Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Hoka One One Rincon 2 Multi Tester 50 Miles Plus Review: a Versatile, Light, Fairly Priced, Simple "Super Shoe"

Article by Peter Stuart, Jamie Hershfang, Hope Wilkes, and Michael Ellenberger


Hoka One One Rincon 2 ($115)

Stats

Official Weight:: men's 7.7 oz / 218 g women's 6.5 / 185g

  Samples: W9.5 left: 7.30 oz / 207 g; right: 7.41 oz / 210 g

Stack Height 

M: 29/24, 5mm drop

W: 26/21, 5mm drop

Available August 2020 $115

Introduction

The Rincon 2 arrives just in time for summer miles with an update to the upper and...well...an update to the upper. So what does this update achieve and is the Rincon 2 worth your time and money? Read on, young jedi. 


Pros:

Peter: lightweight, smooth, comfortable

Michael:light, comfortable, well-constructed upper, and that price!

Jamie: lightweight, durable upper, versatile 


Cons:

Peter: Midfoot is a touch narrow, exposed EVA wears relatively fast.

Michael: Outsole durability, lack of springiness

Jamie: outsole durability

Hope: Is there an echo in here? Outsole durability! Also, looks are a step down from v1. 


Tester Profiles

Peter lives in Austin, Texas and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:25 half marathoner in recent years.

Jamie is 27 years old and has a 1:19 half marathon PR. She has run 5 marathons, current PR is 2:49 and typically runs 90-100 miles per week. She recently completed a 100k in 7:36:40 and is training to qualify for the world 100k team. She is the store manager at Fleet Feet Lakeview in Chicago. She trains in a variety of shoes, and races in the Nike Next%.

Michael is a 2019 graduate of Northwestern University Law School in Chicago, with an interest in patent and intellectual property law. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). He recently finished 2nd at the Chicago Half-Marathon in a PR of 67:43, and was the top Illinois finisher in the 2017 Boston Marathon (2:33:03, 82nd overall). He recently secured a 2:31 marathon PR at the Austin Marathon. 

Hope is in her 20’s and after several ultras is now more on the road. She has a marathon PR of 3:47. She trains about 50 miles per week with many of her runs in the (broad) 8:00-10:00/mile range. She is happy to hit 7:30 miles on tempo days.


First Impressions and Fit


Peter: When the Rincon 2 first showed up I was reminded of how much I enjoyed the original Rincon (until I didn’t when it became associated with my biggest shitshow of a run from all of last year--no fault of the Rincon but guilty by association). The Rincon 2 has that same incredible lightness of being and looks great. They fit true to size. The only negative first impression is that, for me, the midfoot runs just slightly narrow. I only feel it on my right foot, but there’s a bit of a pinch about ⅔ of the way back on the outside of the shoe. In my first run it was really noticeable and I wasn’t sure whether the Rincon 2 would be a winner for me. Fortunately as the shoe has broken in, it has ceased to be a problem. 

Michael: In opening the box, I have to confess - shock! The Rincon is astoundingly light, and even though it looks undoubtedly like a Hoka (with a hefty midsole stack), it does not feel like it looks - in a very good way. 


This is my first Rincon - and only my third Hoka One One trainer beside the Cavu 3 and Mach 3 (unless you count the Carbon X as a trainer) - and I’m a little bummed I missed it the first time around. The upper is well-done, with elastic laces and a deep heel cup that isn’t as cushioned as (for example) the Pegasus 37 I just tested, but is comfortable and supportive nonetheless. The midsole rides high into the upper on both the lateral and medial side, marked by a wave pattern, and the outsole is primarily exposed EVA, with only hints of rubber at either end of the shoe. It’s a comfortable package, to be sure, and I didn’t experience any narrowness - in fact, a sore achilles was pleased with how much space there is in the rear third. I think my 8.5 fits true to size, but those in-between sizes will want to go down.


