I’ve wanted to try the Hoka Rincon 3 for what feels like months. While released on August 1st, it was on preorder before that, but it seemed to hit a delay on shipping, so it felt like Christmas when I finally got a pair in early September.
The Hoka One One Rincon 3 is one of the lighter Hoka shoes. With the lightweightness comes a lack of durability. The rumor is the third version improved more than the previous versions, so that was exciting.
Hoka Rincon 3 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.4 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
Cost: $115
Hoka Rincon 3 Introduction:
If you are looking for a lightweight and lower-profile Hoka shoe, the Rincon 3 is a good option. There is plenty of cushioning, and it’s able to go several different paces whether you want to pick it up or want an easier run. For me, it’s always fallen into more of a daily run shoe because I prefer something with more cushion for recovery and something lighter for workouts.
It’s one of Hoka’s newer models, and “only” came out in 2019. That being said, it’s been widely popular since. The problem with it is that it loses its cushioning relatively fast. At $115, the Hoka One One Rincon 3 is cheaper than most running shoes, but you probably won’t get 400+ miles out of it.
Hoka Rincon 3 Fit:
Right out of the box, I knew the Hoka One One Rincon 3 would be fun. I had seen the fun colorways online, and I was excited. Normally I’m an all-white shoe person (I know, it’s weird), but I was excited about something crazy.
Hoka said the new Rincon 3 received a fairly large update, including a new engineered mesh upper. The upper is also 100% vegan! Some complained the previous versions of the Rincon had “scratchy” and cheap uppers. Truthfully, I never felt that, but I do feel the new updated upper.
The upper is more breathable, which is imperative to running in the desert, but the new tongue is not my favorite. I’ve had issues with some of Hoka’s flat lay tongues (including the Clifton Edge) rubbing and destroying my ankle. The Hoka Rincon 3 hasn’t done that, but I can occasionally feel some rubbing. I strongly believe the best uppers disappear off your feet. This doesn’t quite feel like that, but I also haven’t had any significant issues. The internal heel counter gives heel support, and the collar and heel tab are lightly padded. The upper would be close to perfect if it had a more padded tongue. Or any cushion in the tongue.
Usually, I wear women’s running shoes between a women’s size 10-11 wide. This year, the Rincon 3 is offered wide! How exciting! I did find the women’s size 10 to fit the best. The Hoka One One Rincon 3 is one of the wider-fitting Hoka models.
Hoka Rincon 3 Ride:
The Hoka One One Rincon 3 is designed to run fast if you want, and it’s easier than most Hoka shoes to pick up the pace. The midsole of the Rincon 3 is a balance of firm with soft. I’ve never thought it’s polarizing in either direction. Your foot isn’t going to sink into the mushy abyss like the Hoka Clifton, and you won’t feel the ground as much as the Mach. It’s right in the middle.
The midsole of the Rincon 3 has been updated, so yes, it will feel different. It’s now made of compression-molded EVA foam. What I mean by that is that it’s similar to the Clifton but much lighter. Since there is so much air in the Rincon, it’s hard to retain its cushioning.
This year, the Hoka One One Rincon 3 has more rubber on the outsole. This means it has more traction and is more durable than in previous years. Hoorah! The rubber is placed in high wear areas such as the lateral heel. So it’s more durable than previous years, but I wouldn’t classify the durability as good. It’s still below average.
I’ve used the Rincon 3 in several runs, including easy runs, daily runs, and a few times on the sand dune trails. For me, the Rincon 3 is best as a daily run shoe that I know I might want to pick up the pace a little bit. I’m able to run faster and feel smoother than previous versions.
Hoka Rincon 3 Conclusion:
I know the Rincon 3 already has a strong following, and I believe it’s a good shoe. The third version is definitely my favorite version by far. But something to keep in mind with the Hoka Rincon 3 is that you will probably get 200-300 miles in it. I love the ride; I wish it lasted a little longer. Plus, if you are new to Hoka and don’t start, the Hoka Rincon 3 is a great option.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Rincon 3, Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Brooks Levitate 5
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Rincon 3?
What is your favorite trainer?
The Rincons are now my go to running shoe. For years, I have favored the Hoka Cliftons, but the Rincons just feel better on my feet and they have replaced the Cliftons for me.
Seems like this shoe might help with future supply chain issues since my wife mostly runs in the Cliftons.