Hoka Elevon 2 Shoe Review
The Hoka Elevon is one of the very few Hoka shoes I haven’t tried. It’s part of the Hoka Fly collection, which includes the Hoka Elevon 2, the Hoka Mach 2, and the Hoka Cavu 3. The Hoka One One Elevon 2 is a lightweight running shoe with plenty of cushion.
Hoka One One Elevon 2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.5 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
Hoka One One Elevon 2 Fit:
Since I didn’t try the original version of the Hoka Elevon, I don’t have anything to compare it too. The Hoka One One Elevon 2 uses asymmetrical internal support wings for an individualized fit. What does that even mean? No matter your foot shape, you won’t feel irritation. Personally, I like the fit of the Hoka One One Elevon 2 and I think it’s one of their best fitting shoes to date.
The most significant update to the Hoka Elevon 2 comes to the upper. Like most Hoka models, the Hoka Elevon 2 now uses an engineered mesh upper reinforced with 3D printed overlays. According to Hoka, the engineered mesh overlays provide additional midfoot support and a more secure feel. You don’t feel as though your foot is floating around in space when you put the Hoka Elevon 2 on.
The Hoka Elevon 2 has a more narrow heel with a wider toebox and forefront. There is plenty of space for your toes to move freely in the Hoka Elevon 2.
Typically I wear between a 10-11 wide. I’ve found many Hoka One One models to run big, but not big enough to size down. The 10.5 fits well. (The Hoka Elevon 2 is not made in wide widths).
An updated foam package on the Hoka Elevon 2 adds additional springiness to every step.
Hoka One One Elevon 2 Ride:
The ride of the Hoka Elevon 2 hasn’t changed much since the original version. According to Hoka, the Hoka One One Elevon 2 update includes a softer cushion. While I didn’t run in the original Hoka One One Elevon, I did try it on. Hoka has kept the “bottom of the shoe” basically the same.
As compared to other models of the Fly Collection, the Hoka One One Elevon 2 has more cushion.
The Hoka One One Elevon 2 uses a sandwich of cushion:
- Top layer PROFLYTM midsole offers a responsive toe-off with a forgiving landing
- Followed by a deeper active foot frame in the midsole for added support and the heel provides more cushion.
That being said, the Hoka One One Elevon 2 midsole offers a responsive ride and it isn’t like a giant marshmallow, like the Hoka Clifton 6. Despite the Hoka Elevon 2 being one of Hoka’s more cushioned shoes, it’s still responsive.
Like all Hoka One One shoes, the Hoka Elevon 2 uses a Meta-Rocker.
What is the Meta-Rocker? It’s Hoka’s technology that allows you to roll smoothly through the gait cycle. There are two categories of “Meta-Rocker” early Stage and Late Stage.
The Hoka Elevon 2 uses the Early State Meta-Rocker, which provides a smooth, rolling sensation the moment your foot makes contact with the ground. The strategic forefoot grooving offers increased flexibility during toe-off. It means you don’t feel like you’re running with a boat on your foot.
On the bottom of the Hoka Elevon 2, there is a crystal rubber for added grip. I believe of any Hoka road shoe; the Hoka Elevon 2 might have the most traction. It’s my top pick for inclement or poor weather days.
The Hoka Elevon 2 is a great shoe for longer runs or easier runs. It’s best suited for a daily run trainer as opposed to a fast, or workout shoe. I was pleasantly surprised with how it offers a responsive toe-off. I wasn’t expecting it to be as responsive as the Hoka One One Carbon X or Hoka Carbon Rocket, but it does feel like I could try and pick up the pace.
Hoka One One Elevon 2 Conclusion:
The Hoka Elevon 2 is a well-designed shoe with plenty of traction.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka One One Elevon 2, Brooks Glycerin 18, New Balance 880v10, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2
Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook I talk about why you need a good running shoe, the anatomy of a shoe, neutral vs stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Elevon 2?
What is your current favorite running shoe?