Jamie: As a big fan of the original Rincon, I was anxious to see the updates to the Rincon 2. Right out of the box, it was very apparent how similar they both looked. The exposed outsole of the original Rincon affected the durability, and was a little surprised to see that HOKA kept that the same with the update. It still has the same lightweight cushioning in a smaller package than the Clifton. I like to think of it as the Clifton Jr. Other than the upper, which I actually love, the shoe is pretty much identical. Even the label on the shoe still says Rincon vs. Rincon 2. It fits true to a HOKA size, just about a half size big, so that has stayed consistent. 


The fit in the toebox feels like the most significant update, the sandwich mesh is a lot softer and hugs the foot really well without being too constricting. The midsole cushioning is soft enough for a daily trainer, light enough for tempo runs, but lacks that firmness people seek for responsiveness. After more than 150 miles, the Rincon 2 has become a staple in my shoe rotation.

Hope: The OG Rincon was the shoe I most wanted to try in 2019 but wasn’t able to. The all-red color was snazzy! I’m always seeking to recapture the magic of the OG Clifton and reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Despite my familiarity with, and enjoyment of lighter, snappier Hokas such as the Carbon Rocket, Carbon X, and the standout Hupana, I still think of a Hoka as typically bulky, heavy, and soft. Before I even opened the box, I knew I was in OG Clifton territory again: super light for any trainer and especially for a fairly high-stack trainer. Fit is fairly typical for a “Hoka-style” Hoka for me: basically true to size in a women’s 9.5B, but generally roomy and maybe a hair too long if I really had to nitpick.


Upper

Peter: The upper of the Rincon 2 is an engineered sandwich mesh that is thicker than the see-through thin mesh of the Rincon 1. I’m so happy it’s mesh and not knit. The material is soft and comfortable and the shoe doesn’t run particularly warm. I mean, it’s wet at the end of a run in 85 degree heat with 95% humidity, but what wouldn’t be? The biggest change in terms of upper and fit is that the front of the shoe is much more dialed in. 

The original Rincon had too much material up front and that led to bunching just below the laces and across the toebox. The Rincon 2 solves this problem which helps dial in the fit and also makes the shoe look better. The baggy look of the Rincon didn’t cause any huge problems for me, but the Rincon 2 looks and feels better up front. Other than that, the shoe looks very similar, has a great big loop on the back and holds the foot well. You might think that running in Austin, Texas heat all summer I’d miss the ultra-thin upper of the original Rincon, but I don’t. I think this is a more elegant and form fitting solution. 

Michael: I agree with Peter’s evaluation of Hoka’s new “sandwich mesh” upper atop the Rincon 2; it’s a semi-elastic (and really cool looking) material that breathes relatively well and will accommodate a large number of foot shapes. While I did find it slightly too voluminous, I didn't experience any scrunching or crimping of the material - I just wish it was a little more sock like and tailored to a foot. The upside, of course, is that those with wider feet - and especially those needing more toebox room - should have good luck in the Rincon 2 compared to its predecessor. The laces here are a nice elastic material and stay taut, and the upper is adorned with a nice (wide) pull tab across the heel. Fortunately, I don’t think that this is a shoe that really needs a pull tab (I had no issue sliding them on or off), but it’s a nice touch nonetheless. 


Jamie: I would have to agree with Peter and Michael. I am a big fan of this mesh vs knit, as I find it more secure and still very breathable. For someone with a wider toe box, I actually really like the volume in the forefoot. The overlays on the mesh provide more security, especially on the heel counter where I don’t get any slippage because it feels a bit more rigid. My only complaint would be how close the eyelets of the shoe are together. I feel like I need to tie the shoes much tighter to provide a secure lockdown. This has stayed consistent with the first Rincon, so no changes there. Even just a half inch wider would feel like a more secure fit. But just tightening up the laces a bit more does the trick. 


