The Hoka Arahi 7 is the long-anticipated update to one of the most popular stability shoes on the market. Known for its moderate stability, lightweight feel, and maximal cushioning, this shoe has consistently served runners seeking a reliable daily trainer. With updates focused primarily on the upper, the Arahi 7 delivers a snugger fit but maintains its J-Frame stability technology for medial support.
I was excited to try the Hoka Arahi 7. I don’t typically run in stability shoes unless I’m tired and just need that extra support and cushion. When that’s the case, I enjoy a bit of extra support. With the two-year update for the Hoka Arahi 7, I had a few questions:
Did the Hoka Arahi 7 receive a big update? Not really, no. If you are looking for a similar option, it’s not too different from the previous version. Does the Hoka Arahi 7 fit true to size? I think it fits mostly true to size, although some long-time Hoka fans may find the toebox a bit more narrow.
Hoka Arahi 7 Quick Facts
- Price: $144.95
- Weight: 9.6 oz (men’s size 9) / 8.3 oz (women’s size 8)
- Stack Height: 34 mm (heel) / 29 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 5 mm
Hoka Arahi 7 Fit
The most noticeable update in the Arahi 7 is the flat-knit upper. This new design creates a snugger, more secure fit compared to previous versions. It hugs the foot a little bit more.
The Hoka Arahi 7 upper fits true to size but leans slightly narrow, particularly in the forefoot. While the midfoot and heel offer a secure lockdown, the limited volume may feel restrictive for runners with wider feet.
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the Hoka Arahi 7 does. The biggest complaint I’ve heard is that it fits a bit more narrow with the flat-knit upper. To add, I personally haven’t had that issue, but I’ve just heard around the running industry. The padded tongue and structured heel counter enhance comfort and prevent slippage, although some runners may find the inner material a bit scratchy, making socks essential.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and have found the size 11 to fit best. If you are on the wider side, I would consider trying a half size bigger.
Hoka Arahi 7 Ride
If you’re a fan of the previous versions, the midsole of the Arahi 7 remains largely unchanged, featuring CMEVA foam paired with Hoka’s signature J-Frame stability technology.
The CMEVA foam provides a firm, protective ride. While it’s not as responsive as newer foam materials, it excels at absorbing impact and delivering consistent support for daily runs. That’s not a bad thing; sometimes we just want a consistent shoe. The J-Frame wraps around the medial side and heel, offering reliable stability for overpronators. Combined with the early-stage rocker design, the shoe facilitates smooth transitions, although the ride feels slightly stiff, especially during the break-in period.
Despite its firm feel, the Arahi 7 is versatile enough to handle a range of runs, from recovery sessions to moderate paces. However, runners seeking a highly energetic or soft midsole might find it lacking in responsiveness. It’s not a shoe I would race in, but if you wanted…
Where does the Hoka Arahi 7 fit in my rotation? It’s an easy run and recovery run shoe. The extra support is welcomed on days I’m feeling tired. There are plenty of bigger and better shoes for running fast, but the Arahi does make it easy to pick up the pace if you want to. The Arahi is a great daily trainer to log the miles.
Outsole
Hoka does a great job with traction, and the Arahi is no different.
The rubber coverage provides excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces, making it dependable for road running and light trails. I’ve used it on the desert trails multiple times with no issues. The wide base of the outsole enhances stability as well. After logging about 50 miles, the outsole shows minimal wear except for some in the exposed midsole. I anticipate it will last about 300-400 miles.
My biggest complaint will always be the exposed midsole. Hoka has a few shoes like this, and I don’t get it. This is going to pick up road debris and trail debris and cause the shoe not to last as long. Brands do this to cut down on shoe weight, but it really affects the durability.
Hoka Arahi 7 Conclusion
The Hoka Arahi 7 stays true to its roots as a reliable stability shoe with moderate updates. While there isn’t a ton of shiny and new, it does stay consistent, which sometimes that’s all you want in a running shoe.
Who Should Buy the Hoka Arahi 7
- Runners seeking a moderate stability shoe with medial support.
- Those with narrower feet or runners who prefer a snug fit.
- Athletes needing a reliable shoe for daily training, recovery runs, or standing/walking.
Who Should Not Buy the Hoka Arahi 7
- Runners with wider feet who may find the fit too restrictive (consider the wide model).
- Athletes looking for a highly responsive, energetic midsole for faster efforts.
- Those who want significant updates compared to the previous model.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0 Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 ,
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
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:
What is your favorite easy run shoe?
Have you tried the Hoka Arahi 7?