Hoka Mafate 5 Review
Hoka has done a lot of wild things lately with the Mafate lineup, from the do-it-all Mafate Speed 4 to the ultra-cushy Mafate X. And with its big debut at UTMB 2025 (plus the conspicuous absence of “Speed” in the name), the Mafate 5 ($185) is clear about its intentions: endurance on technical mountain terrain. It’s a max-cushioned, mountain-ready tank with a firm yet forgiving ride, a surprisingly stable platform, and truly bomber build quality. And it's heavy. I'll consider this shoe for long, burly days where I’ll be hiking most of the climbs and still need protection and composure on the descents, but it’s far from the lightest or snappiest option in the category.
Cushioning
Responsiveness
Stability
Traction
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
All-around
Weight
1 lb. 4.6 oz.
Stack height
45/37mm
Upper
Engineered mesh
Midsole
EVA, nitrogen-infused EVA, & TPU plate
Outsole
Vibram Megagrip (5mm)
Pros
Cons
Hoka Mafate 5
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Trail Running Shoes.
With a towering 45 millimeters of stack in the heel and 37 in the forefoot, the Hoka Mafate 5 is undeniably max-cushioned. In line with its durable upper and rugged outsole, the cushioning lands on the firmer side of the spectrum, which makes it a strong fit for long-distance support and a bit more stability when the terrain gets technical. The shoe’s TPU plate in the forefoot exists predominantly for rebound and structure, but it adds a bit of protection against sharp rocks and trail debris, too.
I’ve taken the Mafate 5 on runs up to 20 miles and consistently appreciated how well it cushions and protects my feet on rough ground. Compared to max-cushioned shoes like the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and On Cloudultra Pro, it’s not as plush or as poppy; instead, it feels like a true workhorse that I trust more when the trail gets rocky, rooty, or generally less smooth. The cleanest line I’ve found is this: I reach for the Hoka Mafate 5 on days when I expect to hike a lot of the ups, but I leave it behind when my route is truly runnable—it’s reliable, comfortable, and built for the long haul, even if it’s not the shoe that makes me feel fastest.
When I was preparing to run the Whistler UTMB 100K, I went back and forth between the Mafate 5 and the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, which offers slightly less cushion throughout. I ultimately chose the Prodigio Pro for its lighter build and snappier underfoot feel. But if the terrain had been more technical (and therefore less runnable), or if the race had been longer, the scales likely would’ve tipped toward the Mafate for its added cushion and protection over time.
The Mafate 5 feels relatively soft and bouncy underfoot, although it doesn’t have the true pop of shoes like the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro or On Cloudultra Pro. Its dual-density midsole pairs an EVA base with a TPU plate and a top layer of supercritical EVA, which creates a stable platform with a satisfying kick as you push off. The plate does a lot of quiet work for structure, helping the shoe hold its shape and supportive feel as the foam inevitably starts to pack out over long efforts.
The Mafate 5’s weight is what dials back the snap: It’s a clunkier, more workhorse ride than a trail running shoe built to feel quick, and it’s not the kind of option that makes you want to hammer. But for being such a protective, long-haul shoe, its responsiveness is about as good as you can reasonably ask for, and it keeps the ride from ever feeling lifeless.
For a max-cushioned shoe, the Mafate 5 delivers surprising stability. Much of that comes down to the shoe’s wide base and dual-density midsole, which pairs a stable EVA base with the poppier top layer of supercritical EVA. The result is a platform that feels supportive and predictable underfoot, rather than tall and wobbly. While I sometimes feel like I’m wearing a set of dainty high heels in the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro (totally fine for trail, less okay off-trail), I feel very planted in the Mafate 5. Of course, it can’t match the outright stability of a shoe with less stack height, like the Nnormal Kjerag 2 or Brooks Catamount 4, but it's still impressive for what it is.
I’ve run plenty of technical trails in this shoe, including a 20-mile outing that stretched the fall season to its limit and had us careening over rocks coated in a couple of inches of wet snow. In conditions where a shoe like the On Cloudultra Pro might have started to feel squirrely, the Mafate 5 kept me feeling grounded and in control. That’s a real win for a high-stack shoe, and it’s a big reason the Mafate 5 stands out for long routes that still include legitimately technical trail.
