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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hoka Odyssey Review}} The Hoka Odyssey can be thought of as the mass market version of the Hoka Clifton, which is deservedly one of the best-selling running..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hoka Odyssey Review}}
The Hoka Odyssey can be thought of as the mass market version of the [[Hoka Clifton]], which is deservedly one of the best-selling running shoes. While the Odyssey is a great shoe, and is close to the wonderful Clifton, it falls slightly short and I prefer the Clifton (original or 2). However, the mass market availability of the Odyssey may make it easier to find. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Odyssey has a high level of cushioning, with the soft ride that Hoka is famous for. The only shoes with more cushioning that I've tested are the [[Hoka Clifton| Clifton 2]], [[Hoka Bondi]], [[Hoka Stinson]], and [[Hoka Mafate]]. The cushioning of the Odyssey is wonderful given its weight, and the only shoe that does better in this class is the Clifton 2, and then only slightly.
* {{H:drop}}'''. '''The Odyssey has about an 8mm drop unloaded, but when the shoe is worn this is reduced to 5mm, which is still a little more than I'd like. (The Clifton 2 is nearly zero drop.)
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe is made of a single type of foam, though it is colored to appear like there are two different foams in use. The Odyssey has a less abrupt taper at the very front of the shoe than the [[Hoka Bondi]], even though both claim to have Hoka's "early meta-rocker." The rear of the shoe is also tapered, creating a rocker shape that's common to the Hoka range. The midsole wraps around the lower part of the foot to create additional stability. This helps overcome some of the problems you get with a thick sole creating a stilt like instability.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Odyssey is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness, but is slightly less flexible than the Clifton.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Odyssey has some exposed midsole, with some durable rubber in high friction areas. The durable rubber is placed in much better positions than it is in the Bondi, improving the life of the shoe. In fact, the midsole that is in contact with the ground seems to be remarkably durable, probably because it is in not in the high impact areas.
* {{H:shape}}. The Odyssey has the typical Hoka shape, which includes a horribly constricted toe box. I've noticed at Ultras the Hoka toe box causes a distinctive pattern of blisters, so it's critical to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is reasonably thin, breathable, and inflexible, with reasonable padding around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Odyssey has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue is unpadded and a little stiffer than I'd like. While the tongue appears identical to the original Clifton, it's not so comfortable. (The Clifton 2 has a nicely padded tongue.)
* {{H:lacing}}. The Odyssey uses thin round laces that do not want to stay tied, and annoyed me immensely. The laces are not elasticated like the Clifton 2.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Odyssey has only a modest heel counter that is both useless and harmless.
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Odyssey and the Original Hoka Clifton ==
The Odyssey looks almost identical to the [[Hoka Clifton]], but they are not the same shoe. On close inspection the Odyssey looks more like the original Clifton than the Clifton 2, with less ankle padding and an unpadded tongue. I had no problems with the original Clifton's tongue, but the Odyssey irritated my ankle on a couple of occasions. The Odyssey has a slightly thicker midsole, with slightly more drop, but the foam is also slightly firmer. The Clifton is also more than an ounce lighter, so while the Odyssey is a great shoe, the original Clifton is noticeably better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 1}}
==Odyssey and the Hoka Clifton 2==
The differences between the Odyssey and the second Clifton are slightly greater. The Clifton 2 has a nicer upper, with more padding and slightly elasticated laces, which make the Clifton 2 noticeably more comfortable. The cushioning of the Clifton 2 is softer even though it's lighter. The weight difference between the Odyssey and Clifton 2 is less than between the Odyssey and the original Clifton (about a third of an ounce), but lighter is always better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Odyssey and the Hoka Mafate==
The [[Hoka Mafate]] is a much heavier, thicker shoe than the Odyssey, with greater cushioning in the heel. For use on roads or stony trails, I'd choose the Odyssey (or better the Clifton) every time as it's so much lighter. However, the Mafate has a wonderful outsole that gives enormous confidence on pretty much any surface. The Mafate will work on everything from road to mud to slick rock, so if you need a true trail shoe, go for the Mafate.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/mafate-speed-1085|1085|Hoka Mafate}}
==Odyssey and the Asics GT 2000 ==
I like to compare shoes against the [[Asics GT 2000]] as it represents the traditional running shoe. The GT 2000 is over engineered and includes many things I dislike in traditional running shoes. These excessive features go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]] and are more likely to cause problems than solve them. The GT 2000 is nearly 50% heavier than the Odyssey, but provides far less cushioning. I can think of no advantage the GT 2000 has over the Odyssey, and I'd choose the Odyssey every time.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Hoka Odyssey can be thought of as the mass market version of the [[Hoka Clifton]], which is deservedly one of the best-selling running shoes. While the Odyssey is a great shoe, and is close to the wonderful Clifton, it falls slightly short and I prefer the Clifton (original or 2). However, the mass market availability of the Odyssey may make it easier to find. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Odyssey has a high level of cushioning, with the soft ride that Hoka is famous for. The only shoes with more cushioning that I've tested are the [[Hoka Clifton| Clifton 2]], [[Hoka Bondi]], [[Hoka Stinson]], and [[Hoka Mafate]]. The cushioning of the Odyssey is wonderful given its weight, and the only shoe that does better in this class is the Clifton 2, and then only slightly.
