The Hoka Arahi Shoes Just Got a Major Upgrade

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On July 1, 2025

I’m a big fan of comfortable shoes. I wear sneakers daily, so when it comes time for my walks and workouts, having the right shoe is essential. One of my favorite brands for supporting and cushioning my feet is Hoka. It lives up to the hype—styles vary enough that, in my opinion, there’s a guaranteed shoe for anyone.

One pair that surprised me was the Arahi 7. I tried this shoe when it first launched, noting its stiff design. Since I gravitated toward plush styles, I didn’t know if I’d like them. Unbeknownst to me, they became my go-to sneaker for the gym because of their uniqueness! And when we tested sneakers to find the best running shoes, the Arahi 7 ranked high for the same reasons. When I heard Hoka was releasing a perfected version of the shoe—the Arahi 8—I was intrigued. It’s officially out today, and now, I want the shoe in every color!

Hoka Arahi 8

Hoka

The Arahi 7 is a structured and supportive sneaker, which is why we officially ranked it as our favorite pair for anyone who experiences overpronation. The built-in structure and sturdy midsole help prevent your feet from moving too much, potentially reducing knee pain. Thankfully, the Arahi 8 has the same perks, according to the brand.

It’s a stability shoe through and through, but instead of the J-frame of its predecessor, there’s an updated stabilizing H-frame. According to Hoka, it is a way to continue optimizing foot control and allowing for a lighter, softer sole. Since our main drawback with the Arahi 7 was that the shoe felt a bit heavy due to its stiff base.

The brand also added slightly more cushion at the heel to absorb impact during runs and walks. Its heel-to-toe drop is a little higher, so I’d need to try the shoe in the gym to see if it still works well for training. That was one of the perks of the Arahi 7 for me—the flatter bottom made it easy to go from the treadmill to the dumbbell station, keeping my feet in place without rocking.

Despite that, I’m jazzed about the idea of such a stabilizing shoe with the addition of a plusher cushion, which is a rarity for the brand. Oftentimes, support can mean a reduction in cloud-like comfort, so these shoes are the best of both worlds. What’s not to love about that?

The original upper was breathable, but potentially a little warm for folks who run hot or sweat more. The brand updated this design, making for another promising change. Like the Arahi 7, these shoes have been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) with the Seal of Acceptance for promoting foot health through wear.

It’s available for both women and men today. Women’s shoes come in a range of sizes and widths, including regular, wide and extra wide—just like the men’s pair. The women’s pair is available in seven colors, including more colorful options like this green shoe and more neutral colors like this black one. There are six colors for men, which run on the more neutral side of the color spectrum.

I anticipate that these will sell quickly since they’re one of the most popular pairs from the brand. Shop them now ahead of your summer walking plans for a smooth, yet stable ride.