Article by Sam Winebaum and Jeff Valliere
Hoka Mafate 5 ($185)
Introduction
Sam: For sure not being left behind, Hoka, the max cushion pioneer, significantly updates the OG of all max trail shoes, the Mafate. I actually ran and hiked around the Mont Blanc in the OG Mafate in 2011. Its big cushion was a groundbreaking innovation in an era dominated by highly minimalist shoes. We now know who won that race!
While the upcoming Rocket Trail X and in line Tecton X 3 with their carbon plates and lighter weights focus on the front of the pack, the Mafate 5 focuses on the mid to back of the pack and long days on trail.
It ups its cushion game with 5 more mm of stack height at the heel and 2mm more upfront compared to Mafate Speed 4.
It now incorporates a somewhat flexible plastic forefoot plate with winglets for stability (Rocker Integrity Technology) and its loaded with a plush and soft yet energetic dual density supercritical top layer and EVA bottom layer midsole.
The segmented Vibram Megagrip 5mm with Traction Lug continues.
The upper moves to a dense yet highly breathable warp knit with extensive overlays.
I have so far taken them for outings on consecutive days: a 12 mile flatter terrain hike and a 5 mile rail trail run with mountains to come. The picture is already quite clear. What an any trail terrain, leg friendly and fun riding giant!
Pros:
Ride, geometry, and upper designed for long hours on trail at moderate paces: ultras: Sam/Jeff
Very plush, soft, deeply cushioned ride with sufficient stability from plate and outsole: Sam/Jeff
Generous upper: plenty of room for most feet and foot swelling: Sam/Jeff
Deep, very segmented MegaGrip outsole conforms to terrain, has flex and acts as suspension elements:no harsh riding outsole on smoother terrain here: Sam/Jeff
Superb traction: Jeff
Cons:
Tongue could have a gusset or be padded to better support the midfoot: Sam
While a very energetic and supremely cushioned ride the weight at 10.85 oz / 308g US 9 is up there and felt: Sam/Jeff
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 10.85 oz / 308g US 9 (prior 10.45 oz / 296g)
Sample Weights:
men’s 10.6 oz / 300g US 8.5, 11.6 oz / 330g US 10
Full Stack Height:
men’s 45 mm heel / 37 mm forefoot (prior full stack height approx. 40/35)
women’s 43 mm heel / 35mm forefoot
Platform Width: 100 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
Most comparable shoes
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx
New Balance FreshFoam X More Trail
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
The upper features “warp knit with anti-fray treatment, a TPU cage, gaiter attachment points, a dynamic vamp and reflective details”
The warp knit material combines plenty of structure with the generous and non constricting foot conforming wrap helped by the external overlays. While dense, it has some give but not so much to feel sloppy and is both debris proof and very breathable. It was hot during my testing.
The semi rigid heel counter is plushy padded, moderate in height with the foot well held
The tongue is a thin dense closed mesh with an internal leatherette lining and has pads located just behind the lace eyelet reinforcement area.
There is no gusset and the tongue is not attached to the top near the eyelets. The midfoot volume is generous, a good thing, but I think an elastic gusset would help those of us like me with lower volume feet get a more precise hold for more technical terrain uses given the giant stack height. Not an issue so far but I wish for a bit more midfoot security,
The toe box may appear somewhat narrow but I found this not to be the case as the warp knit front of the shoe is soft and pliable with the external overlays providing just right support and some give, in combination with the long seen at Hoka black dynamic vamp insert which has some stretch.
The very front of the toe bumper is stout and firm with the sides quite soft and pliable, as much about protecting the upper as helping with room while also allowing the shoe to flex.
The fit is true to size in all respects for my narrow to medium volume foot and should also accommodate moderately wide feet as well. My only fit issue being the aforementioned potential need for a tongue gusset.
Jeff V: The Mafate gets a complete make over and the 5 looks exceptionally sharp, particularly in the blue colorway as tested. They are quite modern looking, clearly a very rugged all mountain shoe intended for long days over varied terrain.
The warp knit upper has a premium feel with a moderate mesh over the toe box and plenty of rubberized overlays across the midfoot and sides to provide exceptional foothold and protection from rocks and rough terrain.
While very well structured and protective, the upper is compliant, conforming and flexes easily without feeling stiff or bulky. The amount of mesh appears somewhat minimal and at first does not appear to be particularly airy or breathable, but overall I do not find the shoe to be hot or stuffy either.
Fit is true to size for my narrow, low volume foot, with a very secure heel, midfoot and a toe box that is secure, but has enough give for swelling, splay, all day comfort and to accommodate a range of foot shapes and sizes.
I have run the Mafate 5 on a wide range of terrain, including very steep, technical trails and off trail, where my confidence in the upper is very high, with excellent lockdown no matter the speed, gradient, sidehilling, etc…
Midsole & Platform
The midsole features Hoka’s Rocker Integrity Technology and a new dual-density midsole with a firmer supercritical foam top layer (black above) and a slightly softer compression molded EVA bottom layer (teal)
The platform is very high at 45 mm heel / 37 mm forefoot (prior full stack height approx. 40/35) and broad at 100 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot. This is a platform designed for maximum cushion on trail
The dual foams midsole is soft and plush due to the effective use of supercritical EVA underfoot (black) with a lower layer (teal) of more conventional denser compression molded EVA below upfront. We are not certain at this time if the EVA extends as a core to the rear.
To provide some front stability and propulsion to the giant 37mm forefoot stack height, Hoka incorporates Rocker Integrity Technology, essentially a winged plastic forefoot plate.
In combination with the segmented Vibram Megagrip, the front of the shoe is surprisingly smooth and agile with a moderate rocker that is clearly felt at all paces and especially on flat smooth terrain as most of my testing to date has included.
The cushioning is incredibly deep and forgiving without being mushy or with that bogged down feeling which big stack height shoes with soft foam can have.
This is a platform, cushioning, and plate system specifically designed for very long days on trail at moderate paces, be it on the run or hiking on any terrain and not for weight savings . After my 12 mile hike on firm smooth terrain and even some pavement on a hot day, absolutely zero soreness the next day.
Jeff V: Sam covers the details thoroughly and I can attest that the midsole here is incredibly well cushioned and forgiving, without being mushy and with very good stability and predictability. The rocker helps aid in propulsion, be it on the flats, uphill, or downhill. The dual foam midsole with supercritical top layer is appropriately responsive for the purpose of the shoe. They are not a speedster by any stretch and I think this is somewhat in part due to the overall weight of the shoe, but they move along quite well when prompted. The primary asset here though is the overall comfort, protection, stability and cushion for the long haul.
My longest outing in the Mafate 5 was a 15 miler on the highest point in Colorado, 14,433 ft. Mt. Elbert, with 5,300 feet of gain. The midsole of the Mafate 5 was particularly noticed and welcome on the long, rocky downhill, as they ate up the impact, leaving my legs feeling fresh and every step I felt very stable and confident.
Outsole
Sam: The Mafate has a Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs and side Traction Lug, mini lugs said to increase traction up to 25%. So I expect plenty of traction for even the roughest terrain and on snow in winter.
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The outsole is highly segmented both through to the midsole and via its thin underlying rubber plate. The front layout gives the shoe a flex point towards midfoot (great for uphills and walk paces) with, to the front, a stiffer rocker profile due to the plastic plate.
There is a distinct sense that the outsole (and soft midsole above) adapts to terrain variations due to its design. Unlike more continuous rubber over usually firmer foam than here the rocker effect is also clearly present with a nice stately roll at all paces and very little slapping noise on hard surfaces.
Jeff V: The Vibram outsole with 5mm Traction Lug provide excellent grip on a wide range of terrain and especially when navigating steep technical trails, loose footing, off trail, talus, scree, light scrambling and perform well in the wet and mud. Since it is August, I have not had an opportunity to test them out in the snow or ice, but I presume winter traction will be good as well. The segmented outsole works very well for this shoe and as Sam mentions, helps the shoe conform and flex over variations in the terrain.
After ~50 rough miles, I am seeing some lug wear in the toe, but not much and would rate outsole wear to be average.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Sam: A big shoe for big days in the mountains or just an easy days cruiser and superb walking and hiking shoe.
Not light, but loaded with lots of friendly and leg friendly cushion stacked way high and a very aggressive but at the same time also smooth terrain friendly outsole design, the Mafate 5 has been a worthy successor to its pioneering OG.
I did not run the Mafate Speed 4 but others joining in the review who have will soon chime in. I will also be updating as soon as I take them to the mountains. '
They are for sure a candidate for our 8 day trek in the Alps this summer. I particularly like the roomy yet secure and breathable upper for those long days with lots of vertical and a decent size pack and of course all that leg saving cushion depth.The ride feel is a sort of like "independent suspension",ground conforming to obstacles and on the firm due to the foams/plate combination and modular and segmented outsole design
The weight is up there at 10.85 oz / 308g US 9 but one must consider the clearly already felt advantages of the giant 45mm heel stack height and deep Vibram outsole. By the numbers, the 5 is 5mm higher at the heel and 2mm more at the forefoot than the Speed 4 and gets a new supercritical foam at the rear and underfoot and this plush cushion is for sure felt.
I wish Hoka would consider reducing the outsole lugs to 4mm and bring the stack height down a few millimeters to reduce weight. I might also prefer that the lower softer EVA layer be firmed up a bit for yet more stability over terrain without losing its ground conforming feel.
The Mafate is positioned as the distance comfort shoe in the line with the upcoming considerably lighter, slightly lower stack height Rocket X Trail and Tecton X 3 Hoka’s ultra race shoes.
More to come as I run and hike them more, and the rest of the RTR team joins the review, but clearly Hoka is sets a high bar for long distance trail comfort with the Mafate 5.
9.3 /10 😊😊😊😊
Deductions for weight/overbuilt: why not 4mm lugs and less stack height although for sure the Mafate makes a very strong statement when it comes to well balanced super max cushion for trail superb deep traction.
Jeff V: Agreed with Sam on all points above. The Mafate 5 has quickly become a top pick for my easy day/recovery training runs on the local peaks and as a long distance, high mountain shoe for those slower days (hiking to slower running mostly), as they are exceptionally comfortable, protective and rugged, with great traction and maximal cushioning.
They are very versatile, adept on any terrain and a range of paces, though certainly are not a speedy shoe by any stretch, much of that being a limitation due to the weight. At 11.6 ounces, that is creeping up into heavy territory, which is felt, but it is a fair trade for all of the cushion, comfort and protection that they offer.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.4/10 😊😊😊😊😊
Deductions for weight and not being all that responsive, but this shoe is a tank and you get a lot of protection, comfort and durability for that weight.
8 Comparisons
8 Comparisons
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Mafate 5 is far superior, with more cushioning, better traction, are more comfortable and much more versatile. While the Speed 4 is a little lighter, I found them to be tippy and unstable in even moderately technical terrain and never wore them again beyond my review, whereas the Mafate 5 will be a staple in my rotation.
Hoka Rocket X Trail (RTR Review)
Sam: Considerably lighter on a broader platform of all supercritical A-TPU foam with a forked carbon plate the Rocket is Hoka’s pinnacle elite racing shoe.
It has a more minimal 3.5mm lug outsole best suited to more moderate terrain and an airier more performance oriented upper. It is surprisingly stable and easy to run with a much quicker and energetic ride.
Jeff V: As Sam says, the Rocket X is lighter and much faster, more responsive, has a broader platform and shorter lugs and is best suited for race pace or tempo efforts on less technical to moderate at most terrain. The Mafate 5 is a more rugged, versatile all around workhorse for technical mountain terrains and slower paces down to even being a great hiker.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max (RTR Review)
Sam: Not significantly lighter (-10g) on a considerably lower but still big 37/31 stack height, the Max has a dual supercritical foam midsole and full coverage outsole (helping explain the weight difference). It is more stable and has a more secure upper (2x gusset when Mafate has none) although its toe box mesh is stiffer and less comfortable. It is a considerably faster and more responsive (foams and outsole) shoe on any terrain and while deeply cushioned it does not have the super plush if more bogged down feel of the Hoka. For running the Max has the advantage. For hiking the Mafate although both of course do both well.
