ShoppingFootwear

Hoka’s Comfortable, Versatile New Hiking Shoes Will Be on My Feet All Fall Long

Read this Hoka Skyline-Float X review to find out how this versatile trail shoe performs, including what it feels like and two drawbacks.

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Photo: Hoka
Published Sep 17, 2023

Written by 

Lauren Wingenroth

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The promise of cooler weather around the corner has me dreaming of my favorite kind of fall day: A few hours on the trails in the morning, traipsing around a cute town for lunch and shopping, and a stop at a brewery on the way home.

Experts in This Article

Brett Sachs

podiatrist at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center in Colorado

A dream day, but one that usually comes with some outfit dilemmas. Do I trust that my hiking apparel will be acceptable for stopping in town? One thing is almost always for sure: I’m going to end up awkwardly swapping out my beloved but bulky hiking boots for some everyday sneakers in the car.

Well, this fall, I’ll no longer be packing an extra pair of shoes. That’s thanks to Hoka’s new Skyline-Float X ($175), a versatile new shoe they’re dubbing a hybrid hiker.

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Hoka Skyline Float X — $175.00

Available sizes: 5-11, in half sizesWeight: 12.6 ozColors: 5Stack: 42mm/37mm

Pros: 

  • Cushioned for all-day comfort
  • Pebax plate adds propulsion
  • Made with lots of plant-based materials
  • Stylish enough for versatile wear
  • Breathable upper

Cons: 

  • Not waterproof
  • Thin laces make getting a locked-in fit challenging
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What the Skyline-Float X feels like to wear

The Skyline-Float Xs are Hokas at their best: A thick stack of cushion that’s comfortable but not so soft as to sacrifice stability on the trails, and still propulsive and responsive thanks to the 90 percent bio-based Pebax plate in the midsole. (If you see an “X” in the name of a Hoka shoe, that means there’s a plate—the Pebax ones are used in some faster running shoes but are much lighter and more forgiving than a carbon plate).

Ever been passed by an intense hiker who seems to be race-walking the trails? The Skyline-Float Xs made me feel like I could be that person, if I wanted to be (though, personally, I’m a proponent of slow-and-steady and lots of stopping to look at weird mushrooms). Even with all that cushion, they don’t feel heavy or bulky.

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Photo: Author

My only complaint: It’s hard to tie the thin laces tight enough to get a secure fit—I’ve felt some heel slippage a few times during my hikes and had to stop and re-tie.

So far, I’ve only taken the Skyline-Float Xs on dry, relatively light terrain (mostly packed dirt and leaves with some rocky sections) but they seem to have some of the best grip in the biz with their Vibram rubber outsoles. But what I like most about the shoes is that between their comfort, their versatile look and their (relatively) light weight, I felt like I could be on my feet in them all day, from the trail to wherever.

What the Skyline-Float X is best for

Hoka says that the Skyline-Float X is a hybrid shoe, and some reviewers online seem to interpret that to mean that it’s a combo trail running/hiking shoe. But I wouldn’t recommend taking out the Skyline-Float X if you’re planning to run. (Hoka has plenty of great trail runners for that purpose.) Podiatrist Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS, of Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center in Colorado, recently explained to Well+Good the difference between a hiking shoe and a trail running shoe—hikers are going to be heavier, stiffer, wider, and more stable—and the Skyline-Float X falls pretty squarely in the hiker category.

To be clear, Hoka describes these as crossover shoes because they’re meant to seamlessly transition from the trails to the street so you can easily end your day hike in town. And in my experience, they do just that brilliantly.

However, these likely aren’t the best choice for rocky, rugged terrain where you’ll want more protection from ankle sprains, and will probably want to opt for a full-on hiking boot. And since they aren’t waterproof, I wouldn’t recommend them for muddy hikes or trails that have you traversing streams.

But for the everyday hike-to-anywhere-else adventure? I know what I’ll be reaching for this fall.

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ShoppingFootwear

The New Hoka Bondi 9 is the Brand’s Most Run-Friendly Version Yet—Here’s Our Honest Review

We tried the Hoka Bondi 9 and can attest: It's a running-ready upgrade to the brand's most cushioned shoe. Read our full review here.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Jan 25, 2025

Written by 

Hannah Singleton

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. It’s big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Now—with the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run.

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Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00

Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

Pros:

  • Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces
  • Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel
  • Durable for daily training

Cons: 

  • Ankle cuff is relatively stiff
  • Not the fun color selection I’ve come to expect from Hoka
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First impressions of the Hoka Bondi 9

The Bondi 9 stays true to Hoka’s roots, and my first thought when unboxing it was that it hasn’t gotten any sleeker—but it’s still all about the comfort. Right out of the box, the thick cushioning looked as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the foam to assess its softness and rebound and was pleasantly surprised to find it a bit more plush than the Bondi 8.

The aesthetics left me feeling a little underwhelmed though. The pair I tested came in a minty green (Blue Spark/Mint Fluorite) with a contrasting black ankle cuff that felt mismatched. When I checked the other available palettes online, I was disappointed to find that few of them delivered Hoka’s usual vibrant, head-turning colors. Hopefully, more options will roll out in the future.

My review

What I love

Over two weeks, I logged more than 25 miles in the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them during walking and running workouts, including hours-long incline “hikes” on the treadmill and interval training.

I was most impressed by their performance during brisk walks and when I picked up the pace for running intervals. The cushioning feels slightly firm at slower speeds but has a satisfying bounce when running faster. For full transparency, I’m prone to shin splints, and I felt a bit of shin discomfort during slow jogs, but the pain disappeared when I transitioned to a faster pace.

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Photo: Author

That said, the new supercritical EVA foam is a huge step up from the Bondi 8, which I considered more of a walking shoe than a running shoe due to its firmer, less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 offers a softer, springier feel, making it versatile for both activities.

On the treadmill, I noticed the shoe’s exceptional stability. Many max-cushioned shoes can feel wobbly underfoot (especially on the treadmill, where I tend to space out), but the Bondi 9’s wide base and “Active Foot Frame” technology create a secure, supportive ride.

And in my short testing period, this shoe felt super durable. Hoka also incorporated “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to combat high-wear areas, which should extend the shoe’s longevity. I haven’t tested it long enough to notice any degradation, but knowing the legacy of the Bondi line, I have no doubts it will last for hundreds of miles.

What I don’t love

That said, the Bondi 9 has a few downsides. I found the toe box snug during the first few miles, which required a bit of a break-in period before I felt fully comfortable. If you have wider feet, consider ordering the wide version to avoid this issue. I also think that the padded upper might feel a bit thick in hot weather, as it lacks breathability.

Final thoughts

The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or fastest option (My go-to for speed work is the Mach X and I prefer the Clifton 9 for long runs), but it’s a really solid shoe with serious durability that outlasts anything else that the brand offers. Unlike race-day shoes that you need to care for like a baby, this is a pair you can confidently wear for daily training, errands, and long walks without worrying about the cushioning wearing out too quickly.

If you’re a beginner runner curious about max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a fantastic place to start. It’s cushy, versatile, and plush without feeling unstable—a rare combo for a max-cushioning shoe.

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ShoppingFootwear

How Often Should You Replace Your Running Shoes? A Podiatrist Weighs In

Wondering "how often should I change my running shoes?" We chatted with a podiatrist to find out everything you need to know.

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Photo: Stocksy/Bonninstudio
Updated Jan 23, 2025

Written by 

Amber Sayer

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After investing in a great new pair of running shoes, you want to get the most out of them. But before you know it, you’ve racked up 300 to 500 miles—the point when most sneaker manufacturers tell runners and walkers to replace their shoes.

Experts in This Article

Bruce Pinker

board-certified podiatrist at Progressive Foot Care

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Browse through message boards, and you’ll find plenty of people claiming those parameters are simply marketing meant to encourage you to buy more shoes. Is the 300 to 500 mile rule founded on research? Do you really need to replace your shoes that often?

Yes, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM, who works with walkers and runners at Progressive Foot Care in New York. “The midsole, found between the insole and the outsole, breaks down and wears out in this range,” he explains.

He says that the midsole of sneakers is usually composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), and the material serves as a shock absorber. However, the rebound effectiveness decreases over time.

“Running or walking without this shock-absorbing material fully intact could possibly lead to injuries,” cautions Dr. Pinker. That could mean stress fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or runner’s knee.

Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest1 that running in old shoes can cause you to subconsciously alter your biomechanics and gait, which can further increase your risk of injuries.

How can you tell it’s time to replace your shoes?

One telltale sign you need new sneakers is when the outer sole shows that the treads have disappeared, says Dr. Pinker. However, he cautions against using this as the only sign—or first sign—that your shoes are on their way out.

“The outsole may wear out much later than the midsole does,” Dr. Pinker says. This means you might lose the support and the stability of the shoe before those treads show wear and tear. That’s why it’s best to replace shoes based on your mileage, he says. Certain apps that track your walks and runs, like Garmin Connect, let you log the shoes you’re wearing on each outing so it’s easy to know once you’ve hit 300 miles.

Other factors to consider

Keep in mind that not everyone wears down their shoes at the same rate. For instance, if you have flat feet, tend to overpronate, or weigh more, you may be better off replacing your shoes more often (closer to 300 or 400 miles). But if you weigh less or have a more neutral stride, you can probably get away with a longer lifespan of the shoe (400 to 500 miles or more).

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Another thing to remember is that it’s not just about mileage when classifying a running shoe as “old.” The actual age of the shoe, in terms of time, also matters. Construction materials, particularly the EVA foam cushioning and certain gels, break down over time. So you should really replace your shoes after six months, even if you haven’t hit 300 miles in them—especially if you need extra support and cushioning.

Dr. Pinker also adds that you basically get what you pay for when it comes to the durability and longevity. “Higher-quality shoes, such as those from New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, and Asics, often last longer due to preferred materials and construction,” he notes. “Stay with well-known brands.”

Can you make your shoes last longer?

Dr. Pinker says there’s not much you can do to increase your sneakers’ longevity; the materials simply have a lifespan. However, caring for your shoes by cleaning them and keeping them dry can help, along with rotating your shoes (alternating pairs every other day or so) to allow the materials ample time to fully rebound between uses.

“Running on tracks, especially rubberized tracks, can improve the longevity of running shoes, as opposed to running on trails and on dirt,” adds Dr. Pinker.

Although sneakers can be expensive to replace frequently, remember that having quality footwear that isn’t completely worn out will help you feel your best. And what better way to celebrate all those miles you’ve racked up than by treating yourself to a great new pair of kicks?

  1. Kong PW, Candelaria NG, Smith DR. Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear. Br J Sports Med. 2009 Oct;43(10):745-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.047761. Epub 2008 Sep 18. PMID: 18801775.

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