Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. Hoka has become synonymous with maximum cushioning and innovative midsole technology, revolutionizing trail running with their signature high-stack geometry and rocker midsoles. The Mafate Speed 4 was one of those rare trail running shoes that managed to hit the sweet spot – lightweight, energetic and inspiring confidence over rough terrain while maintaining Hoka’s signature cushioning. The new Mafate 5 represents a significant departure from its predecessor, dropping the “Speed” designation and embracing an even more cushioned, comfort-focused philosophy that prioritizes long-distance protection over technical agility. Balancing maximum cushioning with trail versatility, the Mafate 5 offers a plush and protective ride that is ideal for ultrarunners who prioritize comfort over speed.
Fit & Comfort
The Mafate 5 is true to size with a generous, accommodating fit. Slipping into the shoe for the first time reveals substantial underfoot cushioning and secure heel lockdown. Its comfort is remarkable, delivering maximum impact absorption while maintaining enough stability for confident trail navigation. A roomy toe box provides ample space for natural foot expansion during longer runs, while the midfoot remains appropriately snug. The heel cup features substantial padding that extends around the collar, providing excellent step-in comfort.
With a short and thin tongue, similar to other Hoka models like the Speedgoat series, some pressure points might be noticeable when lacing up, however these diminish as the material softens over time.
Technology & Construction
The most significant update centers on the completely reimagined dual-density midsole. Hoka has placed softer supercritical EVA foam in the top layer throughout the heel, extending into the forefoot and creating an extremely plush landing while maintaining structure through the gait cycle. Its lower layer consists of firmer compression-molded EVA that provides stability and prevents excessive sinking.
The midsole incorporates Hoka’s new Rocker Integrity Technology – a curved TPU plate positioned in the forefoot with stabilizing winglets. This plate helps maintain the shoe’s signature Meta-Rocker geometry while adding structure to the high-stack platform. Unlike aggressive carbon plates, this TPU implementation feels subtle and natural.
Stack heights have increased dramatically: 45mm in the heel and 37mm in the forefoot, creating an 8mm drop. For comparison, the Mafate Speed 4 featured 37mm heel stack with only 4mm drop. This represents Hoka’s most cushioned trail platform to date, exceeding even the La Sportiva Prodigio Max (37/31mm, 6mm drop), Brooks Caldera 8 (38.5/32.5mm, 6mm drop) and nearly doubling the Altra Lone Peak 9’s minimal 25mm stack with zero drop.
Within Hoka’s lineup of similar shoes, the Mafate 5 serves as the maximum comfort option compared to the more versatile Speedgoat 6. While the Speedgoat offers better technical terrain capability and lighter weight with its 39/33mm stack height, the Mafate 5’s 45/37mm platform provides significantly more cushioning for ultra-distance efforts where comfort trumps agility. The Mafate X takes cushioning even further with its massive 49/41mm stack height and carbon plate, but at a premium price that positions it as Hoka’s ultra-recovery flagship for runners who prioritize maximum impact absorption above all else.
Performance on the Trail
The midsole delivers exceptional impact absorption, particularly excelling during extended efforts where leg preservation becomes paramount. A supercritical EVA top layer provides immediate cushioning that effectively dampens trail impacts, while the firmer bottom layer prevents excessive compression and maintains forward momentum.
The dual-density construction creates a unique ride character that balances plushness with responsiveness. While not delivering the snappy energy return of carbon-plated racing shoes, the midsole provides enough liveliness to maintain efficient turnover across varied terrain. A high stack height does create some disconnect from the trail surface, which may require adjustment for runners accustomed to lower-profile shoes.
Notably absent is a traditional rock plate, but the dense foam construction provides adequate protection from sharp rocks and roots.
Traction & Outsole
The outsole features Hoka’s proven Vibram Megagrip compound with 5mm Traction Lug technology in an updated pattern designed specifically for the Mafate 5. The lug configuration employs a graduated design where they are larger at the midfoot and taper toward the edges, enhancing mud shedding while providing excellent multidirectional grip.
Each lug incorporates miniature rubber spikes that enhance grip on firmer surfaces. The lugs extend beyond the heel and forefoot, providing additional bite when the shoe flexes during climbs and descents.
Testing across diverse terrain on the high desert trails around Bend, Oregon, including alpine mountain running, light mud after summer thunderstorms, pumice fields and slippery pine needle carpets, revealed the outsole’s versatility. The Megagrip compound provides excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces, though the deep lugs do tend to collect mud in particularly sloppy conditions.
Weight & Durability
At 11.7 ounces for men’s sizing and 8.1 ounces for women’s, the Mafate 5 represents a significant weight increase over its predecessor – approximately one ounce heavier than the Mafate Speed 4. Our testers found that while the additional weight and bulk felt somewhat noticeable running uphill, the shoe’s rocker geometry and efficient midsole tuning help minimize the penalty during more moderate gradients.
Early durability impressions are positive, with the substantial construction showing minimal wear after initial testing miles. The Vibram outsole compound appears well-suited for extended mileage, while the Rocker Integrity Technology plate should help maintain the midsole’s shape over time.
Value & Positioning
At $185, the Mafate 5 positions itself in the premium trail shoe category alongside competitors like the La Sportiva Prodigio Max ($185), Brooks Caldera 8 ($150) and Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140). The shoe represents excellent value for runners whose priorities align with the design philosophy of maximum comfort and protection for long-distance trail running.
Conclusion
Hoka has fundamentally reimagined the Mafate series with the fifth generation, creating a shoe that prioritizes maximum comfort and protection over the nimble versatility that characterized previous iterations. This bold strategic choice will resonate with ultra-distance runners seeking leg preservation while potentially alienating those who loved the Mafate Speed 4’s more balanced approach. However, this comfort comes with trade-offs of increased weight, reduced ground feel and less agile character that limit its effectiveness on technical terrain demanding precise foot placement.
The Hoka Mafate 5 is available in men’s and women’s sizes at www.hoka.com.
Features and Specs:
- Weight: 11.7 oz / 332g (men’s), 8.1 oz / 230g (women’s)
- Stack height (heel/toe): 45mm/37mm
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- Lug depth: 5mm
- Upper: Warp knit with anti-fray treatment and Dynamic Vamp
- Midsole: Dual-density with supercritical EVA top layer and compression-molded EVA bottom layer
- Rocker Integrity Technology TPU plate
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug technology
- MSRP: $185