If you were a fan of the Mafate Speed 4, like I was, this new Mafate 5 (yes, they dropped the 'Speed' from the naming, and I'm beginning to understand why), will feel like a big shift for you.
HOKA has added a lot more soft cushioning and protection, making the shoe feel noticeably plusher, heavier, and slower overall but that's not a bad thing for some trail runners.
I’ve been testing it to see exactly who this updated Mafate is best suited for, and where it departs from the beloved Mafate Speed 4.
Key Specifications
- Price: $185 at REI.com / sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
- Weight: 11.2 oz (for a size US(M)9) – heavier than the Mafate Speed 4's 10.3oz
- Drop: 8 mm (vs. 5 mm in the Mafate Speed 4)
- Upper: Warp knit with TPU cage, anti-fray treatment, and patent-pending dynamic vamp
- Midsole: Dual-density midsole with SCF EVA top layer (softer cushioning)
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 5mm Traction Lugs
- Extra Attributes: Gaiter attachment points, Rocker Integrity Technology, smooth MetaRocker, heel-focused Active Foot Frame
Sizing and Fit
Sizing is consistent with most HOKA trail running shoes and should fit true to size for most runners.
The fit feels secure in the midfoot and heel, and there’s a more volume overall and in the toe box compared to the Speedgoat series, though it’s not significantly wider than the Mafate Speed 4.
One thing to note, the tongue is annoyingly short, just like in the Speedgoat 5 and 6, which I personally find awkward when lacing up snug, as there can be tongue 'bite' into your foot until it softens up.
Performance Review
Running in the Mafate 5 is where you’ll really notice the departure from the Mafate Speed 4.
The warp knit upper has a solid, protective build with TPU overlays.
In general, this is not a very breathable shoe; on warm days, it retains heat a lot more so than the Mafate Speed 4’s upper, and I suspect they won't drain well after being submerged either.
However, the collars and heel counter are all very soft, padded, and provide a very good heel lock within the shoe.
Alastair Dixon
The most dramatic change comes from all the updates underfoot.
The Mafate 5’s dual-density midsole includes a softer SCF EVA top layer, which delivers an unmistakably plush ride, especially in the heel.
While that makes it great for long, slower miles on light to moderately technical trails, and descents that would otherwise pound your legs, it comes at the cost of speed, agility, and control.
Compared to the Mafate Speed 4, which felt lively and snappy, the Mafate 5 feels like it encourages you to slow down and cruise more. Some runners will love this, others who loved the Mafate Speed 4, will likely be disappointed with this shift in direction.
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The drop has increased from 5 mm to 8 mm, subtly tipping you forward and encouraging runners to sit back and enjoy the plush heel landing that this trail runner offers.
This, combined with the Rocker Integrity Technology and MetaRocker, produces a smooth rolling motion on flat sections, especially for heel strikers, but further blunts the ground feel and precise control that made the Mafate Speed 4 so special, in my opinion.
On technical terrain, the extra softness and weight are noticeable. The shoe doesn’t have the same dynamic, adaptive, and responsive character. Descending at speed, I felt less confident placing my foot aggressively on uneven rocks.
Combined with the higher drop and extra stack, it simply feels slower, more muted, and less stable. Again, that's totally fine on light trails, and many people will love this shoe as a max cushioned trail running shoe but for others that prefer a more versatile all mountain trail running shoe, I recommend you look elsewhere now.
Alastair Dixon
At nearly 11.7 oz, it’s quite a bit heavier than the Mafate Speed 4. When climbing or moving across technical features, there’s more shoe to manage. If you loved the lighter, more nimble feel of the previous version, this will feel like a different animal altogether.
Traction remains excellent thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs, and actually it's one of the most aggressive outsoles I have seen lately.
This is one area that hasn’t lost a step, if anything, the grippy outsole still feels trustworthy even if the midsole dulls your sense of what’s beneath you.
In short, the Mafate 5 is best thought of as a highly cushioned, protective trail cruiser rather than the agile, technical charger the Mafate Speed 4 was.
My Verdict
It’s clear HOKA is repositioning the Mafate line to cater to trail runners who value comfort, plush cushioning, and protection over responsiveness and speed.
If you’re logging long days on rocky terrain and prefer a soft ride that reduces impact, you’ll probably appreciate what the Mafate 5 offers.
For me personally, the shift is a bit disappointing. The Mafate Speed 4 struck a rare balance between control, agility, and comfort.
The Mafate 5 sacrifices much of that nimble character for maximum softness and comfort over slow, long miles. That doesn’t make it a bad shoe, it’s just built for a different kind of trail runner now.
If you loved the Mafate Speed 4’s lively, technical feel, you might find the Mafate 5 less inspiring. But if you want maximum cushioning and a forgiving ride, it’s definitely worth considering as a shoe that can still fit well into a trail runners shoe rotation.
