Test: Hoka Skyflow - TOP TO BOTTOM QUALITY

Hoka Clifton, Bondi, Mach, Mach X, Rincon, and now Hoka Skyflow. All are neutral long-distance training shoes. Do we really need another shoe in Hoka's already excellent lineup? From a distance, Skyflow seems most similar to Clifton and Bondi, but similarities almost end there. Curious for a cliffhanger? Read on in the article, where I'll give you a glimpse into Hoka Skyflow, which we've been very excited about here at the office.

Feeling dizzy with all the new shoes recently? I understand, so are we. Looking at Hoka Skyflow's spec-sheet, some lines raise extra interest for the shoe. Mentionable are Supercritical Eva foam, and a Creel Jacquard Mesh upper. Both are technologies leading to a premium running shoe, which is precisely what Hoka Skyflow is - a premium long-distance training shoe.

Let's look at the cold facts:

Type: Long-distance neutral
Weight: 264g (US 9)
Drop: 5mm
Midsole: Supercritical EVA
Upper: Creel Jacquard Mesh
Carbon: No
Stack-height: Men 40-35mm, Women 38-33

Hoka Skyflow - Balance in matters:

I've had countless great experiences with Hoka's uppers, and it's certainly no exception with Hoka Skyflow. If you have other shoes from Hoka's lineup, consider the same size. The upper itself ismade of a two-layer Creel Jacquard Mesh, the same material found in Hoka Mach X. Creel Jacquard Mesh is a relatively flexible material, feeling very soft and comfortable on the foot. To create balance in the upper, Hoka Skyflow is made with Hoka's active foot frame, a technology where the shoe's midsole is shaped in a way that envelops and stabilizes your foot while running. Instead of being flat or straight, the midsole has a shape designed to frame your foot. This means when you step into the shoe, your foot "sinks" into the midsole, creating a deeper, more secure fit around your feet. Overall, just an excellent upper, which with its good padding, might tend to be one of the warmer uppers.

Hoka Skyflow - Supercritical EVA midsole?

Not surprisingly, it's the midsole, that helps Skyflow shine in the spotlight. With no less than 40/35mm foam (dame 38/33mm), fills Skyflow well in the landscape. It speaks directly to the trends we see in the market. The midsole is made of Supercritical EVA, the same material as in Mach 6. So again a similarity with Mach 6. Can you see where we are heading? Supercritical EVA offers a more responsive feel than CMEVA found in Clifton 9, meaning that Skyflow delivers more return energy in your takeoff than in Clifton 9, where you sink a bit more into a soft material. It's a more lively midsole, which changes character depending on, how much pressure you put down in the shoe when you speed up and down. Hoka Skyflow is designed with Hoka's Meta Rocker geometry, which resembles Hoka Skyward X, which I also tested.

Hoka Skyflow - How to Use It?

I might not have made it clear earlier in this article, but Hoka Skyflow is a really cool running shoe. As described earlier in the article, Skyflow resembles Clifton/Bondi, but looks are deceiving. The choice of materials makes, the Hoka Skyflow actually more of a beefed up Mach 6. Dare I say, Skyflow is a more runnable Clifton? It is definitely a more versatile shoe thand Clifton, which over time has shifted more into an easy day category, than it was initially. Hoka Skyflow is an incredibly versatile running shoe, appealing to those who loved the 'pop' in Mach 6 but wanted more sole. Hoka Skyflow is a distance training shoe withpremium materials, also suitable for days, when you want to slightly increase your speed, without hitting your fastest paces. If I had one complaint about Skyflow, it would be the hope, that Hoka will try to make the shoe slightly lighter in the next model, until then I look forward to next time, I pull out Hoka Skyflow from the closet, because I definitely will again and again.