which hoka to choose ?
Hoka One One was born at the foot of the Annecy mountains with a clear mission: to make running and walking more accessible and enjoyable, whether on the road or in the wild. Today, the brand has turned the running and trail running world upside down with its UFOs. For good reason, HOKA set out with the ambition to inspire everyone to get moving, to stimulate the fearlessness and creativity of everyone. The brand makes it a point of honor to accompany you in your progress with determination and passion. To achieve this goal, the team never stops innovating by proposing bold and surprising solutions to satisfy the needs of all athletes. With HOKA, you'll discover your inner athlete, no matter what type of movement inspires you. The brand takes care of everything, allowing you to focus on your practice and push your limits. Let HOKA take you on a journey of performance and fun, and explore new horizons with this revolutionary brand. But be careful, you'll need the one that's right for you to get the full benefit of their efforts.
The technologies that make HOKA shoes unique.
HOKA stands out from the crowd by designing more than just shoes. The brand has developed a unique and addictive feel that you won't find anywhere else! More speed for racing. More comfort for hiking. More confidence for trail running. With their advanced cushioning and midsole, you'll discover a smoother, more fluid and efficient stride than ever before. The curved profile under the metas literally propels your stride forward for a turbo effect! The thickness of this signature Hoka midsole provides responsive, ultra-lightweight cushioning. Tests have shown that the heel can absorb twice as much shock as other running shoes.Finally, foot support is optimal thanks to the bucket seat shape in the heel. In short, with technical features at the cutting edge of innovation, HOKA has recreated your sports practice to offer you an experience apart. You'll love running in them! Let's take a closer look at these three essential technologies, subtly dosed into each model.
Propulsion
Where Hoka talks about a curved sole profile under the metas, you're talking about momentum and impulse. The curved underfoot metas prevents your feet from landing flat. Like a wheel under your foot, the curve promotes forward momentum. It injects the perfect amount of energy at the most opportune time to make each step feel perfectly fluid, no matter the pace.
- Curved sole profile under starting towards the back of the foot: It is designed to prioritize speed, fluidize movement and accelerate transitions from the back to the forefoot.
- Curved sole profile under starting towards the forefoot: It comes to place the rocker point closer to the toes to increase balance.
Support
Fusing comfort and speed, the HOKA Cushioned Midsole is designed to soften ground impact while providing good energy return. It acts as a shock absorber without weighing down the shoe. Depending on the model and practice the cushioning is more or less adjusted to provide the best degrees of performance and protection.
- Mellowed Cushioning: Increases comfort with a thicker footbed, softens ground impact and helps protect against injury with increased protection.
- Balanced Cushioning: It provides protective cushioning preserving energy return to go faster.
- Reactivity: It reduces the distance between the foot and the ground optimizing propulsion with a firmer material, amplifying the rebound, extending the suspension phase, and will increase your speed tenfold.
Stability
The "bucket seat" provides what every athlete is looking for: good support. It acts like a wrap and keeps your heel in place. Instead of just resting on the footbed, the foot is an integral part of the shoe. Aficionados often refer to it as an embrace between the shoe and the foot. This technology thus provides all-terrain support and movement assurance
- Back of Foot Bucket Seat: It is designed for everyday wear, and allows that unique wrap-around feel in the back to support.
- Midfoot bucket seat: It is suitable for higher cadences, and extends the bucket seat to increase the feeling of envelopment when the ground impact is towards the forefoot.
Innovation is the essence of HOKA.
Of course this unique experience is brought to you by the brand's patented technologies, and to target the model that will fit your feet you need to master them like multiplication tables.
- Profly: It's a dual-density cushioning technology that powers the midsole of many Hoka models, road and trail. The cushioning is firmer in the forefoot and firmer under the heel for a comfortable impact and dynamic push.
- Meta-Rocker Midsole Geometry (That's the curved under metas): This configuration should promote a natural rocking motion to provide more efficient propulsion.
- Hi-Abrasion Lightweight Rubber: Here we're talking about the lightweight, highly abrasion-resistant rubber that covers the outside of the sole to protect it from wear. It also gives excellent traction on different terrains.
- J-Frame: This is a flexible frame that equips the midsole of stability models. It comes to stabilize during the race to avoid excessive pronation or supination of the foot.
Now that we have seen all the technical part, let's move on to the subject that really concerns you:which Hoka shoes to choose? Trail,road runningour hiking: to each discipline its flagship models! Attention this list is not exhaustive. Here we present you a small base drowned in hundreds of declinations all a little more designed just for you.
Which Hoka to choose for the trail?
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2: the ultra trail
The Mafate Speed 2 features support and cushioning specifically designed for the most technical terrain. The curve ensures smooth transitions and the Vibram® Mega-Grip lugs provide excellent grip on all surfaces. These shoes are suitable for regular use (3-4 times a week) over long distances for the average person looking for support and cushioning. However, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that if you are looking for speed, we recommend you look at the following model instead.
His features:
- Lightweight SpeedFrame seamless construction External debris filter in single thread .
