I Literally Signed Up to Run a Marathon to Get My Hands on These Cute Hoka Sneakers (2024)

Yes, you read that headline right. And, no, I did not have any major running experience. When a rep emailed me with the opportunity to join the most legit Hoka athletes and train with their official coach for the Big Sur International Marathon—yes, being a fashion editor has its perks!—I laughed out loud. I mean, I sprinted for track-and-field during high school, but I could never understand why anyone how anyone could run long distance. It’s a feat! Still, I took one look at the cute shoe styles I’d get to try during the experience and said, “Yep, that’s worth it.” I’m the type that loves to push (and laugh) at myself, try new things (especially as it relates to fitness), and obvi, the shoe part speaks for itself!

(P.S. The writer received free transportation, stays, meals, merch, and experiences in order to write this story.)

For about five months, I laced up and hit the pavement with the goal of building my stamina (I could barely run a minute before feeling out of breath at first), so I could reach the finish line at a good time. In between, I met monthly with my trainer (hi, Ben!) to track my progress. Also part of the process: digital group sessions, check-ins with a dietician and mental health practitioner, and an in-person meet-and-greet with the other runners whilst training in Flagstaff, Arizona. Yeah, it was a pretty comprehensive running plan!

All of that was absolutely amazing and inspiring, but I gotta get back to the shoes. I trained with two pairs of sneakers: the Mach 6 (I received the gorgeous, limited-edition monochrome pink colorway that’s unfortch out of stock in women’s sizing, sry!) and the iconic Speedgoats. It was my first time trying out Hoka sneakers and omg, they did not disappoint.

First impressions:

My preferred mode of exercise is walking, but here and there, when I feel the need to add some more cardio, I muster up the courage to do a lil sprint. Before the Mach 6 and the Speedgoats, I would end up with either shin splints or an ache in the arch of my foot. With the Hoka sneakers? That’s no longer a prob. These are def the best running/walking shoes I’ve ever worn! Read on for my impressions of each shoe.

Mach 6

Besides the stunning Barbiecore colorway, what I loved about the Mach 6 is that they are responsive, plush, super-comfy, and I didn’t have to break ’em in. While at home, I mainly practiced on roads (didn’t want to dirty my pretty kicks) and I enjoyed the stacked and cushioned feel of the soles. One word of warning: I’m not one to do anything outside in the rain, but if you like to run in the rain, these may not be grippy enough for you!

Speedgoat 5

If you are a hardcore runner and enjoy the free therapy that Mother Nature offers us, you will be over the moon about this pair. The Speedgoat 5 is one of Hoka’s most iconic styles, and I see why. Aside from being stylish, they are breathable (thanks to the mesh design), make your feet happy (sooo comfy), and has good grip, making it perf for trail runs (which I did out in Arizona.) Still, I loved the Mach 6 more!

So...No, I Actually Didn’t Run a Marathon in the End

Somewhere along the way, I had to get real. It wasn’t easy trying to squeeze in time to train so essentially, I said, “Forget running a marathon—let’s scale down.” Next thing I knew, I was signed up to run my first 12K at Big Sur and thanks to the Hoka Cielo X1, man, did I fly! I’m pretty sure these sneakers played a part in how a smile was on my face throughout this run. Oh, and the views, aaand the people stopping to compliment me on my sneakers.

BTW, Here’s the Rest of the Stylish Hoka Stuff I Trained In: