Hoka Challenger 7 for wide feet and Bondi 9 extra wide for 62-year old knees

[Recontra]

I’ve been wearing the Hoka Challenger 7 wides for base shoes this season since it stopped raining. My 62 year old arthritic knees under my overweight body have never been happier. They’re a trail runner/hiker, so have great traction sole (even better than my New Balance which I now use for just wet conditions). Very light weight, and they breathe (are cool on hot turf—cooler I should say—the New Balance simply don’t breathe at all). They will collect dust, but clean up easily with just a touch of water and a brush. The Challenger wides are not quite wide enough for my feet, so I had to go a half size up to get a little more width. They’re actually on sale now https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/challenger-7/1134497.html?dwvar_1134497_color=BBLC

For wide feet like mine, the Bondi 9 “extra wide” all black is simply the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn anywhere, with maximum cushion for the knees (also light weight and very breathable). They also fit my foot to size. The sole doesn’t have as good traction, but they are like running on clouds. For dry conditions or turf, “sublime” is the word that comes to my mind. I have both—and I find myself wearing the Bondi 9 extra wides everywhere off the field. https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-everyday-running-shoes/bondi-9/1162011.html?dwvar_1162011_color=BBLC

I find both to be very stable with lateral movement, and the durability so far has been great. They ain’t cheap, but for my arthritic knees they have been worth every penny. Even if they end up breaking down quicker than my New Balance, I’d probably still buy another pair of each. And if Hoka ends up selling an all black extra wide trail runner/hiker, I will probably hoard a few pairs. 

[umpstu]

1 hour ago, Recontra said:

I’ve been wearing the Hoka Challenger 7 wides for base shoes this season since it stopped raining. My 62 year old arthritic knees under my overweight body have never been happier. They’re a trail runner/hiker, so have great traction sole (even better than my New Balance which I now use for just wet conditions). Very light weight, and they breathe (are cool on hot turf—cooler I should say—the New Balance simply don’t breathe at all). They will collect dust, but clean up easily with just a touch of water and a brush. The Challenger wides are not quite wide enough for my feet, so I had to go a half size up to get a little more width. They’re actually on sale now https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/challenger-7/1134497.html?dwvar_1134497_color=BBLC

For wide feet like mine, the Bondi 9 “extra wide” all black is simply the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn anywhere, with maximum cushion for the knees (also light weight and very breathable). They also fit my foot to size. The sole doesn’t have as good traction, but they are like running on clouds. For dry conditions or turf, “sublime” is the word that comes to my mind. I have both—and I find myself wearing the Bondi 9 extra wides everywhere off the field. https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-everyday-running-shoes/bondi-9/1162011.html?dwvar_1162011_color=BBLC

I find both to be very stable with lateral movement, and the durability so far has been great. They ain’t cheap, but for my arthritic knees they have been worth every penny. Even if they end up breaking down quicker than my New Balance, I’d probably still buy another pair of each. And if Hoka ends up selling an all black extra wide trail runner/hiker, I will probably hoard a few pairs. 

I try to walk anywhere from 1.5 to 3 miles per day and currently wear Brooks shoes. Been looking at getting some Hoka shoes and your review is very helpful. Thanks. Will probably get some today.

[Velho]

Another good consideration is the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 Running Shoe (or any show really with that type of sole, I forget the industry term). None are cheap but they are comfortable.

The one thing (beside keeping them clean from clay fields) I've noticed is that the wide and high soles makes it easier to turn my ankle. Probably some of me in that with historically weak ankles (at least back when I played basketball) and that I wear no drop no cushion flat shoes otherwise (10k steps a day in my Xero's).