When you think of Hoka, you probably think of the brand’s plush, comfy road running shoes, like the fan-favorite Cliftons or Bondis. While it’s true that Hoka pioneered the popular max-cushion shoe trend, those high-stack designs actually got their start off the roads, with the launch of the Mafate trail running shoe back in 2010.
Hoka’s latest trail shoe, the Mafate X ($225, hoka.com and rei.com), is a sort of nod to that history—it has key features for outdoor runs, with the same high stack height that Hoka devotees have come to know and love. It also has a forked carbon fiber plate in the midsole for a pop of speed and added stability.
Skeptics, hear me out: I realize that, while a high stack of cushioning and a carbon plate can be major selling points for fast road running shoes, they may seem like overkill in a trail running shoe. I also had those doubts when I started testing the Mafate X—but I’m not too proud to admit that I was wrong. Here’s how the Mafate X changed my mind, and why it’s become my go-to for off-road summer adventures.
The design
Since the launch of the original Mafate, Hoka has released lots of newer versions. What makes this one stand out? The carbon fiber plate in the midsole.
Originally meant to provide pop to road racing shoes, carbon fiber plates are slowly making their way to trail shoes, with mixed results. On paper, it doesn’t make much sense: Carbon plates work by pushing you off the ground fast—but on trails, the ground is often soft or uneven, so having a plate in your sneaker might throw off your balance.
However, the plate in the Mafate X is forked (or shaped like a narrow “V”), with two sides that move independently. This is especially key for runners who over- or underpronate (meaning your ankle rolls inward or outward, respectively, as you run). Instead of twisting an ankle on the trails, you’ll stay light on your feet as the forked side of the plate helps push you back into a normal gait. It’s a stability feature as much as it is a speed one.
Another great design feature: Inside the Mafate X, the foam is molded to frame your foot, adding additional stability. This is crucial for running on uneven trail surfaces and preventing blisters that can pop up during long (or wet) adventures, experts confirm. “The big thing with trails is that your foot is really locked in there—you don’t want your foot sliding around,” says Heather Jackson, a professional trail runner for Hoka. “This shoe really cradles the heel—that was one of the big things I noticed.”
A grippy outsole is another must, to prevent slipping and sliding. The Mafate X’s is made of Vibram rubber, which is known for its best-in-the-biz traction. The lugs on the outsole (a.k.a. the pattern on the bottom of the shoe—think of them like treads on a tire), are as fun as they are functional: They’re shaped like pizza and tacos, as a nod to two foods that trail runners often turn to for fuel.