HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Shoe

Like Zak, this is my first pair of Hoka shoes. I've been very impressed with them. The highlight of the shoe for me is the midsole, which is soft and bouncy yet still protective and relatively stable. I think a lot of this feeling can be attributed to the dual layers of firmer foam closer to the ground and softer foam underfoot. The forefoot rocker is noticeable while running and helps the shoe turn over quickly.

The outsole is also excellent, with fairly aggressive Vibram lugs that bite into the trail and also offer decent traction on rock. The lugs are deep enough that I think this shoe will also do well in wet/muddy conditions and maybe even in some snow, although I haven't been able to test it in those conditions yet.

I have had no durability issues at around 70 miles in these shoes, and they still look new despite some slight wear on the outsole. I do think that in very rocky, sharp terrain, the exposed midsole foam on the bottom is vulnerable and may get cut up a little more quickly. Smoother trails are no problem.

Overall, this shoe's ride is unique and fun, and it fits medium to narrower feet well. If you are looking for a high-cushion, lower-drop shoe for moderate to technical trails, this is a great choice.

The Mafate is the first pair of trail shoes I’ve owned from Hoka, and at first, I was primarily hesitant about how stable they would be, especially in more technical terrain, given the higher stack height. I am pleased to say so far, after a number of days in the Wasatch and the Uinta mountains, the shoe has proved to be a great jack-of-all-trades type of shoe. A plush and fairly deep heel collar, middle of the road width and volume, lends well to feeling locked in while ascending/descending. Also, for those who are on the narrower side, a relaxed enough toe box is pleasant enough for those longer mileage outings as well. What stands out to me the most is the midsole foam's pleasant balance. Light, supple, and forgiving enough for even those who might find themselves heel striking more, but also lively enough and precise when side hilling and nimble rock hopping is on the day's docket.

The Vibram mega grip outsole does excellent in a variety of technical terrain, but on occasions (mostly when I am tired), the burly lugs and wider foam platform loves to catch on any exposed rock or root. But hey, what can you do?

Perhaps my only complaint will be the potential durability of the foam material itself. So much exposed foam underfoot lends well to being light, but at 150 miles in, it’s already showing good wear.

Overall, I am excited to put many more miles in my current pair and also to use another new pair for longer running goals in the fall. I'd recommend going true size.