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Dad sneakers, as they have been lovingly memes, are still going strong. You’ll recognize them by their quirky look – emphasizing comfort and sensitivity, typically using a puffy sole and boxy fit. The Nike Monarchs and New Balance 993 are classics, but the champion of this look is Hoka.
Hoka One One, founded in 2009 by two shoe designers, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, was created with runners in mind. Thanks to the shoes’ huge, super-cushioned soles and legendary comfort, the brand has taken off, earning praise from athletes, podiatrists and celebrities. Arguably the only issue with Hoka’s kicks is their price – most pairs ring in the $150-$200 range.
If you’re not quite ready to shell out the cash, I have good news.
At just under $28, Walmart’s Avia Hightail running sneakers look suspiciously similar to Hoka’s Clifton 8. The Avia sneakers come in multiple colors, but the tonal lavender pair and the navy pair with an orange gradient trim really pass the Hoka vibe test. Their seamless breathable mesh upper and molded, lightweight EVA soles also go hand-in-hand with the originals.
Online critics and TikTok users rave about the stylish similarities. “I found them on TikTok before buying them and heard several reviews about their comfort. I wanted Hoka running shoes for comfort, but I was not a fan of the price,” wrote a reviewer named Brooklyn “Once I bought them, I was obsessed! They are so stylish and comfortable for ONLY $20!” Reviewer Shannon32 notes that “the style looks athletic but still fashionable, it can be worn in the gym or casually. I like the softness of the sole of the shoe, it allows for a softer impact when running or doing any activity.
With a 4.4 star rating and 123 customer reviews, they have left most customers happy with their fit, comfort, and style. Several reviewers mentioned picking up the shoe in more than one color. (“I’m about to get, like, eight more pairs,” user Lauren Watson said in a recent unboxing TikTok.) Others with foot pain and plantar fasciitis have praised the properties support from the sneaker.
It’s worth noting that some reviewers have admitted that these much cheaper Walmart kicks aren’t a perfect copy of their more expensive counterpart. “These are awesome shoes for under $30!! But for those who think this is a Hoka replacement, it’s not,” wrote a reviewer named Mom. not as soft and cushiony,” TikTok-er Ashley added in a recent post.
However, if you’re looking for a cool-looking pair of sneakers that will deliver review-approved comfort, head over to Walmart to try these compelling dupes. Thanks to their competitive price, the sneakers sell out fast, so pick up a pair for back to school, a new gym routine, or, at $28, just to try something new.
