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{{DISPLAYTITLE:A review and comparison of Hoka Shoe ReviewOne One running shoes}}The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Hoka&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fhoka-one-one Hoka] shoes are unique in started the 'maximum cushioning, minimum drop' style of shoe with their thick, softly cushioned soles. They reduce the pounding on the soles of your feet, but they are not without their downsides. The [[Hoka Clifton]] is one of the most impressive shoes I've come across recently, with remarkable levels of cushioning at a light weight. I've included some recommendations to help you evaluate if Hokas are right for you.

Hoka One One, pronounced "Hoka O-nay O-nay", means "now it is time to fly" in [http://www.maoridictionary.co.nz/index.cfm?dictionaryKeywords=hoka&search.x=0&search.y=0&n=1&idiom=&phrase=&proverb=&loan= | Maori]. These shoes have midsoles that are much thicker and softer than traditional shoes. The soles are also wider to prevent the higher soles making the shoes unstable, like stilts. However, the sole is not as thick as it appears from the outside, as you can see from the image below. The foam in the midsole comes up the sides of the shoe much higher.<gallery widths=300px heights=300px class="center">File:HokaHalfs.JPG|The Hoka Bondi cut in half, showing the outside and inside views. You can see that the midsole foam is a lot higher on the outside than the inside.File:ShoeHalfs.JPG|This image compares the Hokas with other shoes.File:HokaRocker.jpg|Here the outline of the foam midsole has been highlighted in red. This helps reveal how the Hoka midsole narrows at the front and back to create a 'rocker' effect, making it easier for your foot to roll. File:HokaOlympusSlice.JPG|A comparison between the Altra Olympus and Bondi. You can see the difference in the way the midsole tapers towards the front of the shoe.</gallary>

* Most of the Hokas are very softly cushioned, though Hoka are using a firmer RMAT foam in some of their shoes that seems hard by comparison. * The Hokas have far less of a drop between the heel and forefoot than a traditional shoe. The Hokas have claim 3-4.5mm of drop, but measurements suggest it's more like 6mm. Compared with a traditional running shoe like the [[Asics GT 2170 2000]] which has 11mm tend to have 9-14mm of drop, the Hokas seem quite flat. I've found that running in Hokas is a little like running barefoot on a padded track, which is quite impressive.* The Hokas are remarkably light for their size, and other than the Mafete 2, they are comparable with a slightly heavier traditional running shoe. (Obviously they are heavier than The [[Hoka Clifton]] is actually quite a light shoe and comparable with some [[Minimalist_Running_FootwearMinimalist Running Footwear| minimalist shoeshoes]].)* The thick sole tapers from the forefoot to the front of the shoe, creating an effect that encourages a good forward lean and toe off. I've been surprised how much this has helped my biomechanics. (See the section on 'meta-rocker' below.)* There are many reports that the Hokas reduce muscle [[Muscle]] fatigue, but I found no obvious difference in muscular soreness between the Hokas and the [[Modified Nike Free]]. Opinions of other runners going to Hokas from minimalist shoes varies, with some seeing a benefit and others not. * While the Hokas are expensive ($170 in the US), but most runners find they last longer than a traditional running shoe, so the overall costs are lower. Of course, they don't last as long as some minimalist shoes; I get 2,000+ miles out of my [[Modified Nike FreesFree]]s, but I only get I around 600 miles out of my Hokas.

