Article by Dominique Winebaum
Hoka Infini Hike TC ($140)
The Hoka Infini Hike TC is a new addition to the Hoka sandal collection and their first “open-toe adventure sandal.” Designed with plush cushioning and a sturdy Vibram outsole, the Infini Hike TC is a Hoka at its core, but for the upper, which features a spongy Ariaprene® with velcro straps and a buckle.
On par with Hoka’s Infini Hike TC are Teva’s Aventrail trail running sandals, both styles characterizing the evolution and innovation in “active sandals” –and both are part of Deckers’ umbrella of brands (since 2013 for Hoka and 2002 for Teva). I use the terms “active sandals” versus “barefoot sandals” given the latter’s association with “minimalist sandals.”
To date, I have walked and hiked over 40 miles in them over a 2 week period in Geneva, Switzerland.
Pros:
A new generation of “active sandals” that will appeal to maximalist shoe wearers and to those seeking more cushioning and support in a sandal for walking and hiking.
A “maximalist sandal” fit for the trails that is truly supportive and comfortable in comparison to “minimalist sandals”
Fit true to size
Lightweight, especially in comparison to Teva’s Aventraill sandal.
Optimum breathability: open-toe and spongy Ariaprene® upper providing “airy” protection that is soft against the skin
Enhanced lockdown for an active sandal
Extremely comfortable and protective midsole with a plush feel
Designed with Hoka’s legendary MetaRoker creating a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off
Enjoyable ride with rebound
Vibram Megagrip® rubber with good traction and 3.5 mm lugs
Designed to be re-soled by an official Vibramr® cobbler when outsole is worn-out
Anti-odor technology with peppermint oil
Cons:
Not the most attractive looking “active sandals”
Color choice is currently limited to two for the women’s sandals
Need to be mindful that toes are not protected when hiking, for which Infini Hike TC sandals have been designed
Durability of the velcro straps to be determined with time
First Impressions, Fit, and Upper:
I have never been an aficionado of “barefoot sandals” for walking or hiking as they lack cushioning, support, and stability – same with “minimalist shoes.” The Hoka Infini Hike TC belongs to a new generation of hiking/walking sandals that are designed like a maximalist shoe, but with an open-toe upper. Unlike minimalist barefoot sandals, the upper is engineered for an enhanced lockdown and more secure fit that is also extremely comfortable.
At first, I was lukewarm about my new tester as April weather is not sandals weather, and to be honest, I was not overly excited about the look. In addition, walking long distances in sandals as opposed to shoes was something new to me, so I eased into them on 3 mile walks before heading on an 11 mile trail walk. Though no-breakin is needed, it is a good idea to build-up, both in terms of distance and terrain, to determine your comfort zone – for now I am sticking to gentle trails in the Geneva countryside where I am visiting my elderly, albeit fit, 95 year old mother.
Testing them in spring weather, I have been wearing Merino socks, as opposed to going barefoot, which in addition to warmth, provides a comfortable layer of protection against the elements, such as small rocks. If you opt to wear socks, make sure they stay up.
In colder spring weather, I wore a pair of Danish Endurance Merino wool socks and with the weather warming up, a thin pair of Darn Tough Merino wool socks. When going barefoot don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your toes from sunburn.
Lightweight, my size 9 tester weighs 9.7 oz / 274 grams and 9.2 oz / 261 grams as per specs for Hoka’s women size 8. The Infini Hike TC are considerably lighter than “its sister” trail running sandals the Aventrail from Teva, which weighs 10.40 oz / 295 grams for a women size 8 as per the specs.
The fit is true to size and extremely comfortable. In fact, it has been a game changer walking in the Infini Hike TC, as opposed to walking shoes whether I am going on an errand or going for a “trail walk.” True, thus far, I have not put them to the test hiking technical terrain.
The upper is a “spongy Ariaprene®” with a w-strap design and adjustable toggle/buckle
holding the foot securely and comfortably in place.
The “spongy Ariaprene” enhances the lockdown and creates a barrier between the straps and the skin minimizing friction.
After 40 miles of walking in them over a two-week period, I have experienced zero friction issues.
The Midsole:
Hoka does not provide a stack-height, however, the midsole is essentially the “legendary” midsole of a Hoka shoe, with its traditional 5 mm drop, and MetaRocker.
It is a dual midsole with a molded 30% sugarcane CMEVA topsole and a rubberized 30% sugarcane CMEVA midsole.
The cushioning is soft with a plush feel that is very protective and helps “combat foot fatigue.”
In addition, the shape of the footbed at the heel is designed to cradle the foot for extra comfort. Basically, it is the ideal type of midsole for walking long distances as it provides ample cushioning and good support. On an 11 mile walk on the road and /traisl, I experienced zero issues with my feet and truly enjoyed the feel of the midsole.
The Outsole:
Designed as a hiking sandal, the outsole features Vibram® Megagrip rubber with 3 mm lugs in a multi-directional configuration providing good traction and grip. The 3 mm lugs allow for a smooth transition when walking on different surfaces, such as trail, grass, and even pavement. As a sandal, the depth of the lugs at 3 mm is spot on for gentle trails as opposed to rugged trails along with providing a versatile platform
Take note of the resole program for your Infini Hike TC by visiting the authorized Vibram cobbler finder here
Conclusion:
Designed as a hiking sandal, the “TC” in Infini Hike TC stands for trail and camp. Over a two-week period that I tested these sandals, I became very enthusiastic about walking/hiking in them. It has been a game changer for me. Fewer obstacles mean less risks of hurting your toes, so I personally like them for gentle trails and for general walking.
My take is that the Infini Hike TC is going to generate a great deal of excitement over the upcoming months.
Tester Profile
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
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