Ahead of my recent trip to Italy, I carefully considered which pair of walking shoes I wanted to bring. I know I’m not the only person who does this. On tour-heavy trips, you can walk upwards of 100,000 steps when it’s all said and done, so the right shoe makes a big impact. As a bit of a comfortable shoe geek, I couldn’t help but take stock of what sneakers people were wearing throughout the many tours I went on myself.
When in Rome (ha!), I thought it was a coincidence that I was seeing a whole lot of Hoka sneakers on folks’ feet. But, as we walked through sites like Pompeii in Naples and the busy Amalfi streets, Hoka’s coveted sneakers were popping up around me everywhere I looked. Even one of my guides, who does all-day tours seven days a week, was wearing Hokas. Both of my parents packed their Cliftons, too. I can’t say I’m surprised: The brand’s shoes are comfortable, cute and durable, making for the ideal travel option.
If you have a trip coming up or you plan to take on quite a few miles this summer, take a page from the hundreds of people I saw walking in comfort. Below, shop six of the most popular Hokas on the market now, including some of the sneakers I spotted most often!
Popular Comfortable Hoka Shoes
Bondi 9 Everyday Running Shoe
Hoka
The Hoka Bondi 9 sneaker was made to provide a plush cushion, so they’re ideal for folks who prefer a cloud-like base for their walks. They’re made for both running and walking, so you can wear them for workouts and tours in Europe alike. With an extended heel, these shoes absorb impact and rock with ease for seamless stepping transitions. What’s not to love?
Solimar Gym and Training Shoe
Hoka
If you prefer to walk around with a low-profile sneaker that provides just the right amount of support, the Solimar shoe is for you. These have a balanced midsole with less taper than other shoes from the brand, which is excellent for those who find too much cushion can make you unstable. I am certain I saw many people wearing these shoes while I was on tours, likely because they’re lightweight, simple and easy to wear on multiple terrains—ancient cobblestones and all.
Clifton 10 Everyday Running Shoe
Hoka
The Clifton 10 is a family favorite: My mom and I find them to be a pain-relieving shoe, which is key for long walking days that are inevitably hard on your legs, hips and feet. It’s an excellent everyday sneaker for a variety of cardio. The high cushion level absorbs impact, but the shoes are still compact enough that you don’t feel like you’re clunking around the street.
Challenger 7 Trail Running Shoe
Hoka
I saw quite a few people sporting hiking sneakers day to day. It makes sense: On a tour-heavy trip, the terrain can vary. You might be walking on cobblestones one moment and a pebbly dirt road the next. The Challenger 7’s high-traction sole will grip onto every surface. This shoe combines a durable base with a light foamy midsole for a cloud-like step. These durable shoes will last you for miles to come, whether hiking to ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico or walking the uneven streets of Pompeii in Naples. The biggest bonus of all, though? They’re on sale in nearly every color.
Gaviota 5 Everyday Running Shoe
Hoka
The Gaviota 5 takes the coziness of the Clifton 10 and Bondi 9 sneaker and combines it with a stabilizing frame. Because of that, these sneakers work wonderfully for anyone who wants to correct their gait, which is essential if you plan on walking around a lot on a trip. Improper pronation can lead to discomfort, so taking care of your body while you’re walking means you can enjoy your trip equally as much on the last day as the first day.
Mach 6 Everyday Running Shoe
Hoka
The light-as-a-feather Hoka Mach 6 sneakers will energize your every step, whether for the 8 a.m. walk to the taxi or the 8 p.m. walk back to the hotel room. The streamlined design was made to help you walk fast so you don’t miss a beat. These are for the speed-walker at heart who wants to see the entire city in one day.