Comparison: Which Hoka Running Shoes to Buy?
At first glance, we can say that Hoka Running shoes are a little deceiving due to their maximalist design. And you'll be surprised when you hold any of their models in your hands, as they are very light.
For those unfamiliar with them, their most striking feature is their exceptionally high and wide midsole. Some find it excessive, until they try them on. We could say it's Hoka's signature.
One of the attributes that gives Hoka Running models their personality is stability. Also, simply start running in them to feel their unparalleled responsiveness and lightness. This solidifies Hoka as a running brand to be seriously considered.
Distinguishing features of Hoka shoes
In addition to a very original sole, it's worth analyzing other important parts of this brand's models. Such is the case with the last and the midsole; their design makes your leg muscles work in such a way that they help you run with your back in an upright position. A healthy benefit that many runners particularly appreciate.
Hoka, by definition, manufactures rather cushioned shoes. In this brand, the drop is not representative when it comes to knowing the shoe's cushioning, as, as we mentioned earlier, the sole is quite thick, both at the front and at the back.
In addition to a very original sole, it's worth analyzing other important parts of this brand's models. Such is the case with the last and the midsole; their design makes your leg muscles work in such a way that they help you run with your back in an upright position. A healthy benefit that many runners particularly appreciate.
Hoka, by definition, manufactures rather cushioned shoes. In this brand, the drop is not representative when it comes to knowing the shoe's cushioning, as, as we mentioned earlier, the sole is quite thick, both at the front and at the back.
Hoka Running Neutral Training Shoes: Rocket X – Carbon X2
The Hoka Carbon X 2 are Hoka's fastest shoes, a model for competition thanks to their speed and propulsive capacity. Designed for neutral runners who want to beat their own records.
The name of this model comes from the famous carbon plate located next to the sole, which gives us greater propulsion with each stride.
Those who wear them will find that they are high-performance running shoes. This is achieved thanks to the carbon fiber plate along with the aggressive Meta-Rocker technology. They will give you a lot of responsiveness.
Structured technical mesh upper, comfortable and breathable.
Reinforced tongue for a comfortable fit.
Anatomical structure around the Achilles tendon.
Molded and removable EVA insole.
PROFLY midsole that cushions your steps and gives you a powerful boost thanks to the carbon fiber plate.
Its outsole is also made of EVA foam. You'll notice that it provides light ground contact and improves the responsiveness of the cushioning.
The Hoka Carbon X are perfect for medium-lightweight runners with a brisk pace in every run. If you run marathons in under 3 hours, these shoes are perfect for you.
The Rocket X also have a 1mm carbon plate specifically designed for maximum efficiency in competition.
These are shoes designed with the bare minimum to be as fast and reactive as possible during races.
Their profile is between the Carbon X and the Carbon Rocket, neither too high nor too low.
At only 210g, they are the brand's lightest carbon shoes.
Highly breathable technical mesh upper, slightly more comfortable than other Hoka carbon-plated shoes.
Very light EVA foam midsole, but provides a fairly firm feel on the ground.
Dual-density rubber outsole. To make certain areas lighter and at the same time increase their lifespan.
We include them in the competition category to highlight them, because they are pure performance shoes. Some consider them mixed shoes, while others believe they are a lightweight shoe with a lot of cushioning for training.
Made for light to medium-weight runners who run in almost racing flats—fast but also with a lot of cushioning. And who want shoes that last longer than racing shoes.
They are lightweight, although at first glance, the maximalist midsole with high profiles stands out.
The Hoka Rincon are best suited for short to medium-distance training sessions where you demand high paces and intensity.
Extremely breathable sandwich mesh upper that allows great mobility in the forefoot area.
Full-compression EVA midsole, providing HOKA's exclusive cushioning.
The early-stage Meta-Rocker has been redesigned for faster acceleration.
Full ground contact outsole to provide a smooth and stable ride, with high-resistance rubber reinforcements.
Hoka Running Neutral Training Shoes: Clifton 8
Lightweight and highly cushioned running shoes, ideal for covering miles over medium and long distances. Neutral stride Drop: 5 mm Weight: 266 gr for men and 216 gr for women.
Upper: It has been somewhat reinforced in this version to improve the runner's foot support.
Midsole: Now more spectacular and more racing. Made with the new SpeedFrame cushioning system (compression-molded EVA), an ultralight and very comfortable material. It also includes the Toe Box system, which provides a more natural stride, thanks to a design that gives you maximum contact with the ground you're running on.
The last is now wider, promoting freedom of movement for the toes during both the landing and toe-off phases.
The early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry is worth highlighting. A very visible component designed to improve the transition from the heel to the front of the shoe.
Outsole: In this version 8, it offers more grip than the Clifton 7. The rubber compound is incorporated into strategic areas. Without a doubt, the areas of greatest wear are the back and front of the model.
Allows for good running on firm ground or with some gravel, such as city parks.
This arrangement allows for an increase in durability and ensures maximum utilization of the shoe.
Hoka Running Shoes for Overpronators: Gaviota 3 – Arahi 5
If you're a pronator looking for a training shoe that provides stability, cushioning, and lightness, the Arahi 5 is perfect.
Hoka running shoes that offer maximum cushioning with only 265 grams of weight (for men). They also guarantee stability and smoothness in each phase of the stride. However, they allow you to go fast when you need to.
Intended for slightly lighter runners who tend to have a slightly pronated stride, as this shoe is also designed for neutral-footed runners who want a stable shoe. Drop: 5 mm Weight: 265 gr. (men) and 215 gr. (women)
Upper: The mesh on the upper has been renewed to be lighter, it improves the structure in the heel and opens up in the forefoot to provide more breathability.
3D Puff print frame for a good and very lightweight fit. Padded tongue for added comfort.
Midsole: Dynamic Stability: the runner enjoys stable shoes without noticing a harder area every time they step. Early-stage Meta-Rocker, which allows for a faster and more reactive transition. Dual-density EVA foam with J-Frame™ for lightweight support and protection while guiding the foot.
Outsole: RMAT rubber, which provides greater durability to high-wear areas.
Running shoes designed for heavyweight runners with pronated strides. They are the brand's maximum cushioning and support shoes. And yet, the first characteristic they stand out for is their lightness. Furthermore, you'll equally notice their responsiveness, cushioning, stability, and grip.
Although they are lightweight, they are recommended for heavy pronating runners or those who are not as heavy but want to run very long distances. The HOKA J-Frame is the element that provides support and protection to the foot while guiding it. Drop: 5 mm Weight: 297 gr. (men) and 245 gr. (women)
Upper with 3D implants to give consistency and structure to a shoe designed to provide maximum stability. There is a slightly stiffer piece on the outer side that acts as a strap and prevents foot pronation.
Molded Ortholite internal insole.
Midsole: This is where Hoka's support or stability system, the J-Frame, is located. It is a firmer material than EVA, providing non-intrusive support, suitable for both pronators and neutral runners (those who want to run very long distances, as accumulated mileage can also cause pronation). The late-stage Meta-Rocker will allow for a quick stride transition. 3D Puff print frame for lightweight and detailed additional support.
Outsole: RMAT rubber, which provides greater durability to high-wear areas.
Hoka Technologies
1.- Midsole
Marshmallow: super thick, light and wide. Maximum cushioning combines with minimum weight, providing unique comfort and stability.
Great impact absorption with every stride. Total comfort.
2.- Meta-Rocker Geometry
The Meta-Rocker midsole, with its low-heel shape at the feet and sculpted toe, propels you forward. A push that, at the same time, promotes your natural stride and gait.
This technology provides a smooth transition, from the initial impact to the toe.
3.- Active Foot Frame
With this brand, your foot sits deep within the midsole, rather than on top of it. This means special stability, valid and recommended for all types of runners. All this regardless of limitations or the weight of additional support material.
Thanks to this technology, Hoka provides integrated stability and complete adaptability to a wide range of feet and running styles.
Hoka Technologies
All the shoes in this article are for running on asphalt or hard surfaces. Here we will classify them in a simple way:
If you are a pronator:
a) If you weigh more than 80 kg, we recommend the Gaviota.
b) If you weigh less than 80 kg, we recommend the Arahi.
If your stride is neutral:
a) If you weigh around 80 kg, we recommend the Clayton.
b) If you want an almost racing flat: the Clifton Rincon.
The runner's weight does not always determine the cushioning of the shoe we should buy. We must also take into account daily and weekly mileage, or the goal we want the shoe to help us achieve. However, it is always very helpful to be guided by the aforementioned parameters to get a good idea of which shoe will best suit us.
