Hoka Tecton X 2 vs Mafate Speed 4 (2024 Comparison)
Often presented as alternatives to the famous Hoka Speedgoat 5, the Tecton X 2 and Mafate Speed 4 offer performance and comfort, respectively, with different ride profiles.
While their stack heights are similar – 33 mm in the heel for the Mafate Speed 4 and 32 mm for the Tecton X 2 – the former offers a smoother underfoot feel. Both have a low heel-to-toe drop. These models are ideal for very long distances (ultrarunning). For example, many athletes wore the Tecton X 2 at the last UTMB, like Katharina Hartmuth, who finished second.
The Tecton X is cut out for competition, with a carbon-fiber plate and more advanced PROFLY X foam (PROFLY+ for the Mafate Speed). This speed configuration is reinforced by the shoe’s light weight: just 8.9 oz/251 g, almost 1.6 oz/45 g less than the Mafate Speed 4. As a result, the Tecton X is clearly more responsive, making it possible to go fast on trails with its impressive forward propulsion. The Mafate Speed 4 also offers a somewhat responsive bounce with its rocker, but it cannot rival with the Tecton X 2 on this point.
In terms of grip, both shoes do very well on technical trails, with a slight advantage for the Mafate Speed 4, whose deep 5 mm lugs (1 mm more) enable it to handle muddy ground confidently. The Tecton X 2, on the other hand, is more at home on dry terrain.
The fit is precise and comfortable on both shoes, with enough toe room to be comfortable over long distances (like ultras).
Tecton X or Mafate Speed: Which One Should You Pick?
You should base your decision on your goals and budget. Trail runners who want to compete or run speed sessions with fast paces will prefer the Tecton X 2, which delivers a higher energy return.
For daily training and long runs, the Mafate Speed is a good choice for comfortable running.
Last but not least, these two models have a significant price difference of around $40. Durability is equivalent, so the Mafate Speed represents better value, even if the more innovative design of the Tecton X is worth paying a bit more.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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9.6  |
9.3  |
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| Overview | ||
| Description | The Hoka Tecton X 2 is a lightweight, responsive, high-performance carbon-plated trail running shoe for versatile, medium-technical runs. | The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is a delightfully aggressive and comfortable trail running shoe for long distances on technical terrain (or not). |
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9.5
9.5
10
10
9.5
9
9.5
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9
10
9.5
9
9
9.5
9
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| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Trail | Trail |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 32 mm | 33 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 27 mm | 29 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Lugs | 4 mm | 5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 252 g | 295 g |
| Weight (women) | 211 g | 241 g |
| Features | Carbon-fiber plate, Vegan, Recycled materials | Vegan |
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Vibram Mega-Grip with Litebase Construction | Vibram MegaGrip |
| Midsole | PROFLY-X, Carbon Fiber Plates, Meta-Rocker in Priming Phase | PROFLY+ |
| Upper | Matryx, Kevlar Overlays | Single Layer Woven Jacquard Mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Balanced | Soft |
| Responsiveness | High | Medium |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, Long | Mid, Long, Ultramarathon |
| Speed | Moderate, Fast | Slow, Moderate, Fast |
| Workouts | Daily running, Racing | Daily running |
