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’s Mafate Speed 4 made its debut this fall, representing a convergence of the previous Mafate Speed and EVO Mafate. Over the last few years, different iterations of the Mafate were designed for those looking to conquer long distances over technical trails with responsive cushioning and rugged durability, while the EVO side of the HOKA shop has always been focused on speed and performance. The Mafate Speed 4 incorporates elements of both those product lines, while maintaining the same last and midsole geometry as the previous Mafate Speed shoe.
Perhaps the most notable change is that the Mafate Speed 4 sheds a full ounce in comparison to its predecessor. Coming in at 8.5oz for the women’s model (10.4oz for the men’s), this shoe felt light as air, in turn making us feel lightning fast. Some of this weight loss comes from a new single-layer jacquard upper. Noticeably thinner and more flexible than its predecessor, the jacquard material doesn’t seem to compromise durability. The laces sit atop a lightly padded tongue, and the flat lacing system seems to lock down the midfoot well, while keeping a smooth profile that keeps out debris. A padded heel collar surrounds the opening of the shoe and sits a little higher on the heel—providing a snugger, more secure fit. A toe bumper protects the forefoot and reinforces the upper in the most vulnerable spot.
Perhaps most responsible for the lighter Mafate Speed 4 is the updated, two-part PRO-FLY midsole, which places a lighter and softer PRO-FLY+ layer directly underfoot, with the more firm and durable PRO-FLY layer closer to the ground. The two work together seamlessly, providing the cushioning we have come to expect from HOKA, along with the springiness we crave for speed on the trails. The Mafate Speed 4 sole angles outward to create a slightly larger footprint, providing outstanding stability, along with the rocker shape sole, which made for a fluid ride over even the most technical surfaces.
Medial view
We can’t forget the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, which has been a favorite. Our testers put these shoes through the ringer, including a rutted-out, 1,200-foot descent in Big Sur, CA, and some extremely rocky climbs and descents in the Wasatch Range. The 5mm lugs and sticky outsole allowed for grippy climbing without slipping, but also allowed for an open stride to rip downhill. However, the outsole coverage is not completely thorough, and perhaps in an effort to cut weight, there are a few sections of the bottom of the shoe that have been left vulnerable. After about 70 miles, one tester reported noticeable wear to the bottom of the shoe where the Megagrip coverage is lacking. Although it did not seem to affect the performance of the shoe yet, this could be problematic sooner than we would like.
With a serious price point of $185, we’re delighted to see this shoe is a workhorse, and one we plan to happily keep in our rotation this fall.
The HOKA Mafate Speed 4 is available in men’s and women’s versions from www.hoka.com.
Specs:
- Stack height (heel/toe, in mm): 31/27 for women, 33/29 for men
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
- Weight (women’s/men’s): 8.5oz, 10.4oz
- Upper: single layer woven jacquard mesh
- Midsole: PROFLY+ construction with all new lightweight, resilient foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Litebase construction with 5mm lugs
- MSRP: $185