Quality:
Value:
Summary
Hoka One One (pronounced Oh-nay, Oh-nay) has come out with an oversized shoe with little heel to toe drop. If you can get over others giving you a hard time about the shoe, it is a great shoe with maximum cushioning. While it is a little heavier than most shoes, it is surprisingly light for the size. If you are a midfoot striker, can handle a little bit of good natured ribbing from friends, and can handle the price, then this is a great shoe. Actually, one of my favorite.
Specs
Sizing: I would suggest buying a half (to almost a full) size bigger than your normal shoes. I wear a 9 ½ to 10 in dress shoes, and the 10 1/2 fits perfectly in the Hoka.
Heel to Toe drop is 4 mm.
Weight is 11.5 oz. for a size 9. This compares closely to the Asics Kayano at 10.9 oz. for a size 9.
Pronation Control is neutral to stability.
The Review
This shoe is pricey, hard to find, wears down quickly and will attract some good natured ribbing since it looks so different (Moon boot running shoes, Platform running shoes, etc.). Why am I even bothering to review it then? Simply put, it is my favorite running shoe.
I have been told that originally it was designed as a trail shoe. Personally, I don’t like it as such. While it did give a great cushioning for those sticks and rocks, it didn’t give me a great feel for the trail floor. So it seems I stumbled, a lot. Perhaps I would get used to it, provided I didn’t break anything in the meantime.
As a road running shoe, and especially on concrete, when you can’t help it, it is my favorite. Period. It is like carrying the soft track with you in a heavier than most, but surprisingly light shoe. The size 9 weighs in at 11.5 oz. This is close to the Asics Kayano which weighs in at 10.9 oz. for a size 9.
Toe Box is very nice and roomy. If you like to splay your toes a little while running, then you’ll love it.
Running Hills. The Bondi B is an amazing ride going downhill. You truly would have to experience it to fully appreciate it, you seem to fly effortlessly, an incredible feeling. Although the website suggests the same going uphill, I found them feeling a touch clumsy.
For more information check out the Hoka One One website.
The Upside
- A great downhill shoe
- Nice cushioning
- Great for mid-foot strikers
- Wide shoe bottom giving great stability
- Easy on your ankles, knees and hips
- Great training shoe
- Low heel to toe drop (4 mm)
The Downside
- Pricey
- Hard to find
- A little heavier than most shoes
- Wear down quicker than most
- Not a good uphill shoe
- Will encourage your friends to give you a hard time since it looks different, especially if you’re short . . . “oh wow, elevator shoes for runners!”
Product Improvement Recommendations
The two items I would suggest are the leather strap that goes around the top of the foot at the bottom of the laces could be a touch looser. I have purchased two and both are tight and uncomfortable at first. This loosens up, but we shouldn’t have to do so.
The other would be to make it wear longer. At that price it should last 500 miles, at least. The current model may make 300.
Where to Find
This is a tough shoe to find. Amazon has it, but the best place I have found is: The Boulder Running Company
Other places:
