HOKA Mafate Speed 4

The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is a trail running shoe designed to tackle technical terrain and long distances. This fourth iteration of the Mafate Speed series incorporates significant improvements in terms of cushioning, stability and traction, offering runners a reliable tool for tackling the most demanding mountain challenges.

This trail running shoe brings many changes, both in terms of technology and design. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspects are the inclusion of a new midsole, the remodeling of the sole and the reduction in weight, factors that point to the fact that it can be a superior quality shoe.

Technical Specifications:

• Type of shoe: Trail Running
• Recommended Use: Ultradistances, technical and demanding terrain
• Weight: Approximately 295 grams (men's size 43 EU)
• Drop: 5 mm
• Outsole height: Heel 33 mm / Forefoot 29 mm.
• Cushioning: PROFLY+ midsole
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase with Traction Lug technology
• Upper: Single layer jacquard fabric.
• Last: Narrow in the forefoot, wide in the heel
• Compatibility: Removable insole, suitable for orthopedic inserts
• Gait: neutral

Technical Details:

Upper:

Material: The upper is made of single-layer jacquard fabric, which combines strength and breathability. This material allows for good ventilation of the foot, maintaining an adequate temperature during the run.

Fit: The forefoot area features a somewhat narrow last, providing a snug and precise fit. This is beneficial for keeping the foot secure on uneven terrain, preventing internal slippage. However, runners with wide feet may need to consider a half size up or trying the shoe before purchase.

Lacing system: Flat, sturdy laces allow for a customized fit. The tongue is partially reinforced, which helps keep it in place and prevents debris from entering.

Collar and heel: The raised collar wraps around the ankle and offers additional protection to the Achilles tendon. This provides a secure and comfortable fit, preventing irritation and bringing stability to the whole.

Midsole:

PROFLY+ Technology: The midsole is composed of PROFLY+ foam, an evolution of HOKA's traditional PROFLY foam. This material offers balanced cushioning with a firm feel, efficiently absorbing shock without sacrificing responsiveness and stability.

Outsole height: With 33 mm in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot, the shoe has a considerable height that provides excellent cushioning. The 4 mm drop promotes a more natural stride and eases the transition into the stride.

Meta-rocker: The sole geometry incorporates an early stage meta-rocker, which facilitates natural foot movement and improves running efficiency, especially over longer distances.

Midsole width: The width in the heel area stands out, with around 100 mm, providing a wide and stable base. It will be especially interesting for trail runners who land on their heel, improving stability and reducing the risk of sprains.

Outsole:

Vibram Megagrip Litebase compound: The outsole uses Vibram Megagrip Litebase compound, known for its excellent traction and durability. This Litebase version reduces weight without compromising performance.

Lug design: The lugs are approximately 5 mm deep and are arranged with Traction Lug technology. This design increases the contact surface and improves multi-directional traction, offering grip on a variety of terrain, from loose rock to mud and wet surfaces.

Outsole Layout: The outsole is strategically segmented to promote flexibility in key areas, without sacrificing the stiffness needed in technical terrain.

Fit and Comfort:

Insole: The insole is removable and compatible with orthopedic insoles. It is lightly padded, contributing to overall comfort without adding excessive weight.

Cushioning: Despite its high cushioning, the feel is firm, providing a sense of stability and control. This is especially useful on uneven terrain where precision is required.

Breathability: The upper allows for good ventilation, preventing overheating of the foot during long runs.

Additional technologies:

PROFLY+: Dual-density foam that offers soft cushioning on landing and firmer response on take-off.

Meta: Geometry that promotes efficient stride transition.

Vibram Megagrip Litebase: Outsole compound that offers excellent traction and reduces the overall weight of the shoe.

Traction Lug: Lug design that enhances traction and grip in multiple directions.

Trail runner profile:

Gait type: Neutral. Suitable for runners without pronation problems.

Runner weight: Ideal for medium to heavy runners who benefit from generous cushioning and a stable base.

Recommended Terrain: Designed for technical and demanding terrain, including rocks, mud, loose soil and wet surfaces.

Distances: Optimal for long distances and ultradistances, but also performs well in mid-distance training on technical terrain.

Advantages:

Cushioning and stability: The combination of PROFLY+ midsole and width in the heel provides effective cushioning and exceptional stability.

Superior traction: Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with Traction Lug offers reliable grip in a variety of conditions.

Protection and support: Raised collar protects the ankle and Achilles tendon, providing comfort on long runs.

Durability: High-quality upper and outsole materials ensure a long shoe life.

Considerations:

Forefoot Fit: Narrow forefoot last may not be suitable for runners with wide feet.

Weight: At approximately 295 grams, it's not the lightest shoe, but its performance makes up for it.

Limited flexibility: May feel a bit stiff on extremely technical terrain or steep inclines.

Without further ado, here are the most relevant aspects of the new HOKA Mafate Speed 4. New features that focus on each and every one of the key parts of this model, with the aim of ensuring greater reactivity, a more dynamic fit and superior traction.

Main features and innovations of the HOKA Mafate Speed 4

Undoubtedly, HOKA calls to attention with these Mafate Speed 4, positioning itself as one of the most popular brands among trail runners, not in vain, the brand's shoes are the ones that are seen the most in popular races.

The product designers have opted for PROFLY + dual density technology, a technology already used in shoes for asphalt, for example, in the HOKA Carbon X 3 The message is clear, seek greater reactivity and rebound effect in each step. This compound is the lightest of the company and guarantees an unbeatable responsiveness.

The upper has also undergone changes compared to its predecessor, the HOKA Mafate Speed 3, opting now for vegan materials, which in addition to being a more sustainable process, offer greater breathability to the foot and a reduction in the weight of the shoe. A new single-layer jacquard woven upper ensures a more dynamic fit along with a superior comfort feel.

A higher collar height in the Achilles tendon area will not only protect the area, but also give the shoe a better fit. At the same time, the design of the upper has been visually improved with more attractive details.

Another change in this trail running shoe for men and women is the incorporation of Litebase technology and Traction Lug in the outsole. The Vibram Megagrip compound is still used, but the new technologies provide better grip on all types of terrain and greater lightness. We dare say that these HOKA Mafate Speed 4 will perform well even on very technical or rough terrain.

Ideal profile of the HOKA Mafate Speed 4

After the release of the HOKA Speedgoat 5, this is probably the most awaited release by trail fans of the French company. These HOKA Mafate Speed 4 burst onto the scene with a radical change that translates into a significant weight reduction. As for the drop, it is a relatively low drop, located in the 4mm and high profiles, we can have before us a medium and long distance shoe with a reactivity rarely seen so far.

The weight of the new HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is another highlight of the shoe. It weighs 295 grams (size 43 EU) in the men's version and 241 grams (size 40 EU) in the women's version.

Recommended distances of the HOKA Mafete Speed 4

This is a shoe for running fast and comfortable long distances in the mountains thanks to the large number of technologies incorporated in this version.

Also note the brand's commitment to sustainability and recycled materials, since some parts of the shoe, such as the mesh of the tongue and the upper have more than 70% recycled polyester and the heel strap and the upper fabric of the insole are made entirely from recycled material.

Conclusion

The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is a trail running shoe that combines cushioning, stability and traction to deliver outstanding performance over technical terrain and long distances. It is ideal for runners looking for a reliable ultra-distance, heel-landing shoe, thanks to its wide base in the heel and firm cushioning. While it has a narrow forefoot last, which may be a consideration for some runners, its advantages in terms of performance and protection make it an option to consider for tackling the most demanding mountain challenges.