Initial Run: 7 x 5min Tempo
First, I have just started going super low-carb... and it was really windy this morning... and I may be a little over-tired... so the fact that my run was ugly this morning obviously had way more to do with all of those factors than anything I was wearing... that being said, you won't hear me say that these shoes are magical... but that is the worst thing I will say about them, other than the cost ($160, but who pays retail, amiright?)
Upper is very secure. I much prefer the engineered mesh over any of the knits on the market today. Tongue is gusseted (why do any companies NOT offer this?) and secure. Streets were damp / slick, but I never felt any slippage whatsoever.
The midfoot feels great. I have tried several Hokas, but haven't kept any of them. Just too squishy. I imagine these would be the same, but the carbon plate makes a world of difference here. Very pleasant, assertive, powerful feeling. I vastly prefer these to the Zoom Flyknits (the poor man's VF4%), and these are an ounce+ lighter. The sole seems like a big rocker plate, which seemingly encourages and rewards a midfoot strike. (Their lit says that it has a softer heel and firmer toe - I would agree - which is supposed to appeal to heel-strikers as well. Personal preference, I suppose.)
So, we have a VERY solid offering here. The only question: what are we getting for $160?
A VERY high caliber speed-day shoe? Absolutely.
A 5k race shoe? At 7.5ish oz in a size 9, many will find it too heavy, but they will certainly suffice.
A Marathon race shoe? See above, and add in the fact that it is listed as nearly zero drop (although with the curved rocker-sole, I would guess it runs like a 6-8mm drop shoe). Again, personal preference.
As the only shoe you own, if you can only buy one shoe? Quite possibly. It joins the Beacon and OG Freedom in this category for me, from initial impressions.
So, it is a VERY nice shoe. My only real issue is that you can get the NB Beacon - same weight, similar stack, similar purpose - for $40-60 cheaper.
HOKA CR vs Zoom Fly Flyknit: Hoka, hands down. Lighter, faster, more secure upper, more comfortable ride. The CR does everything the ZFFK does - only better - at the same price.
HOKA CR vs NB Beacon: toss up. Similar weight, stack, purpose, and upper. Hoka has a slightly better lace lockdown and is arguably a more "fun" shoe... at a 25% markup.