Hope: I too like the new upper! I would’ve preferred the more understated look of the solid color OG Rincon, but I’m happy to have an irritation-free upper that breathes. I’m thinking of another shoe in my current rotation that runs way too hot for the kind of summers we get in Virginia and there’s a noticeable difference between that thick, heat-trapping upper and the breezier mesh of the Rincon. During the first outing I noticed that my toes were getting crunched on downhills since my foot was sliding forward in the shoe. I resolved this issue by tightening the laces more on subsequent runs. The Rincon’s fit and heel hold is fairly relaxed which is somewhat at odds with its go-fast capabilities inherent in its weight.  


Midsole

Peter: The midsole remains unchanged on the Rincon 2. This is what Hoka said about the Rincon midsole as quoted in the review of the Rincon 1:

 “Rincon uses a foam that is more forgiving. Tech wise: slightly lower specific gravity, moderate resilience and compression set (compared to Clifton's foam) . Can feel a bit mushier, and will pack out more in the long term.” 

In going back and reading that review, and in running in the Rincon 2 for about 50 miles, the statement that feels most true is Jeff Beck saying that the foam has a soft firmness. That pretty much nails it. It’s not a soft, mush foam, but neither is it harsh. I personally find the Clifton to be too mushy and to sap energy from me as I run. The Rincon has a really good protective midsole that still allows me to feel connected to the road. 


Michael: “Soft firmness” about nails it, indeed. This is not a springy midsole a la Hyperburst, Zoom X, or PWRRUN, and while that may come as a disappointment to some, I don’t know that the Rincon is worse off for it. Indeed, as I’ve written about in previous reviews (most recently the Atreyu and Skechers GoRun Horizon Vanish), I think that some of the “pop” of next-generation springy midsole materials can be “made up for” with lightweight, easy to pick-up and put-down trainers. Why? Because a shoe that is light and easy to run in - like the Rincon - doesn’t need the same bounceback as a heavier, but springier, midsole. The Rincon is such a light platform underfoot that even faster runners won’t have an issue getting this up to tempo pace, as needed.


Jamie: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? The midsole remains unchanged. A firmer, lighter trainer in my current Clifton 6, Rincon 2 rotation. It is much softer than the Mach which I would definitely say is firm, especially for a HOKA. More plush than the Cavu which feels a bit more responsive given the similar weight of the shoes. The Rincon 2 is that perfect middle ground for a “soft firmness” that the guys are referring to. 


Hope: In my mind there are three broad categories of midsoles: foamy (light and compressive), rubbery (dense and resilient), or Boost-y (dense yet springy). The Rincon 2 lands squarely in the foamy camp. As the guys rightly point out, the midsole isn’t doing a lot of extra work besides providing a ton of protection while still being really, really light. The cushioning is firmer than the OG Clifton, but is somewhat softer than the Clifton 6 -- there’s none of that bottoming out or “running through the shoe” feeling here.


Outsole

Peter: The Outsole also remains the same as the Rincon. There’s some strategically placed rubber and a fair amount of exposed EVA. The EVA shows some wear after 50 miles, but it seems to be cosmetic and I’m not worried about getting a bunch of miles out of the RIncon 2. Traction is fine. 


Michael: The outsole here is my biggest concern. While it does pass my home-cooked “Waffles Test” when swerving on wet pavement, it shows some decent signs of wear after about 50 miles (with about a third of those on a treadmill). This is not necessarily an issue (with this much stack, you can afford to shave off a few millimeters), but it is something to watch. Jamie has put well over 100 miles on her pair and can best speak to the durability in the long term.

Jamie: The fair amount of exposed EVA keeps the shoe light but definitely impacts the durability. After about 100 miles, parts of the shoe looked as worn as a Vaporfly would after one marathon. However, because of how much cushion there is, it doesn’t feel noticeable. While I only seemed to get a little over 300 miles in the first Rincon, the lightweight versatility seemed to make up for the lack of durability. 


Hope: The exposed midsole showed signs of shredding after my first run -- just 10k into its life! With 40-50 miles on the shoe now, it looks thrashed. I recall the OG Clifton as a shoe that picked up signs of heavy wear quickly, but the rate of wear was not constant throughout the life of the shoe so it was still able to last for a couple hundred miles. It seems like more of the same with the Rincon 2. I’ll note that the outsole rubber of the Rincon 2 feels more durable than that of the OG Clifton. Time will tell if that presents any issues as the exposed midsole continues to wear away and the rubber hangs on. Grip is fine. Not recommended for trail use. 


