Running and Laughing through the Garden State
As most readers know, Hoka is one of my favorite running shoe brands out there. Since 2015, I’ve had at least one Hoka shoe in my running rotation, if not more. Hoka has had clothing on their website for a while now. A couple of years ago, they partnered with both rabbit and Oiselle to make various “Hoka branded” logo clothing.
Continue reading “Hoka Clothing Review”
The Hoka One One Cavu has been one of my favorite shoes since the first version 2 years ago. When the original Hoka Cavu came out, I liked how responsive and light the Hoka Cavu is. I found it great for workouts and faster longer runs because I feel more connected to the ground.
If you’ve run in Hoka shoes before, the Hoka One One Cavu 3 is a lot lighter and a lot less shoe than other Hoka models. It’s also similar to a shoe like the New Balance 1400 or Saucony Kinvara versus the Hoka Bondi 6. My body appreciates the cushion of the Hoka Cavu 3, but also enjoys how responsive it is for workouts.
The Hoka Cavu 3 looks boring and not like a Hoka shoe. Just glancing at it, you might not even realize it’s Hoka at all. There is a lot of cushion in the Hoka Cavu 3 without it being heavy or bulky.
Hoka Cavu 3 Weight 7.2 oz
Hoka Cavu 3 Heel to Toe Drop: 4 mm
From previous versions, the Hoka Cavu 3 upper has been completely redesigned. The Hoka Cavu 3 now has a stretch knit upper with a bootie construction. The tongue of the Hoka One One Cavu 3 is attached to the shoe so it doesn’t slide around. The tongue-less construction makes it fit more like a slipper than a shoe. Hoka claims the lace less adaptive stretch knit upper provides a secure fit and I would tend to agree. It almost feels like you could run with the shoe untied and be fine.
As Hoka mentions, the Hoka Cavu 3 now uses zonal perforations within structured sections to allow increased breathability. The perforations allow more breathability in the inclement weather. We haven’t had much of that this winter, but I imagine it’s also good during the summer.
I’ve been wearing a retired Hoka Cavu 2 for living life and I already notice the tongue difference. One thing that I’ve noticed is the Hoka Cavu 3 does run slightly more narrow than previous versions. I typically wear either a women’s 10.5 or men’s 9.5 in the Hoka Cavu and I found even the men’s 9.5 was more narrow than previous versions. Is the Hoka One One Cavu 3 too narrow to run? No, but more narrow than previous versions.
The Hoka One One Cavu 3 has entirely changed from the Hoka Cavu 2. This made me both nervous and excited. I was a fan of the original Hoka Cavu the most and I also liked the Hoka Cavu 2, but still like the original the best.
The cushion is made up of a top layer of PROFLY material with a layer of EVA underneath. This blend makes the Hoka One One Cavu 3 light and soft but also responsive. The updated eva midsole provides more comfort underfoot and cushion in the Hoka Cavu 3 and a reason you can run fast in it.
The outsole of the Hoka Cavu 3 uses rubberized EVA. What does this mean? The Hoka Cavu 3 lacks blown rubber to grab the ground in inclement weather. While the Hoka Cavu 3 is not the worst shoe in icy or inclement weather, I would probably grab a different shoe if the weather is bad.
I’ve run a variety of runs in the Hoka Cavu 3 and find it best for faster long runs or workouts. I like the amount of cushion without being bulky.
I like the Hoka Cavu 3 and it will remain in my rotation. I will say, the original Hoka Cavu is my favorite but the Hoka Cavu 3 is a great addition. The lightweight comfort allows you to run fast but not bang your body up too much.
I’ve run about 50 miles in the Hoka Cavu 3 and will continue using it.
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 6, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike React Infinity Run
Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Saucony Ride ISO 2, Hoka One One Cavu 3
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Reebok Run fast Pro
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Cavu 3?
Have you tried Hoka before?
I don’t typically review shoes in the stability category?
Why? Because I don’t usually run in them. Lately, I’ve found I’ve needed a shoe that is more stable for longer, easy, runs. My body feels better with it. I didn’t want anything to be stable and the Hoka One One Arahi 4 felt comfortable.
The Hoka Arahi 4 is one of two support trainers from Hoka. The other (Hoka Gaviota) has max stability and cushion. The Hoka Arahi 4 is lighter and more responsive. The closest neutral trainer to the Hoka Arahi 4 is the Hoka Clifton 6.
