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, so do we really need another shoe in Hoka's already excellent lineup? From a distance, Hoka Skyflow seems to share most similarities with models like Clifton and Bondi, but I can reveal that the similarities almost end there. If you're curious for a cliffhanger of that caliber, continue reading in the article, where I will provide a glimpse into Hoka Skyflow, which we here at the office have been very excited about.

Feeling dizzy with all the new shoes lately? I understand, we are too. Looking at Hoka Skyflow’s spec-sheet, there are a few lines that particularly spike interest for the shoe. Mentionable are Supercritical EVA foam, and a Creel Jacquard Mesh upper. Both are technologies that belong in a premium running shoe, and that's exactly what Hoka Skyflow is - a premium long-distance training shoe.

Here are 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's 40-35mm, Women's 38-33

Hoka Skyflow - Balance in matters:

I have had numerous great experiences with Hoka’s uppers, and it is definitely 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, same material as found in Hoka Mach X. Creel Jacquard Mesh is a relatively flexible material, feeling very soft and comfortable on the foot. To balance 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 wraps and stabilizes your foot when running. Instead of being flat, the midsole has a shape designed to frame your foot. This means that when you step into the shoe, your foot "sinks" into the midsole, creating a deeper, more secure fit around your feet. All in all, just a top-notch upper with good padding, likely one of the warmer uppers.

Hoka Skyflow - Supercritical EVA midsole?

Not surprisingly, it's the midsole, which helpsSkyflow shine in the spotlight. With no less than 40/35mm foam (dame 38/33mm), occupies Skyflow well in the landscape. It speaks directly to the trends seen in the market. The midsole is made of Supercritical EVA, same material found 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, for example, CMEVA found in Clifton 9, meaning Skyflow provides more energy return in your takeoff, compared to Clifton 9, where you sink more into a soft material. It's a livelier midsole, which changes character depending on, how much pressure you put down in the shoe, when you change pace. Hoka Skyflow is designed with Hoka's Meta Rocker geometry, where it most resembles Hoka Skyward X, which I also tested.

Hoka Skyflow - How should it be used?

I may not have expressed it clearly enough earlier in this article, but Hoka Skyflow is a really cool running shoe. As described at the beginning, Skyflow resembles Clifton/Bondi, but skindet is deceiving. The material choices make, it Hoka Skyflow in reality more a beef’ed up Mach 6. Dare I say, Skyflow is a more runable Clifton? It is certainly a more versatile shoe thand Clifton, shifting over time into an easy day category, more than initially. Hoka Skyflow is a highly versatile running shoe for those who loved the 'pop' of the Mach 6 but wanted more sole. Hoka Skyflow is a volume training shoe with premium materials, also suitable for days, when you want to slightly increase your pace, not necessarily hitting your fastest. If I had one concern with Skyflow, I hope, that Hoka will try to make the shoe slightly lighter for the next model, until then I look forward to the next time, I pull Hoka Skyflow out of the closet, because I definitely will again and again.