Ride

Peter: Once again the ride is where the Rincon 2 makes its mark. There’s something going on in the ride here that makes it a really fun shoe to go out and do lots of miles in. There’s enough protection that I don’t feel beat up after long runs, and they are light and fast enough that I have no problem picking up speed and doing some tempo work in them. There’s a wide, stable platform to support your foot and, for me, the shoe lines my feet up to get a really efficient feeling toe-off going. 


One thing I notice lately--especially when I run in a bunch of shoes back-to-back is how different my stride becomes in different shoes. It’s a little hard to discern when just running in one shoe, but when i put a mile each in 7 or 8 different shoes in a row I can feel how a shoe works with or against me. In my most recent multi-shoe run it was clear that the Rincon 2 REALLY works with my running form to help me feel efficient and smooth. It’s a good, efficient ride that’s not too soft and not too firm. 


Michael: What’s interesting about the Rincon 2 is just how easy it is to run in at a wide variety of paces. I’ve taken this from 8:30/mile recovery jogs up to 4:30/mile 200 repeats, and I can genuinely say it’s a smooth and easy ride. Again, you’re not going to get that pop sensation that you’d get in, for example, the Skechers GoRun 7+ Hyper… but I truthfully didn’t miss it. On the treadmill, with a quicker cadence and shorter stride, I appreciated how quickly the shoe loaded and unloaded underfoot. It’s snappy enough (in large part due to its weight) that you can readily turn over without much effort. Moving outdoors, with a longer stride (and more twists and turns), 


I found the Rincon 2 sufficiently stable and comfortable - none of that slight “jelly” sensation from the ASICS NovaBlast. In large part, that’s due to the wide platform that Hoka packs underfoot, but the upper - even without an internal bootie - is still efficient enough to keep your foot locked down. I think it would benefit from a slightly snugger construction, but I didn’t feel that any part of this shoe held me back from whatever running challenge I was approaching.


Jamie: From sprints on the track to 20 mile long runs on the roads, the versatility of the Rincon 2 makes it a “smooth and easy ride” like Michael said. It’s not going to have that Carbon X responsiveness, but it’s smooth enough for daily training. The wide platform makes it feel quite stable and I feel much more efficient landing mid to forefoot. If you love the Clifton and are seeking a little more ground feel, the Rincon 2 is your shoe. 


Hope: Smooth and fast is the name of the game here. I wouldn’t think to reach for the Rincon 2 for track workouts because it lacks the lockdown I like when pushing the pace as hard as I can, but it’s otherwise plenty versatile. It’s light and protective enough to leave me with fresh legs after longer efforts and it has enough giddyup for tempo days. It will be a good marathon racing option for many runners who prefer a softer feel, and seek a lower price option than some of the "super shoes".


Conclusions and Recommendations

Peter: The Rincon 2 comes back with a redesigned upper that helps the shoe work just a hair better than its predecessor. The upper is a little thicker, but not substantially warmer. The ride remains exceptional. I’d highly recommend picking up a pair to have some fun summer miles. 

Peter: 9.5/10 

Exposed outsole wears down pretty quickly and the slightly thicker upper holds sweat and gets a little heavy. 


Michael: The Rincon 2 is a starkly simple shoe, in this day and age - a streamlined upper, a slab of EVA, a little (sprinkling of) rubber. And you know what? It genuinely checks all the boxes. It’s light enough to be a competent workout shoe - those who love a progressive long run may find this the perfect companion - and with enough underfoot to accommodate the easy days, too. Durability is the only question mark; I started seeing some visual wear after just about 20 miles, but I don’t know that it’s gotten noticeably worse since then. Outsole notwithstanding, the Rincon is just a damn solid trainer that will suit a lot of runners for a lot of different runs. And, oh yeah - it’s $115. Don’t pass on this one.

