Hoka Mafate Speed 4 

I split my time 50/50 between the road and trail but trail running in deep nature is really where my heart is at. So, naturally, I have more trail running shoes than road shoes and the different types of terrains and conditions prompt me to look at more varieties than I would with road runners. Of the different types of trail running, the technical type with steep hills, lots of rocks, roots and other obstacles, and abrupt twists and turns is what I enjoy the most. Maybe it reminds me of my days playing football RB/WR in high school - haha - but I also like testing the elements and just being out in nature. I have the Hoka SG5 and the Tecton X but I just don't find either really good for really technical trails that I love to run. For this category of trail running, I also have the Speedland SL:HSV and the inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max (I had to look up these names again! geez~) and they are great but I think the Mafate Speed 4 just may end up being my favorite as I find it more fun. Technically, the Speedland is unassailable: everything is thought out and it can handle virtually anything you throw at it, including wet and muddy conditions. The same with the inov-8 TrailFly. But, amongst these three, the Mafate Speed 4 is what I want to put on for a fast and enjoyable run in the woods and rocky hills. Now, if I was going to go out to some national park with challenging trails that I'm not familiar with, I'll probably opt for the Speedland or the inov-8. As Mike says, the Mafate Speed 4 is just so much fun. It's got an almost perfect balance between traction, speed, comfort, control, and maneuverability. I think the only area that I find a little lacking is lateral stability in the upper in the rear ankle area when making very tight turns at high speeds through twisting paths but it really hasn't been an issue and I've learned to adapt to it. I prefer the SG5 (and the Endorphin Edge and the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro) for smooth hard packed trails with gentle hills at a fast pace but that's a different kind of run altogether. I find that the SG5 and other trail shoes with a high cushioned stack just aren't as maneuverable for the rollercoaster type of trails. The Mafate Speed 4 is well cushioned too but you still feel closer to the ground, making it easier for making abrupt stops and accelerating again and executing sharp cuts and turns without losing speed. It makes you want to run fast through the obstacles instead of just get through them somehow without falling on your butt. And I also feel confident with the traction and the overall control I get from the Mafate Speed 4. It isn't as robust and as solid-feeling overall as the SL:HSV and the TrailFly but we all know that we can't get *everything* in one pair of shoes. This being said, the Mafate Speed 4 is just outright fun to run in and especially great for technical trail running. With the Mafate Speed 4, I look forward to every run going into the woods or up the rocky hills and then cranking up the speed to run through the twists and turns over all types of obstacles. At the end of each run, I feel like I've racked up well over 100 yards in running/receiving with a few TDs in a football game! Haha. It's an exhilarating experience.

I'm a devoted fan of the Speed goat & Torrent, yet I've heard so many good reviews on the Matafe that are persuading me to buy it for this autumn season.

Awesome 👍 👍 review and love your close up footage from the back especially. Mafate is my favorite Hoka as well. cheers and happy running. From Italy, pk

This is the first trail shoe in ages that makes me pretty excited! The outsole looks grippy as heck and the double layer midsole kinda similar to the Mach 5 makes for a very promising shoe. I predict this one to become a peoples favourite on trails and ultra runs!

Can't agree more with your feedback on this shoe. I think Hoka has been slowly improving the upper fit across the lineups, so much more comfortable. I though the previous Mafate was a little stiff/clunky, more like a hiking boot. This new one feels so much more like a running shoe, nice bounce with the ProFly along with excellent traction. Nice update.

I really appreciate you going deep into the details about the Vibram Traction Lug in these shoes. Actually Vibram is the owner of the Traction Lug design, it has been introduced in 2020, Hoka just happen to be the first few find the correct application for it :) Nice video bro

The UTMB colorway looks amazing. 👌

Mine arrive today! Can't wait!!

