The Hoka Mafate 5 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The HOKA Mafate 5 is a durable trail shoe designed for long-distance runners seeking enhanced cushioning. With a notable weight, this shoe is ideal for those requiring a plush ride during extended outings.

The breathable yet durable knit upper provides a surprisingly roomy fit, catering well to runners who prefer extra space. While some may find the shoe slightly clunky and the tongue design less favorable, these aspects do not detract significantly from its overall performance.

Key to its effectiveness, the excellent Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures outstanding traction and durability across various terrains. This combination of features makes the HOKA Mafate 5 a solid choice for trail enthusiasts looking to tackle challenging routes.


Pros

  • Even more plush cushioning
  • Enhanced energy return
  • Roomier fit than most HOKA models
  • Durable yet breathable knit upper
  • Built for long ultras
  • Outstanding Vibram Megagrip rubber
  • Same price as the previous version
  • Stable for its tall stack
  • Solid durability

Cons

  • Heavy (and heavier than version 4)
  • Tongue design could be much better
  • Could be too stiff for some

Key Features

    Upper: Warp knit with anti-fray treatment, TPU cage, gaiter attachment points, dynamic vamp, reflective details. Midsole: Rocker Integrity Technology™, dual-density midsole with super critical foam top layer, premium sockliner. Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug technology, equipped with 5mm lugs.

Specifications

    Origin: Imported Sole Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Outer Material: Polyester Inner Material: Textile

Hoka Mafate 5 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

HOKA Mafate 5 HOKA Challenger 8 KEEN Seek Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Price $185 $155 $185 $185
Trail terrain Light Light Light Moderate
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 11.1 oz / 315g 9.5 oz / 269g 10.8 oz / 305g 10.3 oz / 293g
Drop lab Drop brand 9.0 mm 10.1 mm 8.6 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size - - - True to size
Midsole softness Soft Soft Soft Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Normal Small Normal
Toebox durability Decent Good Good Good
Heel padding durability Decent Good Good Good
Outsole durability Good Good Good Good
Breathability Moderate Breathable Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Wide Narrow
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Flexible Flexible
Lug depth 4.4 mm 3.7 mm 4.1 mm 3.9 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 42.9 mm 40.2 mm 36.3 mm 38.0 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 33.9 mm 30.1 mm 27.7 mm 30.8 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Season All seasons Summer All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Bottom 1% Bottom 2% Top 40% Top 36%
Popularity Top 33% Top 16% Bottom 14% Top 23%