The Hoka One One Rincon 2 is one of Hoka’s absolutely lightest running shoes. However, Hoka has not forgotten what they are doing best; guaranteeing the highest degree of comfort. The Rincon 2 is a prime example of a running shoe that combines style, a light weight, and comfort. Against all expectations, the Rincon 2 has taken me by storm. Read how here.
On the left: Hoka One One Rincon 2. On the right: Hoka One One Carbon X-SPE.
This month, Hoka One One has delivered when it comes to new running shoes. Recently, I tested the Hoka One One Carbon X-SPE, which is the fastest running shoe by Hoka with a built-in carbon plate. Now I have had the privilege of testing one of Hoka’s fastest running shoes without a carbon plate, the Hoka One One Rincon 2.
A quick summary of the Rincon 2 would include keywords like lightning-fast and a neutral all-round running shoe with incredible comfort and fantastic momentum.
Nevertheless, my running experience with the Hoka One One Rincon 2 deserves more than merely a short summary. Because this is truly a shoe that has won my heart.
First impressions of the Hoka One One Rincon 2
I have never understood the excitement some people seemed to have for the Hoka One One running shoes. In terms of design, I have never been a fan of them, however; after trying the Rincon 2 from Hoka One One, I suddenly do understand what the chunky design is hiding – and what makes them so popular.
It is exceptional comfort I have never experienced before. The tall sole is anything but clumsy once you start wearing them on your feet. It is soft, it is comfortable, and it is pure wellness for your feet – even on the most challenging runs. And incredibly enough, it is not even the softest running shoe from Hoka One One. Some of the softest Hoka One One running shoes are, for instance, the Hoka One One Bondi or the Hoka One One Clifton.
Hoka One One Rincon 2 upper
The upper of the Hoka One One Rincon 2 is rather classic for a running shoe, and every detail is well thought through.
The upper is designed with a double-layer mesh material, which ensures the Rincon 2 has a fantastic fit and keeps your foot in place. Even though it is a rather soft running shoe, I still felt a sense of control on my runs. Regardless of the course of the road, the surface, or the conditions (dry or wet), the Rincon 2 managed to stay in control. It also seems as if the double-layer of mesh makes it more durable.
The shoe tongue of the Rincon 2 is separate from the rest of the upper. In my opinion, that is a benefit, as it makes it easier to adjust the shoe to fit perfectly around the ankle. There is nothing on the shoe that gets out of place on the run and the shoe stays in place from the first to the very last kilometre.
The heel cap on the Hoka One One Rincon 2 is relatively stable. I felt great and light support – just as I prefer it, as it allows me to control the shoe rather than having the shoe controlling me. It merely supports my run.
The fit of the Rincon 2 is quite normal. Maybe slightly narrow. I have a narrow foot, but I actually had to consider my choice of running socks before putting on the shoes. If the socks were too thick, I would get sore on the outside of the forefoot; however, I wore a pair of thin socks, so the fit of the shoes was perfect.
Even though there is plenty of room for your toes in the Rincon 2, there is not excessive fabric on the upper. It is perfect, so the fabric does not make a fold on the forefoot. This does nothing for the performance of the shoes; however, I like when the upper ‘sticks’ to the foot.
Hoka One One Rincon 2 midsole
Before writing up this review, I had been running about 50 kilometres in the Hoka One One Rincon 2. From my experience, I can usually sort the weeds from the chaffs at this point. The shoes have been tested on various types of runs. You will start to have a clear idea on whether the running shoe is for you and what kind of runs the shoe performs best at.
Despite my bias against Hoka One One, I have to admit that it is a great shoe. As classic as the upper on the Rincon 2 is, as revolutionising and exciting the midsole is. It is indeed in this department the Rincon 2 stands out.
With the weight of only 204 grams in a women’s size US 9, the Rincon 2 can be categorised as an everyday tempo and race shoe. However, it is not only the light weight that makes the Rincon 2 incredible.
The light weight combined with the incredible comfort really highlights Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology. In other words, the rolling heel-to-toe foot-action in the shoe. You will have a soft landing of true wellness on the forefoot before finally being launched from the ground with a great toe-off. It is indeed a wild running experience.
In my experience, you should have the abovementioned experience no matter the tempo you are running in with these shoes. However, there is no doubt that the Hoka One One Rincon 2 only gets better the faster you run.
The Rincon 2 helps you run faster without making it feel harder for the legs.
Rincon 2 outsole
A lot of the foam in the midsole is visible on the outsole, which has an effect on the durability of the Rincon 2. Any wear-and-tear will quickly become visible on the outsole, i.e., the patterns start to fade. However, it does not affect the performance of the shoe.
The reason why Hoka One One has decided to save on the durable outsole material can probably be answered by the desire to design an incredibly lightweight shoe.
Because it is a lightweight shoe, it probably will not last as many kilometres as some of the everyday trainers like the Hoka One One models of Bondi and Clifton. In these models, you can easily run +800 kilometres while the Rincon 2 will provide you with fewer but lightweight and great kilometres.
The outsole of the Rincon 2 has, however, been strategically coated with dark red rubber on the areas that are prone to wear-and-tear. This extends the durability of the shoe.
An ”all-round” running shoe for everyone
It is quite subjective whether you prefer the very soft running experience that the Rincon 2 delivers. If you like this, you will love the Rincon 2. If not, then this shoe might not be for you.
I would probably recommend this shoe as a tempo shoe for beginners or casual joggers. It has a wider platform in terms of the sole, which delivers a “forgiving” landing and toe-off and, as a result, does not place any requirements on your running technique. However, because it is not the most stable running shoe, it will be challenging to run on the longer distances when the legs start to get tired and it becomes harder to maintain the same “good running style”.
In spite of this, more experienced runners, who have better control with their running technique, will be able to use the Rincon 2 as both a tempo shoe and an everyday trainer. If you can control your running technique over the long distances, then stability is less important, and focus would then instead be on the comfort and momentum. And you are guaranteed this with the Rincon 2.
Personally, I prefer a lot of comfort on my tempo runs, recovery runs, and marathons with added tempo zones. For this, the Rincon 2 would be a great match. However, I would probably not pick the shoe for my very fast interval training sessions, as I would need a bit of extra hardness and the pure feeling of momentum, something the Hoka One One Carbon X-SPE delivers.
Conclusion
The Hoka One One Rincon 2 is a great example of how bias against a brand and its running shoes can be shamefully put down!
The more I run in it, the more I love it. In the beginning, I had to get familiar with Hoka’s running shoes and its technologies, but now that I have grown accustomed to it, I absolutely love it.
This is the shoe that will give your feet wellness on the road and even more wellness the faster you run. If you are seeking a fast and lightweight shoe with sublime comfort, the Rincon 2 is a great pick for your next pair of running shoes!
Buy the Hoka One One Rincon 2 here
More inspiration?
Find more articles in our inspiration universe right here:
