After many years of running in the Clifton, I started to branch out in to other Hoka models, which lead me to of course HOKA trail running shoes. I love that this job means a group of us get to test shoes and help you know what’s going to work!
Much like when I first tested the original HOKA ONE ONE Clifton, I was nervous about the stack height and weight.
And like it has every time, the shoes surprised me by being lightweight. I also found the stack height simply reminded me to better pick up my feet, so I was less likely to trip and stumble on the trail than in other shoes!
Colorado living has provided many incredible opportunities to run on everything from crushed gravels paths to some gnarly technical trails in the mountains. Here I’m going to breakdown the different Hoka trail shoes and how they compare to each other so that you can find what will work best for you.
You can also see my full Hoka Clifton Vs Bondi review here >>
Or if you’re looking for road running, my Top 10 HOKA Running Shoes >>
Now let’s get to it!
Hoka Trail Running Shoes Reviews
Maximal running shoes vs minimalist shoes is a whole topic that required a specific post, so read that to figure out if it’s right for you.
Here we’re exploring some of the different models of Hoka trail running shoes. What are the best HOKA running shoes? That’s going to depend on your preferences, so let’s compare to help you decide.
A quick description of the key Hoka shoes:
- Hoka Speedgoat (neutral trail)
- Hoka Challenger ATR (trail shoe for groomed trails or hiking)
- Hoka Mafate Speed
- Hoka Tekton X
- Hoka Stinson
Following are a few things that I would say across each shoe, so saving time here by saying it once.
Stability
While I DO NOT recommend stability shoes for most runners, the Hoka is designed to provide some base level stability thanks to the wider platform of the midsole. This is a great way to get the benefits without changing your stride or hiding the fact that you have weak muscles.
Maximal Shoe
Stack height is how we refer to the size of the outsole (or stack height) and what is therefore defined as a maximal shoe of 30mm to 50mm.
I did separate detailed post comparing maximal and minimal, but for now here is what HOKA has to say about their shoes:
“maximum cushioning material is designed for excellent shock absorption and an inherently stable ride.”
As a reminder, this is not the same as heel-to-drop of a running shoe. HOKA can have a low drop, while still being a maximal shoe, which is becoming a trending theme across many brands.
Extended Heel
You may notice that many of the HOKA’s have an exaggerated heel of the soles…some really big and some just barely noticeable. Having tested out some of the biggest and some on the more normal side, I can say that I don’t LOVE the really big heels.
But they do have a purpose.
Through testing they found that extension helped with getting the foot to roll forward more quickly. It reduces issues from heel striking and speeds up the movement of the foot. Often known as a meta-rocker.
Replacement
The standard saying is replace your shoes every 500 miles and these shoes are the same. The durability has been really great, as noted I have been through a number of pairs and never had one that I felt needed to be tossed early due to anything coming apart or feeling worn out.
Whatever you have found to be your sweet spot in the past will be roughly the same here. I.e. larger runners, big men, etc often find they need to replace shoes quicker due to breakdown, others find that more treadmill runs means maybe their shoes are good for 800 miles.
Best Hoka Trail Running Shoes
It’s no surprise to many that I love running in HOKA. I’ve used a variety of them in my shoe rotation since the very first Clifton was released. So of course I’ve tested them out on the trails too!
Here’s a run down of their top models and what sets them apart.
Cushioned Trail Shoe Hoka Speed Goat
The HOKA Speedgoat is a versatile trail running shoe that can handle any type of terrain. After asking for opinions on the best trail running shoe, this one came up so much that I decided I needed a pair.
The masses were right, I love it. I’ve now had multiple pairs.
The Speedgoat has all of the cushion that I have come to love from my Hoka Cliftons and has all the grip and varied lugs I need to maintain traction on the trails. . The Speedgoat also has a cushioned midsole that provides a smooth ride over rocks and other obstacles.
You can tell mine are well loved due to the layer of dirt and grime covering every inch of the shoe.
It is designed with a sturdy yet comfortable fit and features a Vibram MegaGrip outsole that provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces
I’ve now run easy trails, technical trails and up to 18 miles in the Speedgoat.
Loving how this neutral shoe feels on my foot and with a slightly wider toe box than many it’s meant no issues with blisters from downhill running. It’s also just a really great amount of cushion.
Comfy, but not too heavy for a nice long run either.
While they’re also listed as a neutral shoe, I was thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in one bit when I put them on which is common in other shoes. Another example of how their shoes have some natural support due to the bigger platform.
- True to size
- Very similar to Clifton, just the additional lugs for traction
- Good room in the toebox
- Neutral Trail Running shoe
- Moderate Cushion
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 8.2 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
- $155
- See all HOKA Speedgoat models (also includes a waterproof option)
- Ready my full Hoka Speedgoat 6 review >>
Most Trail Traction – Hoka Mafate
The HOKA Mafate Speed is a rugged trail running shoe that is built to handle the toughest terrain. In fact, it’s a super similar shoe to the Speedgoat with a very similar amount of cushion.
This shoe is going to fit just a bit more narrow than the Speedgoat, so if you feel like that’s been a too loose cushy shoe…here’s your better choice. It’s also going to have just a bit more arch support and a more breathable upper.
It has a Vibram outsole that provides excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. Truly we’re talking some serious grip here and that’s something I LOVE when hitting more technical trails.
This shoe is perfect for runners who enjoy exploring new trails and challenging themselves on tough terrain. The Mafate Speed is ideal for those who like to run at a fast pace and need a shoe that can keep up with their speed.