Michael’s Score: 9.5/10.   


Jamie: If you're looking for a shoe that does it all, the Rincon 2 takes the cake for versatility. It has instantly become one of my favorites right out of the box. While very similar to the original Rincon, the update has the edge. The changes to the upper are much more accommodating and the additional overlays give better security. Highly recommended for just about anyone and any run! 

Jamie: 9.5/10 

Exposed EVA wears down quickly, but what the Rincon 2 lacks in durability, makes up for in versatility. 


Hope: Not a “super shoe,” but still a super shoe. This is a case of fairly simple tech being combined with great design to produce a light, lively shoe. Although I have concerns about the durability of the exposed midsole, I think the value is still great at $115. I’d like to see some reflective trim on future versions.

Hope’s Score: 9.25/10


Comparisons  Index to all RTR reviews: HERE


Hoka One One Rincon 1 (RTR Review)

Peter: Same same, but with a slightly better fitting, though thicker, upper. If you liked OG, you’ll love the sequel. 

Jamie: More durable upper, basically feels like the Rincon 1.5, everything else is the same.


Hoka One One Clifton (RTR Clifton 7 Initial Review)

Peter: The Clifton gets ponderous for me. I don’t love running in it and it feels like it robs some energy. I prefer the Rincon. 

Jamie: Love the Clifton when I don’t want to feel the ground, so good for those easy recovery runs. The Rincon is basically the Clifton Jr., a little lighter with an equally soft landing.

Hope: The OG Clifton is basically a mushier, even lighter Rincon 2. I think I’d lean OG Clifton to save a touch of weight, but the Rincon 2’s somewhat firmer feel is bound to be less polarizing. Between the Clifton 6 and the Rincon 2, it’s no contest. The Rincon 2 has an irritation-free fit, lighter weight, and even smoother ride. I got too many blisters from the bucket seat midsole of the Clifton 6 to get much enjoyment from it.

Editor’s Note: Our initial review of the Clifton 7 is here. It shares a similar engineered sandwich mesh upper with the Rincon.


Hoka One One Clifton Edge  (RTR Initial Review)

Michael: My testing in the Clifton Edge is limited, so this is more of a first impression comparison, but I think the vast majority of runners will prefer the Rincon 2. The Edge has a long platform that aids stability, but it comes at the cost of weight and general unease. While I need more runs in more places to truly know, it may be too much of a good thing. The Rincon 2, by comparison, is taut and fast. Pick the Rincon.

 

New Balance Fuel Cell 890v8  (RTR Review)

Peter: The NB 890 V8 is much harsher and suited to tempo vs. the all-arounder qualities of the Rincon 2. 

Jamie: 890 is definitely much firmer and best for those looking for a lightweight tempo shoe vs an everyday trainer like the Rincon 2.


New Balance FuelCell Propel (RTR Review)

Michael: The Propel is softer, slightly bouncier, with a more dynamic feel - but ultimately (and especially after a couple hundred miles), it leans more towards mushy than peppy. The upper on the Propel, while nice, is also a little less streamlined than on the Rincon. I prefer the Hoka.


New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon 2 (RTR Review)

Hope: This is a pretty good comp! The Beacon 2 has more pop, more rubber underfoot, and better durability of the exposed midsole. I think the Beacon 2 has a more precise fit too, so it’s my pick.


Hoka One One Mach 3 (RTR Review)

Jamie: Rincon 2 is much more plush and has a smoother ride than the Mach. 

Michael: The Mach 3 was awfully narrow for my foot, and even after several runs in them, I had a hard time breaking them in. The platform on the Rincon is wider, and the midsole slightly more plush and less condensed than the Mach. While the Mach would probably function as a decent surrogate for the Rincon for those with super narrow feet, I think the Rincon is a better all-around trainer.

Hope: Easy win for the Rincon 2. Although I appreciated its jacquard upper and durable midsole-as-outsole, the Mach 3 was too harsh for me for double-digit efforts. The Rincon is $25 less and far more forgiving.


