HOKA Mafate 5 – Ultimate Technical Trail Running Shoe
The HOKA Mafate 5 is built for trail runners who demand rugged durability, exceptional cushioning, and dependable traction on the toughest terrain. As the most aggressive update to HOKA’s original flagship, it's engineered for ultra-long efforts on technical trails—delivering plush comfort and stable performance mile after mile.
Key Features
Rocker Integrity Technology (MetaRocker™): Reinforced rocker design ensures smooth transitions and balance on uneven ground, helping you maintain form over long distances.
Dual-density midsole: Uniquely flipped construction places soft foam at the base to absorb trail impacts, while a responsive super-critical foam layer on top returns energy with each step.
Warp-knit jacquard upper with anti-fray treatment: Built to resist snags and abrasion while offering stretch and comfort through a patent-pending Dynamic Vamp construction.
Vibram® Megagrip® outsole with 5 mm lugs: Delivers industry-leading traction and grip on wet, muddy, rocky, or loose terrain.
TPU cage and Active Foot Frame™ (J-Frame™): Provides structural support and helps control overpronation without over-correcting, offering moderate inherent stability.
Gaiter attachment points: Stay debris-free with easy integration of ankle gaiters during technical or dusty outings.
Additional details: Premium sockliner, reflective accents for low-light visibility, heel-to-toe drop of approximately 8 mm, and a weight of around 332 g (≈ 11.7 oz).
Technical Advantages
Superior cushioning underfoot: The innovatively inverted dual-density midsole ensures impact protection where you need it most—ideal for ultra or multi-day runs.
Balanced ride: Maintains premium softness with enough responsiveness to push pace, giving a plush yet energetic feel.
Durable and protective: Rugged materials from sole to upper stand up to abrasive terrain; TPU cage reinforces stability over roots and rocks.
The Hoka Mafate 5 is a top-tier trail running shoe designed for long distances, technical terrain, and maximum protection. While it shares some of Hoka's core DNA with the Clifton, its benefits are specifically tailored for the demands of the trail.
Key benefits for a runner using the Hoka Mafate 5:
Superior Cushioning and Protection: The Mafate 5 features a high-stack, dual-density midsole. A softer, supercritical foam layer sits directly under the foot for plush, forgiving landings, while a firmer layer underneath provides stability and absorbs impact from sharp rocks and uneven ground. This combination is designed to preserve your legs and feet during long ultras or back-to-back training days.
Aggressive, Reliable Traction: The shoe is equipped with a Vibram® Megagrip outsole featuring 5mm lugs. This is a top-of-the-line outsole compound known for providing exceptional grip on a wide range of surfaces, from wet rocks and muddy trails to dry, dusty paths. The "Traction Lug" technology on the outsole enhances this grip, giving you confidence on technical ascents and descents.
Enhanced Stability on Uneven Terrain: Despite its tall stack height, the Mafate 5 offers significant stability. The shoe's wide base and Hoka's Active Foot Frame, which cradles the foot, work together to provide a secure and planted feel. A new "Rocker Integrity Technology" with a curved TPU plate in the forefoot helps maintain the shoe's rocker shape over time, ensuring a stable and propulsive ride.
Durable and Protective Upper: The upper is constructed with a durable "warp knit" material and a "TPU cage" that provides structure and protection from trail debris. An anti-fray treatment further enhances its longevity, making it a reliable choice for rugged environments. The shoe also includes gaiter attachment points for added protection against sand and pebbles.
Long-Run Comfort and Fit: The Mafate 5 has a more accommodating fit than some other Hoka models, with a slightly wider toe box to allow for foot swelling during extended runs. The padded heel and collar, along with a stretchy "Dynamic Vamp" on the lower part of the tongue, contribute to a comfortable and secure fit for many hours on the trail.
Designed For:
Trail runners targeting long-distance mileage across technical terrain. Whether you're chasing 50 or 100-mile ultras, or tackling rugged mountain paths, the Mafate 5 delivers grip, protection, and sustained comfort run after run.
Summary
The HOKA Mafate 5 redefines technical trail running with its inverted dual-density midsole, Rocker Integrity Technology, Vibram® Megagrip traction, and durable warp-knit upper. It’s a high-stack, plush platform designed to deliver long-haul cushioning, responsive propulsion, and stability across challenging terrain—making it a top choice for serious trail mileage.