Excellent in the mountains
I broke in my Mafates on our Montana trails, and it was a flawless experience. Superb traction, while I felt in touch with the trail and ready for steeps up and down, some minor rock scrambling and creek crossings. Even with the awesome cushioning to soften the blow on my old joints, I felt totally solid off the trail looking for berries and a good fishing spot. No instability or twisting, which is impressive for a low shoe. The tread is comparable to the Speed Goat, which I also wear. I love them both for unpaved roads and trails.... Show more
Montana Ash
originally posted on hoka.com
fine
As a big fan of hoka ...... I was a little disappointed. There is nothing wrong with these shoes . They just don't impress like I thought they would . I prefer Speedgoat . The soles are great ( unlike my Carbon X that saw exposed carbon plates after 50 miles. I add this because I have reached out to Hoka and have never had a reply).One thing I will say is the Mafate 3 is amazing on the downhill . I have run in many different trail shoes . Mafate 3 is by far the best . Like running on a cloud downhill even at maximum speed.... Show more
Leslie
originally posted on hokaoneone.com
Good shoes. They run big.
It was my first - time purchase of HOKA shoes. Ordered my usual shoe size 7.5 (I'm Brooks fan in athletic shoes for the last decade). When they arrived, they looked bigger than I expected. They fit me as if they were size 8. So, I had to return them. I went to my local store that sells HOKA shoes to try on these shoes in smaller size, or possibly different shoe style. At the store I find out that my size in HOKA is size 7. The MAFATE SPEED 3 was very comfortable on my feet regardless they were half size longer. They didn't feel heavy (it was my fear bc they weight 9.5 oz). Awesome colors too (Moroccan Blue and orange). I ended up buying Bondi shoes at the store in size 7, happy with them.... Show more
Saguaro
originally posted on hokaoneone.com
Great trail shoe
Bought these for trail runs. My old trail shoes didn't have enough cushioning. These are great, and happened to be on sale when I ordered several styles to try. Same super cushioning you get in the road shoes, but in a sturdier trail runner. The tread on these is substantial, so I will use these exclusively on trails for running or hiking. There's a bit too much tread for pavement, so I would not recommend for a hybrid run that involve significant pavement running to get to a trailhead. Ample toe box for those that need it.Kudos to Hoka on the return policy. I actually had to get my size in this model from another vendor, after trying 3 models2 sizes from the Hoka site. Returns are super easy- don't hesitate to buy multiple sizes and models to make sure you get ... MoreBought these for trail runs. My old trail shoes didn't have enough cushioning. These are great, and happened to be on sale when I ordered several styles to try. Same super cushioning you get in the road shoes, but in a sturdier trail runner. The tread on these is substantial, so I will use these exclusively on trails for running or hiking. There's a bit too much tread for pavement, so I would not recommend for a hybrid run that involve significant pavement running to get to a trailhead. Ample toe box for those that need it.Kudos to Hoka on the return policy. I actually had to get my size in this model from another vendor, after trying 3 models2 sizes from the Hoka site. Returns are super easy- don't hesitate to buy multiple sizes and models to make sure you get the right fit. For people like me in rural areas this is key.... Show more
BC
originally posted on hoka.com
If I could give 10 stars I would!
Love my Hoka shoes! I have a few pairs, most are trail runners. I am asked about the fit and function all the time and I always highly recommend them. I switched from another very good brand that I had worn for years. Hokas outperform my former trail running shoes by a mile! I also love the vibrant colors offered. Since most of my workout wear is black, it's fun to have a pop of color on my feet! They have all run true to size for me. Do not hesitate to try a pair - just a warning: you'll want more!... Show more
PJS
originally posted on hoka.com
Runs narrow, go wide
I owned a Hoka already which I loved. It's fitting was very comfortable. But, since it didn't have a Vibram sole many cactus needles would penetrate trough the sole. Reason for which I recently bought a waterproof North Face hiking shoe. However, that shoe was so narrow that all my toes would go numb.So I put that away and stayed with Hoka. I bought the Mafate Speed 3.It is beautiful, I get many complements for it. The sole is Vibram, so nothing penetrates through it.It is pretty comfortable, not as comfortable as my previous Hoka, but maybe I have to wear it longer.It is light, which I like, and it has very good grip! Especially on slipping rocks and gravel underneath your feet.BUT, like previous reviews stated, it runs different than the other Hoka. I get ... MoreI owned a Hoka already which I loved. It's fitting was very comfortable. But, since it didn't have a Vibram sole many cactus needles would penetrate trough the sole. Reason for which I recently bought a waterproof North Face hiking shoe. However, that shoe was so narrow that all my toes would go numb.So I put that away and stayed with Hoka. I bought the Mafate Speed 3.It is beautiful, I get many complements for it. The sole is Vibram, so nothing penetrates through it.It is pretty comfortable, not as comfortable as my previous Hoka, but maybe I have to wear it longer.It is light, which I like, and it has very good grip! Especially on slipping rocks and gravel underneath your feet.BUT, like previous reviews stated, it runs different than the other Hoka. I get blisters on my big toe.So I will recommend go a half size bigger or go wider. I am disappointed with it, however I can not invest in a new pair again.... Show more
Indra
originally posted on hoka.com
Soles Chipped & Cracked Paint
I work 12 hour days. The Bondi are so much better for comfort. After the 2nd wear the black paint started to crack & flake off. I've been trying to upload a picture & the website keeps circling. For the price & the quality brand this is touted to be, it's unacceptable.... Show more
Niki
originally posted on hoka.com
Time to Fly Mafate Speed 3
I run 1000 miles a year, both trail and road. I am a Stinson ATR shoe enthusiast; I've had 6 pairs in the last 3 years. I thought I'd try the Mafate style mostly because of the colors. My 1st pair of Mafate were super uncomfortable because there was a metal shoelace eyelet that hit right on a bone in my foot. But I tried an updated version that did not have metal shoelace eyelets and I like them much better. Although I am still breaking them in, they are lightweight and super stable on trails. I like the ample toe box and the tongue material. The color is the bomb and I get lots of favorable comments about the look... Show more
Jane
originally posted on hokaoneone.com
Women's Mafate Speed 3 Runs Big
Overall, I think Hoka's Mafate Speed 3 is a competitive contender. However, they run big, despite the information provided that indicated that it runs "true to size." On this particular model, I would go 1/2 size down at least. I also find the tongue of the shoe very uncomfortable.In terms of stability for hiking and running, I think these tennis the shoes are excellent.... Show more
VD
originally posted on hokaoneone.com
Would have been shoe perfection...
Loved everything about this shoe especially traction and tread which is better than any other Hoka trail shoes that I have worn. However, the toe box is so narrow and pointy that I could tell instantly that they would perpetuate blisters on the medial side of both big toes. These blisters started with the updated Stinson 5 and I have yet to discover a Hoka model that does not give me these blisters when running since my Stinson ATR 4. Loved the wide toe box on those. The wide toe box of Stinson 4 with the cushion, tread, and vibram sole of Mafate Speed 3 would be shoe perfection! Unfortunately I had to return these and switch back to Altra Olympus 4 for more toe box room. Please return to the Stinson 4 type of toe box shape!... Show more
TrailRunner67
originally posted on hoka.com