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The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is a trail running shoe designed for rugged terrains. This shoe is known for its maximal cushioning and protective features, making it a standout in the Hoka Mafate Speed family.
Key Features:
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize foot protection and traction on challenging terrains. Its maximal cushioning offers excellent shock absorption, making it suitable for long-distance runs.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 excels in providing exceptional foot protection and traction, making it a solid choice for trail runners tackling rugged terrains. The shoe's 35 mm heel and 31 mm forefoot cushioning offer unparalleled underfoot protection, while the 5 mm deep lugs ensure excellent grip on slippery surfaces. However, the shoe's high stack height can lead to instability, especially on uneven ground, and its weight is on the heavier side. Comfort is also a mixed bag, with some runners experiencing issues with the lacing system and narrow fit. Despite these drawbacks, the Mafate Speed 2 remains a strong contender for those seeking a highly protective trail shoe. Overall, the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is a specialized shoe that excels in protection and traction but may not be the best fit for everyone.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is a good alternative for those seeking better stability and comfort. While it also offers excellent cushioning and traction, the Speedgoat 4 is lighter and has a more stable design, making it suitable for a wider range of runners.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is another trail running shoe known for its aggressive traction and durability. It offers a more secure fit and better stability compared to the Mafate Speed 2, making it a great option for runners who need a stable and reliable shoe for technical trails.
The Brooks Cascadia 15 is a versatile trail running shoe that provides a good balance of cushioning, stability, and traction. It is lighter and more comfortable than the Mafate Speed 2, making it a suitable choice for runners who need a well-rounded trail shoe.
The upper of the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is designed for durability and breathability. Made from stretchy mesh with rubberized reinforcements, it offers excellent protection against wear and tear. The seamless construction helps prevent irritation, while the improved tongue design keeps debris out and enhances comfort. This upper is ideal for runners who need a durable and breathable shoe for challenging trails.
The midsole of the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 features a combination of RMAT (a blend of rubber and EVA foam) and HIP CMEVA (High-Performance Compression Molded Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) materials, providing excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The thick cushioning offers exceptional underfoot protection, making it ideal for long-distance runs. The gentle curve in the midsole adds flexibility, enhancing the shoe's performance on uneven terrain. This midsole is perfect for runners who prioritize cushioning and flexibility in their trail shoes.
The outsole of the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is equipped with 5 mm deep lugs, providing superior traction on slippery and uneven surfaces. The aggressive lug pattern ensures excellent grip on mud, snow, and loose dirt, making it a reliable choice for challenging terrains. The RMAT material used in the outsole adds durability, ensuring the shoe can withstand tough conditions. This outsole is ideal for runners who need a shoe with excellent traction and durability.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 has a narrow fit, particularly in the mid- and forefoot areas. While the width has been slightly increased compared to previous versions, it may still feel tight for some runners. The lacing system has been improved, but some users have reported discomfort due to the metal grommets. It's recommended to try the shoe on before purchasing or be prepared to return it if the fit is not suitable. This fit is best for runners with narrow feet who need a secure fit for trail running.
Comfort in the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is a mixed experience. While the shoe offers excellent breathability and water drainage, some runners have reported discomfort due to the lacing system and narrow fit. The metal grommets can cause blisters, and the tongue may slip around, reducing overall comfort. Despite these issues, the shoe's cushioning provides a comfortable ride for long-distance runs. This comfort level is suitable for runners who can tolerate a narrow fit and prioritize breathability and cushioning.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 excels in cushioning, featuring 35 mm of EVA foam in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot. This maximal cushioning offers exceptional underfoot protection, making it ideal for long-distance runs on rugged terrains. The HIP CMEVA material provides excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact on joints and muscles. This cushioning is perfect for runners who need maximum protection and shock absorption in their trail shoes.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 offers excellent breathability, thanks to its stretchy mesh upper. The rubberized reinforcements add durability without compromising ventilation. The shoe also performs well in water drainage, absorbing minimal water and drying quickly. This breathability is ideal for runners who need a well-ventilated shoe for long runs in various weather conditions.
