I’m planning on giving running a bash.

On previous attempts I’ve failed partially down to poor technique …… I don’t see or get the simplicity of just getting out for a run.

I’m fairly heavy, circa 90kg, and with a poor technique believe that the extra thickness sole would be useful plus a few of the models offer a wide fitting.

I’m currently looking at the Arahi 2 Wide.

What are folks thoughts – both good and bad.

Cheers,

Mark

I’ve used a few versions. On the plus side they’re super cushioned and deceptively light because there’s actually very little structure to the sole – it’s basically a whopping great wedge of foam. They’re also more stable than they look because your foot tends to sink into the foam slightly and the sole kind of deforms around stuff rather than being deflected by it, if that makes sense.

On the negative side, I found using them off road was a bit of a leap of faith. You don’t get much ground feel from them and they feel a bit clumsy and imprecise, but they were a bit like a self-right boat in that they kind of gripped and stayed upright regardless.

I liked them for running on harder surfaces though, they take a lot of the impact out of the experience and if you’ve found that an issue in the past, they may make sense. Think of them as fat-bike / monster trucks on your feet and you won’t be far wrong…

I like them, I have 2 pairs, bondi and stintson. The bondi are much firmer than the stintson, and not as wide in the forefoot.

They also have a small heel to forefoot offset which is good for technique.

https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/stw-runneristshoka-trainersrecommendations-for-roadlight-trail/

There was a bit of info in that thread. Still use mine for commuting and they are still doing fine, with some superficial wear.

I’d echo the above – they can feel imprecise off road but I’ve yet to turn an ankle!

I have some and like BWD above, I much prefer them for running on the road /firm surfaces to anything off road where they don’t feel stable enough for my liking. They’re very light though.

I’m using the Challenger ATRs. I’m hardly a “runner”, though just done my first/last marathon. Compared to anything else I’ve tried they definitely fatigue me less on firm/hard surfaces and this model does have a decent tread for some off-road use so I’ve not landed on my arse (yet).

I’m on my second pair. I’m a beginner runner and I love them.

edit – I wear challenger ATRs as well.

Thanks all, much appreciated.

As a fat bike owner I like the connection!

The planned route/s would be all tarmac/hard pack with no planned off-road jaunts imminent.

How do you find the fit?

Do they wear “okay”?

I have about 6 pairs of Hokas on the go – I’m a fairly light and neutral runner but they’re one of the few shoes I can wear for 2 hours plus – I might lose a few seconds per km – but my leg muscles recover far quicker. I did actually have some older Stinsons that were too-soft, plus they do vary in size / last between models. Worth going to a specialist shop if you can to try them on.

Most running shoes are only good for a couple of hundred miles, particularly if you’re a heavier runner so need replacing regularly.

Used them for about two years. Always super comfy and I’ve never had any problems off-road. They are no way near as grippy as my Inov8 X-talons obviously, but the miles are so much easier in the Hokas and the next day is noticeably less achey.

Sizewise I think they are a true size for length, I go up a half size from work shoes. I always thought they looked narrow, but I have never had any issues, though I will probably go for the wide ones next.

Matt

Have used for maybe 4-5 years.  Made a massive difference to me.  When I started running again was quite a bit overweight and kept getting niggling injuries – these all went a way and meant I could run consistently.  I now prefer to use them only for longer runs and have a bit more ‘feel’ for shorter runs wearing other brands.

Having said this I’ve been disappointed by Clifton 4’s.  They feel much firmer than the 3’s they’ve replaced and really not sure I’m liking them.

Fit can be a bit off to other brands so recommend try before you buy.  I’m size 9 in Hoka-normally 8-8.5.

I’d be working out what is wrong with your technique or what really stopped you running.

I’d be surprised if new shoes are the answer.

I wear them as I have arthritis in my big toe joint. The forefoot stiffness helps. I have written on here a couple of times about them and I am quite a fan. They are much lighter and comfortable than they look. Difficult to run really fast in them (by that I mean shorter race pace close to ur sub 5 min miles) they feel at strange when you do, although they do some slightly lower profile models which would be better for that.

I would much rather wear traditional shoes like Nike which were my previous favourites but these at least allow me to run which is the main thing.

Edit: go at least half a size up.

Edit2: some stuff here https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/hoka-running-shoes-my-experience-for-other-runners-interested/

I know quite a few people who get on well with them, often those with a tendency to injury. Can’t comment as to model though.

I bought a pair of vanquish on special offer as a bit of a punt, initially found them quite awkward and tight (up half a size) and also relatively slow, but stuck with them and they loosened off and once I’d put a good few miles into them they firmed up a bit and I’ve found them very comfortable and good for long runs. I’ve started doing longer trail runs so will probably get a set of offroad ones

shoes “firm up”?

shoes “firm up”?

That seems unlikely on the face of it. It’s worth bearing in mind that there are a couple of different midsole materials used by Hoka, the original one is EVA foam, but around a third softer (from memory) than the grade used by other running shoe brands. Then, a couple of years back, they introduced a more durable, and slightly firmer foam in some models, which is a mix of EVA and rubber, I think. It’s called RMAT.

Also, with ith the ‘firming up’ thing, i think some models have a softer ‘Top Midsole’ layer so I guess what may have happened is that that upper layer softened up to the point where the foot was effectively feeling mostly the firmer main mid-sole, so it may not be quite as unlikely as it sounds…

Anyone using these who has bad overpronation?

I’m currently using brooks beast which have meant i can actually at least try some running without major blisters, knee and achilles pain but I still get achilles niggles so I’m thinking about trying a more cushioned shoe.

I guess some of the midsole has compacted, they’re not definitely nowhere near as bouncy or have the same plush feel as when new (went and checked on strava and now up to 400km on them, but had noticed them getting less plush by 200km). I have some adidas energy boosts at 300km that have retained the same feel throughout.