Weight: 8 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
One thing that drew me to the Hoka One One Arahi 4 over other more stable shoes was the width. While the Hoka Arahi 4 is not the widest Hoka shoe, it’s wider than most brands.
Most of Hoka’s shoes use an engineered, seamless mesh. Compared to previous versions, the Hoka Arahi 4 uses a softer material which makes the upper lighter, more durable, and more breathable.
Since there are no seams, the Arahi 4 doesn’t irritate your foot if you have a wider forefoot, have bunions, or just like a wide shoe. That being said, the upper of the Hoka Arahi 4 also doesn’t provide much structure.
Since many Hoka models are wide and seamless, some people feel as though their foot just free-floating around in a Hoka shoe. That’s not a bad thing, and you never want a running shoe to be too tight. A tighter shoe isn’t providing support. That being said, you don’t want to feel comfortable.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 size 10 to be perfect.
If you’ve run in the Hoka One One Arahi before, this year’s model is similar. The sole hasn’t changed. If you are new to Hoka, Hoka uses early stage Meta-Rocker. The early-stage Meta-Rocker “rocks” you forward and provides a smooth transition from heel to toe.
Unlike the neutral shoes I typically use, the Hoka One One Arahi 4 uses “J-Frame” Technology to provide stability.
What is “J-Frame”?
J-Frame isn’t a traditional medial post like many stable trainers. It’s the second reason I was drawn to the Hoka Arahi 4.
The support is a denser foam that starts in the midsole and runs down the medial (inner) side of your foot. It then goes to wrap around your heel (like a J). It’s easy to distinguish in the Hoka Arahi 4 because it’s slightly darker foam in the shoe. Many brands are going towards more natural ways to support your foot rather than a giant piece of stability built into the shoe.
Finally, the outsole of the Hoka Arahi 4 uses high abrasion rubber. The Hoka One One Arahi 4 has traction when needed, but it doesn’t have the most traction of any shoe. It’s okay for inclement conditions.
I’ve run a few different types of runs in the Hoka Arahi 4 from long runs to easy, recovery runs, and a shorter speed workout. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 fits best for me on an easy run day that my body is tired.
The Hoka Arahi 4 is a great trainer for anyone who needs some stability. It’s light, yet responsive. The cushioning is positive for anyone looking for something with a little more.
I appreciate the use of the “J-Frame” and the natural stability versus a giant arch piece. I’ll continue using the Hoka Arahi 4 as my easy run shoe.
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka One One Arahi 4, 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
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
Have you run in Hoka before?
Have you tried the Hoka One One Arahi 4?
I’ve run through most of the Hoka Clifton versions. In fact, way back when the shoe was first released, I got to try them in NYC. The Hoka Clifton is Hoka’s flagship shoe. It’s incredibly light but also extremely cushioned. It makes it a good shoe if you’ve never tried Hoka before.
I’ve put nearly 200 miles on my Hoka One One Clifton 6. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to write a Hoka Clifton 6 review.
Anyway, on to the review. Hoka streamlined the Clifton 6 to make it lighter and more durable than ever. Hoka’s words not mine, but I agree it’s more durable than previous versions. If you love the Clifton and previous models, you should still appreciate and like the Hoka Clifton 6.
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
The updates from the Hoka Clifton 6 came primarily in the upper. It’s a much more simple design. The upper has been stripped of the printed overlays. It still has the engineered mesh upper (which makes it light and breathable). The shoe is lighter, but you still feel secure through the midfoot and heel. It’s become the perfect combination of soft and light material, but still durable.
The brand Hoka has generally run a bit big this year (the only brand that comes to mind doing so), that being said it’s not big enough I would go down a half size. I typically wear anything from a women’s size 10-11 wide. The 10.5 fits well and there is plenty of room in the toe box.
If you have never used the brand Hoka before, it’s a lot of cushion, but that is why they are popular. You can’t go wrong with “too much cushion,” but it also isn’t for everyone. All models of Hoka use a Metarocker, which makes you feel as though you are rolling forward.
The Hoka Clifton 6 uses “an early stage Meta-Rocker.” Hoka’s Early Stage Meta Roker shoes give the Clifton 6 shoe a quick transition from heel to forefoot. It allows the shoe to feel smooth but not clunky.
