HOKA  Mafate Speed 4 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

Comfortable shoes for trail running and the typical Hoka feel. Bummer that mine lasted less 6 runs before the eyelets ripped out. Shoes still look brand new.

I just came out of the Mafate Speed 3 shoe and right into this HOKA Mafate Speed 4. This shoe is fantastic on the Arizona terrain! My feet are locked in and they have traction for days. Not to mention, you’re on the HOKA cloud for the entire run. Enjoy the new addition! It’s worth it.

What I liked: Great traction for what my intentions were. Plenty of padding , especially in the heel area. Very lightweight. Didn't like: Way too narrow. I always wear a 9 , always. Tried a 9 ,length was okay but about an inch or so in front of the heel area the shoes pushed in so hard it was very uncomfortable. So I took them back and tried a 9.5. With the 9.5s the length is a little long ( bearable) but still too tight in that same area. This shoe isn't available in a wide width , and I've never needed a wide before in any shoe. So I'm returning these AGAIN and searching for a different brand of shoe I guess. I had such high hopes.

I was super excited about the vibram lugs on this beautiful shoe, and I managed to get one good backpacking trip in with this shoe, along with a few hikes. great grip, great feeling of propulsion on the trail. I also love the super breathable knit build of the body of the shoe. It dries super quickly when wet. My issue with this shoe is that the lace hole just broke when i was going to tie them one day, not long after getting them. I had them less than 3 weeks, only saw 75 miles of trails with some additional urban walking.

Vibram sole delaminated from the foam sole after about 25 miles. I gave Hoka another try after the same thing happened to my Speedgoat 5 and 6. I am done with Hoka. Very poor quality for $180.00 or so.

This shoe is a great combination of weight, traction, and cushion. Especially, the traction on steep loose terrain. I’m giving them three stars due to durability issues. At 100 miles, the front or toe cap is peeling off. Also, at about 175 miles, part of the lugs on the bottom are breaking off. I was able to use some superglue to temporarily mend the issue but expect more life out of a trail runner.

The Hoka Mafate 4 is undoubtedly one of the best trail running shoes I’ve ever tried. Its performance is unparalleled, offering incredible comfort, support, and grip on a variety of terrains. The cushioning is spot-on—exactly what you need for long trail runs or intense hikes. Simply put, it’s a game-changer when it comes to functionality. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the design. Honestly, this shoe is the ugliest I ever had. I can’t fathom why, despite the premium price tag, Hoka continues to design shoes as unfashionable as possible. The weird color combinations and overall aesthetic make it hard to believe these shoes belong in 2024. As someone who values performance, I’ll begrudgingly keep wearing them, but I’m genuinely tired of being forced to sport these bizarre designs. Hoka, please—start making shoes that perform and look good.

I wear a variety of trail shoes, Hoka has been my go manufacturer for a few years now. The Speed goat has been my primary shoe, however, that has now changed. The Mafate Speed 4 delivers soft cushioning, a stable platform, a comfortable tongue, and an incredible amount of traction. I still love the SG, but the softness of the top layer of foam and the tongue set this shoe apart.

Was going to be my long shoe, but had some issues with manufacturing defects. One tongue was much longer than the other, and the lugs hit the midsole weirdly when my foot hit the ground. However, the midsole was responsive and protective, and the upper was comfortable (minus the tongue issue). Honestly if it wasn’t for the manufacturing issues, I would have kept them.

I love Hokas, loved the Mafate 3's. However the toe box is a little narrow and has caused Morton's Neuroma in my left foot. Have put 100mi on the shoe and after 6mi each large day my foot started to ache. Grip is grippy, cushion is supple and responsive.