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Once I first noticed the Hoka Mafate X, I assumed, “This could be it—the long-haul path shoe I would like for my 50-miler in Indiana.” That race is named Dances with Filth Gnaw Bone, and whereas the title sounds quirky, the course is not any joke. With over 7,100 ft of elevation acquire and loads of hills, I wanted a shoe that might go the gap with out beating me up. The Mafate X seemed like an incredible candidate. So, I laced up and began logging miles. Right here’s the way it’s held up to this point.
First Impressions & Specs
The Mafate X doesn’t tiptoe into the carbon-plated path shoe world—it dives in headfirst. Hoka packed in a large stack (49mm heel / 41mm forefoot), an 8mm drop, and a PEBA foam core with EVA round it. They threw in a carbon plate, a rockered geometry, and topped it off with a Vibram MegaGrip outsole. On paper, it feels like a dream for lengthy, runnable terrain.
The listed weight for a males’s measurement 10 is 12.4 oz, which is unquestionably on the heavy facet. I didn’t weigh my measurement 13, however I can say they really feel heavy on the foot. Not stunning, contemplating all the fabric packed into the midsole and higher. From the second I began operating in them, they felt like plush tanks.
Journey and Really feel on the Path
My first take a look at run was on a hard-packed filth street with gentle hills. Proper out of the field, I seen how well-balanced the shoe felt. Regardless of the 8mm drop, it didn’t really feel like I used to be leaning or slamming right into a slope with each step. I’m a forefoot/midfoot striker, and this shoe didn’t make me modify my stride in any respect.
The trip is agency however not harsh. You get a little bit of bounce from the PEBA, however the EVA tones it down. It’s not mushy, and it’s not inflexible—it sits someplace in between. The carbon plate provides stiffness, particularly underneath the forefoot, and that does make the trip really feel snappy at occasions.
On flats and downhills, the shoe shines. It rolls easily, and the excessive stack cushions every thing. On uphills, although, I actually seen the burden. That bounce doesn’t fairly translate going up, and I felt like I used to be lugging a number of shoe with every step.
Stability on Technical Terrain
With such a excessive stack, I used to be anxious about ankle rolls or a wobbly really feel on uneven floor. Surprisingly, the shoe stayed steady. I took it by means of some rocky trails and winding paths, and the shoe by no means felt unstable. The foot cage design and the structured heel cup did job conserving my foot in place—even on extra technical stretches of path.
The one actual downside confirmed up on steep climbs. I began to note heel raise, particularly when carrying thinner socks. I messed round with the lacing and ultimately discovered that utilizing the outer eyelets and carrying thicker socks improved the lockdown. Even then, the heel raise by no means fully disappeared. It’s manageable, however positively one thing to contemplate should you’re climbing so much.
Match and Consolation
Hoka’s match is normally hit and miss for me. I went with my customary Hoka measurement, half a measurement up from my regular, and the size felt good. There’s sufficient room within the forefoot with out being sloppy, and the higher has a cosy however forgiving really feel. The shoe quantity feels slightly low, particularly on the within edge, however after a number of miles it molded to my foot properly.
The tongue is gusseted, the heel collar is well-padded, and general, it’s a cushty shoe but it surely’s not versatile in any respect. The shoe feels extra like a sturdy platform that handles easy trails properly, although the stiffness turns into noticeable on longer, extra technical runs the place a bit extra flexibility would assist adapt to various terrain.
Outsole and Traction
Hoka didn’t go aggressive with the lugs, however the 3.5mm Vibram MegaGrip will get the job completed. On filth, dry rocks, and a few gentle moist crossings, traction was stable. The outsole even has enjoyable little taco and pizza graphics, a unusual contact I appreciated. On muddy terrain or free gravel, I wouldn’t belief it 100%, however for many trails it holds up properly.
Last Ideas
After 60+ miles within the Hoka Mafate X, I can say this: it’s a long-distance cruiser, not a technical path tackler. It’s greatest fitted to rolling terrain, hearth roads, and gravel paths—mainly anyplace you may simply zone out and run. It eats up miles and takes the sting off lengthy efforts. Nevertheless it’s not perfect for steep climbs or actually technical routes, principally due to the burden and the heel raise subject.
In order for you softness, look elsewhere, perhaps the Tecton X3. In order for you one thing that handles back-to-back lengthy runs with sturdiness, and also you don’t thoughts a bit of additional weight, this shoe could possibly be match.
Worth, Shade, and The place to Study Extra
The Hoka Mafate X is available in at $225. It’s in step with different high-stack carbon-plated path footwear. The Zest / Mountain Fog colorway is daring with out being overpowering—shiny citrus yellow with cooler grey accents. It seems quick, even when it doesn’t all the time really feel quick. You possibly can test it out on Hoka’s web site, or discover it at most specialty operating outlets. This shoe isn’t for everybody, however for the correct of runner and the correct of path, it could be simply what you’re in search of.
