever worn for preventing these movements. 

Even though they have a very stiff base, there’s a balanced level of cushion. It’s a firmer material than other sneakers I’ve tried, even from the same brand. The cushion does taper from the heel to the toe, but it’s a very smooth transition. This stiffness and flatness help keep my feet lying flush and in place. The mesh upper also contributes to keeping me stable. This upper is the primary change from the previous model, the Arahi 6. It lies flat on my foot, which is hard for me to find because my feet are a bit narrow. I really love the tighter feel it provides, and I find that this updated upper is breathable enough for me. 

There are more design elements that have made this shoe stand out to me. The back of the shoe has an extended top, which helps give my ankle a little more support in the back. I also noticed that the tread of these sneakers was really grippy to the ground, especially on top of floor mats. 

While I love this shoe for my workouts, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. Because of how snug they are, they might not be the best shoe for folks with wider feet (there is a wide size available, however). I also don’t find the cushion the most comfortable for running because it’s pretty firm, and I prefer a softer base, especially on concrete. You may prefer the stiffness, though, especially if you deal with overpronation or rolling, as that’s what the shoes are designed for. For me, these shoes are worth the investment, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that they aren’t necessarily affordable, especially if you’ll only wear them for one part of your exercise routine—but they are an investment worth making.

I look forward to putting these shoes on every time I work out now, especially for strength training. If you have a similar routine to mine and are looking for a supportive shoe, or you need a bit more stability, these Arahi 7 sneakers might just be the ticket for you. 

Shop More Hoka Sneakers 

Hoka Arahi 7, Men’s  

Hoka Solimar 

Hoka Kawana 2

Hoka Clifton 9

At the time of publishing, the price was $145.