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Once I heard the Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite had been on their method to me, I used to be tremendous excited. For individuals who don’t know, this path shoe was born out of a collaboration with Hoka and the uber-fashionable French working model Fulfill. They’d a restricted version launch of the excessive finish collab that offered out tremendous fast.
This newest model of the shoe was made for the typical shopper at a typical worth level, preserving the identical vogue parts because the collab with some minor modifications. It’s branded as a life-style shoe, however has the rugged base wanted for all of your path adventures.
The standard Hoka Mafate mannequin has actually taken over because the path shoe of alternative with shoppers. It’s somewhat slimmer than the ever-loved Speedgoats (my favourite! – my previous favourite? No spoilers!) with some severe treads.
The Mafate Velocity 4 Lite has some minor upgrades from earlier fashions, making this light-weight shoe excellent to transition from trails to highway and all the pieces in between.
Should you had been hoping to snag a pair of the unique Hoka x STSFY collab however weren’t fortunate sufficient, we promise you that you’ll not be dissatisfied with these.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite match for, let’s break it down by some widespread classes:
- Huge ft: The shoe does run slender, however with the laces you may regulate the match.
- Technical trails: Completely! These have among the most severe treads I’ve ever run in – don’t be afraid to go off the overwhelmed path.
- Lengthy runs: These work effectively for lengthy runs – if you happen to’re dipping into super-ultra distances it’s your decision one thing somewhat heavier with extra assist, however I feel this shoe will do effectively for distances as much as 50k.
- Entrance of the Pack: Sure! The lightness of this shoe will do effectively with a efficiency focus in thoughts.
That is such an fascinating shoe – it’s branded as a life-style mannequin, however it carried out very well on the paths. The collab-nature of the discharge has it becoming into a brand new form of class, however I wouldn’t shrink back from working laborious in these.
So who’s it good for? I’d say severe path runners who additionally prioritize the fashion aspect of the game.
Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite Overview
Speak about some of the in-demand path footwear presently in the marketplace. When the unique collaboration shoe first dropped, it offered out nearly instantly. They couldn’t even preserve it in inventory at UTMB (one of many greatest ulta marathon path working races in Europe).
So, to make stock extra out there, they made one minor tweak by altering out the velocity laces, and voila!
The Mafate Velocity 4 Lite arrived at extra doorstep the day earlier than a 22k path race; I do know what you’re pondering; nothing new on race day! However I used to be too excited, so do as I say not as I do of us. I used to be taking these guys out for a race. Fortunate for me, this was not a mistake (this time…)
Out of the field, these appeared nice. I obtained the “chilly brew and oatmilk” colorway; additionally they are available in a tone on tone black. I’m by no means one to prioritize fashion over substance, however if you happen to discover a shoe with each? Yahtzee!
In addition they supplied a second pair of sunshine blue laces, if that’s your jam – I selected to stay with the monotone.
On race day, I instantly seen how sticky these treads had been – the Vibram megagrip know-how on the lugs are severe enterprise. They jogged my memory of the treads on the Saucony Peregrine, however somewhat extra boxy.
I knew straight away I might really feel assured working on technical terrain and slick rock faces. The footwear have quantity of assist and I felt comfy throughout my 14 miles on the paths. I completed with comfortable ft!
After that, I took these out on a number of technical path runs ranging between 4 and 10 miles. The sunshine higher is an actual deal with and I used to be capable of decide up the tempo when it felt proper. On huge climbs and steep descents, the megagrip helped me keep assured and upright.
All-in-all, the Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite had been a win for me from the beginning.
Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite Specs
- Weight: 9 oz unisex sizing
- Heel Drop: 4mm
- Stack Peak: 31 mm
- Accessible in 2 Colours
- Not out there in large
- Accessible on Hoka.com for $180
Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite Match
My first thought when making an attempt these on was that the match is corresponding to different Hoka fashions. I’m a stable 8.5 on this model (9 in most different manufacturers!), and that was true right here too. One factor to notice is that these are unisex sizing so that will change what you decide!
The Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite are extra slender than most Hoka footwear so if you happen to want a wider match, these might not be an ideal match for you.
For me, they felt roomy with an ample toe field, and nothing felt too tight. I used to be somewhat cautious at first as a result of some reviewers touch upon rubbing on the Achilles; I took a fast stroll in these to try it out and located I had the identical expertise.
The footwear have a microfiber collar, which I consider is the wrongdoer. Throughout my first run (race!) in these, I put some Leukotape on my heels for some added safety; this solved the problem for me, and I didn’t have any discomfort on the run.
I discussed earlier concerning the laces being totally different from the Hoka x Satify collaboration. Whereas velocity laces are nice, footwear with conventional fashion laces are going to make this shoe extra versatile, particularly if you happen to’re in search of a extra buyer match.
After a couple of runs, the footwear felt fairly broken-in, and on subsequent runs, all I wanted was some chafe-balm and good working socks for my Achilles to really feel comfy.
Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite Really feel
A change with the Mafata Velocity 4 Lite is the texture underfoot. Hoka used their ProFly+ midsole to provide a bouncy journey that isn’t so cushioned you may’t really feel the bottom beneath your ft.
Along with the froth, they layered within the Vibram Megarip with Litebase and Traction Luge outsole to grip every kind of terrain but in addition permit for a straightforward transition to city environments. That is the place we will see the shoe falling into the highway to path bucket.
You could query these footwear being thought-about a path shoe when trying out the clear ripstop higher. Not like different path footwear with a strengthened mesh higher, Hoka determined to take a web page out of Satify’s ebook and go for one thing somewhat extra fashion-forward however nonetheless keep a light-weight sturdiness.
Let’s be sincere, path working is tough on footwear so, in the event that they’re not sturdy what’s the purpose. You possibly can relaxation assured that though the higher goes exterior of the field, your ft shall be protected against rocks and different particles!
General, these are a supportive and comfy journey.
Related Sneakers to the Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite
We’ve examined a couple of that really feel related, however totally different primarily based on the model match:
General, I’m a fan of those. They’re a very clean journey and may take you on some nice off-road adventures.
If the heel rubbing is a matter for you, I’d follow the unique Hoka Mafate 4 but when not? Look good and have some enjoyable!
Able to run? Go take a look at the Hoka Mafate Velocity 4 Lite for $180!
Who Tried It?
Kim bought into working after deciding to run her first half marathon as a result of it landed on her birthday. Afterwards, she mentioned these well-known final phrases: “I’ll by no means run a marathon!” Since then, she’s tackled many marathons and ultramarathons as much as 50 miles. She loves extremely distance path working one of the best and is all the time on the hunt for the following problem. Her most well-liked trail-fuel is potatoes and Coca-Cola, and her favourite method to recuperate is on the sofa along with her two canine.