Saucony Guide 13, ASICS GT-2000 8, Hoka ONE ONE Arahi 4
Left to Right: Saucony Guide 13, ASICS GT-2000 8, Hoka ONE ONE Arahi 4
Introduction
The three shoes compared differ from more conventional support/ stability shoes in not having the usual firm medial mid foot post or guidance rails between the top of the midsole and upper as now emerging on competitors from Brooks, adidas, and Altra.
Hoka ONE ONE Arahi 4 ($130)
9.6 oz / 273 g
29mm heel / 24 mm forefoot, 5mm drop
Jan 2020
Support Element: a slightly firmer EVA mostly on the medial side in a J-Frame.
Ride: Feels most like a neutral shoe as the slightly firmer EVA is hardly noticed with much of the support coming from the inherent stability of the wide mid foot platform. Softest, lightest and most cushioned. A great daily trainer and recovery shoe option for both neutral and pronation shoe favoring runners.
Upper: Most voluminous of the three and most suitable for wider higher volume feet. Borderline overly roomy for my narrow/medium foot.
ASICS GT-2000 8 ($120)
10.3 oz / 292 g
29mm heel / 19 mm forefoot, 10mm drop
Available now
Support Element: a combination of rear of the foot firm (but not post brick hard) DuoMax EVA and an extensive plastic Trusstic guidance plate at the mid foot outsole level.
Ride: Most stable rear to mid foot with consistent stability felt throughout the midsole and most felt directly on the ground. GEL insert at the heel effectively reduces shock. Somewhat rigid rear of shoe with livelier softer (front GEL insert) forefoot in fairly sharp contrast. Somewhat of a chore to run slower than the others and heavier feeling. Could be an excellent trail shoe platform.
Upper: Most secure and comfortable upper if a bit pointy and short up front. Potentially size up a half size for length,
Saucony Guide 13 ($120)
10.5 /298 g
32.5 / 24.5, 8mm drop
Available now
Full review here
Support Element: a TPU plate at mid foot in an L shape. Most noticed support of the three but only right at the edge of sidewalls.
Ride: PWRRUN TPU/EVA blend midsole and well segmented outsole is the most responsive of the three with plenty of cushion, a touch of bounce, and good front flexibility. A great option for up tempo and daily training with a touch of stability.
Upper: second roomiest with a solid blend of comfort and security. True to size.
WATCH OUR IN DEPTH VIDEO COMPARISON
Read reviewers' full run bios here.
The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are the authors'.
Comments and Questions Welcome Below!
Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes
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Arahi 4 releases January 2020
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3 comments:
As someone in the market for one of these, thanks for this review - really helpful!
Curious if you could manage to grab a pair of NB Vongo v4s to compare against. The v3 is my current workhorse shoe for easy daily miles (bought 4 pairs at this point), but not sure I love the new upper on the v4, and I definitely don't love the weight increase. I'm definitely going to try out the Arahi 4 when it comes out, but would love to know about a comparison from someone who has early access :)
Hello RTR! Kinda late in reading this. Quick question: any substantial difference between the Arahi 3 and 4? Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi Anonymous,
Unfortunately did not run the A3. I think changes are to the upper. It is roomy for sure.
Thanks for kind words about RTR!
Sam, Editor
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