HOKA Mafate 5 Trail Running Shoe Review
An in-depth review of the highly cushioned, responsive HOKA Mafate 5, ideal for long, technical trail runs
The Vibram Megagrip outsole kept us confident on downhills in terms of traction.
September 12th, 2025
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Our verdict
The HOKA Mafate 5 trail running shoe is a responsive, highly cushioned, protective shoe built for long, technical runs. They are ideal for trail runners who traverse rocky, steep, slick, or technical trails and want a combination of excellent grip, foot protection, and comfort.
The HOKA Mafate 5s are designed for technical trails where you need maximum grip. They feature a high stack height–45-37 mm heel to toe–which offers a lot of ground protection and makes them well-equipped for running uphill, though we found they were a little less stable on downhill sections.
We tested the men's and women's Mafates on rocky, steep, technical trails in Colorado in both wet and dry conditions. We wore them for moderate-to-long runs and on long, technical hikes. We also tested them alongside other trail running shoes to directly compare cushion, responsiveness, traction, durability, and more.
What stood out for us was the plush cushioning balanced with a responsive TPU plate. This combination keeps you feeling comfortable during long runs and helps you recover quickly. The excellent traction and high stack are also notable features of this shoe.
HOKA Mafate 5
Men's
Women's
We think the updated HOKA Mafate 5 is a great option for those looking for a highly cushioned shoe for long trail runs, but we’re not convinced they’re as versatile as some other trail running shoes with less heel-to-toe drop and a slightly lower stack height. They’re also more expensive than most trail shoes we’ve tested in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes and Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guides.
However, if you can budget for a $185 trail running shoe and want something super cushioned and springy for long runs, the HOKA Mafate 5 is worth checking out.
HOKA Mafate 5 Specifications
Price: $185
Weight (per shoe, men's and women's): 11.7 oz (men’s), 8.1 oz (women’s)
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 8 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot mm): 45/37 mm
Cushion level (Minimal/Moderate/Maximum): Plush (maximum)
Support type (Neutral/Stability/Motion Control): Neutral
Upper materials: Warp knit upper with anti-fray treatment
Midsole foam type: Dual-density midsole with a super critical foam top layer
Outsole material: Vibram Megagrip
Rock plate (trail shoes): No
Available sizes and widths: Regular 7-14 (men’s), Regular 5-11 (women’s)
Suitable for vegans: No
Best for
Trail runs of all distances and paces, especially long runs
Slick, muddy, rocky, or otherwise technical terrain
Runners of all experience levels, but particularly those with high mileage or who prefer more cushion and less ground feel, and who can budget for the higher price
Comparison table
| TRAIL RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Mafate 5 Men's Women's |
11.72 oz | 10.1 oz | Maximum | 8 mm | 44.8 - 26.8 mm |
| HOKA Speedgoat 6 Men's Women's |
9.8 oz | 8.2 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 35 - 40 mm |
| La Sportiva Prodigio Max Men's Women's |
10.4 oz | 9.1 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 37 - 31 mm |
| La Sportiva Mutant Men's Women's |
11.2 oz | 9.1 oz | Maximum | 10 mm | 26 - 16 mm |
| Salomon Speedcross 6 Men's Women's |
10.5 oz | 9.2 oz | Moderate | 10 mm | 32 - 22 mm |
What we liked
Excellent traction on steep, slick, muddy, and technical trails
High cushion balanced with responsive midsole encourages a smooth ride and keeps you comfortable over long runs
Surprisingly stable for such a high stack height
What could be better
Expensive
Not as stable on downhills, making them less versatile than shoes with lower stack height
How we tested
Both our men’s tester, Sam, and women’s tester, Caitlin, tested the HOKA Mafate 5 trail running shoes on technical trails and muddy dirt roads throughout Colorado. We tested the men’s and women’s regular sizing, as this shoe does not come in wide sizes. Both testers prefer wider footbeds, though, and had no issues with the fit.
We tested the Mafate 5s in the summer, which included hot mid-day runs and cool morning runs. Runs ranged from 4-mile recovery days on slick, muddy dirt roads to long runs on wet, steep, technical trails in the Sangre de Cristo mountains in Colorado. Our women’s tester also wore them on a highly technical hike in the Elk Mountains range. Paces ranged from hiking, to recovery runs and moderate paces (with some faster paces sprinkled in to test responsiveness).