- Featherweight external TPU heel counter
- Race-Lace lacing
- Curved profile under the metas starting towards the back Lightweight, cushioned CMEVA upper midsole
- RMAT® midsole/outsole
- Sculpted arch support
- 4mm heel-toe drop
- Strategic areas of high abrasion resistant rubber
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight 2 x 295 g
- Public price: 170 €
Hoka Challenger ATR 5 : A 4x4 on your feet
The Challenger ATR 5 is a fast and agile trail running shoe thanks to its curved sole that allows for a smooth and fluid stride. This shoe features lightweight and incredibly comfortable cushioning, coupled with optimal balance thanks to the 4mm lugs, internal heel counter that holds the heel and impact-absorbing midsole. The Challenger ATR 5 is ideal for 1-2 times a week for distances between 10-30km. The lightweight, flexible design makes it a great weapon for fast runs, especially if you're a light weight and looking for a versatile, stable shoe. However, we don't recommend using the Challenger ATR 5 for longer distances and technical terrain. If you're looking for shoes for these types of activities, we recommend the Speedgoat or Mafate Speed models instead.
Their characteristics:
- Two-layer mesh provides support, durability and breathability .
- TPU toe reinforcement for added durability
- Internal reinforcement for heel support on any terrain
- Curved sole profile under the metas
- Large, lightweight EVA midsole
- 4mm studs for traction on all soils
- Convex outsole design for balance on uneven ground
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight 2 x 254 g
- Public price: 130 €
Hoka Speedgoat 4: inspired by the best
directly inspired by athleteKarl Speedgoat Meltzer, this new edition of theSpeedgoat 4provides a 3D printed lining for better midfoot support that will give you a guaranteed secure feeling! The forefoot space is wider, offering an optimal running experience. Opting for the Speedgoat 4 means choosing grip on the uphill and safety on the downhill, allowing you to run for miles without ever feeling uncomfortable. If you're looking for speed, the Speedgoat 4 is the shoe for you. It is designed for use 2-3 times a week for distances ranging from 30-50km for the average rider looking for speed and grip. However, we do not recommend using the Speedgoat 4 for ultra trails, as this shoe is designed to express its high level of performance on shorter, faster runs. All in all, the Speedgoat 4 is a fast, lightweight running shoe that is perfectly suited for runners who are looking for a shoe that offers excellent grip on the uphill and safety on the downhill.
The Speedgoat 4 is a great shoe for runners who are looking for a shoe that offers excellent grip on the uphill.
His features:
- The revamped mesh upper provides breathability
- The 3D-printed lining provides better midfoot support
- Gusseted tongue has strategic openings for breathability
- The lace eyelets feature a small winged component to optimize fit
- The midsole incorporates a new lightweight foam for a more responsive stride
- The wider forefoot ensures a more stable stride and comfortable fit
- Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole grips wet and dry terrain
- 5mm staggered lugs improve support and balance
- Strategic positioning of rubber inserts provides support and balance
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 2 x 306 g
- Public price: 140 €
Which Hoka to choose for running
Hoka Carbon X: the key to victory
You're not running, you're propelling yourself! TheCarbon Xs are high-performance shoes. Their secret? A carbon fiber plate pushes you forward, and accelerates your momentum.The Carbon X offers a stabilized, smooth, but also very dynamic stride. Lightweight and resilient Profly X foam, wide base for a stable stride, exemplary responsiveness, and streamlined design, in short they will certainly be the ones to lead you to victory! It is recommended for light weight runners who are looking for dynamism and speed, for a frequency of 2 to 3 outings per week over distances ranging from 10 to 30km. Although LesCarbon X are more suited for short distances. However, they are also known as excellent companions for a marathon
Their characteristics:
- A single-layer technical mesh upper provides breathability on the metas
- An embroidered reinforcement provides lightweight support in the middle
- Gusseted tongue prevents migration at the instep
- Curved sole under the metas ensures a fast pace and good momentum
- Lightweight, resilient PROFLY X foam is applied above the carbon fiber plate, while rubberized foam is placed below
- The carbon fiber plate under the toes on the outside prevents supination and provides a smooth transition
- A wide platform in the metas offers support and balance as well as a nice, comfortable fit
- A rubberized foam outsole provides light, responsive ground contact
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 2 x 246 g
- Public price: 180 €
Hoka Clifton 7: softness and comfort
Having revolutionized the vision ofHokachez runners theClifton 7s are the ones that will change your daily life. The Clifton 7 draws its strength from the features of previous models. It brings you a subtle combination of softness and lightness. They will blossom perfectly from 10 km to half-marathon for a frequency of 2 to 3 outings per week. It is recommended for light weight people looking for lightness and comfort. The long distance is not their strong point but a half marathon at ease, it is already that.
Their characteristics:
- Open sandwich mesh construction promotes ease and breathability .
