HOKA's latest shoe ditches laces – and might be its comfiest yet

HOKA swaps race-day speed for off-day comfort with the Skyward Laceless, a chunky new recovery/ running shoe you’ll want to live in.

The launch follows a triumphant showing for HOKA athletes at UTMB 2025, where the brand claimed multiple podiums across the week, including a win at OCC and standout performances at CCC and the 100-mile flagship event.

While the Skyward Laceless isn’t made for alpine terrain, it represents the other side of elite performance: recovery, with potential use cases that include everything from long travel days and post-run strolls to lazy Sundays and beyond.

The spiritual successor of the Hoka Skyward X, this ultra-cushioned slip-on brings the brand’s signature foam-forward feel to a surprisingly sleek silhouette.

There are no laces or tongue; instead, an integrated pull tab provides easy on and off, and a silicone HOKA logo is stamped proudly across the side.

It rides high – literally – on a dual-layer midsole that stacks premium PEBA foam on top of supercritical EVA for a plush yet responsive feel.

In men’s sizing, you’re looking at 47mm of cushion at the heel, 41mm at the forefoot, while the women’s version drops slightly to 45/39mm.

Underfoot, Durabrasion rubber is used sparingly for grip without adding weight.

The upper is constructed from a one-piece, triple-jacquard knit made with 87% recycled content and a touch of spandex, resulting in a soft, stretchy, sock-like feel.

Coming in two colourways, the HOKA Skyward Laceless is available now at HOKA US, HOKA UK and select retail partners for $175/ £160 (~AU$267.42).