We also tested the Mafate 5s alongside other trail running shoes we’re reviewing to directly compare cushion, responsiveness, traction, fit, breathability, and more.
Performance in the Field
Fit and feel
The HOKA Mafate 5 shoes fit true to size. They only come in regular sizing, but two wide-footed testers found the fit comfortable. The toe box is roomy enough, and the heel cup offers enough cushion to prevent blisters at the heel and keep you comfortable over long trail runs. We experienced no issues with discomfort anywhere in this shoe.
Ride and responsiveness
Due to the plush cushioning and dual-density supercritical foam midsole, these shoes are both highly cushioned and responsive, making them a great option for long days on the trail at any pace.
The 45-37mm stack height (heel to toe) is quite high – nearly double the stack height of the Altra Lone Peak 9 for reference. This prevents any ground feel. We worried this would result in less stability and a greater likelihood of rolled ankles, but the wide base keeps you sturdy, and we hardly noticed the high stack height while running.
Cushioning / Midsole
As mentioned above, the high stack height and plush midsole make this a highly cushioned shoe. They’re great for long runs, especially on flat surfaces or inclines.
The midsole features a dual-density foam design and a supercritical foam layer throughout the heel and on the top side of the forefoot. Compression-molded EVA foam, which runs along the bottom of the forefoot (closer to the ground), is lighter than the supercritical foam and helps with stability, while the supercritical foam is springier.
There is also a TPU plastic plate, which HOKA calls its Rocker Integrity Technology, located between the two foam layers in the forefoot. This isn’t a carbon plate, and it doesn’t go the full length of the midsole, but it makes the shoe feel more solid and responsive when you push off.
We didn’t notice any major concerns with midsole durability–you can expect these to hold up for around 300-500 miles.
Traction / Outsole
The outsole is made of Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug technology which works well on loose, steep, technical terrain. The deep lugs and Vibram Megagrip outsole provide excellent grip on loose dirt, keeping us confident on downhill sections of trail when it comes to grip.
Our women’s tester, Caitlin, noted, “These babies grip in mud. I was sliding all over the place in my other trainers so I switched out to these and didn’t think about it the rest of the run. It was a day-and-night difference.”
Breathability and upper
The warp knit upper is breathable and durable.
The upper is constructed of a warp knit with anti-fray treatment. In testing, we found they had excellent breathability and we had no issues with durability. On wet days, the shoes didn’t hold water, and on hot summer runs we didn’t feel our feet overheating.
Stability and support
The Mafate 5 is a neutral shoe. When you consider that your heel is a full 50 mm off the ground (including the 5mm lugs), the Mafate 5 feels surprisingly stable, though we occasionally found them less stable on downhill sections. The heel cup is cushioned and secure.
One tester described the foot support as “not too soft, not too firm” due to the balanced cushion and responsiveness.
Weight and efficiency
The Mafate 5 weighs 8.1 oz per women’s shoe and 11.7 oz per men’s shoe, which is about average for trail running shoes. The springy, responsive, and cushioned midsole allows for a range of paces and keeps you feeling energized on the trail, especially on flat sections or inclines (we didn’t find them as efficient on the downhills).
Durability and longevity
The midsoles are probably what will go first, and will likely last in the ballpark of 300 miles. The rest of the shoe is more durable. This is about how long other trail shoes last, including those around the $140-$155 price range, making these not the best value for your dollar. In this case, you’re paying more for excellent traction and supreme comfort.
Features
Drop measurement and impact
The HOKA Mafate 5 has 8 mm of drop (the offset from the heel height to the toe height), placing it in the high-drop category. For reference, the overall best shoe in our Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guide, the HOKA Speedgoat 6, has 5 mm of drop, and the overall best shoe in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoe, the La Sportiva Prodigio, has 6 mm of drop.
Stack height
The 45-37mm heel-to-toe stack height of the HOKA Mafate 5 is among the highest of trail shoes we’ve tested.
Lacing system
The Mafate 5 shoes use a traditional lacing system with flat laces. We had no issues with the laces coming untied.