The Hoka Mafate 5 features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5-millimeter lugs, a pretty standard (and generally trustworthy) setup for mountain running. What’s less standard is the amount of exposed foam on the outsole, which runs down the middle channel from the heel nearly to the toe. This design surprised me, given the Mafate’s intentions as a technical mountain goat, but in practice, I haven’t really noticed meaningful traction deficits on trail. If anything, it seems like Hoka placed that blown foam incredibly strategically—shaving weight and boosting cushion without noticeably compromising grip where it matters most. And honestly, I’ll take it, because it’s part of what makes the shoe feel lighter and plusher than its build suggests.
That said, the outsole still gives me pause for truly off-trail travel in the mountains. I realize that’s not most runners’ use case, but it’s my favorite genre of on-foot wandering and a lens through which I judge a shoe’s traction. With so much underfoot real estate not covered by rubber, I suspect the Mafate 5 would show its shortcomings on the smooth slab and snow I frequent in Washington’s Cascades. I’m open to being proven wrong, but for now, I’m happiest keeping the Mafate 5 on trail.
Durability is where the Hoka Mafate 5 really shines. This shoe is built like a tank, pairing a relatively thin yet tough Warp Knit upper with substantial side overlays that give it a protected, mountain-ready feel. The toe cap is also burlier than what I’m used to seeing on most trail running shoes—firm, rubberized, and stout enough that you can literally tap it and feel how solid it is.
Underfoot, the Mafate 5 looks (and feels) like a monster truck, especially through the heel. It’s the kind of shoe that seems designed to get dragged through big-mountain terrain without flinching, and that impression has matched my experience so far. After multiple rugged outings, my pair genuinely looks no worse for wear, aside from a few abrasions on the midsole.
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My pair of women’s size 8.5 checks in at 1 pound 4.6 ounces on my scale—undeniably heavy for a trail running shoe, which won’t surprise anyone who’s seen how beefy this thing looks. By contrast, my La Sportiva Prodigio Pro pair weighs about 2.5 ounces less for the pair (and that’s with a bit of extra mud caked on).
Still, the Hoka Mafate 5 runs lighter than its numbers suggest. I wouldn’t pick it for a super runnable route or a race where I’m trying to feel as nimble as possible (my Whistler UTMB 100K shoe choice basically confirmed that), and it definitely doesn’t have the sleek, race-car vibe of a similarly cushioned shoe like the Prodigio Pro. But for days with lots of uphill hiking and slower paces, I’m totally happy to have the Mafate’s weight in exchange for its protection and stability.
I don’t own any waterproof running shoes, so when I planned a big run that I knew would climb to the snow line (and beyond), the best I could do was reach for the burliest shoe in my closet: the Hoka Mafate 5. At least it would look like it was protecting my feet (insert eye-roll emoji). The Mafate’s upper feels about as locked-in as a mesh build can be, thanks to its tight Warp Knit weave, substantial overlays along the sides, a thick rubber toe cap, and a structured heel cup with a well-padded collar. It has that armored, ready-for-anything vibe that makes it easy to trust when the terrain turns rugged.
Of course, none of that structure translates to real weather protection, and yes (spoiler alert), my feet got soaked. And because so much of the upper is covered in TPU reinforcements, the shoe doesn’t drain particularly well either, which mirrors what I’ve experienced in other Hokas like the Speedgoat 6. I haven’t fully tested the limits of the Mafate 5’s breathability, but given how built-up the upper feels, it’s not the shoe I’m reaching for on the hottest midsummer days. Overall, I’d peg breathability as average at best. Finally, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Mafate 5 keeps out debris better than many trail running shoes, though it’s a mystery to me why the tongue isn’t gusseted. It does come with an attachment on the heel for those who want to add ankle gaiters.
