Hoka Arahi 5 Review Analysis (2021)
Last update: June 2023
The Hoka Arahi 5 is a very good stability running shoe that comes with firm but comfortable cushioning and an improved upper.
The Consensus
First, let’s start with the shoe’s midsole, which lends itself to a stable yet supremely comfortable ride. While the Arahi 4 and 5 feature comparable midsoles, runners noted that the 5 offers more padding with the same drop and stack height. The ride is still on the firm side and the bounce minimal, though the Meta-Rocker Geometry allows smooth transitions.
The new and improved upper design—arguably the shoe’s selling point—is fast-drying, supportive, and secure. Compared with the Arahi 4, which runners complained was a bit too voluminous, the 5 feels like a more streamlined experience. What’s more, the targeted fit doesn’t make the shoe more narrow—it’s still suitable for runners with wider feet. Finally, the shoe’s outsole is built for durability and performs in wet weather and steep slopes alike. While the A5 is a road running shoe, it’s suitable for easy dirt tracks.
Overall, the Arahi 5 may be a great daily trainer for runners who value distance over speed. Because it’s a stability shoe, it’s not designed for races or speed work. However, the potential for a faster pace still exists!
Ultimately, Hoka hit it right with this new version. The 5 is a practical, reliable, and attractive road shoe with long-term potential—built to accommodate distance and stability.
- Good comfort
- Sturdy model
- Light stability feature (suitable for neutral runners)
- New upper that changes the game in terms of foot lockdown
- Rather lightweight for a stability model
- Firm cushioning that may not be to everyone’s liking
Technologies
Outsole
- The rubberized EVA foam combines the soft quality of EVA with the resilience of rubber for optimal comfort on the road.
Midsole
- The EVA J-Frame is a dense foam compound featured in the midsole from the medial side to the heel. It aims to guide your stride to avoid overpronation.
Upper
- The Hoka One One Arahi 5’s upper is an engineered mesh that promotes a secure and comfortable foot lockdown while facilitating a good breeze, especially in the summer.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Overpronation |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Heel stack height | 29 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm |
| Weight (men) | 275 g/9.7 oz |
| Weight (women) | 221 g/7.8 oz |
| Features | Heavyweight runners |
| Fit | Wide feet |
| Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 2 – Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubberized EVA foam |
| Midsole | EVA J-Frame |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs |
Comparisons – Hoka Arahi 5 vs.:
Hoka Arahi 5
Very similar on paper, especially in terms of weight and stack height, the Arahi 5 has the merit of correcting a major problem of version 4: the upper. Thus, the A5 lockdown has a better fit without tightening the foot lockdown or making the shoe too narrow.
Hoka Clifton 7
The Clifton has the same stack height and the same heel-to-toe drop but is lighter. Indeed, it’s not a stability shoe for overpronation and therefore has no correction to guide the stride. Its cushioning is also softer and slightly more springy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, this shoe fits true to size. Indeed, athletes who ran with this model confirmed that it fit regularly. Therefore, you can purchase your usual size for running shoes. Having said that, if this your very first pair of Hoka One One shoes, it’s recommended to test them in a shop to make sure you find the most comfortable size for your feet.
Yes, this model is a stability shoe so it’s especially aimed at preventing your foot from rolling outwards excessively (pronation). Anyhow, it’s important to remind you that there’s no proof that stability running shoes are more effective than neutral shoes to prevent injury. Accordingly, we recommend that you select your shoes according to their comfort, as it’s the most important criterion.
Yes, these shoes are fine regardless of your weight. Indeed, the Hoka One One Arahi 5 has a heel stack height of 29 mm with a firm midsole, which is enough to support most runners, so you can use it regardless of how much you weigh.
Yes, there should be no concern. Let’s remember that the most important factor in determining what shoes to run with during your marathon race should be your personal preference. If you can run without any problems at your marathon pace over mid to long distances with your shoes, it should be all good.
