OVERVIEW
Already huge fans of ultra-lightweight, maximalist, HOKA ONE ONE® sneakers for ultra-running, we couldn’t wait to try out their new hiking/mountain running shoes on Wyoming’s Grand Tetons Crest Trail and in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. Between the two parks, we backpacked over 100 miles in Hoka One One’s new Tor Ultra Hi WP and Mafate 4.
DESIGN FEATURES & FIELD FUNCTIONALITY
Both styles are super lightweight, comfortable and the Tor Ultra Hi ankle support is spot on for stability.
The maximalist outersole foam thickness cushions the foot over long distance terrain. It reduces impact not only to the foot, but the hips, knees and back.
Traction is great! We had no problems trekking on slippery rocks, jumping onto boulders and traversing down scree.
When it comes to size, they run BIG. If you usually buy athletic shoes a full size bigger, go up only ½ a size with Hoka One One. There is a lot of give with the lightweight Upper material that incases the foot. If the shoe feels too big, the foot will move around too much, decreasing support and increasing likeliness of blisters.
Pros:
- Maximalist cushioning reduces impact to the feet, hips and knees.
- Super comfortable.
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Upper material is durable, but has a lot of give.
SNAPSHOT
- Average Weight (Pair): Men = 2 lbs. / Women < 1.5 lbs.)
- Price = $230
- Uppers = nylon mesh, rubber for durability with a molded full grain Nubuck leather collar for comfort and flexibility.
- Midsole = Full-length EVA top for cushioning & RMAT for support
- Outsole = High Traction Vibram MegaGrip with 5mm lugs
- eVent waterproof, breathable full-bootie membrane
- Wider toe box with protective rubber toecap
- Lace-to-toe with forefoot flex grooves
- Late-state Meta-Rocker geometry
- Average Weight (Pair): Men = < 2 lbs./ Women < 1.5 lbs.
- Price $170
- Lightweight no-sew SpeedFrame construction
- Uppers: Thermoplastic urethane, polyester/nylon
- Midsole: Full length EVA Foam for cushioning
- Wider toe box
- Outsole: EVA Rubber Foam with deep grooves for traction and trail stability
.COMPANY
HOKA ONE ONE® is a French company, founded in 2009 by distance runners and former Salomon employees, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. They named the company after the Maori language phrase meaning “flying over the earth.” Their popular athletic shoes are known for being ultra-lightweight with maximal cushioning.
In 2013, Deckers Brands, the parent company of UGG and Teva, acquired HOKA ONE ONE®.