Jeff V: Agreed with Sam entirely. While the Prodigio Max is close in weight, it feels/runs much lighter with a more responsive and dynamic midsole. The Mafate 5 however has deeper traction lugs, which is better when the footing is loose.
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx (RTR Review)
Sam: At just about the same stack heights, Merrrell a bit lower at 42/36 as well as 8g lighter both shoes play in the same category of max cushion for trail. The Merrell has a somewhat firmer and more responsive midsole with an inner core of supercritical foam and an outer carrier of EVA while the Mafate has a top layer of supercritical including a full heel of it and front wedge EVA They share a similar design Megagrip outsole with the Merrell having 4mm lugs to the Hoka’s 5mm. No plate in the Merrell as the Mafate has but ingenious cuts into the midsole from above give it nice steady flex. The Merrell Matryx upper is more secure while the Mafate’s is more generous in fit and not quite as secure. Both are superb max cushion shoes with as in the comparison to La Sportiva the Merrell a bit more run and performance oriented.
New Balance FreshFoam X More Trail (RTR Review)
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide (RTR Review)
Sam: Salomon's more mellow paces ultra shoe is plushly cushioned but not nearly to the depths of the Mafate. It is lower stack and considerably lighter. It’s outsole is not nearly as aggressive as the Mafate’s. I found it to be a superb and fast road and light trails shoes while the Hoka will shine brighter in the high mountains.
Jeff: As Sam mentions, the Salomon is great at lighter use, less technical terrain, where the Mafate is more versatile and better suited for the most rugged terrain.
Brooks Cascadia (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both shoes are pretty close in stats, both are versatile, comfortable, all mountain beasts for long days on just about any terrain. I would give the edge to the Mafate if only forslightly more cushion and superior traction.
Brooks Caldera (RTR Review)
Jeff: Probably the closest in stats, the Caldera feels lighter and quicker to me, more responsive and runnable, but they are larger in platform width and str not as agile or adept in technical terrain. Mafate has better traction and iy superior in challenging terrain, whereas the Caldera is intended for more moderate terrain.
VJ Ultra 3 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Close in cushioning, the VJ is a marvel and is considerably lighter, more agile and compact in feel, has superior traction and is more responsive to the point of being race ready. Mafate is more protective overall though and maybe better for longer, slower days
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Latest Reviews-chronological order HERE
From Hoka US: To celebrate the launch of the shoe and its design featuring the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc course (UTMB) HOKA is hosting a nationwide Strava challenge from August 8-September 12. Users who run the full distance of the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc (109.6 miles) will earn a digital finisher’s badge and be entered to win the grand prize: an entry and all expenses paid trip to next year's HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc or a UTMB® World Series race of their choice, plus a Mafate 5 shoe and gear prize pack. Five additional winners will receive the Mafate 5 and a full HOKA trail running apparel pack.
Tester Profiles
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:43 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
6 comments:
Thank you for the review. Would be interesting to read comparison to VJ Ultra 3.
@anonymous. Coming in our multi tester review. I personally have not run Ultra 3 but others have. Sam, Editor
Mafate has traditionally had 5mm lugs so I’m happy that continued. Not allot of good choices in that range. I’ll hold judgement on the somewhat thin sounding tongue. I much prefer a lightly padded tongue but I’ve got some Speedgoats and VJ shoes that are very thin and it’s workable if you lace carefully. Allot of folks will cry over the 8mm drop but I’m looking forward to trying it out.
This will be a great hiking and for slower running in the Whites. Not overly concerned about the increased stack height.
@anonymous Well said!
Shoes are such a YMMV thing, when I was in the Whites this past year I was sooo glad I had lower riding VJ Maxx2, couldn’t fathom such a high stack. But very much a what works for you sport
The tongue is terrible. Too short and thin. I don’t understand why companies do this to the tongue.
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