Hoka Elevon 2 Shoe Review

Hoka Elevon 2 Shoe Review

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 Elevon 2 Shoe Review

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 Elevon 2 Shoe Review

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.

Hoka Elevon 2 Shoe Review

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.

Hoka Elevon 2 Shoe Review

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 3New Balance 1080 v10Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5,  Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell RebelReebok Float Ride Run fast ProNike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe ReviewNew Balance FuelCell RebelAltra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280Nike 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?