- Lightweight mesh gusset prevents tongue from moving
- Reinforced eyelets provide added durability
- New vertical tongue for easy slip-on
- Curved sole under the metas starting at the back for a fluid stride
- HOKA's signature cushioning from the full-length compression-molded EVA midsole
- Slightly beveled heel for a smooth transition
- Flat curved geometry for exceptional stability
- Full ground contact offering a fluid, stable stride
- Rubber-reinforced zones for high abrasion resistance while maintaining lightness
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 2 x 247 g
- Public price: 140 €
Hoka Elevon 2 : Like in slippers
Cuddly and reassuring, theElevon 2s give you secure footing and high-end cushioning. Extremely plush cushioning ensures smooth transitions. Increased midfoot and forefoot support and asymmetrical internal support wings give you a customized fit. The entire foot is supported, while the grooves in the forefoot provide all the flexibility needed for good impulses. A vegan composition is also to be noted for these high quality shoes. A true cocoon of comfort, long distance is not a problem for the Elevon 2. This model is perfect for the average person looking for ease and cushioning. Its use is recommended for 2 to 3 outings per week over a distance of 30 to 50 km.
His characteristics:
- Anatomical support wings allow for a custom fit
- Asymmetrical tongue creates a secure feel
- The tongue has strategic openings for breathability
- Lightweight technical mesh upper provides breathability and performance
- The PROFLY™ midsole top layer provides a responsive boost and smooth impact
- Extended heel enhances cushioning and provides smoother transitions
- Features a deeper bucket seat in the midsole for more support
- Strategically placed grooves in the forefoot provide more flexibility during the drive
- The clear rubber outsole brings a sleek aesthetic
- 100% Vegan
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight 2 x 288 g
- Public price: 160 €
Which Hoka to choose for hiking or trekking
Hoka Challenger ATR 5 GTX: bulletproof
Keep your feet dry with theChallenger ATR 5 GTX! All-terrain, this shoe will get you through anything with fluidity. With its strategically patterned treads, theChallenger ATR 5 GTX will take you absolutely anywhere, all smoothly. It's not afraid of any weather. Equally at home on the trail or in the field, this model lets you do your best work in all conditions. If you're a medium-sized rider looking for comfort and grip, you can easily cover 10-20km of trails 2-3 times a week. But don't count on long distances or going full speed.
His features:
- Includes a waterproof, lightweight, breathable, quality GORE-TEX® sockliner that keeps your feet dry in all weather
- The water-resistant mesh upper is ideal for all seasons
- Includes textured TPU toe braces for durability
- Internal reinforcement for heel support on any terrain
- Curved sole under the metas starting at the back for a fluid stride
- HOKA ONE ONE®'s signature cushioning from the large, lightweight EVA midsole
- CMEVA foam midsole provides stability and absorbs impact points
- 4mm studs for traction on all soils
- Convex outsole design for balance on rough terrain
- Drop: 5 mm
- Weight 2 x 297 g
- Public price: 140 €
Hoka Sky Toa GTX: the speed
The Sky Toa GTXs take their cues from the best trail shoes to help you fly over the trails on the trail. Speed is their watchword, and so is durability: theSky Toa GTXare 100% vegan. TheSky Toa GTXspeaks high, and loud! Waterproof, this hiking boot is also the lightest in its class. Its key words? Functionality and lightness! Both technical and ultra-light, the Sky Toa GTX helps you push your limits for 10 to 30 km 2 to 3 times a week. The Sky Toa GTX is designed for medium-sized people looking for dynamism and grip for their day hikes. TheSky Toa GTX competes with trail shoes up close, very close! Speed is their strong suit on even the most technical hiking trails. They're a great choice for those who want to get the most out of their day hikes.
Their features:
- The waterproof GORE-TEX liner ensures comfort and dryness .
- Technical synthetic upper ensures durability, breathability and light weight
- Rubberized foam in the midsole provides durable cushioning and responsiveness
- Includes a high-traction Vibram® Megagrip outsole
- Includes multi-directional lugs for unparalleled grip on all terrains
- 100% Vegan
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight 2 x 428 g
- Public price: 180 €
Hoka Sky Kaha GTX: no limits
Slip them on, and set out to conquer all the trails you've ever dreamed of: theSky Kaha GTX will always get you there! Perfect for the long haul, they offer the comfort you've been dreaming of to chain climbs and distances with your backpack. Easy ascents, fast descents: the Sky Kaha GTX will take you further, faster! You'll reach your destination faster than you expected. Its incredible cushioning-to-weight ratio is its strength, while its Vibram sole and flexibility add to your comfort level. Long distance walking will be a breeze. The sky kaha gtx can be used regularly, if not daily, for distances of 30 to 50 km. They are suitable for medium to heavy builders looking for comfort and support.
Their features:
- EVent® waterproof lining means comfort.
- Waterproof full-grain leather for durability and support.
- EVA top layer for cozy comfort that wraps around the foot.
- Rangi™ foam in the bottom providing long-lasting cushioning and exceptional dynamics.
- Vibram® Mega-Grip outsole provides great traction with 5mm lugs.
- Multi-directional lugs for unparalleled grip on varied terrain .
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight 2 x 508 g
- Public price: 220 €