Last Updated on November 19, 2023 by Martina McKeough
Have you ever asked yourself “Why do Hokas hurt my feet?”. If so you are not alone as plenty of people who buy running shoes are looking for comfort and cushioning. When they don’t feel comfortable in their expensive sneakers they are obviously going to question what went wrong.
Due to their very nature running shoes need to provide support and prevent injuries but they can only do that if you buy the perfect fit and style for your feet. Here are some of the common reasons why Hoka shoes may be giving you foot pain and what you can do about it.
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Hoka Shoes Hurt My Feet – Look at Sizing
One of the most obvious reasons why you may have a problem with a running shoe is because you have bought the wrong size in the first place.
If you haven’t bought the right shoe size then you are going to be stuck with a shoe that is either too tight or too loose. In either case that is going to create discomfort and possibly foot pain.
I always recommend that everyone should take lots of time when buying shoes as it will help you find the right size and shape for your feet. When it comes to running shoes this is especially important.
My husband for example always goes to a local running shop to buy his running shoes. The assistants there have great expertise and make him try on a number of pairs for size. Each pair is tested whilst he runs on a treadmill and they do a gait analysis as well. So far the extra time he has taken buying his running shoes means that he hasn’t had any injuries, discomfort or foot pain from his purchases.
Do Hokas Hurt At First?
A common problem that runners experience with Hoka footwear is that they are very different from other brands of running shoes. In particular, they have a much larger midsole with increased cushioning. This has been created by the brand to create maximum comfort and stability for the runner.
The problem with this different design however is that many runners may have become used to their previous style of running shoe. This means that it can take time to adjust to the new cushioned shoe shape.
This is usually a temporary problem as the adjustment takes place and should hopefully soon pass.
Foot Shape Incompatibility
We all have different shaped feet. This means that a shoe that may work well for one person may not necessarily feel comfortable on someone else.
I find for example that I need extra cushioning in my shoe inserts as cushioning for the bottom of my feet. There are plenty of products you can buy to make your feet more comfortable such as Currex Run Pro Insoles which add more cushioning and support.
Whilst I use inserts other people may need a larger toe box or cushioning on their heels. Your foot shape will dictate what shoes may work and what won’t.
When you don’t buy a running shoe to suit your foot anatomy then there are going to be problems. The shoes will pinch in the wrong places, create friction or create pressure points. This means that Hoka shoes are not going to suit everyone’s feet.
Hoka Shoes Causing Foot Pain Because of Their Weight
Some people may find that their Hoka shoes hurt because they are wearing a style that is too heavy. Some runners can cope with a heavy shoe but others need lighter footwear for comfort and to prevent fatigue and slower times.
If you look at the following guide you will see there is a big difference in the weight of different styles of Hoka shoes. Looking at the weight of the shoes can help guide you to wear something that is easier to wear and won’t make it feel as if your feet are made of lead.
As you can see the Hoka Rincon is one of the lightest shoes they make which can help to improve your running performance.
Hoka Clifton
Men’s range from 7.2 – 10 ounces
Women’s range from 6.2 – 8.6 ounces.
Hoka Bondi
Men’s range from 9.2 – 11.6 ounces
Women’s range from 7.6 – 9.6 ounces.
Hoka Speedgoat
Men’s range from 9.8 – 12.2 ounces
Women’s range from 8.2 – 10.2 ounces.
Hoka Arahi
Men’s range from 8.4 – 10.7 ounces
Women’s range from 6.9 – 8.7 ounces.
Hoka Rincon
Men’s range from 6.3 – 8.3 ounces
Women’s range from 5.2 – 7.3 ounces.
Your Footwear is Too Narrow
I’ve already discussed foot shape but I do think it is important to highlight one common problem area which is regarding the width of shoes.
If you choose a shoe that is too narrow for your foot shape then you are going to find that the shoes hurt in all the wrong places.
I for example have wide feet in comparison to my sister-in-law who regularly wears Hoka runners. I can guarantee you that even though we are both the same shoe size the styles she chooses would not work for me.
Hoka does offer wider feet options for many of its shoe styles. If you have wide feet look at specific styles such as the Hoka Bondi which have a bigger toe box and a wider fit to suit your feet.
Hoka Foot Pain Because of Pre-Existing Foot Problems
If you are asking yourself “why do Hokas hurt my feet?” then ask yourself whether you have a pre-existing foot problem or injury.
As an example, I have plantar fasciitis which means that I need to wear an orthotic in many of my shoes to prevent pain and discomfort. This means that there are very few running or walking shoes that I can wear without some form of added insert. Wearing Hoka’s alone doesn’t solve the problem.
Other foot conditions such as flat feet, bunions or neuromas can cause the same problems. If you have one of these foot conditions then you may need to take this into account and buy products that you insert into your shoes to help alleviate the issues. Alternatively, you may need to buy alternative cushioned running shoes to be more comfortable.
Existing running injuries can also cause you problems when you are walking and running in your new shoes. Shin splints, hip and knee problems may need you to see a physical therapist for relief.
Remember it doesn’t always have to be your footwear that is the problem.
Hoka Shoes And Arch Pain
Why do Hokas hurt my feet? Well as I have said many times before in my posts no one shoe is going to work for everyone and that is just the same with Hoka shoes.
One of the major problems that people sometimes find with their runners is that they are unable to cope with high arches or don’t give you enough arch support if you have flat feet.
If you do need an orthotic I would always recommend bringing it with you when you are trying on new running shoes so that you can assess them properly. This will save you issues in the longer term and prevent injuries.
Hoka Foot Pain Caused By Sweating
Ok, sweaty feet are not nice to talk about but they are important when discussing foot discomfort, especially in running shoes.
If your shoes are not breathable enough and you have particularly sweating feet then you are going to get movement inside the shoe. That movement can cause friction and then blisters.
Different types of Hokas have different levels of ventilation and breathability. Definitely, their shoes made with engineered mesh have better levels of air circulation allowing sweat to escape and to your feet to keep cool when you are running.
If you do have particularly sweaty feet make sure you not only buy the mesh styles but also think about using Carpe foot lotion to keep your feet dry whilst you are doing any activity.
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