- Neutral Trail Running shoe
- Least cushioned as it’s designed for speed
- 4 mm drop
- 8.5 oz women’s, 10.4 oz men’s
- Available in 4 colors
- Not available in Wide
- $185
- See all HOKA Mafate models (also includes a waterproof option and all gender option)
Best Road to Trail Shoe – Hoka Challenger ATR
The HOKA Challenger ATR is a popular all-terrain running shoe that is designed for both road and trail running. It has a cushioned midsole that provides a comfortable and stable ride, and a Vibram outsole that delivers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
I was pretty excited to test this one out as well.
This shoe is ideal for runners who like to switch between road and trail running and need a versatile shoe that can handle both types of terrain. The Challenger ATR is perfect for those who like to run at a moderate pace and need a shoe that is comfortable and supportive.
The shoe offers plenty of cushioning and support, making it great for those looking for a comfortable ride when hitting those local trails, crushed gravel paths or dirt roads.
The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and dry, and the outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. I also like the extended heel, less issues with my foot slipping out.
- Neutral Trail Running shoe
- Maximum Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.7 oz women’s, 8.9 oz men’s
- Available in 6 colors
- Available in Wide in some colors
- $145
- See all HOKA Challenger models(including low and waterproof GTX)
Trail Shoe For Speed – HOKA Torrent 3
The Torrent is a versatile, lightweight trail running shoe that provides a cushioned and responsive ride on a variety of terrain types. This shoe is best for runners who like to tackle challenging trails, wants to think about speed and who need a shoe that can handle a variety of conditions.
This shoe reminds me more of a Merrell trail shoe that I’ve had for ages and love. It’s a quick shoe, that provides plenty of underfoot protection and just enough cushion in the midsole to provide a smooth ride over rocks and other obstacles.
The Torrent features a aggressive outsole with multi-directional lugs that provide traction and grip on a variety of surfaces. The foam midsole provides a cushioned and responsive ride, while the breathable mesh upper is durable and flexible.
The Meta–Rocker design helps to create a smooth transition from heel to toe, making it a great choice for long–distance runs.
The Torrent is a great choice for runners who want a trail shoe that can handle anything they throw at it. With the stripped down cushioning, it’s a shoe that’s going to allow you to feel more of the ground, which many runners love for better proprioception.
- Neutral Trail Running shoe
- Minimal Cushion
- 5 mm drop
- 7.5 oz women’s, 8.7 oz men’s
- Available in 4 colors
- $145
- See all HOKA Torrent models
Carbon Plated Trail Shoe – Hoka Tecton X
The HOKA Tecton X is a lightweight trail running shoe that is designed for speed. That’s right, carbon fiber comes to the trail world!
Can I just say, that again I was like who needs a carbon plate on the trails? But then well…I enjoyed the shoe and a bunch of much faster testers have said they like the extra stiffness for speed and stability.
They are using parallel carbon fiber plates, to provide an opening down the middle of the foot that’s going to ensure you can still manuver over rocks, stumps and other obstacles. Thus it’s less rigid than a road carbon fiber shoe…does this take away from the spring, I’m not sure!
It has a lightweight construction that allows for a quick and nimble ride, and a Vibram outsole that delivers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. From a quick review, I feel like the traction is similar to the Speedgoat, so it’s good but not the most grippy.
This shoe is ideal for runners who like to run fast and light on the trails. The Tekton X is perfect for those who enjoy exploring new trails and need a shoe that can keep up with their speed.
- Neutral Trail Running shoe
- Carbon Fiber
- 5 mm drop
- 6.9 oz women’s, 7.3 oz men’s
- Available in 3 colors
- $200
- See all HOKA TectonX models
Stability Trail Shoe – Hoka Stinson
The HOKA Stinson is a cushioned trail running shoe that is designed for comfort and stability. If you like the feel of a HOKA Bondi, this may be your trail shoe of preference.
It’s their most cushioned option, while still having that Vibram outsole for grip.
It’s also the highest stack height of all HOKA shoes, which means more stability without being an actual stability shoe. But also a bigger reminder to pick those feet up on teh trails!!
This shoe is perfect for runners who enjoy exploring new trails and need a shoe that’s comfortable for the miles. The Stinson is ideal for those who like to run at a moderate pace and need a shoe that is stable and supportive
- Neutral Trail Running shoe
- Super Cushioned
- 5 mm drop
- 9.8 oz women’s, 11.7 oz men’s
- Available in 2 colors men, 4 colors women
- $170
- See all HOKA Stinson models
Most Minimal Cushion – HOKA Zinal 2
If you’re looking for a super lightweight rail racing shoe, then this is going to be your winning selection. In fact, this shoe even has a lower stack height than I’m used to seeing in HOKA. So if carbon fiber isn’t where you want to go, checkout the Zinal.
Listen my feet are babies and I fully appreciate the cushion of the Challenger and Speedgoat. So this would not be my choice all the time, but for a blazing fast dirt road or crushed gravel run I’m in. Others of you will do just fine on those rocks and technical trails with less cushion.
Unfortunately, I also did not like the collar on this shoe. The heel tab came so far up it was rubbing my leg and just making me a bit crazy. Again, wear tall socks and this probably isn’t an issue…but I don’t always. Though I do like the socklike fit of the knitted upper.
HOKA ONE ONE offers a range of high-performance trail running shoes for different types of runners. It’s a favorite among many ultramarathon runners and that tells me a lot about comfort!
Whether you are looking for a versatile shoe that can handle any type of terrain, a lightweight shoe that is designed for speed, or a cushioned shoe that is designed for comfort and stability, HOKA ONE ONE has a shoe that is perfect for you.
Wondering how HOKA stacks up against other traditional running shoes?
Checkout these match ups:
Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?
Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.
A few common requests:
- How to Start Trail Running
- Best Running Headlamps
- Best Road to Trail Running Shoes
- How to find the right running shoe
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This is not a sponsored post, though I have received Hoka’s free over the years for testing.
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