Buying new running shoes should be exciting, but nothing is worse than getting the wrong size. Many runners ask, Do Hokas run big? because they notice extra room in the toe box. If the size isn’t right, it can lead to discomfort, slipping, or even injuries.
So, do Hokas run big or small?
The truth is that Hokas tend to run slightly big for most people. Some models have a roomier design, while others fit more snugly.
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If you have narrow feet, you might find Hokas too spacious.
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If you have wide feet, they might feel perfect.
Remember: Finding the right fit is key to getting the best performance and comfort from your Hokas. So, keep reading. Here, you will find out everything about Hoka shoes sizing.
Key Takeaways
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Hokas tend to run slightly big, especially in the toe box.
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Some models, like the Clifton and Bondi, feel roomier than others.
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People with narrow feet might need to size down for a better fit.
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Thick cushioning can make them feel larger, even if the size is correct.
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Compared to Nike and Asics, Hokas feel bigger, but they’re similar to Brooks.
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Insoles, lacing techniques, and socks can help adjust the fit.
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Always check specific model reviews before choosing a size.
Do Hokas Run Big? (Explained)

Yes, Hokas do tend to run a little big. Many people say they feel extra room in the toes, which can be great for comfort. Models like the Clifton and Bondi are known for their roomy fit, while others, like the Rincon, fit more true to size.
If you like a snug fit, going down half a size when buying Hoka shoes might be a good idea.
Note that Hoka shoes are designed with thick cushioning and a wide base, which can make them feel even bigger. People with narrow feet often notice extra space, especially in the middle of the shoe.
But those with wider feet usually love the roomy feel. If you’re not sure about the fit, it’s best to try them on in-store or order two sizes to compare.
In our experience, compared to other brands, Hokas can feel larger. Nike shoes usually fit small, so if you’re switching from Nike, Hokas might feel much roomier. If you’re coming from Brooks or Asics, the fit might feel more familiar, but still slightly bigger.
Customer Reviews: What Buyers Say About Hoka Shoes Sizing
Most people who buy Hokas say they run a little big. Many reviews mention extra space in the toes, which is great for comfort but not for those who want a tighter fit. Some runners love the roomy design, while others prefer to size down for a more secure feel.
A lot of reviews also mention that the fit depends on the model. For example, the Clifton is soft and spacious, but some say it’s “too roomy.” The Mach series, on the other hand, fits more snugly.
If you’re wondering about Hoka sizing, you might also be curious—do Timberlands run big or are they true to size? Knowing the right fit helps whether you’re picking boots or running shoes.
How to Measure Your Foot Length Correctly?
Measuring your foot correctly helps you find the right shoe size. It’s best to do this in the evening when your feet are slightly swollen from daily activity. Here’s how to measure your foot length at home:
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Step 1: Place a piece of paper on a hard floor and stand on it with your heel against a wall.
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Step 2: Use a pen to mark the tip of your longest toe.
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Step 3: Measure the distance from the edge of the paper to the mark using a ruler.
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Step 4: Repeat with the other foot since sizes may vary.
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Step 5: Use the larger measurement to find your size in a shoe chart.
Hoka Shoes Sizing Charts
After measuring your foot, the next thing to do is to compare the reading with a sizing chart. Here are the Hoka sizing charts so that you always buy the right shoes:
Women’s Hoka Sizing Chart
Foot Length (IN) |
US |
UK |
Europe |
Japan (CM) |
Mexico (CM) |
China |
8.66" |
5 |
3.5 |
36 |
22 |
22 |
220 |
8.81" |
5.5 |
4 |
36 2/3 |
22.5 |
22.5 |
225 |
9.06" |
6 |
4.5 |
37 1/3 |
23 |
23 |
230 |
9.25" |
6.5 |
5 |
38 |
23.5 |
23.5 |
235 |
9.45" |
7 |
5.5 |
38 2/3 |
24 |
24 |
240 |
9.65" |
7.5 |
6 |
39 1/3 |
24.5 |
24.5 |
245 |
9.84" |
8 |
6.5 |
40 |
25 |
25 |
250 |
10.04" |
8.5 |
7 |
40 2/3 |
25.5 |
25.5 |
255 |
10.23" |
9 |