The Hoka Clifton 6 has a large stack height (I talked about that previously in the newsletter). That large stack height is made entirely of foam which compresses under your feet. This absorbs the shock and impact of running. It’s like a giant marshmallow under your foot.
For me personally, the Hoka Clifton 6 is a good recovery running shoe. I can run easy mileage in it without feeling weighed down. It’s not as bulky as the Hoka Bondi 6 but also not as responsive as the Hoka Rincon, Hoka Cavu 2, Hoka Carbon X, or Hoka Mach 2 (Can you tell I’ve been running in a lot of Hokas lately?).
One last note, that throughout the last few models Hoka has added more durability and traction to the bottom and high abrasion areas. It performs a lot better in bad weather, plus there is not exposed EVA that some other models like the Rincon or CarbonX have.
The Hoka Clifton 6 is a pleasant update and similar the previous version (The Hoka Clifton 5). It’s a great neutral trainer for recovery runs. If you are running in a higher cushioned shoe like the Hoka Bondi 6, it makes for a great lightweight workout or racing shoe.
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Brooks Ghost 12
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2
Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: Reebok Run fast Pro
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
The Hoka One One Rincon is a brand new shoe from Hoka this year. I’ve been curious about this shoe since it came out in June but needed to prioritize buying trainers (like the Hoka Bondi 6) I knew I could run miles in with no issues.
I knew I would probably like the Hoka Rincon, but also knew I needed to have at least one shoe in my rotation that was tried and true. Anyway, the long story short is it took me a little while to buy a pair.
The Hoka Rincon is designed to be a fast shoe from Hoka One One. It’s lighter than most (I believe just the Hoka Cavu 2 is lighter).
Hoka One One Rincon Quick Stats:
Weight: 6.3 oz
Drop 5 mm
Like most of their shoes now, Hoka uses a single layer of engineered mesh for the upper. It’s thin and lightweight, plus it breathes well. If you’ve run in the Hoka One One Carbon X, the Hoka Rincon fits very similar. The single layer of mesh allows wider feet or someone with bunions to feel more comfortable. I’m usually a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I find the 10.5 to fit well (the Hoka Rincon isn’t made in wide…yet).
One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t much structure in the upper of the Hoka Rincon. The feet can splay out. Like the newer models of Hoka, there is a pull tab at the heel counter to get it up. There is a lack of plastic in the heel which keeps it from pinching the Achilles. The pull tab allows it to slide up without damaging it.
The Hoka One One Rincon has a unique ride to it (even from Hoka). It has as much cushion as the Hoka Clifton, however, weighs about an ounce less. It’s much more responsive than the Clifton and feels like a shoe I want to run fast in (like the Mach and Cavu). The Hoka Rincon uses the early stage Meta-Rocker to allow for quicker turnover. It’s designed for true speed or as a race shoe. (You can read more about Hoka’s technology and “Meta-Rockers” here).
If you’ve never run in Hoka before, the Hoka Rincon great model to start. The Hoka Rincon is responsive enough that you won’t feel too disconnected from the ground. There is a good amount of cushion but you also feel like you have energy return. For me, it fits best as a fast-paced, long run shoe, or even a race day shoe. I like more amount of cushion for a daily trainer.
One last thing to add is there is a lack of traction on the bottom of the Hoka One One Rincon. I do wish added rubber on the bottom. There is rubber on the outsole in strategic spots but it’s not a shoe that would perform well in rainy/icy conditions.
Sometimes brand new running shoe models miss their mark, but the Hoka Rincon has quickly become one of my favorite Hoka One One models (my favorite for heavy training is the Hoka Bondi and for speed, work is the Hoka Cavu).
If you’re looking to try out the brand Hoka, the Hoka Rincon is a great place to start. If you are familiar with Hoka and looking for a lightweight racer or trainer, the Hoka Rincon would be a great shoe for your rotation. If you are training in the Hoka Clifton, the Hoka Rincon is a lighter more responsive pair to it.
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Brooks Ghost 12
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon
Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: Reebok Run fast Pro
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week is all about carbon plate shoes,
Questions for you:
Have you tried a new shoe lately? Have you tried the Hoka Rincon?
What is your favorite running shoe?