I’m generally a size 8.5 in footwear, and while I sometimes size up to a 9 in certain brands, Hoka isn’t one of them—the Mafate 5 in an 8.5 fit me perfectly. Like most Hokas, it runs a bit roomier in the forefoot, which I appreciate on long days when my feet start to swell. Lockdown is still solid thanks to the unpadded tongue and the supple upper, which conforms nicely to my foot without feeling stiff or fussy. The top of the heel cup is also nicely padded, creating a comfortable interface between the shoe’s structured heel and my ankle.
Overall, the Mafate 5 feels plush both underfoot and around the foot, balancing a comfort-forward fit with enough security to stay composed on rugged terrain. It’s the kind of shoe that makes long miles feel less taxing, especially when the day includes plenty of hiking and slower, technical running.
Hoka Mafate X ($225): The Overbuilt Sibling
If you like the Mafate 5’s planted, max-cushion comfort but want to go even bigger (and are willing to pay the weight penalty), the Mafate X is essentially the “more is more” version. It packs a flashier spec sheet—with a PEBA blend and carbon-fiber plate—and it’s built like it wants to be Hoka’s long-haul flagship. But in practice, it feels noticeably heavier and less natural to run in than the Mafate 5. The X’s weight and bulk show up immediately on climbs and at speed, and it’s also the less confidence-inspiring option on technical terrain. The Mafate 5 is still a tank, but it’s the more coherent pick: better balanced, more predictable underfoot, and simply easier to live with as a true max-cushion trail cruiser. For more, read our review of the Hoka Mafate X.
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro ($225): Fast Yet Capable
If you want a shoe that feels significantly faster and less overbuilt, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is the obvious alternative. It’s much lighter (1 lb. 1.8 oz. vs. the Mafate’s 1 lb. 7.4 oz. build) and far more energetic underfoot thanks to its nitrogen-infused TPU/EVA midsole. With taller cushioning and a rock plate, the Mafate feels more stable and confidence-inspiring when the trail gets slow, steep, and technical. But despite its race-car fit and lack of a plate, the Prodigio Pro doesn’t lag too far behind in its trail chops. Our vote goes to the Prodigio Pro for pure running, but if you want a planted workhorse for rugged, hiking-heavy mountain days, the Mafate still earns its keep. For a deeper dive, read our La Sportiva Prodigio Pro review.
The Hoka Mafate 5 is a max-cushion mountain tank built for long days on technical trails. Its firm but forgiving ride, stable platform, and Vibram Megagrip traction keep it composed when the terrain gets rough. However, many runners will find it too heavy and clunky.
Cushioning
Responsiveness
Stability
Traction
Durability
Sustainability
The Hoka Mafate X looks like a dream on paper, with every buzzword Hoka could fit on the spec sheet. But on trail, it’s heavy, clunky, and dull. Wipe the stars from your eyes after reading the specs and move on: there are lighter, faster, more stable, and far more enjoyable trail shoes at nearly every price point.
Cushioning
Responsiveness
Stability
Traction
Durability
Sustainability
The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is a rare do-it-all trail shoe. It boasts maximum cushion and is wildly energetic, yet genuinely grippy and stable. It's a high performer for just about any distance, speed, or terrain. Just be aware that the fit runs short and snug, and there’s no rock plate for extra underfoot armor.
Cushioning
Responsiveness
Stability
Traction
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Mafate 5 for You?
The Hoka Mafate 5 is for runners who want a max-cushioned, mountain-ready workhorse for long days on technical trail—especially routes where you’ll be hiking plenty of the climbs and grinding out slow, rocky miles. If you like the idea of big-stack protection but hate the tippy, high-heel feeling that can come with softer foams, the Mafate’s firmer, more supportive cushioning and surprisingly stable platform are a big part of the appeal. It’s also an excellent match for runners who beat up shoes, since the upper and overall build feel tank-like and built to take real abuse.
The Mafate 5 is not for you if your routes are highly runnable and you want a shoe that feels light, quick, and snappy underfoot. While it has a satisfying bounce for such a burly shoe, its weight and clunky personality make it a poor choice for speed.
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