Thanks for your review, which prompted me to purchase the Mafate Speed 4 in the UTMB colorway. It feels very, very similar to fabulous but now discontinued Hoka EVO Mafate 2 in terms of the all-terrain comfort, but with a better upper than the less-flexible Matrix (Kevlar). Truly appreciate you suggesting the 1/2 size-up - for my foot, that was terrific advice! Will use this most likely in an alpine 50-miler next month here in Colorado. For shorter shorter races, prefer the Norda 001 and the Speedland PDX or HSV, as well as the Inov-8 G270. Happy trails!

Great review! I have a pair of Evo Mafate (probably had since late 2017 or 18) and with the matrix upper love racing difficult terrain 30k to 50k's in. These look a little similar the 2's & 3's seemed a little heavier from all the reviews I seen.

sheeesh! great in depth review, kofuzi!

I was debating on ordering these last night and boom this video shows up next day. I’m normally a bright color shoe person, but I’m starting to lean towards that thyme colorway this time.

Thanks for the review! Bummed I missed you you when you were here in SLO. Is that Pismo Preserve? One of my favorite places. Thanks again!

Awesome review. Looks like a great shoe. Was thinking about a few options for a flat 100 miler next April. This shoe looks to be way ahead of the competition for the category of the shoe. Olympus 5 is 12.3oz for example 😳

LOVE your video style :D

Sounds like a TRY, was disappointed in the SG5 which lacked the medial support I needed, also a little sloppy in the forefoot, great review, thanks...Tecton X was a slightly better fit than the SG5.

Just got some on your recommendation, lived my first run!

That thumbnail hits hard

🎉 another great and comprehensive review. I believe yourself and the Ginger Runner are the best performance sneaker 👟 sneaker 👟 sneaker 👟 reviewers on here...... thanks always for your honesty also. God bless you 😇 🙏 bro...

Really good review. I’m super intrigued by the MS4… I’m training for a Grand Canyon R2R2R later in November. Is this a shoe you’d recommend to go the distance on moderate to semi-technical terrain?

I find it a bit too grippy on technical rocky trails, but overall it's a great shoe. The underfoot squish reminds me of the Mach 5.

Great Review on the Mafate SP4, I am wondering how they would stack up against the Saucony Xodus Ultra and the Endorphin Edge.

Sporting Sage's shirt on a Hoka review! 👌

maybe their best looking shoe

Wow this may actually get me to try Hoka trail shoes again - how does the midsole combination feel in comparison to the Mach v5? Looks to be more of both midsole types

Just received the HM4. The US 12 size (EU 46 2/3, 30 cm) is similar in terms of space to the Saucony Triumph 20 US 12 (46.5), Nike Zoom Fly 5 US 12 (46), Adidas Adios Pro 3 US 12 (46 2/3). Nike has the most similar amount of space. The shoe is surprisingly wide, and I would rate my foot as rather wide. Hoka is slightly wider than Saucony Triumph. First tests on the weekend. Greetings!

Good information 👍 😊 thanks

great review! 😊 watch many.

I have the SG4 and SG EVO and absolutely love them. This makes me curious about the Mafate, but as they say: never change a winning team. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I agree and enjoyed the insight. For me, as a tweener with 10-10 1/2, The 10 1/2 does give me extra room. I sure do notice the increased stack height compared to SG5 but seems fine. After a rather technical run/speed hike, I am impressed with all aspects of this tool and the only thing I may wonder about some is that after 200-400 miles, will the upper loosen up and lesson the precision . Example...I am able to edge large roots and rocks with the upper keeping me on track... Hoka hit a home run with these!

The traction is amazing but the midsole was too soft for me personally. Plenty of room for wide footers though. Great shoe for those that use trail runners for hiking. I went TTS but I can why you went up a half size but I prefer tighter fit for trails.

Great review, is the fit simular to the mach 5,

Lol I just put an ordered for Hoka Mafate speed 4 like 20 mins ago. I hope this shoe is good for beginner like me.

I have a half marathon on gravel coming up, hopefully they help me with the grip. I have a few miles on the road though

Hi kofuzi ! Is the mafate speed 4 got similaire caracteristic than the Mach 5 ? Size, feeling under foot ? Thank you

Would you say the comfort of this shoe can be targeted towards someone who loves Clifton’s? They are both neutral, but Mafate are more responsive. Curious about the comfort and if these would be best for lower arch feet?

