The Hoka Mafate 5: A New Chapter in Trail Running
"Stoutly built Hoka Mafate 5 trail runner gew gnarled focus on improved control and stability on rugged pathways, as per the brand's assertion"
The Hoka Mafate 5, the latest addition to the Hoka One One trail running shoe line, brings several significant changes and improvements to the table, offering a more responsive and comfortable experience for mileage chasers on challenging trails.
Key Features and Improvements
- Midsole Construction: The Mafate 5 features a new super critical foam in its midsole, designed to provide superior cushioning and responsiveness. This foam, combined with a heel sole cutout, enhances compression on descents, offering a more plush feel during downhill runs[1].
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: The shoe boasts an 8mm drop, a departure from the 5mm drop of its predecessor. This increased drop improves comfort and control on descents[1].
- Upper Design: The Mafate 5 sports a more rugged upper, with ample space in the toe box. The tongue has been transformed into a flat design with a neoprene bottom, allowing better toe splay and comfort during descents[1].
- Heel Collar: The heel wing, a feature present in previous versions, has been removed to provide a more comfortable fit around the heel[1].
- Outsole and Traction: The Mafate 5 continues to deliver excellent grip with its thick lugs, designed for confidence on varied terrain. The wide platform offers stability and a balance of ground feel despite maximal cushioning[2].
Differences Compared to Previous Models (e.g., Mafate Speed 4)
| Feature | Mafate Speed 4 | Mafate Speed 5 | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Midsole Foam | Dual-layer Profly+ for cushioning and rebound | Super critical foam + heel sole cutout for enhanced compression on descents[1][3] | | Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5mm | 8mm (higher drop for downhill comfort and control)[1] | | Upper | Jacquard mesh with flat gusset tongue | More rugged upper with flat tongue and neoprene bottom for better fit and toe splay[1] | | Heel Collar | Heel wing for lockdown | Removed heel wing for improved comfort[1] | | Weight | Approximately 8oz (220g) per shoe | Slightly heavier due to changes, exact weight not specified[1][3] |
Intended Use
The Mafate 5 is still designed as a high-performance, technical trail running shoe for aggressive, challenging trails. Its focus on protection, cushioning, and downhill control makes it suitable for long, rugged mountain runs and ultra-distance events[1][3][5].
In comparison, the Mafate Speed 4 was known for its lightweight and bouncy feel with a lower drop, making it ideal for speedy mountain runs but potentially less suitable for downhill cushioning[3].
Availability and History
The Hoka Mafate 5 will be available from August 1, priced at $185. It comes in both men's and women's sizing[4]. The Mafate 5 is the next edition of the non-carbon plate variety of the Mafate line. Interestingly, the Hoka Mafate was the trail running shoe that propelled the brand to prominence back in 2010[6].
[1] Runner's World. (2023). Hoka One One Mafate Speed 5 Review. Retrieved from https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a36760186/hoka-one-one-mafate-speed-5-review/
[2] Hoka One One. (2023). Hoka One One Mafate Speed 5. Retrieved from https://www.hokaoneone.com/en-us/mens-mafate-speed-5
[3] Competitor Running. (2023). Hoka One One Mafate Speed 5 Review. Retrieved from https://www.competitor.com/en/gear/hoka-one-one-mafate-speed-5-review/
[4] Hoka One One. (2023). Hoka One One Mafate 5 Release Date and Price. Retrieved from https://www.hokaoneone.com/en-us/blog/hoka-one-one-mafate-5-release-date-and-price
[5] Hoka One One. (2023). Hoka One One Mafate 5 Features and Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.hokaoneone.com/en-us/blog/hoka-one-one-mafate-5-features-and-benefits
[6] Hoka One One. (2023). Hoka One One History. Retrieved from https://www.hokaoneone.com/en-us/about-hoka-one-one/history
Given the and the focus on high-performance, technical trail running shoes, it would be intriguing to see how gadgets could be integrated with this technology to enhance the runner's experience. For instance, a smart insole could monitor foot strike, stride length, and ground contact time, offering real-time feedback tooptimize running efficiency. Moreover, with the growing popularity of technology in sports, it's not far-fetched to imagine a future where football cleats incorporate similar improvements derived from trail running shoes, such as enhanced cushioning and better traction for excellent grip on the field.
