Arahi embodies Hokas vision and attempt to make a stabilizing high-mileage training shoe which is light and luxurious. I think they were already quite succesfull with previous models but with the Arahi 6 they have succeeded in reducing the weight slightly more. This contributes to a total experience of a really comfortable shoe which thanks to its lack of weight allows your running sensation to reach new heights.
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Great comfort in a light shoe
I think this is a very versatile shoe which you can not only use as your regular volume shoe but also when you want to speed up your pacy workouts and longer intervals. So, if you were only allowed to own one shoe, Arahi 6 would certainly not be a bad choice.
Arahi 6 is also equipped with a an early stage Meta Rocker, which is visible in the shape of the sole. As the drop must be kept low, the rocker is recognized through the fact that the front part of the midsole is thinner than in the midfoot and heel section. This creates a propulsive effect which makes it easier for you to speed up.
Even the fit is versatile!
When you mention that a midsole has a wide base, its easy to reach the conclusion that its suited for people with wide feet. However, this is not my impression at all in Arahi 6 as it offers an amazing fit thanks to its lightness and flexibility. Consequently it has a great fit for my narrow feet but it also has space enough to provide a great fit for people with wide feet.
The heel cap is very solid, so the top part of the heel is kept stable. And when you combine that with the extended "tongue" which curls up around your Achilles tendon, you get the feeling that this shoe will keep you stable and steady your motion reglardless of your speed or running style.
Specifications
Running style: Stability shoe
Weight: 216 g (women), 269 g (men)
Drop: 5 mm
Hoka One One Arahi 5 vs. Hoka One One Arahi 6 – what is the difference?
There hasn´t been a lot of changes from Arahi 5 to 6. There was a lot of things that worked really well in the 5’, and Hoka have of course chosen to preserve those features. However, they have chosen to make changes in two areas which puts the Arahi 6 on a higher level.
- The light upper has become even lighter. It provides the same stability and support around the heel, but the mesh with integrated arrow-shaped panels for improved ventilation slightly reduces the weight.
- The tongue has become slightly thicker and softer which provides a very tangible comfort-boost.
As the weight reduction has been accomplished by changing the upper, HOKA have managed to preserve the guarantee of support, comfort and a really luxurious running experience.
Comparing it to other Hoka models
You can compare the Arahi 6 to Hoka One One Gaviota 4 and Hoka One One Clifton 8. Arahi 6 and Gaviota 4 are both designed with the aim of producing a light, cushioning stability shoe which you can use for the majority of your training. However, Gaviota 4 has a slightly more aggressive J-Frame which offers more stability and support. It also has a slightly thicker midsole which makes it slightly heavier.
Clifton 8 is the neutral edition of Hokas version of a light, allround shoe. So if you are a netural runner and love the balance between lightness and comfort, this is the perfect choice.
Arahi 6 vs. other shoes
If you haven´t tried Hoka before then don´t despair as I will compare Hoka One One Arahi 6 with other models in the market in this section, so you can get a better impression if this shoe is the right choice for you.
At first sight Hokas shoes for some people might seem heavy and primarily suited for long-distance - and ultra-runners. But as their selection of models have grown, this brand has been more targeted towards the "normal" runner, also those who basically do short-distance runs like myself.
If you are in doubt if you should choose a Hoka shoe over other brands as it very different from normal running shoes in terms of design, you don´t need to worry. So, if you are used to running in ASICS GT 2000, Mizuno Wave Inspire, Nike Structure or Saucony Guide among others, Hoka One One Arahi 6 can easily be a great shoe for you.
In relation to stability, Hoka stands out from the models mentioned above thanks to their characteristic J-Frame technology: A frame produced from slightly more solid EVA foam developed to guide and sustain the heel during the landing phase. The frame is shaped like a J and reaches all the way round the edge of the midsole and encapsulates the heel which is especially evident when you are running downhill - the frame so to speak "hugs" the heel and provides the sensation of being guided all the way through the landing phase.
This is really a shoe that appeals to a lot of runners; Its for the runner who needs stability but it can also easily be used by neutral runners due to the way support has been integrated into the shoe. Its light but still provides amazing cushioning and comfort which makes it perfect for long runs but it can also be used for speedy workout sessions.
Even if Hokas shoes may have a heavy look, Arase 6 will erase that perception as this shoe is versatile, light and incredibly soft.
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