Hoka Zinal
Buy Hoka Zinal at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Hoka Zinal is a trail running shoe that stands out for its agility and speed, designed for runners who seek a lightweight and responsive experience on technical terrain. This shoe is part of the Hoka Zinal family and is a departure from the brand's usual high-cushion offerings, focusing instead on a more ground-connected feel.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 241 g for men and 198 g for women, the Zinal is built for speed.
- Low Stack Height: With a heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm, it provides a stable platform for quick movements.
- Vibram Megagrip Outsole: The shoe features a high-traction outsole for confident grip on varied terrain.
- Breathable Upper: Engineered mesh construction ensures excellent ventilation and comfort.
The Hoka Zinal is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize a lightweight, nimble shoe for fast-paced runs. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole offers reliable grip, making it suitable for a range of trail conditions.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just below the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Hoka Zinal
The Hoka Zinal is a trail running shoe that delivers on its promise of being lightweight, agile, and fast. It's a significant shift from Hoka's typical cushioned models, offering a closer-to-ground feel and a firmer ride. The dual-density ProFly midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole provide a responsive and grippy experience, suitable for short, fast trail runs. However, the shoe's narrow fit and minimal cushioning may not be ideal for all runners, especially those looking for comfort over longer distances. The Zinal's breathable mesh upper and low stack height contribute to its nimble nature, but some may find the shoe's durability and protection lacking for more aggressive terrain. Overall, the Hoka Zinal is a specialized shoe that excels in fast, technical trail running but may fall short for runners seeking a more versatile or cushioned trail companion.
Updates to Hoka Zinal
The Hoka Zinal 2 is the latest iteration in the Hoka Zinal line, featuring a lower stack height and deeper 5mm lugs for improved grip. The shoe is lighter than its predecessor, weighing 208 grams (7.3 ounces) for a UK men's size 8.5. The updates focus on enhancing the shoe's responsiveness and traction for technical trail running.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is a more cushioned alternative to the Zinal, with aggressive lugs that provide superior traction in wet and muddy conditions. Runners who prioritize long-distance comfort and protection may find the Speedgoat 4 to be a more suitable choice.
For those who run on a mix of road and light trails, The Hoka Challenger 6 ATR may be a better fit than the Zinal. It offers a more versatile outsole that can handle a variety of surfaces, making it a great option for runners who need a shoe that transitions smoothly between different terrains.
Compared to the Hoka Zinal, The Salomon Pulsar offers a lighter and more forgiving ride. While the Zinal is designed for short, fast trail races, the Pulsar may be a better option for runners seeking a shoe that can handle a wider range of distances with greater comfort.
6 Hoka Zinal Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Hoka Zinal's upper is crafted from engineered mesh, providing a breathable and comfortable fit. The gusseted tongue helps keep debris out, while the overall design of the upper ensures a secure lockdown. However, some runners may experience heel slip due to the lower cut ankle, and the shoe's fit runs slightly large, suggesting that buyers may need to size down for an optimal fit.
Midsole
Featuring a dual-density ProFly midsole, the Hoka Zinal offers a firm yet responsive ride. The midsole geometry includes Meta-Rocker technology, which aids in smooth transitions during the running stride. While the shoe is not as cushioned as other Hoka models, it provides sufficient shock absorption for shorter, faster trail runs.
Outsole
The outsole of the Hoka Zinal is equipped with Vibram Megagrip Litebase technology, offering excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The 4 mm lugs are strategically placed to balance grip and turnover, making the shoe versatile for different mountain terrains. The outsole's durability is also noteworthy, contributing to the shoe's overall longevity.
Size/fit
The Hoka Zinal tends to run big, and some runners may need to order a half size down. The shoe's fit is more akin to a road shoe, with a medium toe box that provides a familiar feel. However, the narrow and straight design may not accommodate all foot shapes comfortably.
Comfort
While the Hoka Zinal is designed for speed, it does not compromise on comfort. The lightweight design, combined with a soft midsole and a thick insole, ensures a comfortable fit. The thin, lightly padded tongue adds to the comfort without detracting from the shoe's breathability.
Cushioning
The cushioning in the Hoka Zinal is lower profile compared to other Hoka models, with a focus on keeping the feet close to the ground. This design choice results in a firmer ride, which may be less cushioned but allows for a more responsive and connected trail experience.
Breathability
The Zinal's upper is made of super thin mesh, making it highly breathable and suitable for hot weather conditions. This feature also allows the shoe to drain and dry quickly, which is beneficial for stream crossings or wet trail conditions.
Grip
Despite the smaller lugs, the Hoka Zinal provides a surprisingly good grip on the trails. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures reliable traction, even on technical terrain. The shoe's grip is a standout feature, allowing runners to maintain speed with confidence.
Who should buy the Hoka Zinal?
The Hoka Zinal is best suited for trail runners who are looking for a shoe that can handle fast, technical runs with agility and precision. It's an excellent choice for those who value a lightweight design and a low drop for a more natural running position. Runners who enjoy a firm ride and a close-to-ground feel will appreciate the Zinal's performance on shorter, high-intensity efforts.
Who should not buy the Hoka Zinal?
Runners who prefer a more cushioned, protective shoe for long-distance runs or ultra-marathons may want to look elsewhere. The Hoka Zinal's minimal cushioning and tight fit might not provide the comfort needed for extended periods on the trail. Those who frequently encounter wet, muddy conditions might benefit from a shoe with more aggressive lugs, such as the Hoka Speedgoat 4.
Hoka Zinal: What's it good for?
The Hoka Zinal excels in short, fast-paced trail races where responsiveness and grip are crucial. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for runners who prioritize speed and agility over long-distance comfort. The shoe's design is tailored for technical terrain, making it a strong contender for trail runners who enjoy pushing their limits on challenging courses.
4 Hoka Zinal FAQs
Is the Hoka Zinal suitable for long-distance trail running?
The Hoka Zinal is optimized for short, fast trail runs and may not provide the cushioning and comfort needed for long-distance trail running. It's designed for speed and agility on technical terrain rather than endurance.
How does the grip of the Hoka Zinal perform on wet terrain?
The Vibram Megagrip outsole of the Hoka Zinal offers reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, including wet terrain. However, for extremely wet or muddy conditions, a shoe with more aggressive lugs might be preferable.
What is the weight of the Hoka Zinal?
The Hoka Zinal weighs 241 grams (8.5 ounces) for the men's version and 198 grams (7 ounces) for the women's version, making it a lightweight option for trail running.
Does the Hoka Zinal have a vegan-friendly construction?
Yes, the Hoka Zinal features a vegan-friendly construction, making it a suitable choice for runners who prefer products without animal-derived materials.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedJul 2021 | Jan 2020 | Jun 2019 | Aug 2022 | Feb 2020 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users+10   |   | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 241 g W: 198 g | M: 215 g W: 181 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | 11 g | M: 241 g W: 213 g | M: 459 g W: 391 g |
| Forefoot | ForefootM: 18 mm W: 17 mm | 15 mm | 23 mm | 18 mm | 16 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 4 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | |
| Heel | HeelM: 22 mm W: 21 mm | 19 mm | 31 mm | 24 mm | 20 mm | |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | RoadTrail | MudSnow/iceTrail | Trail | Trail |
| Brand | BrandHoka | Xero Shoes | La Sportiva | Salomon | Merrell | Merrell |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeBreathableLightweightLow drop | BreathableLightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightMaximalist | Lightweight | Low drop |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | TechsVibram | Gore-Tex | Vibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Waterproof | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
- Jul 2023
- Jul 2021
