Hoka One One Mafate 5 Introduction

The Hoka Mafate 5 is a daily trainer with max cushioning that offers protection, stability, and great traction for long runs and ultra races.

I really enjoyed testing the Mafate 5; I’ve tried many trail shoes before and wasn’t a fan of the other Hoka models. This one definitely ranks in my top 10 trail shoes after 6 years of running.

There are some cool features in the Mafate 5. It’s designed on a rocker platform to enhance performance and provide a smooth toe-off transition.

The midsole has dual density, with a softer, springy foam on top and a more structured, stable layer underneath. Plus, the Mafate 5 comes with Vibram Megagrip, which can tackle any terrain, even beyond its intended use, in my opinion.

The upper features what Hoka calls a wrap knit upper with an anti-fray treatment, making it more durable. The only other trail shoe I can compare it to is the Merrell Agility Peak 5, as they look quite similar to me.

At $185, the Hoka Mafate 5 is a solid deal for a versatile trail shoe that can handle it all.

Hoka One One Mafate 5 Impressions

When I put on the Mafate 5, I was super pumped to hit the trails. I really enjoy having that cushioning and softness beneath my feet.

Most trail shoes don’t provide that, so when I took them out of the box and slipped them on, I was out the door in no time. After my first run, I realized how I’d incorporate them into my shoe rotation. They’re perfect for long weekend runs and might even be included for a 100-mile ultra. The Mafate 5 stands out from the competition in terms of cushioning and feel.

While many trail shoes with a full rubber outsole and plenty of cushioning can feel heavy, the Mafate 5 feels lightweight, even with its actual phyisical weight. These shoes handle all types of terrain really well; I took them on rocky/rooted trails, smooth paths, and gravel. They felt consistent and performed admirably on every surface.

If you’re a Hoka enthusiast or looking to try Hoka, the Mafate 5 is definitely worth the purchase. There aren’t many downsides to this shoe. However, if you’re not a fan of heavily cushioned shoes, you might want to skip it. One minor issue that could become a concern for me is the fit over time.

The Mafate 5 is designed with a rocker platform, and you can definitely notice it. During some of my longer runs, I felt my long toes getting a bit warm, but thankfully, no blisters formed. They might feel a little short for some because of the rocker, so just keep that in mind.

Hoka One One Mafate 5 Protection

The Hoka Mafate 5 offers excellent protection. It doesn’t come with a plate, rock guard, or any other protective features. However, it provides ample cushioning stability along with the Vibram Mega Grip outsole that fully safeguards the underside of your foot.

You really don’t need a rock plate or guard. I tackled some pretty technical trails and had no problems with protection. Additionally, there’s a TPU cage that feels like a plastic insert located near the forefoot between the two foams, which seems to enhance both protection and stability.

Hoka One One Mafate 5 Durability

The Mafate 5 holds up really well after 50 miles, showing no major signs of wear. Hoka promotes a wrapp knit upper. It’s treated to prevent fraying.

The upper feels somewhat like a plastic mesh, and I wonder if that’s due to the treatment. It definitely seems to provide more quality and durability compared to other uppers. It can tackle rough mountain trails, and you could even use the Mafate 5 for a 100 mile ultra without needing to change shoes.

Hoka One One Mafate 5 Responsiveness & speed

The Hoka Mafate 5 stands out as a responsive trail shoe. Typically, trail shoes tend to be stiffer for better stability on rugged paths. However, the Mafate 5 is likely one of the most responsive options available.

While they aren’t marketed for speed, I found that I could pick up the pace during a few runs, and they felt quite light. My pace was pretty much the same as when I wore a lighter, closer-to-the-ground trail shoe. It might not be the ideal choice for a fast course, but honestly, it wouldn’t be a big deal if you did wear them.

Hoka One One Mafate 5 Comfort and fit

The Hoka Mafate 5 is super comfortable to wear; it really doesn’t feel like a lightweight hiking shoe at all. As I mentioned earlier, the fit might seem a bit short for some, depending on how long your toes are.

My toes are on the longer side, so sometimes they felt a bit cramped because of the rocker platform. I haven’t had any big issues with that, but I guess after running a 50+ mile race, that could be a different story.

When it comes to how it fits around the foot and its width, it feels just right.

Hoka One One Mafate 5 Conclusions

So far, my time with the Mafate 5 has been nothing short of exceptional. I usually opt for road shoes when hitting the trails because I prefer that extra cushioning and feel.

A lot of trail shoes tend to be overly bulky and packed with protection, but the Mafate 5 is really close to my ideal choice for trail running.

It offers plenty of cushioning and feels super comfortable and light on my feet. Plus, it rides really smoothly for a trail shoe and can handle long distances.