Mafate Speed 3

I've got the Hoka Mafate Speed 3's (which I need to replace) and I find they are better for running downhill than any other shoe I tried, because when I descend I land on my forefoot, and all other shoes thin out too much towards the front (including my Speedgoats). The Mafate Speed 3's, by contrast, maintain their cushioning thickness all the way to the front. You can see this clearly when viewing reviews that cut the shoes in half lengthwise. For instance, here's a typical thickly cushioned trail shoe, with a measured 33.1 forefoot thickness. In spite of the thickness, note how much it thins out towards the front: [https://runrepeat.com/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9](https://runrepeat.com/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9) Compare that with the midsole profile of the MafateThree2 (couldn't find a review on this site of my Mafate Speed 3). Even though its measured forefoot thickness is less (31.7 mm), it effectively offers much thicker forefoot cushioning because it doesn't taper out as quickly towards the front: [https://runrepeat.com/hoka-mafate-three2](https://runrepeat.com/hoka-mafate-three2) Also, their 4 mm drop is about the most I can handle for descents. Anything higher means I feel like I'm running downhill in high heels. Plus, for a given amount of heel cushion, more drop means less thickness up front. I was thus dismayed to find that the Mafate now has an 8 mm drop, which I expect will make it unusable for me (unless I can cut a foam or gel insole in half and put the front half under the existing insole—though I've tried that with a few other shoes and it never feels right).

Not really, they have done them fo a while, it's for flat not technical trail that you could do with normal shoes except they have more protected foam that would otherwise get destroyed by rocks. The naming is really confusing though, mafate speed is great for technical trail while the X (this one) would honestlmy be dangerous to use on something technical So overall it's not a big market, at least regular trail shoes can also be used for hiking, these ones havea very specific use case

I also went a similar run today and I just used the Hoka Mafate Speed ones and they're great very sticky sole!! (Edited a typo)

La sportiva prodigio pro is incredible if you're willing to spend the £150 or so. Hoka mafate speed is good, new version looks mega soft

You are absolutely bonkers. I have the utmost respect for finishing in those! Mafate is a good shoe but hokas are too narrow for me and give me blisters unfortunately

Nice! Are the Mafates looking like a better shoe for longer and technical mountain runs? Also bummed that I’m not liking the speedgoats as much as earlier versions

Came back to say that I’ve taken the Mafates on a few long technical runs now (10-15m, 3-4k feet) and love them! Great shoe!

Hoka Mafate Speed. Haven’t tried the newest version, love the 4s

Happy to see I own three shoes featured on this list. \- Nike Peg Trail: A perfect door to trail shoe. Light, snappy, and can easily log long miles. Advised only for light trail terrain, think California carpet. \- HOKA Mafate Speed: Will just eat any type of terrain. Ran a 50k and never once bothered my feet. \- Nike Zegama 2: Have a pair stashed in the closet, ready for use.

After years of Hoka Speedgoats and not liking the latest model, I now use the Hoka Mafate Speed for my hikes under 16-18 miles and Saucony Xodus for the long runs/hikes.

They have held up well for me! The last two outings I did were 15 miles, 6700 feet of vert and 21 miles, 5600 feet of vert on varied terrain. They don't feel like "running on clouds" as much as the Speedgoats, but they grip rock very well and give you more feel on class 2-4 scrambles. They also aren't as likely to tip and twist your ankles. I think if you're looking to get into ultra distance you might want something built more for a long haul, but I've been fine up to 20ish miles.

Nordas. Dyneema construction, designed for durability. May/May not be a good shoe for your needs. Designed to give double the mileage than Altras/Hokas. That said, I've found my Hoka Mafates routinely give me 500+ drama-free miles, whereas all my Altras would usually explode at ~300miles.

Hoka is trash. My mafates blew apart after 50km and they refused to replace/refund them. Will never buy anything from them and will also steer others clear.