I was first skeptical about Hoka, as in my personal practice, I rather go towards more minimalist shoes which advocate for minimal cushioning to mimic barefoot running. But after having tested the HOKA MAFATE SPEED 4 on many different grounds (from Norway’s soggy plateau, Corsica’s abrasive ridges, French Alps’ rocky paths, to Réunion Island’s volcanic terrains), and on several durations (from daily hikes to ultra-trail competitions), I can now admit that I judged them too quickly. Today, I feel confident when describing them as one of the most versatile and reliable trail shoes.
It is not just a trail shoe; it is designed for trail runners and hikers looking for a combination of comfort and strong performance on challenging terrains. Whether on steep hills or through muddy paths, the MAFATE SPEED 4 is reliable, and known for its cushioning and stability.
Mathilde Fox
Meet Mathilde, a nature lover born and raised on Réunion Island. She knows the island’s mountains like the back of her hand and always has her white dog, Moka, by her side. When she’s not soaking in the views, she’s training for her next trail running competition. Splitting her time between Réunion and Brussels, Mathilde loves exploring Europe’s hiking trails, especially the Alps, her absolute favorite. You can find her on Instagram @fox.mathilde
During the testing phase, the MAFATE SPEED 4 was subjected to a variety of extreme conditions, emphasizing its robustness and versatility. I first tested the shoes in Corsica, on the GR20. This trail is known for its technical terrain where a loss of footing can lead to serious injury, and for its particularly abrasive rocks. There, the Vibram® Megagrip sole of the shoe proved to have an excellent grip, giving me confidence, especially on the downhill. This makes the superior traction of the HOKA MAFATE SPEED 4 not just a benefit but a necessity for such trails. The only downside of using the HOKA MAFATE SPEED 4 on the GR20 is the accelerated wear on the sole’s lugs caused by the trail’s abrasive rocks, but it’s an acceptable trade-off for the increased confidence and traction it provides.
I then tested the shoes in Norway, while trekking across the Hardangervidda, one of Europe’s largest mountain plateaus. The region contains numerous wetlands and bogs, requiring careful navigation to avoid getting stuck as these areas can become quite soggy and challenging to cross. The only thing you won’t avoid is getting your shoes wet.
There the HOKA encountered plenty of moisture and although they got wet immediately upon contact with water, unlike specific waterproof hiking boots, the mesh upper provided quick drying capabilities, which was important in such damp conditions. The advantage is that they would dry extremely fast, while the waterproof hiking boots could stay soggy even several days after the sun had returned. Trekking in trail running shoes versus hiking boots is also a matter of personal preference, but if one goes for trail running shoes, I highly recommend the HOKA MAFATE SPEED 4 for their cushion and strong grip.
Trailrunning
The ultimate test came during the Trail de Bourbon, an ultra-trail competition in Réunion Island, covering 110 kilometers. I had tested various shoes throughout the year and the MAFATE SPEED 4 stood out thanks to its specifically designed features for rugged terrain. The shoe’s thick, cushioned sole is engineered to absorb the impact of rocky paths and is also very helpful in reducing fatigue over long distances. Additionally, the Meta-Rocker technology in the midsole promotes a natural rolling motion of the foot, from the moment the heel strikes the ground, through the foot rolling forward and pushing off from the toes. This helps minimize stress on joints and muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Moreover, the Vibram® Megagrip outsole offers the kind of traction needed for the varied and sometimes slippery surfaces of the island. Knowing that parts of the trail would include muddy, wet, and uneven ground, I needed a shoe that could handle such diversity.
I initially thought about keeping the HOKA MAFATE SPEED 4 on until I passed the most technical sections of the race, particularly through Mafate, which is known for its demanding and rugged terrain. My plan was to switch to another brand of shoes that I also run with towards the end of the race, hoping to give my feet a new feel. But the comfort of the MAFATE SPEED 4 was so good that I wore them for the entire duration of the event, which lasted over 30 hours.
About the brand
The name “HOKA” comes from the Maori language phrase “hoka o neoneo,” which means “fly over the earth,” which reflects the founders’ vision of designing shoes that promote a smooth ride over any terrain. It was founded in 2009 by two French trail runners, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. The duo wanted to create a shoe that would allow them to run faster downhill. Their solution was a shoe with a dramatically oversized midsole, which was initially met with skepticism by the trail runner community but soon proved highly effective as the extra cushioning of the oversized midsole allowed for greater shock absorption and reduced fatigue.
Alongside its innovative design, HOKA has also implemented a very aggressive marketing strategy that has significantly contributed to its growing presence in the competitive running shoe market. This strategy includes high-profile sponsorships and strategic advertising to a wide audience. 2023 marked a significant milestone for HOKA, as for the first time, an athlete wearing HOKA shoes won the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). The winner, American Jim Walmsley, not only highlights the performance capabilities of HOKA shoes in some of the most demanding conditions but is also a strong endorsement for the brand, proving its credibility among elite and recreational runners alike.
Over the years, HOKA has expanded its focus to cater to all types of runners and now offers a diverse range of running and hiking footwear for all types of grounds, from road to trails, and continues to innovate with each model. Their commitment to quality and performance has earned them a loyal following among endurance athletes worldwide.
About the Hoka Mafate Speed 4
HOKA has consistently set benchmarks in the running shoe industry, and the MAFATE SPEED 4 is no exception. It’s designed with a balanced mix of comfort, stability, and relatively good durability, and is tailored for the rugged demands of off-road running. Weighing in at approximately 295 grams (for a men’s size 9), it is remarkably lightweight given its robust construction and its rather “bulky” look. The design integrates HOKA’s distinctive oversized EVA midsole, known for excellent shock absorption and comfort, that minimizes impacts on joints during long runs. Despite its big midsole, the shoe has only a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, which encourages a more natural midfoot strike. The outsole is made with the aggressive Vibram® Megagrip technology that gives excellent grip on diverse surfaces, from slick rock faces to loose gravel, and makes you feel very confident on the downhills. A spacious toe box allows for natural foot splay, is helpful for long-distance hikes, and is especially good for those who are conscious about ensuring their toes have adequate room to function optimally.
The Meta-Rocker geometry in the midsole supports a smooth transition from heel to toe, reducing fatigue.
Specifications
HOKA Mafate Speed 4
Weight
295 grams (men's size 9)
Heel-to-toe drop
4 mm
Midsole
EVA Foam, Meta-Rocker technology
Outsole
Vibram® Megagrip with 5mm lugs
Lacing system
Traditional lace-up closure
Waterproof
No
pro's
Excellent cushioning and support.
Breathable, quick-dry upper.
Effective traction on diverse terrains.
con's
The bulky appearance may not appeal to all, especially those accustomed to minimalist trail shoes.
The higher price point may be a barrier.
Conclusion
The HOKA MAFATE SPEED 4 is the fusion of comfort and performance on diverse and challenging terrains. I am particularly appreciative of the robust Vibram® Megagrip outsole that offers exceptional grip across various surfaces, making it indispensable for technical trails, and also the cushioning of the midsole, which makes a difference on long distances. However, it’s important to note some downsides: its bulkier design and higher price point may deter minimalist enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers, and I do have the feeling that the shoe wears out quicker than other brands, particularly on abrasive surfaces like Corsica’s GR20, so it needs to be changed probably more often. If these downsides are the price to pay for excellent cushioning and traction, I will still say yes. This shoe is a formidable choice for professional and recreational hikers and trail runners alike, balancing its shortcomings with significant performance benefits.
Trailrunning
About the brand