Rotating Hoka shoes

My go to running shoe brand of choice for around the past 8 or so years has been Hoka. In this blog I will give you a bit of detail about how I use the Hoka brand and how it works for me.

Rotating running shoes is always a good idea. It means that your feet are not working exactly the same every time you put on your running shoes. By rotating (mixing up what shoes you wear on particular days) it allows you to get the benefit of different styles and choose shoes that are specific to what you intend to do.

My current Hoka rotation looks a bit like this:

Everyday easy/long runs, the Hoka Clifton 9. This is Hokas all-rounder, a brilliant lightweight and very cushioned shoe that allows your body to pound the roads and gives you responsive return. I thought the Clifton 8 was the best version never to be beaten, when the Clifton 9 came out I realized I was wrong. An alternative to the Clifton 9 would be the Bondi 8 which is more stable and cushioned.

Steady/tempo runs, the Hoka Mach 6. A softer feeling lighter shoe which is feels brilliant to run in. The lighter Pro fly foam means it is easier to run quicker in the Mach 6,  One of my favorite Hoka shoes in a while.

Interval sessions, the Hoka Mach X. A light, fast, responsive and very comfortable version of the Mach with a nylon plate that give you that bit of extra forward momentum.

Trails, the Hoka Speedgoat 5. In my opinion the best trail shoe there is. Light, very grippy, responsive, super cushioning. The shoe that suits all trails

Race day, The Hoka Cielo X1. Carbon plated speed machine. Massive amount of return in a carbon plated, supremely cushioned race day shoe. I have worn this shoe racing a 100k ultra and  half marathon distance and they save the legs massively whilst continuing to throw you forward.

These are the Hoka shoes that I am currently using. Call in and give them a try for yourself in store.

 Barry McCarroll