I asked the running shoe gods for something cushioned, light and fast and they answered with the HOKA ONE ONE Cavu. If you have ever tried a HOKA shoe, you know they are unlike any other shoe out there. I have been wearing these with greater and greater frequency, and feel that when I put them on, it’s always calling out to me to start running. With their soft soles and thick bottoms, they look insanely comfy and they feel even better than they look.
I love my HOKA and I will wear them in just about any circumstance. But occasionally, I want something with a little less light and fly – and that is exactly what the Cavu is. It is one of their lightest shoes, with an enhanced Meta-Rocker that propels runners forward every so slightly. It has a lower profile and is a bit lighter than its teammates, but still offers a soft cushioned heel and a firm forefoot to help propel you forward. I took these out on the road to test them and immediately felt so quick and light as I ran. The stretch knit upper of the shoe is super breathable and allows for my feet to stay cool and also reduces those sweaty feet friction points we runners often run into.
I was also surprised that they were strong and stable enough to utilize as a gym/training shoe as well.
Running in Oregon means you are often going to hit wet and slick roads, a shoe that is able to handle that is necessary. I really pushed these shoes in that department. Along my running path I hit several flooded spots with about three to four inches of standing water. I plowed through the water with a layer of slick mud beneath it and my Cavu’s handled perfectly. After absolutely drenching the shoes, I was super pleased to not feel that heaviness of a wet shoe. They still felt light, breathable and still held the pavement as well as they did before. Next, I took them for a spin on a multi-terrain trail. It started with pavement, hit a bit of gravel and ended on wooded trails. Although these aren’t trail shoes, they felt and performed fine for the trails I was on. Again, they kept my feet light and made me feel like I was flying.
I am not the most particular about my running shoes, as I find that I can move between brands and styles with relative ease. However, things have started to effect me, at least a little subconsciously, as I find myself more and more in HOKA than not. And it’s shoes like the Cavu 3 that continue me on this path.
Company: HOKA ONE ONE
Products & Price: Cavu 3 $(120)
Specs:
- Weight: 6.9oz
- Heel Drop: 6MM
- Stability: Neutral
- Cushion: Responsive
Features:
- Adaptive stretch knit upper provides lightweight comfort and a more accommodating fit
- Zonal perforations within structured sections provide increased breathability
- Knit upper features a tongue-less construction for a comfortable feel
- Fine-tuned rocker profile offers a more up-tempo ride
- Features a deeper Active Foot Frame in the midsole for added support
- Top layer PROFLYTM midsole offers a responsive toe-off with a forgiving landing
- Updated EVA midsole provides more comfort underfoot
- Rubberized EVA outsole provides cushioning and resiliency
HOKA ONE ONE was created with one goal in mind — make running easier. We do things differently, from the look of our shoes all the way to the technologies that make them possible. If you’ve ever worn a pair, you know what the HOKA difference feels like, but there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.
Many thanks to the HOKA for allowing us to check out their shoes! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
