Hoka One One Huaka Shoe Review

Hoka One One Huaka Shoe Review

A few friends an I ran a race on Christmas day. Around the holidays, I tend to eat a little more, drink a little more, and run a little less. It was a 5 mile race that I decided to wear my Adidas Tempo 6 running shoes. About midway through the race I was passed by a guy wearing a cool looking pair of shoes that I had never seen before.

Shortly after getting home, I did a little research and learned the shoe the guy was wearing was the Hoka One One Huaka running shoe. Shortly after that, I ordered a pair from Holabird Sports. Below is some information and my opinion of this great running shoe.

About the Hoka One One Huaka

The Hoka One One Huaka may be my favorite new shoe in 2015. This lightweight running shoe weighs in around 9 ounces and available in 5 different colors. Even though this shoe has more cushion than I typically like, the lightweight feel makes this shoe feel almost like a racer/training shoe.

The description of the shoe on the Hoka One One site says it best, “Inspired by our athletes’ demand for a lightweight, fast ride that still provides a high level of cushioning, the HUAKA delivers for runners wanting an extremely efficient ride with minimal weight. Featuring our state-of-the-art RMAT® midsole for exceptional durability and a seamless SpeedFrame upper, the Huaka is a great companion for your faster road or trail mileage.”

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Hoka One One Huaka Shoe Details

• Weight: 9.3 oz (size 9)
• Sizing: Runs Large (order 1/2 size smaller)
• Ultra-Lightweight No Sew SpeedFrame Construction
• Hoka Race-Lace System
• Full-Length RMAT® Midsole Provides Responsive Resilience
• Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry
• 2mm Heel to Toe Offset
• Full Ground Contact Design
• Strategic Hi-Abrasion Rubber Zones

Hoka One One Huaka Initial Thoughts

When I first put on the shoe, I wasn’t sure what made this shoe any different from the Clifton that I reviewed last summer. After a few runs I realized what made them so great. Not only were they lightweight and supportive, but they were the perfect shoe for speedwork. The Clifton is a bit too soft to race in.

The lightweight upper and the unique lacing system made these extremely comfortable. After a few miles in these, I wanted to go sign up for a race to see how these shoes would feel in race conditions.

Hoka One One Huaka Sole

The Hoka One One Huaka sole looks and performs great. The RMAT midsole provides improved durability, solid grip in all conditions, and increased rebound. All of these characteristics are important for a great running shoe to have. The first time I worse these was in light snow and had no problems with the mild winter conditions I ran in. The full ground contact sole provides a more stable feel that you will thank with each and every step.

After wearing these shoes a handful of times, I can’t wait to wear them in my next race. I seriously haven’t seen a shoe on the market that has a sole similar to the Hoka One One brand.

Hoka One One Huaka Upper

The Hoka One One Huaka upper is a lightweight and very comfortable. The no sew upper material provides a seamless upper that reduces any rubbing, which minimizes blisters. It also helps keep your feet nice and cool.

The one thing that I really liked was the Hoka Race-Lace system. This elastic lacing systems allows you to quickly get your shoes on and tied. It literally took me a few seconds to do this. Much easier than traditional shoe laces.

The heel also seemed to fit great. No slipping and extremely comfortable. Just another reason I like wearing these shoes on daily training or speedwork efforts.

The Active Guy Conclusion

The Hoka One One Huaka running shoe is solid training and race shoe. Hoka One One continues to impress me with their latest models. The new Cliftons and Conquests are all great running shoes. I have tried so many shoes and few of them are as light and supportive as the shoes I have worn from Hoka One One.

If you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and fast running shoe, I would highly recommend trying this shoe. If you are in question of whether or not this is the shoe for you, order from Road Runner Sports. They have a 60 day guarantee and have excellent customer service in the event you don't like these shoes like I do.

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