Hoka One One Arahi 2 Shoe Review

image courtesy of JackRabbit.com

The Hoka One One Arahi 2 stability shoe is now available! If you read my other shoe reviews, you know that I primarily wear stability shoes due to my slight overpronation. While I liked the original Hoka Arahi, I was excited to give the updated version a try.

When I first tried on the original Arahi, I had some issues with how the shoe felt. The sizing was off and the wide shoe model felt sloppy. I was hoping that the updated model would take care of these problems. The redesigned and improved upper of this shoe was something I wanted to see and learn more about.

The Hoka One One Arahi 2 is available in three colors, most of which are on the darker side. The color used for this review is definitely not the color I wanted but was the only color I could find when I first started researching this shoe.

I have worn these shoes on runs of distances from 3 miles to 12 miles. If my experience with this shoe changes, I will update this review.

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Verdict

Our Rating:

Viewer Rating:

Similar to the original Hoka Arahi, if you want a lightweight and supportive stability shoe, I would recommend giving the Hoka One One Arahi 2 a try!

If you haven’t worn Hokas before you will think the sole is huge. It takes a little getting used to but feels good once you get used to it. The lightweight support, rocker technology, and fit really impressed me.

The Meta-Rocker technology helped give a smooth transition on each step. The wider toe box allowed my toes plenty of room for comfort. Even though this shoe is .2 ounces heaver it still feels light. The redesigned upper remains comfortable and stylish. I do wish they had a few more color options.

If you want a maximum support stability running shoe, give this shoe a try!

Buy the Arahi 2 »

Here are a few pictures of the Arahi 2 worn for this review.

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Initial Thoughts

Having tried the original Hoka Arahi, I was excited to try the newer versions. While there were minor updates made to the shoe, I wanted to see how the latest version felt. I was also looking forward to seeing the new color options.

When I opened the box, I immediately noticed how similar the shoe looked to its predecessor. The shoe felt light and the color option was decent. I did order a 1/2 size up in EE (wide) and the shoe ended up being too big. Size 11 D (medium width) ended up working for me.

The Arahi 2 remains lightweight and comfortable the first time I put them on.

I started walking around the house in these shoes and noticed the similar rocker feel on this shoe. Rocker technology feels a little weird while walking but great while running.

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Shoe Details

• Weight: 9.5 Ounces (Men’s size 9), 8.1 ounces (Women’s size 9)
• Shoe Category: Stability
• How It Fits: True to Size (based on normal D width)
• Offset: 5mm heel to toe offset
• Forefoot Width: Medium (wide model available)
• Forefoot Height: 27mm forefoot height
• Heel Height: 32mm heel height
• Previous Model: Arahi

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Overview

The Hoka One One Arahi 2 is one of the lightest max support shoes on the market at under 10oz. The main updates to this version of the Arahi are the redesigned upper. The sole remains the same as the original version.

The Arahi 2 reduces overpronation by using a new EVA J-Frame Construction. The Arahi 2 comes with an active foot frame, which helps runners looking for a stability shoe by reducing over-pronation.

This shoe is better suited for runners looking for lighter maximum support running shoe.

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Sole

When I first put on the Arahi 2, it looked and felt very similar to the original version of this shoe. The reason why the sole felt the same was because the sole is the same as the original version.

The Arahi 2 continues to utilize the EVA J-Frame. This lightweight feature has a firm EVA foam along the medial side of the shoe and around the heel to support and guide the foot. You will definitely notice it the first time you put it on. The sole continues to be made of high abrasion rubber to improve durability.

If you are unfamiliar with the Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology, Hoka One One describes it as being “specifically engineered with a low heel-toe differential and a sculpted outsole radius in the heel and toe, creates a unique fulcrum effect and encourages a guided foot gait cycle.” This technology is used in a number of Hoka shoes, including the Hoka Arahi, Challenger, and Clifton shoe models.

Below are a few pictures of the Arahi 2 sole.

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Upper

The Hoka One One Arahi 2 upper was the main thing that was changed to the latest version. The weight of the shoe increased .2 ounces due to the changes in the upper.

The updates to the shoe include new fabric and upper overlay straps that are redesigned to improve support and breathability. One of the cool things I noticed when running in these was the reflective piece on the heel.

The upper mesh lining near the heel feels more comfortable and felt better while running. The Molded Ortholite Sockliner helps with odor management and provides extra support.

Here are a few pictures of the Arahi 2 sole.

Hoka One One Arahi 2 Shoe Ratings

Please provide any feedback or experiences you have while running in the Arahi 2 running shoes!

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