Hoka Mafate 5 Review (2025): Even More Maximal?

When Hoka arrived several years ago with its XL shoes, only the wise could have predicted such a future in trail running. Yet, it’s clear that the brand has become a reference with many series that dominate the category.

The Mafate series has been designed for long distances on technical terrains. Formerly known as Mafate Speed, the previous version was starting to get old. Needless to say, there were hight expectations around this new edition, simply called Hoka Mafate 5.

Is it suitable for your runner profile and your goals?

This is what we will see with my review based on in-depth field testing.

Our Verdict

Grip

For the outsole, the Hoka Mafate 5 benefits from recent technological advances and gets a new look. We find, of course, the indispensable VIBRAM MegaGrip rubber, but this time combined with Traction Lug technology.

The idea is mainly to play on the shape of the cleats to improve grip and traction (by more than 25% according to the brand). It also allows for a 50% increase in contact surface thanks to mini-lugs.

The lugs remain at 5 mm thick. Unsurprisingly, traction is excellent, both on compacted soils and in rocky areas. Even in wet and slippery conditions, grip is present.

The shoe does not feature a protective plate, but this is not felt with the massive dimensions.

Types of Terrains

The Hoka Mafate 5 performs well on all terrains, whether compact or loose. Even in slippery conditions, like on wet rocks, no issues were reported by testers, with very good grip.

I also noticed very good behavior on muddy terrains. Some runners find that mud accumulates a bit, but I personally found it to behave classically in this aspect and not sticky.

Even when running on roads, the lugs are not overly noticeable. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as tarmac can accelerate wear.

This shoe can also tackle rugged or technical mountain trails with ease, thanks to its numerous protective elements and excellent traction.

But with such a high stack, some testers found the shoe more limited on very steep terrains, as they felt it wasn’t close enough to the ground.

Nevertheless, we validate good versatility on a wide variety of terrains.

Cushioning

For the midsole, we find the combination of two types of foam (known as dual-density foam):

• CMEVA foam in the lower part, which is a classic compression-molded EVA foam, but with a new lighter formulation
• a firmer supercritical EVA foam in the upper part

I have read several contradictory opinions on the impact feeling. Some judge it soft, while others talk about firmness, not easy to find your way. For my part, I found the sensation very well balanced.

The ride is pleasant with reasonable softness for a trail shoe, but it is also firm enough to maintain a secure ride. The new Rocker Integrity technology also contributes to a stable and balanced stride.

This is a sort of winged plastic plate on the forefoot, the idea is quite simple but should almost be generalized on all shoes with such a high stack.

The dimensions are even more maximalist with 45 mm under the heel and 37 mm under the forefoot. Is it still necessary to mention that shock absorption is impressive?

Unsurprisingly, there is no limit to expect on the distance to cover or the user profile. The Mafate 5 is a behemoth designed to take the runner to ultra distances without concern.

Last point with the drop undergoing a near “revolution”! It was 4 mm on version 4, close to the usual 5 mm found on most Hoka shoes.

But it increases to 8 mm for this V5. This won’t destabilize a large part of the pack, used to such a standard drop. But it is a point to consider for all regular Hoka users.

For my part, I actually found the rolling more classic than on the brand’s other shoes.

Energy Return

With such dimensions, this is inevitably reflected on the scale. At 298 g in size 42, the shoe cannot be said to be light. This is necessarily felt in the ride, especially for aggressive accelerations.

But I found the reactivity surprising, overall quite comparable to that of a Speedgoat 6. Without reaching that of a Tecton X 3, the dynamism is satisfactory and will allow any type of runner to sweep through various paces, in training or competition.

Moreover, with the Meta-Rocker sole geometry, the forward rocker is pronounced and heel-to-toe transitions are very smooth. The Mafate 5 can thus accelerate when needed.

Foot Lockdown

The new mesh upper exudes high-end quality as soon as you put it on. With all the reinforcements and protective elements, some testers found it not very breathable in hot weather, but personally, there’s nothing unusual compared to other models.

The shoe is very comfortable with the numerous padding, no problem to keep it on for a long time during the many hours of an ultra. The fit is more forgiving than on the previous version.

