Which HOKA is right for you?
your adventure.
your hoka.
HOKA's range is broader than ever. Whether you run, hike, race, or just want comfortable feet all day, there's a model made for you. Here's how to find it.
Since 1976, Great Outdoors has been helping people in Ireland find the right gear for their adventure — no matter how big or small. HOKA is one of the most exciting footwear brands we stock, and for good reason. Their signature high-stack midsoles, MetaRocker geometry, and obsessive focus on comfort have earned a devoted following across road runners, trail runners, hillwalkers, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet.
But with a range this broad, knowing which model suits you takes a little more than a quick scroll. This guide breaks it all down — specs, cushioning, terrain, and the type of person each shoe is built for. Pair any of these with the right running or hiking socks and you'll get the best out of them from day one.
A note on HOKA specs
Weight is listed per single shoe at a reference size (typically men's UK 8.5 / women's UK 6.5 unless otherwise stated).
Drop is the heel-to-toe offset — the height difference between your heel and forefoot. Higher drop (8mm) suits heel strikers and those used to traditional road shoes. Lower drop (5mm) suits a more natural running gait and those coming from trail or minimalist backgrounds.
Stability and Cushioning descriptors follow HOKA's own framework, supported by expert review consensus from multiple independent sources.
All HOKA Models at a Glance
| Model | Weight (per shoe) | Drop | Stability | Cushioning | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton 10 — Men's | 278g | 8mm | Neutral | Plush, protective | Daily road running, easy miles, all-day wear |
| Clifton 10 — Men's Wide Wide | 278g | 8mm | Neutral | Plush, protective | Daily road running — wider foot fit |
| Clifton 10 — Women's | 227g | 8mm | Neutral | Plush, protective | Daily road running, easy miles, all-day wear |
| Clifton 10 — Women's Wide Wide | 227g | 8mm | Neutral | Plush, protective | Daily road running — wider foot fit |
| Challenger 8 — Men's | 275g | 8mm | Moderate | Maximum, responsive | Road-to-trail, gravel, mixed terrain running |
| Challenger 8 — Women's | 247g | 8mm | Moderate | Maximum, responsive | Road-to-trail, gravel, mixed terrain running |
| Challenger 8 GTX — Men's GORE-TEX | ~285g | 8mm | Moderate | Maximum, responsive | Waterproof road-to-trail, wet Irish conditions |
| Challenger 8 GTX — Women's GORE-TEX | ~260g | 8mm | Moderate | Maximum, responsive | Waterproof road-to-trail, wet Irish conditions |
| Mafate 5 — Men's | 314g | 8mm | Moderate | Maximum, dual-density | Technical trails, ultra distance, long mountain days |
| Mafate 5 — Women's | 230g | 8mm | Moderate | Maximum, dual-density | Technical trails, ultra distance, long mountain days |
| Bondi 9 — Men's | 297g | 5mm | Moderate | Maximum, soft, bouncy | Recovery runs, long road miles, all-day on-feet use |
| Bondi 9 — Women's | 264g | 5mm | Moderate | Maximum, soft, bouncy | Recovery runs, long road miles, all-day on-feet use |
| Anacapa 2 Low GTX — Men's GORE-TEX | ~400g (pair) | 8mm | Moderate | Balanced, trail-focused | Day hiking, light backpacking, wet trail conditions |
| Anacapa 2 Low GTX — Women's GORE-TEX | ~380g (pair) | 8mm | Moderate | Balanced, trail-focused | Day hiking, light backpacking, wet trail conditions |
| Infini Hike TC Sandal — Men's | ~320g | 5mm | Moderate | Maximum, dual-density | Trail walking, hiking, camp, warm-weather adventures |
| Infini Hike TC Sandal — Women's | 261g | 5mm | Moderate | Maximum, dual-density | Trail walking, hiking, camp, warm-weather adventures |
Which HOKA Is Right for You?
The Daily Trainer
The Clifton 10 is HOKA's most popular shoe for a reason — lightweight, plush, and forgiving on road surfaces. The 8mm drop suits heel strikers and those used to traditional road shoes. Available in regular and wide fits for men and women. A strong first HOKA and a reliable daily workhorse.
Maximum Cushion on the Road
The Bondi 9 uses a newer supercritical EVA foam for a bouncier, softer ride than the Clifton, with a lower 5mm drop that keeps weight evenly distributed. Ideal for recovery runs, easy long miles, and anyone spending long hours on their feet. HOKA's peak comfort shoe.
The Road-to-Trail All-Rounder
The Challenger 8 handles gravel, grass, and moderate trails with confidence, while remaining comfortable on pavement. Multi-directional 4mm lugs grip variable ground well. In wet Irish conditions, the Challenger 8 GORE-TEX adds full waterproof protection without changing the ride.
Long Distance on Demanding Ground
The Mafate 5 is HOKA's most protective trail shoe for high-mileage days on serious terrain. A dual-density midsole — supercritical EVA over firmer CMEVA — delivers exceptional cushioning, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs handles wet rock, loose soil, and everything in between.
Waterproof Comfort on the Trail
The Anacapa 2 Low GTX brings HOKA's cushioning to a purpose-built hiking shoe. GORE-TEX Invisible Fit keeps feet dry, Vibram Megagrip provides traction, and the SwallowTail heel makes descents noticeably smoother. Excellent for Irish hillwalking, forest trails, and multi-day low-level routes.
The Open-Toe Sandal Built for Trails
The Infini Hike TC is HOKA's first open-toe sandal. A dual-density midsole, deep heel cup, MetaRocker geometry, and Vibram Megagrip outsole give it far more trail capability than most sandals. Three-point adjustable fit, quick-dry straps, and a resoleable outsole — a smart choice for summer hiking and camp.
Complete the Kit — Don't Forget Your Socks
Every HOKA shoe performs better with the right sock. A quality merino or synthetic running or hiking sock wicks moisture, reduces friction, and helps the shoe fit as it's designed to — especially important with HOKA's higher-stack midsoles where fit and volume work closely together. Browse our full socks range for the right match.
your adventure.
our expertise.
Browse our full HOKA range online, or come and see us in-store on South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, where our team will help you find the right fit for your foot, your pace, and your terrain.
