Hoka Mafate 5 Review
The Hoka Mafate 5 is a highly cushioned ultra-distance trail running shoe designed to handle a variety of trail surfaces. Following the success of the Mafate Speed 4, which gained a solid following among trail runners, the updated Mafate 5 arrives with some significant changes—especially in the ride—while keeping key features like fit and comfort consistent.
The fit of the Mafate 5 remains similar to the previous version. The heel cup is semi-rigid with generous padding that extends around the collar, providing excellent step-in comfort. The upper is a lightweight Warp Knit with an anti-fray treatment, helping it withstand abrasion from rocky terrain. The tongue is also thin but includes targeted padding where the laces apply pressure. A lace loop on the tongue helps prevent it from shifting while running. As with earlier versions, the lower part of the tongue is made from a stretchy Lycra material, allowing for a secure fit while accommodating foot swelling during long runs.
Hoka shoes are generally on the narrower side, but models built for longer distances tend to be slightly wider. That’s the case with the Mafate 5, which offers more room in the toe box—ideal for my regular-width feet. There’s also an extra eyelet at the top for heel-lock or runner’s loop lacing to secure the fit.
Midsole & Ride
The most notable update in the Mafate 5 is the dual-density midsole. The heel and top layer of the forefoot use a supercritical foam that’s soft and responsive, while the lower layer from midfoot to forefoot is made of firmer compression-moulded EVA. This combination offers soft landings with a stable and propulsive toe-off. On downhills, the cushioned heel absorbs impact well. On climbs, the firmer forefoot provides a more efficient, energy-returning push-off without that ‘sinking in’ feeling softer foams can create.
A TPU plate sits in the forefoot (but not the midfoot), giving added stability and a snappier toe-off. The plate wraps slightly over the edge of the midsole, further supporting the forefoot during push-off. As with all Hoka running shoes, the foot sits within the midsole rather than on top of it, which contributes to stability. The signature rocker shape also encourages forward motion, reducing heel striking and promoting quicker cadence and better posture. This helps engage the glutes and hamstrings rather than over-relying on the quads, making for more efficient running form.
The heel-to-toe drop is now 8mm. I noticed the shoe making contact with the ground a little earlier than usual, but this actually helped guide my legs through the gait cycle. It almost feels like the shoes are doing the work for you—a real benefit in the latter stages of a long ultra.
On the Trail
Initial impact feels plush with a noticeable bounce. Despite the generous cushioning, I didn’t run any slower than usual on long efforts. Ground feel is minimal, which may take getting used to if you’re unfamiliar with high-stack shoes. But the midsole effectively absorbs trail inconsistencies, like a mountain bike tyre smoothing out the ride.
The 5mm Vibram Megagrip lugs provide reliable traction in both wet and dry conditions. They’re aggressive enough for softer trails but also work well on firmer ground. However, on narrow single track, the wide base that provides all that stability can feel clumsy, as it doesn’t contour easily to uneven terrain. On wider bridleways, forest tracks, and hard-packed paths, the Mafate 5 excels.
One of the standout benefits is how well the cushioning preserves your legs. After a 3-hour run, I felt noticeably fresher than I normally would. The Mafate 5 feels like a big, protective shoe—less nimble than lightweight trail options but ideal for long ultras or back-to-back training days. Importantly, despite the plush ride, I didn’t feel like I was compromising on pace or held back in any way.
Weight & Fit
A women’s UK 5 weighs 281g, while a men’s UK 8 comes in at 332g—impressive for the amount of protection on offer. Thanks to the rocker geometry, they move efficiently and feel light in motion.
Hoka sizing is similar to New Balance, Inov-8, Karhu, and La Sportiva. If you’re used to Brooks, Saucony, Topo, 361, or Altra, you may want to go up half a UK size (e.g., a UK 11 in Brooks is comparable to a UK 11.5 in Hoka).
Final Thoughts
The Hoka Mafate 5 delivers a noticeably different ride compared to its predecessor, with a softer heel and more dynamic toe-off. It’s a protective and efficient shoe built for long-distance trail running, with enough versatility to handle a range of terrain—though it’s best suited to broader trails. For long ultras or high-mileage training weeks, the Mafate 5 offers impressive comfort, protection, and efficiency.
Alternatives to Hoka Mafate 5
Brooks Cascadia 19: A much more familiar feeling shoe with a good level of durable cushioning and traction. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-cascadia-19-review/
New Balance Hierro v9: A similarly high stacked shoe but with a firmer ride. The rocker is a bit more noticeable. The traction isn’t as good on softer trails. Available in three width Men’s and two width Women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9-review/
Altra Mont Blanc Speed: Altra running shoes all have a broad rounded toe box designed to give the feet the space to function inside the shoes. This helps the runner run with better posture reduces the feet swelling when running for a long time. They have a more responsive ride than the Mafate 5 as they need to stimulate foot function, so your feet need to know they have touched the ground. . https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-mont-blanc-speed-review/
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: The Ultra race shoe of the moment. The Prodigio Pro offers a good level of durable cushioning but still has some ground feel. The lugs and sticky rubber offer a good level of traction better than the Mafate 5 on more broken terrain as the midsole can take the contours of the ground better as it is thinner and can bend more effectively. The sock like fit to the upper makes the Prodigio Pro feel like it is part of your foot. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-prodigio-pro-review/
Ronhill Freedom Ultra: Despite the high level of cushioning from the nitrogen infused midsole the Ronhill Freedom Ultra has maintained some feel for the ground. Traction is good but, the lugs aren’t as aggressive as on the Mafate 5 so, don’t bite into soft ground quite as well. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/ronhill-freedom-ultra-review/
Topo Ultraventure 4: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet room to spread and function. The cushioning is nice and cushioned but firmer than the Mafate 5. The lugs offer good traction on hard packed trails but are too rounded to bite into soft ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-ultraventure-4-review/
VJ Sport Ultra 3: A nice, rounded toe box gives the feet some room to spread and function. The nitrogen infused midsole gives a nice level of cushioning but, isn’t too soft. Traction is good on soft and hard packed trails to the same level as the Mafate 5. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/vj-ultra-3-review/
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