Which Hoka shoe is right for you?

It's well-established that many people love Hokas, the chunky-soled shoes worn by runners, avid walkers, and those who like street style. However, discerning between the brand's various models can be a bit confusing.

Some are best suited for running on either roads or trails, while others are ideal for those who roads. If you're wearing them for fashion, you have a lot more freedom – choose your favourite style and colour, and you're good to go.

But for those who want a hand with shoes for exercise, we're breaking down how to choose the best Hoka for you.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Hokas for walking

Hoka Bondi 9 Women's

$289.99 on Hoka

Hoka Bondi 9 Men's

$289.99 on Hoka

These sit right at the top of the list because they're the pair that converted me into a Hoka lover.

I don't run (yet), but I really enjoy walking in my Bondi 9 shoes. While I've written about it in greater depth here, I'll quickly reiterate that I love the plush, cushioned sole, the lightweight design and the rocker that helps roll my foot forward as I walk.

This iteration of the Bondi shoe has an extra 2mm stack height, a new premium foam midsole for ultimate cushioning, a 3D moulded collar and a knit upper for breathability.

Hoka Transport Women's

Yours for $299.99

Hoka Transport Men's

Buy yours from $299.99

Described by Hoka as "commuter-friendly" and "with the city-dweller in mind", the Hoka Transport plays right into the Gorpcore trend. It's ideal for walkers, featuring a moulded EVA midsole for comfort and a Vibram EcoStep Natural Outsole. They're also made from abrasion-resistant textile and have 360-degree reflectivity for safety at night. These shoes could also be worn on longer walks or hikes.

READ MORE: What's so good about Hoka shoes? We asked runners

Hokas for running

Hoka Skyflow Women's

Get yours from $179.99

Hoka Skyflow Men's

Get them from $199.99

Designed to be a mix between two of Hokas most popular pairs, the Clifton and the Bondi, the Skyflow is most popular among runners rather than walkers. However, it has all the characteristics of a classic Hoka shoe – foamed EVA for a cushioned feeling underfoot, a supportive heel and a rocker that helps roll your foot forward as you run.

It also features geometry inspired by Skyward X, another of Hoka's renowned running shoes.

Hoka Clifton 9 Women's

Available from $159.99

Hoka Clifton 9 Men's

On sale for $159.99

While designed for both everyday running and walking, the Clifton 9 is a popular choice for running. While it's similar to the Bondi model, it's less 'plush', landing at 'balanced' on Hokas own cushion scale.

The Clifton 9, in particular, has eliminated weight, giving it the classic lightweight Hoka feel, while also boasting responsive foam and an improved outsole design. It also has a reflective panel on the heel, so you can run comfortably at night.

Hokas for trail running

Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX Women's

Here from $249.99

Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX Men's

$329.99 on Hoka

Nothing says 'running through mountains' quite like the word 'Speedgoat'. These excellently-named shoes live up to their moniker and are beloved by trail runners worldwide.

They feature an Invisible Fit waterproof membrane, which provides a lighter, more flexible construction that eases your pressure points. They feature a traction lug outsole that can handle various terrains, even in bad weather. One reviewer commented that the Speedgoat is "very similar to Clifton, just the additional lugs for traction".

Hoka Mafate X Women's

$379.99 here

Hoka Mafate X Men's

$379.99 here

The Mafate X brings plushness to the trail, featuring a dual-density premium foam chassis. Designed for long-haul runs, it also features propulsion via the forked carbon fibre plate and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. The lightweight upper is designed for easy drainage, allowing it to withstand wet weather as well. If long trails are your bag, these are the shoes for you.

READ MORE: I've hiked over 90km in one pair of Salomons and here are my honest thoughts