Do the various models of Hokas have different flexibilities - or put another way, less rigid - or do they flex a little more with time?

I got a pair of Mafate 2's (size 9 women's, based on earlier discussion) which seemed fine on flats (including a figure 8 around some obstacles to test agility) and stairs (both indoors), but they seemed a little big even with my heavy winter socks on. Stairs are still a flat surface, rather than ramp like a real hill. I tried them briefly on a steep hill (about 25%, packed snow) after I'd already done some running on it in my regular shoes. I was able to get up on my toes in the Hokas, BUT that was by movement inside the shoe - the sole was still straight, and the heel dropped about half way off my foot, even with the extra loop tied at the top. Toes definitely felt the work of stabilizing when on a marshmallow.  It was definitely a weird sensation. (This wasn't a good place to test, but it's what was available without making a big commitment to the shoes.)

My initial impression is that these won't work on steep uphills (25%) for me. (and I can't use them for the down unless I can get up the hill first)  And they may not work that well on twisty single track. But my main intended use for these was gravel (or asphalt) roads (max slope probably about 10%). And the little bit I used the shoes in the parking lot (lumpy snow), I was greatly impressed with the way they rolled over the ground variability.

I'm debating about trying an 8.5 to see if that fits better and could maybe use on some trails.

Just using on paved and gravel paths, roads that are < 10% slopes.

Trying a different model if they are more flexible in the sole. That's why I'm wondering about others' experiences. I think I was noticing that the models that people like Meltzer and Mackey use were road shoes, iirc, and why I'm wondering.

I was originally thinking the gravel would fit between the lugs thus smoothing out the ride, but I'm thinking the sole itself may be enough to smooth the footing - hence road shoe might work.

Shoes are from Zappos, so should be able to return whichever shoe doesn't work for me. (Anchorage store - 50mi away - does have some other models that I could try, if they have my size.)

Shoes that have given me issues in the past were motion control or ones that were cushy inside. But the Hokas are a different kind of cushy.

Thanks.

I tried Hokas and gave up on them. I have a barely used pair of Bondi B's (I think size 8) if you want to try them. I just can't run anything but flat and down in them and that's really not feasible. I also felt too tall and awkward in them, like I was wearing stilts or heels.

Glad you found a shoe that works.  I bought the Mafate 2s for less than half price and to try them out so I will keep them.  Personally, I would send them back and get a different model if I didn't already own any others.

Mta: I am not a fan of having to break in shoes.  I really think they should feel good out of the box.  In my opinion it is a design issue if they aren't comfortable on first wear.

 

How's the room in the toe box on the Saucony?  I've been running in Inov8 Roclite 268 for trail and Road X-238 for the road.  I like them because of the have a very room toe box and low heel.  However, I'm having issues with a reoccurring torn ligament in the left foot and am thinking I may need to look for a shoe with a little more cushion in the forefoot than what the Inov8 provides.  Actually, will (hopefully) find out tomorrow my status on being able to run again period.  But if he tells me I need a shoe with more cushion, I'm trying to figure out which way to turn.

The Xodus 3 don't fit quite as well as my Vasque shoes (no pressure points at all), but they're wide enough I can wear my heavy winter wool socks with only a little compression. I haven't tried my neoprene socks, which I generally wear with my Blurs in about -20F. I can feel a little pressure in the widest part of my forefoot (bunionette position). Adrenaline ASR wides are a tiny bit wider, but there's little protection under the forefoot. I haven't used them much yet because we had no snow (some very frozen, lumpy ground = ouch, then icy). They'll probably be ok on soft ground. (92mi on Xodus, 26 mi on ASR - both bought the same day = I'll take the xodus ride over a tiny bit more forefoot width)

Across the years and various models of shoes, I've (about 150lb with some gear) found the ones that have a somewhat compressible lug work (Brooks Trespass, NB 749, Xodus) better for me than ones with flat lugs (like Adrenaline ASR, NB 876). IOW, the lugs provide some of the cushion.

Rock plates (Cascadia, Xodus) seem to help on gravelly stuff, which pushes through the softness of Badrocks, Trespasses, etc.

And being able to strap my foot in around the instep (keeping heel firmly in place) and leaving room for my forefeet to move and toes to wiggle - like my Blurs - is nice. Originally, the Xodus didn't seem that way, but with many hours on them now, they're starting to feel that way - like the upper has to loosen a little. I need to revisit gravel with them, but what isn't icy is soft right now. (chinook melted snow, turned to ice)

The Xodus aren't what I'd consider cushiony (like Badrocks), but they provide some protection and a comfortable enough ride so far that I'm growing to love them and will probably buy another pair when I'm in town in a month or two.

The Hoka's seem to have the cushion inside, and the foot works within that - at least that's my perception. That's different from what has worked for me. I just got an email from a friend who has used Hokas (including 350 miles on Iditarod Trail Inv last year), and she say she's had no problems with terrain with any of her Hokas, including Mafete. She commented that lots of Europeans use them in their mountain races. (she's done a couple ultras in Europe) Actually, the Hokas help keep her feet insulated from the cold ground and snow during the long winter ultras.

ooops - messed up

Update: I've worn the Mafates around inside a little more, and they seem a bit better, but still not sure if they're just too big or too rigid (aggravated by being too big)...

I have @250 miles on my Mafate and after much thought I did order another pair . I bought them specifically to serve one purpose to rehab after knee surgery last October . I use them on fire roads or the treadmill and they have been very friendly on my knee . One real problem I have is the heel slipage and it was interesting to read their reply . I do like the stiffness as it protects a joint in my foot with arthritis but I have real doubts about how they would work on anything technical . Here is a picture of what my heel slipping around has done to them after only 250 miles . I did order them again to just get me through the next couple months until I'm fully recovered while still running on smooth easy dirt roads .

whoa. Impressive wear for only 250 miles. I'm more and more convinced my Mafates are going back, but probably not until after I look at the Stinson Evo. (If LRS hasn't seen the Mafates, he can take a look at them.)