* {{H:drop}}'''. '''The Odyssey has about an 8mm drop unloaded, but when the shoe is worn this is reduced to 5mm, which is still a little more than I'd like. (The Clifton 2 is nearly zero drop.)
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe is made of a single type of foam, though it is colored to appear like there are two different foams in use. The Odyssey has a less abrupt taper at the very front of the shoe than the [[Hoka Bondi]], even though both claim to have Hoka's "early meta-rocker." The rear of the shoe is also tapered, creating a rocker shape that's common to the Hoka range. The midsole wraps around the lower part of the foot to create additional stability. This helps overcome some of the problems you get with a thick sole creating a stilt like instability.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Odyssey is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness, but is slightly less flexible than the Clifton.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Odyssey has some exposed midsole, with some durable rubber in high friction areas. The durable rubber is placed in much better positions than it is in the Bondi, improving the life of the shoe. In fact, the midsole that is in contact with the ground seems to be remarkably durable, probably because it is in not in the high impact areas.
* {{H:shape}}. The Odyssey has the typical Hoka shape, which includes a horribly constricted toe box. I've noticed at Ultras the Hoka toe box causes a distinctive pattern of blisters, so it's critical to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is reasonably thin, breathable, and inflexible, with reasonable padding around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Odyssey has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue is unpadded and a little stiffer than I'd like. While the tongue appears identical to the original Clifton, it's not so comfortable. (The Clifton 2 has a nicely padded tongue.)
* {{H:lacing}}. The Odyssey uses thin round laces that do not want to stay tied, and annoyed me immensely. The laces are not elasticated like the Clifton 2.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Odyssey has only a modest heel counter that is both useless and harmless.
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Odyssey and the Original Hoka Clifton ==
The Odyssey looks almost identical to the [[Hoka Clifton]], but they are not the same shoe. On close inspection the Odyssey looks more like the original Clifton than the Clifton 2, with less ankle padding and an unpadded tongue. I had no problems with the original Clifton's tongue, but the Odyssey irritated my ankle on a couple of occasions. The Odyssey has a slightly thicker midsole, with slightly more drop, but the foam is also slightly firmer. The Clifton is also more than an ounce lighter, so while the Odyssey is a great shoe, the original Clifton is noticeably better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 1 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-730|730|Hoka Clifton 1}}
==Odyssey and the Hoka Clifton 2==
The differences between the Odyssey and the second Clifton are slightly greater. The Clifton 2 has a nicer upper, with more padding and slightly elasticated laces, which make the Clifton 2 noticeably more comfortable. The cushioning of the Clifton 2 is softer even though it's lighter. The weight difference between the Odyssey and Clifton 2 is less than between the Odyssey and the original Clifton (about a third of an ounce), but lighter is always better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 top]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Clifton 2-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Clifton 2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Odyssey and the Hoka Mafate==
The [[Hoka Mafate]] is a much heavier, thicker shoe than the Odyssey, with greater cushioning in the heel. For use on roads or stony trails, I'd choose the Odyssey (or better the Clifton) every time as it's so much lighter. However, the Mafate has a wonderful outsole that gives enormous confidence on pretty much any surface. The Mafate will work on everything from road to mud to slick rock, so if you need a true trail shoe, go for the Mafate.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Mafate-Speed-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Mafate Speed outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/mafate-speed-1085|1085|Hoka Mafate}}
==Odyssey and the Asics GT 2000 ==
I like to compare shoes against the [[Asics GT 2000]] as it represents the traditional running shoe. The GT 2000 is over engineered and includes many things I dislike in traditional running shoes. These excessive features go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]] and are more likely to cause problems than solve them. The GT 2000 is nearly 50% heavier than the Odyssey, but provides far less cushioning. I can think of no advantage the GT 2000 has over the Odyssey, and I'd choose the Odyssey every time.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey top]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey inside]]
|[[File:Hoka Odyssey-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Hoka Odyssey outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}