HOKA Mafate 5 Review

Publication date: 11 Dec 2025

GearHiking shoes

The HOKA Mafate 5 is HOKA’s newest trail running shoe in the Mafate line for people who love long days outside. The shoe is like no other with its Rocker Integrity Technology and is made for tumbling around in the mountains. As a long-time HOKA-lover, I had high hopes for these shoes, and they’ve really exceeded my expectations since I started wearing them a few months ago.

I’ve been using the HOKA Mafate 5s on my recent trail runs and hikes through the Netherlands’ national parks and have been impressed. While the terrain isn’t the most mountainous, it is still pretty varied. I’m usually on forest trails, but also in sand, over rock, and even on asphalt at times. The Mafates keep me strong, stable, and honestly, I don’t really feel the difference between the terrains as I go. The great thing about them is that they’re a really sturdy shoe, so they can handle some of the crazier stunts I like to try as I spend time outside.

Chris König

Chris works as an outdoor photographer and can regularly be found in nature with his camera and tent: the higher the mountain, the better. He is always on the lookout for the balance between real emotion, atmosphere, and lively action. Next to his passion for photography, he organizes workshops in countries such as Iceland, Kyrgyzstan and Greenland.

Chris is also active as a travel and photojournalist for various media, including Columbus Magazine, NatGeo Traveler, Lonely Planet NL and the NKBV.

You can find more of Chris’ work on his website and Instagram!

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Testing the Mafate 5

The HOKA Mafate 5 has been a great addition to my trail running experience so far. I’ve been wearing them through the fall and winter season as I train at home in the Netherlands and have found them to be perfect for my long trail runs. My feet are happy, even when my legs aren’t, with the longer mileage, and they’re holding up really well. I also like that they’re comfortable for hiking, since there are times when my runs turn into more of a run-walk as I hit the bigger miles.

The Netherlands is infamous for its rain throughout these months, but the shoes are doing great so far. I usually just add my gaiters to them since they have attachment points, and I’m good to go. They also have a warp-knit anti-fray treatment on the upper material, which has been holding up well. I’ve found that other shoes tend to fray more easily, especially in wet weather.

I will definitely be bringing the Mafate 5s with me on my longer mountain trails in the summer. They are durable and have great grip. I usually hike with my HOKA Speedgoats, which are lighter and more flexible, but compared to those, these feel really reliable and sturdy for the mountains.

About HOKA

HOKA was founded in France in 2009 by two trail runners who wanted to design shoes that would perform better on long descents. Their solution was to create a shoe with more cushioning and a wider, more stable base. What started as a niche idea quickly caught on, and HOKA has since grown into a major player in both the running and hiking markets. Their shoes are now known for high stack heights, rockered soles, and their strong focus on comfort and support.

In recent years, HOKA has expanded beyond ultra-running into hiking, walking, and everyday wear, while continuing to invest in lightweight materials and performance-focused design. They’ve also taken steps toward using more recycled and sustainable materials across their line, which I love. HOKA shoes have become a go-to option for people looking for long-distance comfort and reliable grip across a range of terrain.

About the Mafate 5

The HOKA Mafate 5 is the newest addition to HOKA’s Mafate trail running collection. The shoes are made for difficult terrain and are meant to make the miles feel easy. So far, I think they’ve succeeded in their mission. The shoes have a new Rocker Integrity Technology, Vibram Megagrip lugs, and a dual-density midsole. They’re meant to make impact feel cushioned and comfortable, and they do a great job of it. While they’re a bit stiffer because of these additions, the stability is great for when you’re jumping around in the mountains.

close up shot of the HOKA Mafate 5 trail run shoes

The shoes are a bit heavier than HOKA’s most popular trail runner, the Speedgoats, but that’s for good reason. The added features, including gaiter attachment points and super plush cushioning, make this a shoe for when you’re going to be out for a long time.

Finally, I found the Mafate 5 to be a shoe that’s made to last. The anti-fray coating on the upper layer helps with the oh-too-common issue that trail running shoes face when exposed to rocky paths. Usually, the knit is the first thing to go around your hot spots, but this shoe has stayed strong so far.

Specs

HOKA Mafate 5
Weight	332 grams
Heel-to-Toe drop	8 mm
Stability	Neutral
Cushion	Plush
Shoe base	Rocker Integration Technology with Vibram Megagrip Lugs
Midsole	Dual-density with a foam layer on top

pro's

Super durable and strong grip

Lasting materials

Fun, bright colors

True to size makes for easy ordering

con's

A bit stiffer than the Speedgoats

It can be warm in the summer because of the stiffer fabric

The tongue isn’t gusseted

Conclusion

I love the HOKA Mafate 5s and have made them my go-to shoe for long hikes and runs. They handle tough terrain very well, and my feet always feel good afterwards. In general, they are a shoe that can handle a lot, and I hope they stay solid for a long time to come. HOKA keeps outdoing itself with its newest versions!

person trail running surrounded by motion blur

HOKA Mafate 5 Review

About the Mafate 5

Specs

Conclusion

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Happy trails!