7.5 |
41 1/3 |
26 |
26 |
260 |
10.43" |
9.5 |
8 |
42 |
26.5 |
26.5 |
265 |
10.63" |
10 |
8.5 |
42 2/3 |
27 |
27 |
270 |
10.83" |
10.5 |
9 |
43 1/3 |
27.5 |
27.5 |
275 |
11.02" |
11 |
9.5 |
44 |
28 |
28 |
280 |
11.22" |
11.5 |
10 |
44 2/3 |
28.5 |
28.5 |
285 |
11.42" |
12 |
10.5 |
45 1/3 |
29 |
29 |
290 |
Men’s Hoka Sizing Chart
Foot Length (IN) |
US |
UK |
Europe |
Japan (CM) |
Mexico (CM) |
China |
9.06" |
5 |
4.5 |
37 1/3 |
23 |
23 |
230 |
9.29" |
5.5 |
5 |
38 |
23.5 |
23.5 |
235 |
9.53" |
6 |
5.5 |
38 2/3 |
24 |
24 |
240 |
9.76" |
6.5 |
6 |
39 1/3 |
24.5 |
24.5 |
245 |
10.00" |
7 |
6.5 |
40 |
25 |
25 |
250 |
10.24" |
7.5 |
7 |
40 2/3 |
25.5 |
25.5 |
255 |
10.47" |
8 |
7.5 |
41 1/3 |
26 |
26 |
260 |
10.71" |
8.5 |
8 |
42 |
26.5 |
26.5 |
265 |
10.94" |
9 |
8.5 |
42 2/3 |
27 |
27 |
270 |
11.18" |
9.5 |
9 |
43 1/3 |
27.5 |
27.5 |
275 |
11.42" |
10 |
9.5 |
44 |
28 |
28 |
280 |
11.65" |
10.5 |
10 |
44 2/3 |
28.5 |
28.5 |
285 |
11.89" |
11 |
10.5 |
45 1/3 |
29 |
29 |
290 |
12.13" |
11.5 |
11 |
46 |
29.5 |
29.5 |
295 |
12.36" |
12 |
11.5 |
46 2/3 |
30 |
30 |
300 |
12.60" |
12.5 |
12 |
47 1/3 |
30.5 |
30.5 |
305 |
12.83" |
13 |
12.5 |
48 |
31 |
31 |
310 |
13.07" |
13.5 |
13 |
48 2/3 |
31.5 |
31.5 |
315 |
13.31" |
14 |
13.5 |
49 1/3 |
32 |
32 |
320 |
13.54" |
14.5 |
14 |
50 |
32.5 |
32.5 |
325 |
13.78" |
15 |
14.5 |
50 2/3 |
33 |
33 |
330 |
Kids’ Hoka Sizing Chart
US Size |
Foot Length (IN) |
3.5 Youth |
8.66" |
4 Youth |
8.86" |
4.5 Youth |
9.06" |
5 Youth |
9.25" |
5.5 Youth |
9.45" |
6 Youth |
9.65" |
6.5 Youth |
9.84" |
7 Youth |
10.04" |
Sizing can feel confusing with so many brands, so it’s no surprise people ask, does Adidas Gazelle run big or stick true to size? It’s helpful to compare before buying.
Can You Shrink Hoka Shoes?
Hoka shoes cannot be easily shrunk since they are made from synthetic and foam materials that don’t respond well to heat or water shrinking methods.
Some people try shrinking their Hokas by soaking them in hot water or putting them in a dryer, but this usually ruins the cushioning and shape. The EVA foam in Hokas is designed for shock absorption, and too much heat can cause it to break down.
Instead of trying to shrink them, it’s better to exchange them for a smaller size if they don’t fit well.
If returning them isn’t an option, a good trick is to use heel grips or tongue pads to reduce the extra room. Lacing techniques like the runner’s knot can also help secure the fit.
Tips to Get the Perfect Hoka Shoes Fit
Finding the right fit in Hoka shoes can make all the difference in comfort and performance. Here’s what we suggest you should do:
Tip |
Description |
Measure Your Feet |
Check your foot length in the evening when feet are at their largest. |
Try Different Models |
Some Hokas run bigger than others, so check reviews before buying. |
Consider Half Sizes |
If between sizes, go down half a size for a snug fit. |
Wear Your Usual Socks |
Try them on with the socks you’ll wear for running or walking. |
Use Insoles If Needed |
If they feel too roomy, adding an insole can improve the fit. |
Adjust the Laces |
Different lacing techniques can make a loose shoe feel more secure. |
Walk Around Before Deciding |
Test them on different surfaces to see how they feel. |
Hoka Shoes vs Other Brands: Sizing Comparison
Hoka shoes are known for their roomy fit and thick cushioning. Compared to other brands, they often feel bigger, especially in the toe box.
Here’s how they compare to five popular running shoe brands:
Brand |
Fit Comparison |
Toe Box Width |
Cushioning |
Recommended Sizing |
Hoka |
Runs slightly big |
Wide |
Maximum |
Consider going half a size down |
Nike |
Runs small |
Narrow |
Medium |
Go half a size up |
Adidas |
True to size |
Medium |
Medium |
Stick to usual size |
Brooks |
True to size |
Wide |
High |
Usual size or half-size down for snug fit |
Asics |
Runs slightly small |
Medium |
High |
Go half a size up |
New Balance |
True to size |
Wide |
Medium |
Usual size or half-size down for snug fit |
Just like Hokas, Hey Dudes have their own fit quirks, and many people ask how Hey Dudes fit compared to other shoes. It’s helpful info before you order.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether Hokas run big, the answer is usually yes, but it depends on the model and your foot shape.
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If Hokas feel too big, try going down half a size or adjusting the laces.
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Wide-footed runners may find the extra space comfortable.
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Comparing Hokas to your current brand can help determine the right size.
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The right fit makes all the difference in performance and comfort.
Remember: Getting the perfect Hoka fit means more comfort, better runs, and happy feet.