* The added cushioning protects the soles of the feet, but I've found I've had joint stress with the Hokas that I've never had with my [[Modified Nike Free]]. This is in line with the research that has shown [[Are your running shoes injuring youThe Science of Running Shoes| greater joint stress with greater cushioning]]. * Even though the cushioning of the Hokas is far softer than other shoes, the thickness makes them quite stiff. This reduces the natural flexing of the foot, but it also puts extra stress on some areas of your foot. The skin on the back of the heel has more friction and the tendons under where the laces are tied have more pressure. I've found that lacing [[Lacing]] the Hokas loosely limits the tendon stress, and my [[Blister_Prevention_and_SocksBlister Prevention and Socks| favored sock combination]] mitigates the [[Blister_PreventionBlister Prevention| friction]]. * I've found my running form [[Running Form]] tends to degrade while running in the Hokas rather than my [[Modified Nike Free]]. When I swap back, it takes a few miles for my form to recover. I've also noticed that my [[Cadence]] is lower in the Hokas, but this might be due to the extra weight. * The toe box of the Hokas is rather tight for many people, myself included. This is not a major problem, as it is easy to cut the toe box openwhich causes blisters (see below). * I didn't like the speed lacing [[Lacing]] system that comes with the Hokas, but it's easy to replace them with traditional laces. Hoka includes alternative laces, but I found they were too slippery to stay knotted. =Hoka Blisters=[[File:Hoka Blisters.jpg|center|thumb|300px|An image of a runner with the distinctive Hoka blister pattern I saw at the [[2013 Umstead 100]].]]I've seen a distinctive pattern of blisters associated with the Hokas, where the blister forms part way along the toes, normally between the big toe and the next toe along, and sometimes between the little toe and its neighbor. I saw a disproportionate number of Hoka wearing runners with this blister pattern at the Umstead 100. This can be avoided by [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box]], but far too few people do this.

[[File:Hoka.jpg|nonecenter|thumb|300px|Click for a larger image.]]

# See how one of [[Minimalist_Running_FootwearMinimalist Running Footwear| these minimalist shoes]] works for you.# Try the Hokas, starting with the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BondiS&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fhoka-one-one-bondi-s-red-white-yellow Bondi Speed[Hoka Clifton]] or the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BondiB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fhoka-one-one-bondi-b-white-grey-citrus Bondi B]

# Try one of the trail Hokas, like the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=StinsonEvo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fhoka-one-one-stinson-evo-grey-white-red Stinson Evo] or even the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Mafate2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fhoka-one-one-mafate-2-citrus-anthracite-white Hoka Mafate 2]] if you want more protection(it's an outstanding trail shoe).

