Hoka One One Cavu Shoe Review
image courtesy of JackRabbit.com
If you are looking for a lightweight Hoka One One running shoe, you need to read this review. If you have read my other shoe reviews, you know that I usually wear stability shoes due to my slight overpronation. While I have historically been a big fan of Hoka’s, most of their recent shoes haven’t worked for me. One of Hoka’s newer shoe that I just reviewed and really like is the updated Hoka Arahi 2 shoe.
When I first read that Hoka had a new neutral running shoe that weighed only 8 ounces, I was intrigued. A shoe that was responsive and this light would be great for speed work or shorter races.
The Hoka One One Cavu is available in four colors, most of which are on the darker side. My favorite color for men is the blue/indigo color, which looks awesome.
I have worn these shoes on runs of distances from 2 to 10 miles. If my opinion of this shoe changes, I will update the review.
Hoka One One Cavu Verdict
While I like this shoe, I would only wear it during shorter workouts and races.
This shoe didn’t feel like some of my other Hoka’s. This shoe was lightweight and the sole didn’t feel oversized like some of their other models. This felt like a normal running shoe that was lightweight with a sock-like fit.
The PROFLY™ technology provides a softer feel when landing on your heel and a slightly firm forefoot feel so that it propels you forward. If you have ever worn a Hoka shoe, you know that most of their shoes don’t feel very firm.
If you prefer lightweight shoes and wear neutral shoes, give it a try.
Buy the Cavu »
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Here are a few pictures of the Cavu worn for this review.
Hoka One One Cavu Initial Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, I was excited to try a shoe that weighed only 8 ounces. Most of the trainers I wear now are closer to 9 or 10 ounces, which is still fairly light. The one thing that I was interested in seeing was the upper of this shoe. The seamless design looked breathable and comfortable.
When I opened the box, I noticed the mesh like upper of the shoe. When I picked up the shoe, I was impressed with how light the shoe felt. The color scheme wasn’t great but not terrible.
The Cavu was lightweight and comfortable the first time I put them on.
I started walking around the house in these shoes and liked the initial feel of the shoe. The one thing that I wasn’t sure about was the sole as it looked like it would be slick in wet weather.
Hoka One One Cavu Shoe Details
- Weight: 8.0 Ounces (Men’s size 9), 7.0 ounces (Women’s size 9)
- Shoe Category: Neutral
- How It Fits: True to Size (based on normal D width)
- Offset: 4mm heel to toe offset
- Forefoot Width: Medium
- Forefoot Height: 23mm forefoot height
- Heel Height: 27mm heel height
- Previous Model: First Version
Hoka One One Cavu Overview
The Hoka One One Cavu is a lightweight neutral running shoe that weighs in at 8 ounces for a men’s size 9. The new PROFLY™ midsole technology softens the landing on the heel while still providing a responsive forefoot feel.
The Zonal RMAT sole provides improved durability with enhanced energy return while providing traction in most weather conditions.
The comfortable mesh upper makes this a great all-around neutral running shoe.
Hoka One One Cavu Sole
When I first put on the Cavu, it looked and felt different from previous Hoka running shoes. When I started to read more about the shoe, I realize that it was different for a few reasons.
First, the midsole included PROFLY™ technology, which as I mentioned provides a softer feel when landing and a slightly firmer forefoot feel which increases responsiveness. Secondly, the Zonal RMAT sole feels a little different than some other Hoka soles I have worn. It is supposed to have increased durability and improved traction in most weather conditions.
Below are a few pictures of the Cavu sole.
Hoka One One Cavu Upper
For a shoe that weighs only 8 ounces, something has to give with regards to weight. The simple mesh upper of this shoe is lightweight and breathes well due to the seamless material and mesh upper.
The upper of this shoe is incredibly comfortable. The sock like feel makes this shoe comfortable no matter what you are doing.
As you can see in the pictures below, this shoe provides optimal airflow and will keep your feet cool in all running conditions. Some previous Hoka shoes were a bit narrow for my liking, but this seamless upper was comfortable and looked great.
Here are a few pictures of the Cavu sole.
Buy the Hoka One One Cavu
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Hoka One One Cavu Shoe Ratings
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So, despite being a neutral shoe, was this okay for your over pronation? My gait is slightly supinated, so the Hoka One One Clifton 1s were amazing for me… I can’t find them anywhere else, and in the meantime, decided to try these out. Is it a mistake?
James, thanks for the question. I also loved the original Hoka Clifton. As far as the Cavu goes, I wouldn’t say this shoe is a mistake, but you may want to check out the Rincon instead. Let me know if you have any other questions. Let me know how they work out for you!