The brand talks of a dynamic stretch upper (which would be pending patent) and I find that it summarizes it fairly well: the Mafate 5 will adapt to a wide variety of foot shapes.

Being a trail shoe, we inevitably find divergent opinions. Some with narrow feet found the tongue not thick enough, while others with wide feet thought there was a lack of space at the front.

For my part, I found the sizing very classic and I think you can take your usual size. The shoe is also very structured with a TPU cage (lateral reinforcements) and will allow safe driving.

The heel area has been considerably modified compared to the v4. The support is reinforced, and the semi-rigid heel counter ensures very good locking. A loop has also been added to facilitate donning.

The tongue is also completely modified. Much thinner though padded, it is made of Dynamic Vamp material that offers very good comfort. Point of disappointment (for me), it is not gusseted.

I did not have any slipping issues, but we will certainly hear these remarks for very narrow feet, as the lacing system is classic and will not allow additional locking for them.

Finally, there are appreciable details such as reflective elements or the good quality removable insole. Hoka has even added attachment points for protective gaiters if needed. The upper is thus very successful and confirms the high-end nature of the Mafate 5.

Protection and Breathability

The upper offers very good coverage for cool weather, while breathability has not been unanimous, though I found it quite classic. In rather wet conditions, drying is moderately fast, as the upper is not hydrophobic.

The toe cap is very robust and effective. The structure is excellent, thanks particularly to the TPU cage, confirming that the shoe can tackle all types of terrain. Without matching the technicality of more specific high mountain models, the Mafate 5 offers excellent protection.

Use scenarios

With such imposing dimensions, it is logical to think that the shoe was designed and thought for long distances. With high shock absorption, this is certainly the case.

The Mafate 5 is thus designed for ultras and will certainly be a favored option by many trail runners. Its good protection and very good grip also allow it to tackle a wide variety of terrains.

No problem taking the shoe even on more technical sections in mountain environments, for example.

Unsurprisingly, like most shoes in this category, there are two main limitations to the use of the Mafate 5.

First, it won’t be the number 1 option for short and fast competition formats.

Then, fartlek-type sessions during training where the shoe’s weight may be felt.

I still temper this point, a few years ago, the shoe would certainly have been considered a rocket with this bounce felt in the propulsion phases.

But the market evolves, and better options can be found today for short distances.

Another point of attention, the 45 mm thickness should be considered for those who like to feel the terrain.

Even if the shoe offers very good protection, you can’t expect the sensations offered by a La Sportiva Bushido 3, for example, a true mountain specialist.

Apart from that, the shoe is ideal for rolling ultras and will perfectly suit all race formats or all scenarios in training.

Quality and Durability

The upper has received a treatment against fraying, and it should not show signs of premature wear, as I have not observed any. The VIBRAM outsole offers all the usual longevity guarantees.

Therefore, I validate a good lifespan for the shoe. Although it is quite expensive, this remains within the market norm, and we thus have good value for money.

Finally, from an ecological point of view, the upper is made from recycled materials. The shoe is also vegan.

Conclusion

The Mafate series already enjoyed strong popularity, and this v5 is not going to play spoilsport. Quite the contrary, it is the most accomplished version, although some lament the too-high stack.

Apart from shorter distances or faster sessions where more performant options are found, the Hoka Mafate 5 establishes itself as the reference in the ultra mastodon category.

Facts

Technical Specs

Terrain	Trail
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	8 mm
Heel height	45 mm
Forefoot height	37 mm
Lugs	5 mm
Weight (men)	298 g/10.5 oz
Weight (women)	290 g/10.2 oz
Features	Vegan, Recycled materials, Rocker, Rock plate
Athletes
Release year	2025

Cushioning

Softness	Balanced
Responsiveness	Medium

Technologies

Outsole	Vibram MegaGrip
Midsole	CMEVA, EVA supercritical, Rocker Integrity, Early Stage Meta Rocker
Upper	Engineered Knit

Use

Speed	Slow, Moderate
Distance	Mid, Long, Ultramarathon
Workout	Daily running, Racing

Reference: official site