This shoe is incredible! disclaimer; I was super apprehensive about this shoe, as it’s very ugly! haha! But, I’ve run in prior versions 1-2, and each one I feel like Hoka just hits all the right sweet spots that you could ever need from a shoe.
Firstly, you must know this comes at a price. It’s a $260 before tax type of investment. Here’s the kicker, the integrity of the shoe wears down much slower than other shoes I’ve trained in. One comparison the hoka Speedgoat.
Comes in a 40 mm stack height in the heel and 35 mm in the mid foot. 5 mm drop. 10 oz weight. I find the light mesh to be impeccably breathable and it also allows for fast drying when wet or the shoe has a good mechanism overall to not clog and release excessive moisture etc.
It does have a carbon plate, will it make you run faster you may ask, no no it will not haha. There is so much hoopla out there about super shoes, here’s what I’ll say after racing in many different types of shoes for nearly two decades. Shoes will not supersede conditioning. You have a specific foot that feels better in a specific pair of shoes based on your foot structure, comfort, preference, and when you find one that meets those areas buy a few pairs, as each model upgrade changes on fly, one of the most frustrating realities in the shoe market haha. another topic for another day.
The shoe is overall very responsive. There is a solid mid range grip on the bottom that really allows for good footing on a number of different terrains. It does tend to be less responsive pending on wet conditions, if the race you had in mind was a down pour you’d probably want to change your shoe choice. However, ground contact feel is amazing, I was impressed here as it’s a 40 mm stack height and yet still feels like you have a good connection to the ground.
The main positive of this shoe is the cushioning. It doesn’t break down like other shoes I’ve run in, it some how preserves the muscles in the foot, I find very limited wear and tear foot issues running 24 + hour races, and the comfort is equivalent to a caddilac for cars. The toe box is incredibly large and allows for toes to splace and never overcrowded and I’ve yet to experience any nail executions haha.
Side bonus here with this shoe. It comes with a built in gaiter. Was I apprehensive of this at first glance, yes, but the mesh is super comfy and it’s easy to get these on and off, and it prevents all rocks and dust to accumulate when you pick your heal back up off the ground contact. So it truly minimizes any disruptions along the way and I’ll say this one last thing that’s very special about this shoe. I always find the my best races have been ones in which you don’t have to think of external variables, you just focus on the ground, your breath, and your rhythm. This shoe is so effortless it eliminates all distractions so you can find that inner flow and adjust the dial! happy trails !