ASICS Novablast (RTR Review)

Michael: The ASICS is soft and springy, but borders on wobbly. We’re heard a lot of readers complain about instability around tight corners and at speed - issues that I don’t think will be found on the Hoka. The NovaBlast is probably a more fun trainer, and a runner who wants a soft ride may prefer it, but I think the Rincon can ultimately do a little more.

Hope: The Novablast has inexplicably beveled edges which make cornering at speed a bit dicey. I think the effect is supposed to be like a round tire gripping the road, but it just doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. While I enjoy the wild bounciness of the Novablast from time to time, the Rincon 2 is my pick for sustained, steady use. I also prefer the Rincon 2’s simpler upper.


ASICS EvoRide (RTR Review)

Michael: The EvoRide is firmer, with a more distinct rocker sensation and forward “push.: The Rincon is also noticeably lighter and feels more agile compared to the slight overbuilt sensation of the ASICS. Both are strong options, to be sure, and a runner who prefers a firmer road feel (think classic Mizuno Wave plate) might want the EvoRide; all others will like the Rincon.


Nike Pegasus Turbo (RTR Review)

Peter: I think if you liked the original Pegasus Turbo and needed something fairly similar you’d do well to step into the Rincon 2. The Peg is slightly softer, but there’s a decent crossover here. I found the Peg Turbo 2 unrunnable due to upper and fit issues. 

Jamie: Agree with Peter that the Rincon 2 is much more comparable to the original Peg Turbo. As much as I liked the Peg Turbo 2, the seams of the upper tore and I find the fit of the Rincon 2 to be much more accommodating 

Michael: I had no upper durability issues on the Peg Turbo, though I know that reports of midsole separation are relatively extensive. I would take the Peg Turbo because it carries over all the traits of the Rincon - light, nimble, cushioned - and adds in that Zoom X pop. Head-to-head, I’d take the Turbo, but at a substantial price difference ($180 vs. $115 MSRP), I don’t think you’re losing much by going with the Hoka.

Hope: I can’t speak to the update, but the OG Peg Turbo is a decent comp given its softness and its roomy upper. The light weight of the Rincon 2 feels a lot more special than the fancy foam of the OG Peg Turbo. I think the Rincon 2 is a better pick in terms of value. 


Nike Zoom Pegasus 37 (RTR Review)

Peter: Keep walking past that Peg and grab the Rincon 2

Michael: What Peter said. The Rincon 2 is more fun and more useful than the Nike, though I think Nike’s heel collar and lacing systems are slightly better (in a comparison of two good options!) than what Hoka has done.

Hope: I like the superior ground feel of the Peg 37, but otherwise I agree with Peter and Michael. A bigger forefoot Zoom bag is not enough to make up for the Peg 37’s relentlessly heavy feel.


Saucony Endorphin Speed (RTR Review)

Peter: The Endorphin Speed has a carbon plate and feels like a little more shoe than the Rincon. I’d get both. I like both. Don’t make me choose.

Hope: I’ll race in the Endorphin Speed and train in the Rincon 2, thank you very much. They’re nothing alike in terms of feel or intended purpose, but tip the scales at approximately the same weight. I’ll give the edge in durability to the Speed.

Michael: I like the Speed, but I think it’s too aggressive for my everyday training. The plate is fatiguing and undoubtedly fast. It’s easier to run slow in the Rincon, and those who want only one trainer will probably be more happier in the Hoka. 

Read reviewers' full run bios here
The product reviewed was a provided at no charge. The opinions herein are the authors'.
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13 comments:

Kai said...

Thank you for the review of Rincon. Got 1question . How would you guys compare Nike react infinity to Rincon? Thank you

Anonymous said...

Just to want to say how much I love your website and reviews. Been waiting for your to review this shoe. I don't purchase a shoe until I read your reviews and comments.

Lightning said...