I have to run on gravel and uneven dirt road, would you choose this model over the speedgoat 5?

I have a 30km race and my Speedgoat Evo's at the end of the line. Do I go Mafate or Speedgoat???

Mafate 4 vs Tecton X?

I run the arahi 6 and find it fantastic but I love running the mountains. How was the stability in this shoe. I overpronate. Awesome review 👌

I have an asics novablast 3 and I would like to know if the base /outsole of the hoka mafate speed 4 is as wide. thanks.

Is the upper similar to the SG5 in terms of stretchiness? I really tried to love the SG5 due to its outsole comfort level especially on long/ultra diatances. but after 200+km i gave up. For me the SG5 doesn’t fit my running style as the upper has too much stretch and less stability on technical tropical.

These shoes have the name of a mountain circus Mafate from my island ( Reunion island 🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪). The Mafate circus was also a part of an ultra Trail 'La Diagonale des fous'.

Hey bro you gonna be trying the new Saucony trail shoes? They come in pink so I’m all over it but wanted your thoughts

How is the fit? Runningwarehouse lists it as roomy, but is it Hoka roomy or actually able to handle a wider foot?

Would not reccomend to size up, fits the same as all my previous mafates. This is by far my favourite one, love the upper and profly midsole. Best grip ever.

How would you compare this to something a bit alround like the asics gel trabuco 12?

Hi! Would these also work well as a road to trail shoe? Or are the 5mm lugs too aggressive for the road?

Hi just curious compared to HOKA Teckton X that you reviewed before, which one is better if ever you got the exact size of the tecton X

Will a comparison video with the Speedgoat 5 be coming soon? I still don’t get the difference between the two shoes.

drool!

so you would go mafate over tectonX.. ? now I am debating whether I should go mafate or mote trail v2 ..

For hiking and not running would the speedgoat,mafate or ASICS trabuco max or maybe the Fuji lite be better? I just want a lot of grip breathability and comfort.

are you wearing sage canaday's shirt?

Comparions to Tecton X? I've been loving that shoe. Have been so-so on the SG 5

Comparing these to the SG5 (which didn’t work for me at all), how is the foot movement inside the shoe compared to the 5? Do they feel more stable? Thanks for the review Michael. 👌

Ko, were you able to test the Peg 36 Trail? If so, could you give some feedback on comparison?

Can i use them on road too? usually the route i take has concrete road at the start and then loose small gravel and then off road trail.

I feel as though the foam on my Hoka road shoes tends to die pretty quickly, do you feel like this occurs in their trail shoes? Or can these last a few hundred miles?

How does this shoe compare to the speedgoat 5?

What about the Glideride 3? How's it compares to?

Do you think it would work as a road to trail shoe

Tecton X vs Speedgoat 5 vs Mafate Speed 4!

Looks like a Mach 5 Trail

These knobs on the shoe look like overkill except for snow and really sloppy conditions. The SG knobs run well of pavement and hard-pan and they allow the fore foot to flex decently for climbing. I've been using my NB More 3s for all trail running for the past 12 months and I think they are more efficient and smoother running than all of the recent trail offerings. I think most North American trails that see minimal maintenance can be run in road shoes.

Mafate speed 4 has way better lockdown and grip than speedgoat 5. Though, its toebox does not stretch as much as the speedgoat. People who have D foot and below might appreciate the mafate better. I must say, I just can never understand the profly midsole. They do feel bouncy on steps but it doesn't feel the same when on running pace. It feels lifeless on tempo pace. Integrating profly on trail shoe is a bad move... I wish Hoka could stop cutting short on their insole materials. It is so paper that it barely do its job. I have to swap out both speedgoat 5 and mafates' insole for the speedgoat 4 just to achieve that cush which Hoka is famous for!

hmmm, 🤔

It’s actually pronounced “Vai-bruhm”. Not “vee-bruhm”. Sorry for being a grammar natze.