Hoka One One Mafate Speed 3 is built following the classic Hoka construction that features lots of light EVA foam in the midsole. It is a structure that has been seen many times before, and some runners are starting to get tired of it. But. It works. Even though Hoka One One has done it many times before. It is difficult to find a trail shoe that has such a low weight and at the same time so much shock absorption.
I'm very excited about the Mafate Speed 3. I think trail shoes often tend to have too much weight and give me a slightly flat feeling when I run in them. It's not often that they have very much foam in them, and it's even rarer that they feature any real kapow! With the Mafate Speed 3, I think you get a bit of both.
Malte Kirkebæk Weis
I think the shoes are fast, but at the same time provide a lot of shock absorption, so I would be able to keep going for a very long distance wearing these shoes.
Mafate Speed - Speed on the Long Trails
The Mafate Speed 3 is not as flexible as Hoka shoes usually are. They are stiffer, which helps to give them more responsiveness, which, in my opinion, makes them more suitable for running fast.
The upper of the Mafate Speed 3 is less flexible and resilient than the previous version. The firmer structure gives me the feeling that my foot fits well in the shoe. When running I don't slide around in them and so I am not worried about possibly twisting my ankle, since the shoes are attached snugly to my feet. The harder upper also provides good protection for your toes if and when branches or stones get in the way of your run.
Malte Kirkebæk Weis
The fit is fairly ordinary, and though it is wider than the previous Mafate Speed, it is still not decidedly wide. In addition, it features comfortable padding around the heel to give a soft feeling and the half-sewn tongue sits comfortably. I have only experienced that the shoe has sat on my foot just at it should.
Mafate Speed 3 - Versatile and Responsive
The outsole, like the rest of the shoe, is quite versatile. The lugs are not quite long enough to withstand very muddy terrain, but for the majority of other conditions, I am convinced they will work excellently. I have run in the Danish forest wearing the Mafate Speed 3 and I felt I had very good grip on the forest floor.
In my opinion, the Mafate Speed 3 is an excellent trail shoe for longer running sessions, and for when you are in need of speed - indeed, it can be used for almost everything. Maybe except if you have to run a very technical route with a lot of turns and a lot of mud - there are other shoes that are better suited in such terrain. But, if you want a comfortable and responsive trail running shoe that can be used for pretty much anything, then you should definitely consider the Mafate Speed 3. If you ask me, owning this shoe is a great choice.
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