REASONS TO BUY
Modest weight
Unimposing stability
Strong daily comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Simplistic ride
Slightly chunky
Hoka Arahi 8 - Women's Review
Despite its generous cushioning, this shoe remains lightweight, making it a dependable and comfortable option for daily training
The Arahi 8 isn't a standout running shoe, but it offers just enough to be worn on casual jogs and long walks.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The updated Hoka Arahi 8 is a lightweight, bulbous daily training shoe that is comfortable for walking, standing, and moderate running. This updated shoe features an H-shaped frame, which adds some stability throughout the platform. Runners in need of a shoe that offers a lightweight ride might like the affordable Arahi. While not a standout shoe across the board, the Arahi is a comfortable daily shoe with a moderate heel stack, neutral fit, and modest stability features.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Hoka Arahi 8 is fairly standard in weight compared to similarly performing shoes, but it feels noticeably lighter underfoot.
Runners who desire comfortable padding in a shoe that doesn't feel heavy will likely enjoy the updated Hoka Arahi.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
The Hoka Arahi 8 is comfortable underfoot. It stands with a 34 mm heel stack with an 8 mm heel-to-toe differential. Hoka stuffed the midsole with dual-density, compression-molded EVA foam. The result is a firm and light undercarriage that remains comfortable on long walks. Many wearers of the Arahi, ourselves included, have concerns about the durability. As is often the case with lightweight materials, those of the Arahi are suitable enough for daily use, but they don't quite hold up to the demands of frequent road running.
The Hoka Arahi 8 offers a lightweight midsole that's comfortable for daily use but may lack long-term durability for frequent road running.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upper Comfort
The upper jacquard mesh of the Arahi 8 is comfortable to the touch but rather unremarkable. It feels neutral through the forefoot, but becomes a bit fluffier towards the midfoot and rear. The result is a comfortable but not overly impressive upper. The tongue is lightweight and plush, but it isn't gusseted, so it has the tendency to move around a bit. The heel collar is well-shaped, but also made of poofy-feeling materials that don't feel as tough or reliable as other textiles we've encountered. The fit of the updated Arahi is exactly what you'd expect, which adds nice peace of mind.
The Arahi 8 features a well-shaped, soft, plush heel collar that's comfortable yet feels less sturdy than some of the more stability-centered shoes.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
Interestingly, the Hoka Arahi 8 is marketed as a stability shoe. In some ways, it feels stable, and in other ways, it doesn't. Initially, the H-shaped frame built into the undercarriage provides noticeable stability underfoot. The underfoot cushion is rather soft, so the frame feels necessary.
The Hoka Arahi 8 offers moderate stability thanks to its H-shaped frame, but its soft cushioning and less robust upper make it feel less secure than top-tier stability shoes
Credit: Ally Arcuri
We never had any stability issues while running in the Arahi, but runners seeking the highest level of stability shoe might have a few gripes with the ride. The upper textiles aren't especially strong, and, combined with the soft cushioning, they don't perform as well as some of the higher-scoring stability options.
Weighing 7.31 ounces for a women's size 6.5, the Hoka Arahi 8 is slightly lighter than many stability shoes, offering a more nimble feel despite its generous underfoot cushioning.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
At 7.31 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Hoka Arahi 8 is slightly lighter than some heftier stability shoes, though not by much. The components of the Arahi feel lighter than expected while in motion, which is a surprising treat for a shoe with such ample underfoot cushioning.
The Arahi 8 performed solidly overall, offering decent traction.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The Arahi 8 has average traction. It wasn't the grippiest on wet surfaces, but it also didn't relent as easily on gravel corners.
The Hoka Arahi 8 may not be the highest scoring shoe across our rating metrics, but it's far from the worst. For runners seeking a soft, budget-friendly shoe with a touch of stability, the updated Arahi delivers comfort and reliability with minimal fuss.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Hoka Arahi 6?
The Hoka Arahi 8 isn't an outstanding shoe, but it certainly isn't the worst in the heap. If you are looking for a soft, affordable shoe with a side of stability, the updated Arahi will get you there with relative ease and comfort.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Runners in need of a shoe with ample comfort and stability will find many suitable options on the market. The Hoka Clifton 10 is a similarly-scoring shoe that offers many of the same qualities as the Arahi. The Clifton doesn't include a stability frame in its construction, but it offers support and everyday comfort. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is a solid option to consider. Built to feel a bit more robust and hearty, the Fresh Foam X 1080x14 offers a plush stack, neutral comfort, and a bit more energy and excitement in its ride.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Hoka Arahi 8 - Women's versus top competing products:
—Ally Arcuri
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