Hoka Huaka reviews?

I've tried probably a hundred shoes in the last 4 years and I'd rank the Huaka near the bottom. I also run in adidas Glides (currently the Boost version) and am comfortable in low drop shoes too. The Huakas were terrible, unstable, cushioning was inconsistent and I genuinely think I got injured DUE to the shoes.

Sucked. Weird shaped In front, upper is stiff and Ill fitting. Id get the Clifton.

Opinions? wrote:

Shoe gurus, what's the verdict on these? They can be found for pretty cheap and I'm looking for a shoe with a little more cushion.

I typically run in just standard neutral trainers like the Adidas Glide or Pegasus but these have caught my attention. Also, I don't normally care what my shoes look like but are these as goofy looking in person as most other Hoka models?

I ran in the Clifton (360 miles) and it was one of my favorite shoes of all time. I work at a running store and get a sweet deal on shoes so I decided to go for the Huaka to try out, but after about 19 miles in them so far I don't like it. Maybe I haven't run enough miles in them, but it is stiff compared to the Clifton and much more narrow. I would go with the Clifton in your case. You will get maybe 50 miles less out of it, but it is over an ounce lighter and can be used for long runs and racing. Hope that helped.

Moby Dick wrote:

I've tried probably a hundred shoes in the last 4 years and I'd rank the Huaka near the bottom. I also run in adidas Glides (currently the Boost version) and am comfortable in low drop shoes too. The Huakas were terrible, unstable, cushioning was inconsistent and I genuinely think I got injured DUE to the shoes.

Why have you tried a hundred shoes in the last 4 years (more than 2 per month)? Nobody goes through shoes that quickly and if you find a shoe you like, you should stick with them.

Since you work at a running store, did you ever try the Rapa Nui trail shoe? I'm considering ordering a pair for long trail runs, but I also have a very narrow foot and have a difficult time finding shoes narrow enough for me. From what I've read of reviews, people mention that it runs fairly narrow. I'd try a pair on somewhere, but I'm nowhere near a Hoka dealer and will have to order if I decide to try the shoes. Thanks.

The Huakas are essentially trail-running shoes. If you're trying to run long distances on the road with them, you're doing it wrong. They feel pretty bad on blacktop because they're not really designed for it. The Clifton really does shine on pavement. They're so much better even than the Bondis.

On technical single-track, Huakas are fairly good. Not great, but decent. The tread holds surprisingly well on wet rocks and roots. They're light and the upper is tough enough. I can't really recommend them as a go-to trail/hybrid shoe, but you could do worse.

Thanks everyone. Glad I didn't pull the trigger on a pair.

I'll keep the Clifton on my radar and see if I can find any good deals.

I haven't run in the Rapa Nui, only tried it in the store so I can't speak to how they would feel on the trails. They feel like the Cliftons in terms of width and the midsole feels the same when I walked around in them. You should try on the Brooks PureGrit 3 if you can. It has a 4mm offset (Huaka has 2mm) and it has the NAV band across the arch that gives you a more secure fit without making it too tight. Other than the PureGrit try on the Saucony Peregrine 3's as well since they run the same width-wise and are also 4mm drop. I've run a few miles in the Huaka on trails and it feels the same to me on the road and trail.

Opinions? wrote:

Thanks everyone. Glad I didn't pull the trigger on a pair.

I'll keep the Clifton on my radar and see if I can find any good deals.

Check out the Hoka Stinson. Go to a running specialty store where they'll let you jog around the block in the shoes.

Some of the Hoka's take a few days to get used to.

It took me 3 days, and then after that, GODSEND!

I use the Huaka for off track long intervals and tempo runs, and love them.

I would do use tham for long runs

It's part of my job. I don't pay for the shoes.

A Duck wrote:

Opinions? wrote:

Thanks everyone. Glad I didn't pull the trigger on a pair.

I'll keep the Clifton on my radar and see if I can find any good deals.

Check out the Hoka Stinson. Go to a running specialty store where they'll let you jog around the block in the shoes.

Some of the Hoka's take a few days to get used to.

It took me 3 days, and then after that, GODSEND!

Some of the Hoka's what take a few days to get used to?

GoWithCliftons wrote:

I haven't run in the Rapa Nui, only tried it in the store so I can't speak to how they would feel on the trails. They feel like the Cliftons in terms of width and the midsole feels the same when I walked around in them. You should try on the Brooks PureGrit 3 if you can. It has a 4mm offset (Huaka has 2mm) and it has the NAV band across the arch that gives you a more secure fit without making it too tight. Other than the PureGrit try on the Saucony Peregrine 3's as well since they run the same width-wise and are also 4mm drop. I've run a few miles in the Huaka on trails and it feels the same to me on the road and trail.

Quality is sub par on the Hoka's Ive worn , not acceptable for the money your paying. Sockliner is cheap , welding on upper peels away , mesh wore through on upper , fit is a little roomy.

Maybe they should step back on all the promo stuff and focus on getting the product standard up. My opinion is based on the returns at my friends running store and my personal purchases.

I absolutely loved the Huakas. I went to them from Volmeros. Well cushioned, yet firm enough to where you don't put a lot of stress on your shins by having a too soft of a forefoot.

If you have an efficient strong stride, the Huakas are definitely the way to go when it comes to Hokas.