As someone who writes about shoes for a living, I'm constantly asking people about their favorite sneakers. Whether it's podiatrists, friends, members of my local run club or my coworkers, I love hearing about the styles and brands that people depend on, whether they're running marathons or running errands.
And two brands that come up time and time again are Hoka and Asics. Both companies have become well-known for their comfortable shoes that are great for logging miles at any speed. So I tried two popular everyday options from the brands: Asics' Gel-Kayano 31 sneakers and the Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes. Here are my honest thoughts.
How I tested
I wore both sneakers for a range of activities, including runs, walks and workouts in the gym to see how they stack up. I am an avid runner who has completed both half marathons and a marathon. This year I also trained for another marathon and used both of these shoes for some of my training runs, which are a mix of long and short runs. On days when I’m not running, I typically walk between two to five miles, so I wore the sneakers on some of these walks as well as for occasional strength training workouts.
Best for stability:
Editor’s note: The sneakers originally included in this piece were the Asics Gel Kayano 31, but they are now low in stock. The newer model, the Gel Kayano 32, are similar, but they are slightly lighter and have even more cushioning.
Asics was founded in 1949 (originally as Onitsuka Co.), so the brand has been in the sneaker game for a while. They've long been loved by runners and I've heard both friends and family members rave about the sneakers.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 were my first introduction to the brand, and right from the start, I noticed that they seriously delivered on the stability front (something that Hoka's sneakers sometimes tend to lack). The brand says the shoes tend to be best for those with neutral feet or people who overpronate. As someone with low arches whose feet tend to roll inward, I fit in that category. I've also been recovering from a sprain that has made my ankle weak and more prone to rolling. But I find that these shoes do a good job of keeping my feet firmly in place, and they're less likely to turn inward.
Similarly, when I wear other shoes with high soles at the gym, I tend to feel pretty unstable when I do single-leg exercises, like Bulgarian split squats or lateral lunges, but these help keep my ankle and foot from turning inward.
These sneakers have an impressive amount of cushioning (I mean, just look at that sole). The brand says that the FF Blast Plus Eco Foam is its softest cushioning yet. But when compared to other highly-cushioned shoes — including the Cliftons — the foam itself feels a lot more structured and firm. While I could see how some people might appreciate that, especially those who don't like the "sink-in" feeling of standard cushioning, for me, it triggered some recurring pain issues I have in my foot and knee. And simply put, it was missing that bouncy, cloud-like feel that I've come to expect from shoes with a high level of cushioning.
I’m used to a sneaker with a hefty sole, but as soon as I put these on I noticed that they felt heavier than other shoes that I’ve tried — they weigh in at 9.3 ounces — so when compared to the Hokas, they make your feet feel slightly heavier and more sluggish. While it doesn't make a huge difference for walks or easy runs, the shoes aren't something that I would reach for for long distances or speed work.
Best everyday sneaker:
Editor's note: The sneakers originally included in this piece were the Hoka Clifton 9s, but they are now low in stock. The newer model, the Clifton 10s, are similar, but they have slightly more cushioning and a larger heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka has long been a staple brand for me and its shoes have really defined the maximalist running shoe category. While I've tried a number of its sneakers, Hoka's Clifton model tends to be the most versatile, as they work well for both casual runs and walks. I've been reaching for them for my weekday runs, lunchtime walks and afternoon errand runs and find that they perform for every activity.
The shoes feature an EVA foam midsole that provides shock absorption and a comfortable amount of cushioning with each step. Basically, they have that walking-on-clouds feeling that you want. Also, the plush feel isn't just in the bottom of the shoe, it has a soft collar and tongue for added comfort.
While they do look pretty bulky, they weigh in at just 7.3 ounces, so each step feels bouncy and light. The Clifton 9s also have a MetaRocker, meaning that they curve at the heel and toe, so transitions feel natural as I move from my heel to my toe with each step.
New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker
Award: Best overall walking
$99.99
New Balance
$99.95
Amazon
$99.95
Zappos
Nike Women's V2K Run Shoe
Award: Best all-purpose shoe
$91.97
$130.00
Nike
$125.00
Nordstrom
$79.98
$125.00
DSW
Best overall: Hoka Clifton 9
The best shoe for you really depends on your needs and preferences. If you're someone who needs more stability and a firmer feel underfoot, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 might be the perfect choice. But for me, there was a clear winner between the two: The Hoka Clifton 9. As someone who runs or walks most days, the shoe keeps my feet feeling comfortable and pretty pain-free for both activities. And it really works for me instead of against, so every step feels bouncy. (The newer Hoka Clifton 10 fits this bill as well and is my top choice, along with the Clifton 9 version.)
Frequently asked questions
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a New York City-based podiatrist previously told us that Hoka's sneakers are comfortable, supportive and provide shock absorption. That's why she says they're a good option for frequent walkers or anyone who stands a lot during the day. “I personally own Hoka sneakers and do also recommend them to patients often,” she says.
Podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha previously told us that "everyone can wear Asics,” since he says "they can comfortably accommodate any foot type."
He adds that their rubber sole is durable and has “maximum shock absorbing properties and cushioning that not only maximizes motion control and minimizes arch fatigue, but ultimately allows for a smoother and more natural motion when walking.”
How we chose
We chose the two sneakers highlighted because they are both bestsellers from each brand and are similar in style, cushioning and benefits. Both of the brands have previously been recommended to us by podiatrists, are editor favorites and are popular in the fitness space.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY. She has over a decade of experience in digital media — with nearly half of that time being focused on the health and wellness space. She has interviewed dozens of podiatrists and other experts for her coverage around sneaker trends, foot health and top shoe brands. At Shop TODAY she covers a range of topics, from wellness products to expert-approved beauty trends. She has previously compared Hoka vs. Brooks sneakers, the Oura Ring and Apple Watch SE and more.