Stability is a concern with the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 due to its high stack height. The shoe is prone to ankle rolls, especially on uneven terrain and during downhill runs. While the 4 mm drop promotes a natural stride, the overall design may not be suitable for runners with weak ankles or those prone to instability. This stability level is best for experienced trail runners who can manage the high stack height and need a shoe with excellent cushioning and protection.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is built for durability, featuring a robust upper with rubberized reinforcements and a durable RMAT outsole. The shoe is designed to withstand tough conditions and high wear areas, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. This durability is ideal for runners who need a long-lasting shoe for challenging trails.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 offers excellent grip, thanks to its 5 mm deep lugs and aggressive outsole pattern. The shoe performs well on slippery and uneven surfaces, providing reliable traction on mud, snow, and loose dirt. This grip is perfect for runners who need a shoe with superior traction for challenging terrains.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 offers good flexibility, thanks to the gentle curve in the midsole. This design enhances the shoe's performance on uneven terrain, allowing for a more natural stride. The flexibility is ideal for runners who need a shoe that can adapt to various ground conditions while providing excellent cushioning and protection.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is ideal for trail runners who prioritize maximal cushioning and superior traction on rugged terrains. It's a great choice for those who need excellent foot protection and durability for long-distance runs. Runners with narrow feet who can manage a high stack height will find this shoe particularly beneficial.
Runners who prefer a lightweight shoe or need high stability may not find the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 suitable. Those with wider feet or who are prone to ankle rolls should consider other options. If you need a more sensitive trail shoe, the Mafate Speed 2 might not be the best choice. Consider models like the Hoka Speedgoat 4 for better stability and comfort.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is excellent for trail running on rugged and uneven terrains. Its maximal cushioning makes it suitable for long-distance runs, including ultra marathons. The shoe's superior traction and durability are ideal for challenging conditions, making it a reliable choice for serious trail runners.
Yes, the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 is designed for long-distance runs, including ultra marathons. Its maximal cushioning and superior traction make it ideal for extended periods on rugged terrains.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 performs well on slippery surfaces, thanks to its 5 mm deep lugs and aggressive outsole pattern. It provides excellent grip on mud, snow, and loose dirt.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 has a narrow fit, particularly in the mid- and forefoot areas. Runners with wide feet may find it uncomfortable and should consider trying the shoe on before purchasing.
The Hoka Mafate Speed 2 weighs 329 g for men and 272 g for women, making it a relatively heavy trail running shoe.
Yes, the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 offers excellent breathability, thanks to its stretchy mesh upper and rubberized reinforcements. It also performs well in water drainage, absorbing minimal water and drying quickly.
Now viewing Hoka Mafate Speed 2 | ||||||
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
released | ReleasedOct 2017 | May 2019 | Jul 2019 | Mar 2018 | Mar 2018 | |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | | | | | |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 329 g W: 272 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | 215 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 204 g W: 170 g | 235 g |
Forefoot | Forefoot29 mm | 5 mm | 16 mm | 17 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm | 7 mm |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | 4 mm | ||
Heel | Heel33 mm | 5 mm | 20 mm | 17 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm | 11 mm |
Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail | Trail |
Brand | BrandHoka | Vibram | Salomon | Merrell | Hoka | Inov-8 |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLow dropMaximalist | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
Techs | Techs | Vibram | ||||
Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | ||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2049) |
Terrain | Trail (+533) |
Brand | Hoka (+107) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1603) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1578) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1116) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1525) |
Shoe Type | Low drop (+277)Maximalist (+428) |
Events | 10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Ultra marathon (+136) |
Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ (+250) |
Colorways | Albc, Black, Black / Castlerock, Blue, Blue / Orange, Blue / Yellow, Canton / Green-blue Slate, Caribbean Sea / Autumn Glory, Clay / Black, Cna |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Model | 2 | |
Released | Oct 2017 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 329 g W: 272 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 4 mm | |
Heel | 33 mm | |
Forefoot | 29 mm |