Perspective on the Hoka Arahi

TheAviator1997 wrote:

So, I initially wrote this in response to another runner's question on a Reddit r/running post, and since it ended up being so extensive, I figured others on this forum could benefit from it.

For background, I'm a 20 year-old running consultant at the specialty running store the Appalachian Running Co. in Carlisle, PA. After a long time of searching for the perfect shoe for me, I found my sole-mate: the Hoka Arahi. I've run over 2400 miles in the model (including a 2:50 marathon), and now have 5 pairs of Arahis that I constantly rotate for longevity's sake, so I feel pretty qualified to comment on them!

I was in Asics GT-2000s for almost six straight years before these, so I definitely know a thing or two about stability.

The Arahi is significantly lighter than most stability shoes and has a softer brand of cushioning than something like, say, a Brooks Adrenaline. The stability posting is also more evenly distributed along the entire body of the shoe than the localized postings in other similar sneakers; for example, the huge, stiff arch bridge in the GT-2000. However, the Arahi's arch and heel support remains strong.

It's a highly stable sneaker, but it's still somehow able to also be a very fast shoe. The Hoka trademark cushioning just soaks up the road mileage too; I ran both of my marathons (including my BQ) in Arahis with no trouble at all.

One thing to note about the Arahi is the sort of rocker shape that the sole has. The bottom is slightly curved, meaning that it almost rolls and propels you forward with every step. It's a really different sensation, and it takes a bit of getting used to. I highly recommend going to your local running store and trying a pair out to see what it's like; personally, I love it.

I hope that helps, and definitely let me know if you end up rocking a pair! The Arahi 2 comes out Jan. 1st, and it's dropping in a bunch of awesome colors.

Full disclosure: I am by no means a Hoka shill! I'm a non-biased running store employee that sells a wide variety of shoes, but I just love the Arahi so much that I wanted to spread its gospel to the good people of LetsRun.

lazyboi wrote:

TheAviator1997 wrote:

So, I initially wrote this in response to another runner's question on a Reddit r/running post, and since it ended up being so extensive, I figured others on this forum could benefit from it.

For background, I'm a 20 year-old running consultant at the specialty running store the Appalachian Running Co. in Carlisle, PA. After a long time of searching for the perfect shoe for me, I found my sole-mate: the Hoka Arahi. I've run over 2400 miles in the model (including a 2:50 marathon), and now have 5 pairs of Arahis that I constantly rotate for longevity's sake, so I feel pretty qualified to comment on them!

I was in Asics GT-2000s for almost six straight years before these, so I definitely know a thing or two about stability.

The Arahi is significantly lighter than most stability shoes and has a softer brand of cushioning than something like, say, a Brooks Adrenaline. The stability posting is also more evenly distributed along the entire body of the shoe than the localized postings in other similar sneakers; for example, the huge, stiff arch bridge in the GT-2000. However, the Arahi's arch and heel support remains strong.

It's a highly stable sneaker, but it's still somehow able to also be a very fast shoe. The Hoka trademark cushioning just soaks up the road mileage too; I ran both of my marathons (including my BQ) in Arahis with no trouble at all.

One thing to note about the Arahi is the sort of rocker shape that the sole has. The bottom is slightly curved, meaning that it almost rolls and propels you forward with every step. It's a really different sensation, and it takes a bit of getting used to. I highly recommend going to your local running store and trying a pair out to see what it's like; personally, I love it.

I hope that helps, and definitely let me know if you end up rocking a pair! The Arahi 2 comes out Jan. 1st, and it's dropping in a bunch of awesome colors.

Full disclosure: I am by no means a Hoka shill! I'm a non-biased running store employee that sells a wide variety of shoes, but I just love the Arahi so much that I wanted to spread its gospel to the good people of LetsRun.

Bump. The Arahi is definitely one of the best running shoes on the market. Maybe even the best stability shoe. Looking into getting a pair when my current shoes wear out.