The Hoka Solimar is a brand-new shoe from the brand Hoka. It has received little attention as far as announcements…why? The Solimar is named after the southern California Solimar beach. Hoka claims it’s because the Solimar offers a “sublime ride.” But what does that mean?
When I first saw a photo, I thought, wow, the Hoka Solimar looks like the Cavu. The Hoka Cavu was discontinued and is one of my favorite Hoka models. It was a very unHoka, Hoka. It was lightweight and minimal, and if you’re someone who wants that faster-paced shoe (like the Saucony Kinvara, New Balance 1400, or even Atreyu Base Model), it was the one. But apparently, I was in the minority, and Hoka discontinued it…well they just stopped making it.
Would the Hoka Solimar be similar? I was so excited to see it.
Hoka Solimar Quick Facts:
Weight: 6.7 oz
Drop: 6 mm
Cost: $125
Hoka Solimar Introduction:
Looking at the Solimar, you might think *that it is a Hoka shoe*? It seems like a lot less shoe and stack height. It’s listed as a road shoe but also an active shoe. What does that mean? According to Hoka, you can take it to the gym, do a few miles, lift weights, or run a lot. Whatever you want. There are very shoes that you can actually do that with.
Hoka Solimar Fit:
The Solimar features recycled content in its upper. I am a huge fan of brands using recycled content, and it’s always exciting to me when they do. But some do it better than others, and I don’t want to sacrifice a shoe’s performance for a recycled upper. My feet overheat and sweat because the recycled content isn’t breathable. Anyway, Hoka usually does a good job, and the Hoka Solimar fits well, breathes well, and you wouldn’t even know its recycled content.
You can tell the Solimar is made from a different material than the usual Hoka lineup, but that seems to be the theme of the Solimar–Different from other Hokas. The Hoka that you didn’t know was a Hoka.
I firmly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Hoka Solimar does that. It has anatomical achilles designed for maximum comfort and support. The upper fits true to size with no natural hot spots. It also comes in wide (surprising for a brand-new model). You would never guess that the upper uses recycled content.
I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. I found the Hoka Solimar to fit true to size, and the 10.5 fits well.
Hoka Solimar Ride:
As the look suggests, the Hoka Solimar has much less stack height and cushion than most other Hoka models. This is neither a good nor a bad thing; it can just be used for different things. Generally, you don’t want to lift weights in the Hoka Bondi 8 because the height amount of cushion can affect your form. The Solimar is designed as an everyday training shoe that you can take to the gym or on the run, and it’s a shoe that Hoka has been lacking.
The Hoka Solimar uses a late stage metarocker. What do I mean by this?
The late-stage meta rocker is placed in front of metatarsal heads and prioritizes forefoot stability. An early-stage Meta-Rocker is placed behind the metatarsal heads and promotes a smooth ride and faster forefoot transition. Neither is better, but they will drastically affect the ride.
I was unsure of how the Hoka Solimar would fit into my rotation. Would I use it as a gym shoe (then would I have to go the gym LOL?) It reminds me a lot of the Cavu, but with a little more cushion. I’ve taken the Hoka Solimar out on several types of runs, including easy runs, recovery runs, tempo efforts, and slightly faster runs.
It fits well as a faster+long run shoe without the carbon plate. So far, the Hoka Solimar has fit the void of the Cavu. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a little less of a shoe than usual Hoka models, whether because you want something lighter and faster or a lightweight trainer.
Another use I can see for the Solimar is with those who love the Nike Free type of shoes and seem to get hurt when they run in them. The Hoka Solimar is light like the Nike Free but actually has enough cushion to run. Plus, you don’t feel like you’re given a super heavy running shoe.
Hoka Solimar Conclusion:
I’m a big fan of the Hoka Solimar, and glad Hoka created this type of shoe to add to its lineup. I firmly believe Hoka was missing it. I’ll continue to use the Solimar for faster runs and workouts. If you are looking for a lightweight trainer (even if you’ve never used Hoka before), it’s a great option. This type of shoe is slowly dying and I can only hope brands keep it around. Not every person, needs or wants a carbon plated shoe.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, 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, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Solimar?
What is your favorite running shoe?
Great review! Answered everything I wanted to know about the Solimar. I’m also a fan of Cavu so this seems to be the next new shoe for me. Thanks so much for the indepth info.