Exposed midsole wear is an unfounded concern. The material isn't really reduced in thickness more than the rubber-covered parts, at least if you don't scuff your feet when you run. Here are my Cliftons at 1,500 miles.

https://ibb.co/5LQhFpp

Cb said...

I've read several other reviews about the Rincon stating the midsole durability is awful in this shoe. Basically, saying the cushioning "dies" prematurely at roughly 150-20O miles. No mention here though. Have any of you worn the shoe past 50 miles. For me, midsole durability is top of the list in considerations when I purchase a shoe.

MarkP said...

I loved my OG Rincons and gave my comments on the review last year. I used them in my last marathon and didn't even think about them which is possibly the best thing you can get on a distance run. However, this is exactly what I encountered, after less than 200 miles of use there was no life left in the cushioning and they started feeling unforgiving. The exposed outsole was badly scuffed which is mainly cosmetic but not something I've had in any other shoe. I don't know if I can post photos on here but the difference between my Rincons and other shoes I have at the moment is stark. My Epic React FK2 have done nearly 400 miles and are virtually unmarked.

Paul said...

So could anyone tell me which would be version would be better for me as I have a broad fore foot and narrow heel. I have the Arabic 2 in a uk 8, a gaviota in a uk 8.5, a tor speed in a uk 8.5 and a bindi 6 in a uk 9. I love the bondi, but on a 15.5 mile run I developed large blisters on my big toes due to the narrow toe box and my form breaking down a little. I’ve tried the rincon 1 in a uk 8 but was far too narrow across the toes. Should I opt for the rincon 1 in a uk 9? Or wait for the rincon 2 in the same size? Any help with this would be appreciated as I can’t get to a running store and would like to try these as a possible marathon shoe.

60 said...

If you want a shoe that looks good after 200 miles, don't get the Rincon. If you want a shoe that still feels good at 200 miles, get the Rincon! I have horrible wear for Rincons and Cliftons (a lot of wear on rear outside heel areas) but I don't find it affects performance. This seems common enough you do wonder why Hoka doesn't find a more durable rubber.

Sara said...

Compare to Topo zephyr?

misterdangerpants said...

How does the midsole compare to that of the Bondi? I'm looking for a lighter trainer with the same feeling as the Bondi midsole.

Thierry said...

Hi RTR Team and Happy New year!

Thanks for all your reviews.
I'am a french basic runner, but i'm looking sometimes for a good gear to run with.
I have some questions about Hoka and especially the Rincon 2.
I had try before in a store the OG Rincon and because i have flat feet, i had feel a pain point under my arch, as in the Clifton 5.
I ran before in many Hoka shoes, like the Clifton 2, 3, Tracer ... and stop to run with this brand because i found that Hoka started to use an insole not designed for flat feet.
Do you feel the same thing?
I would like to run with the Rincon 2 but it's difficult for me to try in a store, because covid...
Thanks for your reply.
Best.

Peter S. said...

Hi Thierry,
I would say that it is very similar to the OG Rincon in fit and function. If the Rincon didn’t work for you, I’d guess the Rincon 2 would be similarly uncomfortable for you. Hope that helps.
P

Hope W said...

Hi Thierry,

I don't have experience in the OG Rincon, but I had arch issues with the Clifton 6 and found that the Rincon 2 worked well for me. Trying these out is the best way to know for sure, unfortunately. My arches are mid-high in height, so I don't have a flat footer's perspective. The New Balance Beacon 3 and Skechers Performance Max Road 4 are some alternative models that might be more comfortable for you.

Eduard said...

Thanks for your amazing reviews! I love the Pegasus Turbo 2, and are my trainers for all (daily training and tempo speeds)... I have 3 pairs.

I am searching something similar, and is difficult. Light weight and soft cushioing are important for me, but responsive for tempo days.

I see a lot of shoes, hoka rincon 2, saucony endorphin speed, brooks hyperion tempo... which you recommend as a daily trainer, if possible, not firmer than Pegasus Turbo 2 (for me the best... and I liked to find something better someday...). Thanks and best wishes from Spain!