I've always been a bit like the princess and the pea when it comes to trail shoes - nothing ever seems to be quite right. Whether it's the fit, grip, the comfort, or the speed, something always feels off. So, I approached the Hoka Mafate X with a fair amount of scepticism, especially given that it's the brand's latest carbon-plated shoe.
I've dabbled with carbon plate trail running shoes in the past and have never really found a suitable pair. The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro II felt unstable and lacking any real traction and the Saucony Endorphin Edge gave me really bad blisters and didn’t last more than 500km. Whilst I did like the Hoka Torrent 4, the fit was way too narrow so I could only use them for short distances.
So, it was a welcome relief when I slipped on the Hoka Mafate X and to my surprise they fitted well. I wasn’t even sure they were carbon plated at first because they felt sturdy and supportive rather than light and bouncy.
It seems the balance has finally been made - a carbon plated shoe that is comfortable, unobtrusive and built for long distance. I couldn’t wait to give them a whirl.
Pros
- Excellent comfort
- Stable carbon plate
- Great fit
- Solid traction
Cons
- Bulky design
- Heavy under foot
| RRP: | £185/$225 |
| Weight: | 294g/10oz (women's), 344g/12oz (men’s) |
| Men's sizes (UK): | 7 – 11.5 |
| Women's sizes (UK): | 4 - 8.5 |
| Stack height: | 49 mm heel / 41 mm forefoot |
| Drop: | 8mm |
| Waterproof version? | No |
Upper
One of the standout features is the moulded heel counter, which securely locks the foot in place deep into the 8mm drop, providing a far more stable and snug fit than the Torrent 4. It's not just about fit, though - this heel counter is also padded, which makes it surprisingly comfortable for long-distance trail runs or ultras.
The protective toe cap adds an extra layer of security, though it’s not reinforced to the level of some other trail running shoes. Still, it's probably enough to prevent another toe mishap - like the time I stubbed my foot on a tree root mid 50-miler, breaking my toe in the process (and yes, I did finish the race). The reinforced heel also contributes to a more secure fit around the ankle.
What really stood out for me, though, is how the ergonomics seem to consider the anatomy of women’s feet. The narrower design around the ankle and slightly wider forefoot allow for a much better fit. Finally! A wider toe box in a Hoka trail shoe, giving my toes room to splay naturally, without the risk of blisters.
The ultralight woven upper is another bonus. It offers decent breathability and drainage, which was a welcome feature on hot days when I needed some ventilation.
The light tongue has a small amount of cushioning which I felt to be the correct amount. There’s only one extra eyelet for lacing, but that's perfectly fine for me – it does the job.
My only slight criticism is the laces. They feel a little flimsy, and I worry they might tear after repeated use (particularly when running through brambles, thistles or other deadly British flora), but that’s a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.
Midsole
I won’t lie. These are not the ideal summer trail shoes. They are rather on the heavy and clunky side owing to the fact they have to pack in three layers of foam. The top layer PEBA foam is soft and responsive and provides great comfort.
It’s probably the reason why I can wear these shoes for hours on hard packed trails without getting sore feet (unlike Inov8 Trailfly which destroy my feet as soon as you cover hard ground). It’s Hoka’s plushest foam and really does deliver on soft cushioning.
Underneath this is the fork-shaped carbon fibre plate which give the shoe its zing. Running on the trails feels easy even deep into long runs because the plate is doing much of the work for you. There is also a subtle rocker which creates a gentle feeling of propulsion without being too aggressive.
At the base level is the super critical EVA which creates the stability of the shoe. Unlike the Hoka Skyward X which can feel a little stilt like the stack in the Mafate X never feels too high.
Outsole
Featuring Vibram Megagrip the outsole provides a much stickier and more reliable grip than the Torrent 4, which unfortunately lacks the same level of traction. The outsole also appears to have a greater level of durability with no wear and tear during 200km of testing.
The wider base and stable midsole work together with the outsole to absorb a variety of terrain, offering solid protection against small rocks, roots, and debris. This means you won’t feel anything stabbing through the sole.
The 3.5mm lugs offer good traction on light trails, but they may not perform as well in wetter, muddier conditions or on loose scree. They seemed designed for less technical trails in fairer weather conditions.
Price and competition
At £185 these are on the pricier side, but the integrated carbon plate is what pushes up the cost. And they are still far cheaper than The North Face Vectiv Pro 3 which may be faster but don’t offer the same level of stability, comfort or durability IMHO.
However, the combination of comfort and speed on offer means the Mafate X is a worthwhile investment - particularly for ultra runners. If you are not fussed about carbon plates then my go-to recommendation is the Scarpa Spin Planet which comes in slightly cheaper at £150.
Verdict
The Hoka Mafate X surprised me in all the right ways, especially after my previous experiences with carbon-plated trail shoes. With its wide base, stable midsole, and Vibram Megagrip outsole, the shoe offers a comfortable, grippy and supportive ride, with an additional dollop of pep.
The fit is another big win thanks to the wider toe box and moulded heel counter which have been lacking in other Hoka trail shoes. There is a weight compromise, however. The plush cushioning makes this a bulkier trail shoe than I’d ideally like. But you can’t have it all!
These have quickly become my favourite long distance trail running shoes and I’ll be using them for several ultras over the coming months.
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About the author
Lily Canter is a lover of ultra marathons in the summer, and canicrossing with her dog Zippy in the winter. She loves nothing more than a long, hot, multi-day race in some far-flung location. When she is not busy running, she writes gear reviews and books, with her latest Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport, out now!