The relentless pursuit of endurance lies at the heart of every trail runner and ultrarunner, and when it comes to long runs and rugged terrain, the HOKA Mafate 5 delivers a performance that won’t quit.
The newest release in the Mafate line, this shoe is designed to provide uncompromising support when the trail gets rough and the days grow long. If you loved the HOKA Mafate Speed 4 but wanted to take it longer and over rougher terrain, then you’ll love the Mafate 5. All the updates to this shoe lead to unwavering support and protection for the most challenging terrain and any distance.
All photos: HOKA
With a new upper for improved durability, a unique dual-density midsole for a plush yet poppy ride, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole offering incredible grip on any surface, every part of this shoe is built to provide a smooth and steady ride regardless of what the trail throws at you. Equipped with HOKA’s new Rocker Integrity Technology and its popular Heel-Focused Active Foot Frame, the shoe offers unparalleled gait efficiency no matter your stride or how far the trail goes. The 5-millimeter lugs dig into softer surfaces, connecting you to the ground even if conditions are slippery.
The Mafate 5 is made for the long run, and unique design features, like new gaiter attachment points, tailor it to runs beyond the ordinary. It is ideal for trail runners and ultrarunners seeking comfort, support, durability, and a high level of protection.
HOKA Mafate 5 Special Features
Updated Midsole
Perhaps the biggest update the HOKA Mafate 5 received is in the midsole foams. The new dual-density midsole offers a cushioned ride that doesn’t feel too squishy. The combination of foams both protects and provides ample energy return no matter your distance or terrain. The top layer, made of supercritical EVA foam, offers bounciness that feels good whether you’re out for a quick run before work or in a 100-mile race. The softer bottom layer wraps around and absorbs uneven terrain, keeping the shoe tracking forward and preventing it from being deflected sideways by smaller objects on the trail. In combination, the two midsole foams strike a balance between comfort for the long haul and the responsiveness needed to run with confidence on technical terrain.
In the Mafate 5, HOKA creates its MetaRocker design in part by placing a curved plate between the foam layers under the forefoot. This Rocker Integrity Technology helps to create a curved midsole that rises in the front and rear of the shoe, naturally allowing for a smooth transition throughout the various stages of your running stride. This further improves the shoe’s stability by promoting forward momentum.
Supportive Upper
Made of a warp knit material with an anti-fray treatment, the newly designed upper of the HOKA Mafate 5 offers increased durability for when the terrain gets rough. The breathable material keeps feet cool while also keeping them in place. A TPU cage around the midfoot provides additional lateral stability for off-camber and rocky terrain so that you can feel confident in every foot strike.
The back of the ankle collar has been lowered compared to the previous version of this shoe, but the heel’s pull tab remains to ensure it is easy to get on. New for this shoe is the integrated gaiter attachment points. Having the ability to easily add a gaiter increases the shoe’s versatility in sandy, dusty, and rubbly terrain. Without gaiters, pebbles, sand, and other detritus can build up inside a shoe over time and lead to additional friction, blisters, and discomfort. When running on trails that don’t require additional protection, the gaiter attachment points sit out of the way, unnoticeable.
Durable Outsole
Vibram Megagrip has been a standard-setting outsole material for providing unparalleled grip on every type of terrain. It’s the same material that has been used on many HOKA trail shoes, including the Mafate Speed 4, Speedgoat 6, and Tecton X 3.
For increased durability and traction, the Mafate 5 has more outsole coverage than the Mafate Speed 4, which used the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with more cutouts. Wet, dry, rooty, or rocky, Vibram rubber works better than nearly any other outsole material, and the increased coverage only increases the shoe’s ability to stick to steep, slippery, and otherwise tricky surfaces.
The 5-millimeter Traction Lugs are placed in a pattern very similar to the previous version of the shoe and are deep enough to dig into loose surfaces without feeling too squishy or tippy on harder surfaces, including dirt and pavement. The Traction Lugs, also found on the HOKA Speedgoat 6 and Tecton X 3, have microfeatures on their surface for improved traction.
All combined, the new updates have created a shoe ready to handle every type of terrain over any distance. There is no doubt: The HOKA Mafate 5 is built for the long run.
HOKA Mafate 5 Specifications
- Advertised Weight: U.S. men’s size 10 is 11.7 ounces; U.S. women’s size 8 is 10.1 ounces
- Drop: 8 millimeters
- Upper Material: Warp knit with anti-fray treatment
- Tongue: Regular, non-gusseted
- Gaiter Compatibility: Yes, two gaiter attachment points on each shoe
- Midsole: Dual density with a supercritical EVA top layer
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug technology
- Lug Depth: 5 millimeters
- Geometry: MetaRocker
- Price: $185
[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by HOKA. Thank you to the brand for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]
