Hoka Mafate Speed 4: First Run Impressions of a Deeply Cushioned Trail Shoe

Introduction

The Mafate Speed 4 generated a lot of enthusiasm before it even hit the trail, topping a recent poll of which new trail shoe to test first. Hoka’s latest update to a long-running franchise has clearly struck a chord, and after a first run over tarmac, gravel, sand and rocky trails, it is easy to see why runners have been raving about it.

What the Mafate Speed 4 Is Built For

This is a deeply cushioned trail running shoe designed to handle a big mix of terrain and weather conditions. It retails for £160 and weighs 310 grams in a UK 9.5, running on a 4mm offset with a 33mm heel stack and 29mm under the forefoot, so you get a generous helping of soft foam underfoot.

The upper is an unusual woven construction that gives a breathable, lightweight, sock-like feel. Padding in the gusseted tongue and ankle collar is generous, Hoka’s flared heel design is present, and a heel tab makes getting in and out of the shoe easier. Structural overlays around the ankle, lace eyelets and toe box add substance, and a toe bumper offers protection out on the trails.

Midsole and Ride: Dual-Density ProFly

The midsole uses Hoka’s ProFly construction with its lightest and most responsive foam to date. It is a dual-density compound: the softer orange layer close to the foot delivers a plush, bouncy feel, while the firmer green base layer adds underfoot protection and a more stable platform on technical trails.

Hoka’s early stage MetaRocker geometry is worked into the midsole to provide a smoother heel-to-toe transition, and on the road sections the midsole felt super bouncy and energy-returning, soaking up hard surfaces with ease while still keeping the shoe connected and stable on rockier ground.

Outsole and Grip: Vibram Mega Grip Light Base

The outsole is clad in Vibram Mega Grip Light Base, which offers the sticky properties of standard Mega Grip while coming in roughly 30 percent lighter. The lug pattern is chunky, aggressive and staggered, measuring around 4 to 5mm deep, though the lug depth is not published on Hoka’s site.

Dry, almost summer-dry trails meant the outsole was never tested in proper winter mud, so wet-weather grip remains an open question for a fuller review. That said, the lugs handled everything else well, with good grip on the road and rocky sections and solid traction in soft sand.

Fit and Sizing Notes

The fit was a pleasant surprise. The Mafate has a reputation for a roomier fit, but this version is quite snug and fits true to size in a UK 9.5, with better midfoot lockdown than the Speedgoat 5 and no need to crank the laces down tight. The upper felt very comfortable, plush and breathable with a secure heel hold.

If you have a wider foot or extra volume or depth across the top of your foot, you may struggle with this upper. Runners with average-width feet should find it one of the more secure-fitting trail uppers around.

Things to Consider Before Buying

• The snug fit is a genuine issue for wide or high-volume feet.
• Wet and muddy traction has not yet been fully tested, so mud-season buyers may want to wait for longer-term feedback.
• At 310 grams it is not the lightest shoe, though the lighter Mega Grip compound keeps the weight in check.

Buying Advice

If you want one shoe to cover road warm-ups, gravel paths, sandy trails and rocky terrain in comfort, the Mafate Speed 4 makes a strong case. The ProFly midsole is arguably as good as anything in its class on a first run, and the shoe felt good straight out of the box. Choose your size carefully and, if possible, try them on with your usual trail socks before committing.

First Run Verdict

Seven miles in on recovering legs after a long ultra, and the shoe genuinely put a spring back in the step. The plush cushioning, secure fit and stable ride make it easy to see plenty of miles accumulating in these over the coming weeks.

The Mafate Speed 4 is a confident return to form for a franchise that previously felt heavy and clunky, and it now sits comfortably alongside the Speedgoat in Hoka’s trail lineup.

Conclusion

For runners who prize cushioning, lockdown and versatility across mixed terrain, the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is an easy recommendation on first impressions. Wide-footed runners should check the fit first, and everyone else can buy with reasonable confidence that this is one of the more exciting trail shoes of the season.