I'd suggest getting your shoes from somewhere with free shipping both ways, like [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Zappos&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com Zappos], who also have one of the best selections of Hoka shoes I've found. (While [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=RRS&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwwwwww.roadrunnersports.com%2F Road Runner Sports] has the advantage of letting you run in shoes and still return them for an exchange, they don't stock Hokasbut the return shipping is not free.)=Hoka Style Comparisonor Altra?={[[File:HokaOlympusSlice.JPG|center|thumb|x300px| class="wikitable"A comparison between the Altra Olympus and Hokas.]]!Shoe!!Use!!Claimed Weight!!Measured Weight While Hoka was the first company to produce the Maximalist style of shoe, but Altra has started to produce comparable shoes. The Altra key selling points are zero drop (Mens size 9 USno high heel)!!Claimed Drop!!Measured Drop!!Outsole width|-|and a shape that matches the human foot. Initially the Altra shoes were minimalist, with thin, firm midsoles, but they have introduced some thicker, softly cushioned shoes such as the [[http://goAltra Olympus]].fellrnrAt the same time, Hoka has moved to thinner, firmer shoes such as the Rapi Nui, Conquest or huaka.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BondiS&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww I've run in both Hoka and Altra shoes, even swapping between them during 100 miles races.zapposAs you can see from the picture of the dissected shoes above, the shoes are quite similar, but the Hoka has a much more abrupt taper of the midsole at the front of the shoe.com%2Fhoka-one-one-bondi-s-red-white-yellow Bondi Speed]|Road|9By comparison the Altra tapers more gradually from further back.5oz|12oz I find the Altra a better Maximalist shoe than the Hoka range, but things may change as each manufacturer evolves (size 12or devolves)their product range. [[File:HokaOrAltra.png|4.5mmcenter|thumb|300px|A tongue-in-cheek look at the different shapes of the Hoka and Altra shoes.]]|[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xsThe Meta-Rocker=1&xcust=BondiB&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwBecause of their thickness, Hoka shoes have to have more of a taper towards the front of the shoe.zapposThey call this the 'meta-rocker' and place it in various different parts of the shoe depending on model.com%2FhokaA late meta-onerocker has a more abrupt taper under the toes, and early meta-onerocker has a more gradual taper starting just behind the ball of the foot, and the balanced meta-bondirocker is in between. However, even the early meta-b-white-grey-citrus Bondi B]rocker has a far more abrupt and late taper than some of the Altra shoes. |Road|11oz|10[[File:CliftonStinson.6ozJPG|3mmcenter|6mm (35-29mm)thumb|+35%300px|The [[Hoka Stinson]] above, which has a late meta-|rocker with the [[http://goHoka Clifton]] that has an early meta-rocker.fellrnrIf you look at the front of the midsoles, you can see the blue foam of the Stinson tapers rapidly and more extremely.com/?id]]=35454X937677&xsThe Hoka Range=1&xcust=StinsonEvoDT&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwHoka have started to use a new type of foam called [[RMAT]] that lasts much longer than traditional EVA foam, but it's heavier and much firmer. The result is a shoe that looks like the usual Hoka, but is far too firm. You can find shoes weighting the same that are vastly softer, or shoes that are similar in cushioning that are vastly lighter.zapposI avoid any Hoka that uses RMAT in the midsole, but RMAT can also be used in the outsole, where it can provide remarkable grip on pretty much any surface.com%2Fhoka-one-one-stinson-evo-dt-blue-white-silver Stinson Evo Tarmac (DTSome of the Hoka range are only available through specialty running stores, while others are targeted at large chains like sporting goods stores or department stores.)* '''[[Hoka Clayton 2]|Road|10]'''.4oz|11The Clayton just edges out the Clifton as my favorite Hoka, though it's really close.7oz|4mm|7mm (37Both are reasonably light, and have outstanding cushioning-to-30mm)weight ratios. They're both nicely neutral and smooth to run in, but the Clayton trades slightly less cushioning for slightly less weight. However, there're more to it than simply a cut down Clifton. The Clayton's outsole is RMAT, which provides better grip, especially in the wet. However, because RMAT is heavier than EVA, the Clayton's upper is rather more minimalist than the Clifton, so some runners may prefer the added comfort of the Clifton. Like all Hokas, the Clayton has a horribly small toe box, it's easily [[Shoe Modifications|+30%modified]]. |* '''[[Hoka Clifton 3]]'''. The Clifton was a breakthrough shoe for Hoka, and was the bestselling running shoe at Running Warehouse in 2014. It feels just like an early Bondi, but is significantly lighter, and a little more durable. The Clifton and its variants are all have an early meta-rocker.