Over the past few years, Hoka has rightfully earned a spot in the conversation about the best brand for comfortable walking shoes. Known for their plush, “cloudlike” cushion, Hoka models like the Clifton 9 have been previously declared hypeworthy by HuffPost shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe. But the Cliftons aren’t the only shoes worth buying from the brand — in fact, my favorite model as a Hoka fan is a lower-profile style that tends to fly under the radar.
The balanced midsole that’s forgiving, but still firm — and won’t feel like your feet “have blocks on them.”
Though Hokas have become known for their supportive, chunky soles, these low-profile kicks have swept me off my feet. I love the Solimars for their lower stack height and thinner design. The support is evident, but the shoes don’t look as bulbous from the top as some of the other Hoka models I’ve tried on before like the Bondi 8, whose cushioning flares out on the sides a bit.
It gives the Solimars a sleeker appearance, and combined with their light, 6.7-ounce weight, they don’t feel heavy on my feet. The extended crash pad absorbs enough impact that I don’t feel like I’m on a trampoline every time I take a walk (definitely a feeling I got wearing my old beloved Rincon 3s, which are now discontinued)
