The Range Explained: HOKA Trail

In this article, we’ll take a look at the HOKA trail running range to help you make the best choice for your next trail run or race.

But how can you tell which of these trail shoe is right for you? This comes down to many factors, including the distance you’ll be running, terrain, how much cushioning you prefer, and whether you're looking for a carbon-plated race-day shoe or a reliable training partner.  

Below, we will break down each of these things so you'll have a clearer picture of the full range and the shoe that best suits your running goals.

If you're new to HOKA or have questions about the brand as well as their shoe lineup, here is what you need to know.

It’s fair to say they are a very prominent brand on the trail scene right now. Over the last few years, HOKA has consistently shown up on the feet of some of the best trail runners in the world, winning some of the biggest races on the circuit.

Francesco Puppi, winner of CCC 2025, and Jim Walmsley, winner of UTMB 2023, were both wearing a version of the Tecton X. In recent years, Jim Walmsley has also been an integral part of this shoe's development, providing HOKA with real feedback direct from the trails. Hoka works alongside its athletes to pour insights into their shoe lineup, helping everyday runners get the same performance for training and racing.

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Quick Comparison: HOKA Trail Running Shoes

A quick note on size: If this is your first venture into the world of HOKA, we generally find their shoes fit about a half size smaller than expected, so you may need to size up.

All shoes featured in this guide are available in separate men’s and women’s models, rather than as unisex versions. Shoe weights are shown for each, these reference the weight of the shoes in a UK men’s size 9 and a UK women’s size 6 and are shown like this: 275g (M) / 234g (W).

A Closer Look: HOKA Trail Running Shoes

HOKA Tecton X 4

A premium carbon-plated trail racing shoe for fast and efficient running.
Ideal distance: Marathon to 150k

The Tecton X 4 is HOKA’s performance-focused trail racing shoe, built for runners who want a responsive ride and reliable grip on technical and compact terrain. ㅤ

Positioned at the premium end of HOKA's trail lineup, the price reflects its features. A Dual Parallel Carbon Plate delivers maximum energy return while flexing laterally on uneven terrain, paired with a Vibram® Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs for traction on compact, technical terrain. The HOKA Tecton X 4 is the only shoe in the range with a built-in gaiter to help keep gravel and debris out, minimising distractions while racing.

Given its premium positioning, the Tecton X 4 suits experienced trail runners targeting fast times and personal bests over long distances and ultra marathons. If you're looking for a lighter, nimbler shoe for shorter trail races, the Zinal 3 is worth comparing.

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HOKA Zinal 3

A lightweight, nimble trail racing shoe for fast efforts on technical terrain.

Ideal Distance: 5K to Half Marathon

The HOKA Zinal 3 is a nimble, foot-hugging trail racer built for speed and agility over shorter distances. It is also a great training shoe for tempo runs, interval sessions, and hill reps.

Designed to excel on technical trails, rocky singletrack, and compact dirt, its low stack height delivers a minimalist, close-to-the-ground feel for instant control. By stripping away some of the weight usually assigned to midsole cushioning, the Zinal 3 stands out as the lightest trail racer in the HOKA lineup.

HOKA Mafate X

A maximum-cushioned, carbon-plated trail racing shoe for light trails

Ideal Distance: Marathon to 150km+

The HOKA Mafate X prioritises maximal cushioning, comfort, and midsole shock absorption, providing significant protection to keep your legs fresh over gruelling ultra distances.

With a huge 49 mm heel / 41 mm forefoot stack height (8 mm drop), it is HOKA's highest-stacked trail shoe. A forked carbon-fibre plate sits within the midsole foam to deliver explosive propulsion and energy return, helping combat leg fatigue.

Because of its high stack height, the Mafate X is best suited to compact terrain and gravel-like trails, rather than technical terrain where the shoe may feel unstable and increase the risk of ankle instability on uneven ground.

HOKA Mafate 5

A highly cushioned trail shoe for harsher, softer ground

Ideal Distance: Marathon to 150km+

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Given the naming convention, there will be no surprise that the HOKA Mafate 5 shares some similarities with the Mafate X. Just like its counterpart, it prioritises cushioning and comfort to protect those legs on those long-haul efforts

However, some core differences remain, including the terrain on which these models excel. With 5mm lugs, the Mafate 5 is better suited to harsher, muddier conditions, whereas the 3.5mm lugs of the Mafate X prefer hard-packed trails.

The Mafate X features a stiff carbon plate designed to propel you forward; the Mafate 5 omits the plate to give you a plush, forgiving mountain workhorse.

HOKA Speedgoat 7

An entry to mid-level training and racing shoe for varied terrain

Ideal Distance: 5k-100k

The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is one of the most widely recognised HOKA trail shoes, probably because of its exceptional versatility. Known for being a daily workhorse, it reliably handles everything from everyday training runs to ultramarathon races.

The Speedgoat's spec hits the sweet spot between lightweight agility and cushioned grip. It is light enough to excel at shorter distances while still offering generous cushioning for distances over 50k. Its 5 mm lugs paired with a Vibram® Megagrip outsole deliver secure traction on both muddy and technical terrain.

For those familiar with the Speedgoat, it’s important to note that the latest iteration introduces a livelier, more responsive bounce. This snappier ride is what makes the Speedgoat 7 a surprisingly capable option for entry-level racing, while still remaining the seasoned training option trail runners have long depended on.

Speedgoat 7 also available in GORE-TEX Invisible Fit

HOKA Torrent 5

An entry-level speed shoe for varied terrain

Ideal distance: from 5K to 30K.

A budget-friendly, agile trail shoe, the HOKA Torrent 5 excels on singletrack, compact gravel paths, and loose terrain where speed and ground feel are the priority.

The Torrent 5 is one of HOKA’s lighter options. It delivers a lower, more responsive cushioned profile than max-stacked Mafate models or the Speedgoat. Its 5mm lugs provide secure traction on moderately muddy, rocky, and technical trails.

HOKA Challenger

A comfortable, versatile, road-to-trail shoe

Ideal distance: 10k - marathon

If your usual training route combines tarmac, canal paths, gravel sections, and compact trails, the Challenger 8 is worth considering. It prioritises versatility across a variety of surfaces over aggressive grip. The 4 mm lugs are tightly spaced, allowing the shoe to ride smoothly over tarmac while still providing enough traction on loose and uneven ground.

If you are familiar with the HOKA Clifton road running shoes, then it's worth noting that the Challenger has been described as its 'grippier cousin' or 'the Clifton with lugs'. It delivers the same plush, generous cushioning you know and love with a trail outsole.

The Challenger is an ideal choice for runners seeking a comfortable, lightweight ride from door-to-trail. However, if you want a shoe that offers all this with greater emphasis on impact absorption and a stability-focused ride, the HOKA Stinson is worth considering.

Challenger 8 also available in GORE-TEX Invisible Fit

HOKA Stinson 8

A max-cushioned road-to-trail shoe designed to provide stability

Ideal distance: Marathon to 150k

Like the Challenger, the HOKA Stinson 8 offers a max-cushioned hybrid training option that transitions well from road to light trails and gravel paths, but it adds a more robust stability system for those who overpronate.

The high stack height and plush midsole foam make the HOKA Stinson 8 best for slower recovery days or longer training days when your legs may get tired and appreciate a little extra support and comfort. It’s not designed for times when you want to push the pace. That added stability comes from its broad base and what HOKA calls the H-Frame™, which keeps your feet from rolling inward as your ankle muscles fatigue over long miles.

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