|** '''Challenger ATR'''. This is the trail version of the awesome [[http://goHoka Clifton]], but it doesn't have much more aggressive outsole than most road shoes, so look to the Mafate if you want a trail shoe.fellrnr** '''[[Hoka Odyssey]].com'''The Odyssey is superficially identical to the Clifton, but with a thicker sole (35/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Mafate2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww30mm) and firmer foam. The Odyssey is sold in larger chain stores.zappos* '''[[Hoka Tracer]]'''.com%2FhokaThe tracer is a firmer shoe, with a worse weight-oneto-one-mafate-2-citrus-anthracite-white Mafate 2cushioning ratio than the better Hoka shoes. You'd get more cushioning from the [[New Balance RC5000v2]]|Road/Trail|11which weighs only 4.0oz.3oz|13It's a good shoe, but it's not one of the greats.6oz|4mm|6mm (36-24mmI know this is "damned with faint praise", but this really is a good shoe.)* '''[[Hoka Bondi|+35%|Hoka Bondi 5]].''' Until Hoka produced the Clifton, the Bondi was my favorite Hoka. They were well cushioned and lighter weight than you'd expect for their size, but later iterations seem to be firmer and they are rather heavy when compared to the Clifton or Clayton. The Bondi has an early meta-rocker. |* '''[[http://goHoka Mafate]].''' The Mafate is a huge shoe, and the heaviest and thickest of the Hokas.fellrnrThe latest iteration is great on pretty much any surface, including roads, mud, cobblestones, and slick rocks.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=StinsonEvo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww * '''[[Hoka Stinson]].zappos''' The Stinson is a little heavier and thicker than the Bondi variants, and is now only available in trail (ATR) versions.com%2Fhoka-The Stinson is oneof the few Hoka road shoes that have a late meta-one-stinson-evo-grey-white-red rocker. The Stinson Evo] |Roadis now on its fourth version and is a heavy shoe (way too heavy for me.) I'd recommend using the Clifton/TrailClayton for mild trails, the Challenger for moderate trails, and the Mafate for anything needing more traction. |10* '''[[Hoka Hupana]]'''. The Hupana is uses the [[RMAT]] foam for the entire sole, not just the outsole like some other Hokas. This has the advantage that the Hupana lasts rather longer than shoes with EVA cushioning, but it also makes the shoe less cushioned for its weight than EVA shoes. The Hupana is fairly light, but you can get a much lighter shoe than the Hupana with the same cushioning. If you want longevity, I'd recommend looking for a TPU foam shoe like the [[Altra Escalante]] rather than RMAT.4oz|11* '''Hoka Vanquish'''. The latest version, the Vanquish 3, uses two layers of EVA foam, with a softer layer over a firmer layer. The Vanquish is rather heavier than I'd like, but I may test this shoe in more detail; let me know if you're interested.8oz|4mm* '''Hoka Arahi/Gaviota'''. These shoes are intended to interfere with your biomechanics, aiming to reduce pronation. The Gaviota has more intrusive mechanisms, using an RMAT medial post, making it more of a "motion control" shoe, while the Arahi uses firmer EVA foam in its medial post. I'm not a fan of this type of approach, and the typical Hoka tends to have enough passive stability without resorting to medial posts. |6mm (38-32mm)|+30%|-|* '''Speedgoat'''. This shoe is named after Karl Meltzer and his race, the [http://go.fellrnrkarlmeltzer.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=RrsGT2170&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwwwspeedgoat-50k/ Speedgoat 50K].roadrunnersportsIt's a true trail shoe, with 5mm lugs on a Vibram outsole.com%2Frrs%2Fproducts%2FASC1524%2F Asics GT 2170With a 30/35mm stack height it's a little shorter than the Mafate and it's lighter, but even with my obsession with weight I'd go for the Mafate because of its sticky [[RMAT]]outsole. |Road||11* '''Hiking Boots. '''Hoka have started to produce hiking boots that look impressive. They all have a minimal drop, and use an eVent waterproof liner. I don't think I'd want to run far in these, but I will be picking up a pair for my next hiking trip.4oz||11mm (30mm-19mm)||-|[http://go** '''Tor Summit.fellrnr'''This is lowest of the range, and is more of a hiking shoe than a boot.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=RrsNike40v4&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwIt has the RMAT outsole, so it should stick well.roadrunnersports** '''Tor Summit Mid.com%2Frrs%2Fproducts%2FNIK1444%2F Nike Free 3''' This is a version of the Summit that comes up the ankle a little further and so provides a little more protection from water coming over the top.0 v4** '''[[Hoka Tor Ultra]|Road||7]'''. This is a high top hiking boot and is styled a little more like a modified Hoka running shoe than a traditional hiking boot. I'm really impressed with this boot, and it's far better than any other I've tried.0oz|=The Best Hokas={{FastBlr|4mm (21mmhoka-one-one/clifton-17mm)||2-1062|[[Modified Nike Free]]1062|RoadHoka Clifton 2}}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/mafate-speed-1085|1085|Hoka One One Mafate Speed}}{{FastBlr|Zero Drophoka-one-one/bondi-4-1083|1083|Hoka One One Bondi 4}}Note that the Hoka trail shoes have a relatively mild tread pattern that can be used on the road, and nothing like the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xsA Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=1&xcust=RrsInovTalon&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.roadrunnersports.com%2Frrs%2Fproducts%2FINN114%2F Inov{{:Shoes-8 X-Talon]. Hoka are also bringing out two lighter weight shoes in Feb/March 2013, the trail Rapa Nui Comp and the road Kailua Comp.include}}