First Look: HOKA Mafate Speed 4
Here’s why the latest style deserves a spot on your running shoe roster.
HOKA fans, meet the Mafate Speed 4—the latest trail running shoe in the HOKA Mafate line. If you loved a previous iteration of the Mafate Speed or EVO Mafate or are in the market for a new trail running shoe that offers the perfect blend of cushioning, traction, and responsiveness then you’ll love the updates made to the new Mafate Speed 4.
At first glance, the Mafate Speed 4 has very similar lines to its predecessor, the Mafate Speed 3. But when it comes to upping your game on technical trails, the devil is in the details. The new Mafate Speed 4 is made with updated textiles and construction, bringing more breathability with a new single layer jacquard mesh upper and more responsiveness in the midsole while preserving the cushioning the HOKA Mafate line is known for. The updated midsole is constructed from a two-part PROFLY+™ foam—HOKA’s lightest and most responsive to date.
If you’re a HOKA enthusiast already, then you’re likely wondering: How does the Mafate Speed 4 compare to other HOKA favorites?
The Mafate Speed 4 and the Speedgoat 5 both utilize the same Vibram® Megagrip outsole for traction on tough terrain. The difference is felt in the midsole. While both shoes are built with enhanced cushioning for longer days on the trails, the Mafate features a dual-density midsole that combines a soft layer of foam on top with a firmer layer of rubberized EVA underneath. That underlayer ups the responsiveness of the Mafate Speed 4 compared to the Speedgoat 5, which favors balanced cushioning in one single-density midsole.
Although the Mafate Speed 4 and Tecton X are both built with Vibram® Megagrip with Litebase, the Tecton X is built for speed, while the Mafate Speed 4 favors traction, with plenty of cushioning and larger lugs for long, technical trails. Both shoes have comparable structure, with an early-stage Meta-Rocker.
Simply put, the new Mafate Speed 4 is the perfect combination of responsiveness and cushioning—landing in the middle of two popular HOKA trail shoes while still bringing its own unique characteristics—to help you tackle longer, tougher trails.
HOKA® is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit HOKA.com or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFly #TimeToFly