Heel tab design
The heel cup is plush and secure, and a pull tab at the heel helps in removing shoes more easily. The heel is comfortable and we never had issues with blisters or discomfort.
Reflective elements
While these shoes have some reflective features, they are not enough to keep you safe while running in the dark. We recommend checking out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide for tips and gear to keep you safe while running at night.
Colorway options
The HOKA Mafate 5 is available in only one color option, predominantly blue, for both men’s and women’s.
Similar products
HOKA Speedgoat 6
MSRP: $155
Weight (per shoe): 9.8 oz (men’s), 8.2 oz (women’s)
Heel Drop: 5 mm
Stack Height (heel/toe): 38 mm / 33 mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Maximum
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is a maximum cushion, neutral trail running shoe that would make an excellent budget alternative to the HOKA Mafate 5. While the cushion and responsiveness are less pronounced, and the traction not quite as grippy, it’s still comfortable over long miles and similar in terms of midsole durability, and it costs $30 less.
The Speedgoats won Best Overall in our Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guide and Best Cushioned in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes guide. Learn more in our in-depth review of the HOKA Speedgoat 6.
HOKA Speedgoat 6
Men's
Women's
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
MSRP: $185
Weight (per shoe): 10.4 oz (men’s), 9.1 oz (women’s)
Heel Drop: 6 mm
Stack Height (heel/toe): 37 mm / 31 mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Maximum
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is a more-cushioned sibling of the La Sportiva Prodigio, which won best overall men’s trail running shoe. Also similar to the HOKA Speedgoat 6, the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is an incredibly comfortable trail running shoe. Like the Mafate 5, this shoe has better traction than the Speedgoats and comes at that higher, $185 price. Co-author Becca nearly named the Prodigio Max best overall in the women’s trail running shoe guide, but kept the Speedgoats for their more approachable price.
In short, the Prodigio Max is a great maximum-cushioned alternative to the HOKA Mafate 5 if you want more stability on downhills. Learn more in our in-depth review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Max.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
Men's
Women's
La Sportiva Mutant
MSRP: $185
Weight (per shoe): 11.2 oz (men’s), 9.1 oz (women’s)
Heel Drop: 10 mm
Stack Height (heel/toe): 26 mm / 16 mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Maximum
The La Sportiva Mutant is a super grippy trail running shoe that feels in many ways like an approach shoe for climbing. Its excellent traction is about the only commonality with the HOKA Mafate 5, though, as this shoe has about half the stack height, weighs more, and has far less cushion. It won Best Traction in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes guide and would be our choice for those who run on highly technical, steep, slick, muddy, or snowy trails and are less concerned with cushion. This would also work as a trail running-approach crossover shoe.
La Sportiva Mutant
Men's
Women's
Should I buy the HOKA Mafate 5?
Buy if you’re looking for a highly cushioned, responsive trail running shoe for long distances at any pace, need excellent traction, and have room in your budget for the $185 price tag.
Skip if you want a more stable shoe for declines, more groundfeel, zero/low drop, or a more budget-friendly option.
Where to buy the HOKA Mafate 5
The HOKA Mafate 5 are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
roadrunnersports
Hoka
If you purchase from HOKA you have a Fly for 30 Guarantee so you can try a pair of shoes & even wear them, and you’re not satisfied, you can return them within 30 days for a full refund.
Advice on where to buy
In general for shoes, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Why you should trust us / About the Author
Becca Downs
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!).
After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, crewing, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running as much as her hip allows. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the Mile-High MFA Program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can find her at her website, Instagram, and her Treeline Review author page.
Sam Schild
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He has thru-hiked the PCT, CDT, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice.
He has biked and bikepacked over 50,000 miles in the last decade, completing the Colorado Trail by bike, the Kokopelli Trail twice, a 7,000-mile cross-country bike tour, tons of other bikepacking in the American Southwest, and bike commuting everywhere he can. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Temple University, and before becoming a freelance outdoor writer was an academic, teacher of writing, high school teacher, and a bike mechanic. When he’s not thru-hiking or bikepacking, you might find him running long distances on trails closer to home.
Find him at his website, Instagram, and Treeline Review author page.
