Stability in Style: Striding with HOKA Arahi 7

When I’m digging through a considerable pile of shoes in the morning to go for a run, HOKA are one of only a few brands I will reach for time and again. The APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) has given HOKA the Seal of Acceptance and doctors are recommending them for foot issues time and again.

As a personal trainer, I see them more and more on my clients at the gym.  I’ve tried many styles and models, but I had never tried the Arahi.  I finally got my chance with the HOKA Arahi 7.

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Looks

The Arahi 7 is available in both a regular and a wide width option in a variety of colors. I received the regular width shoes in the “Blanc De Blanc/Rose Gold” option, (which is not a color option in the wide style). This color description is a fancy way of saying the shoes are a bright white color with beautiful gold lettering and accents.

Typically, I wouldn’t pick white shoes because they will never stay pristine (especially in the Pacific Northwest in Winter), but these are really beautiful in person. If I used a treadmill at home, I would probably make these my “indoor only” running shoes, but since I rarely run indoors, they made a debut in the mud puddles almost immediately.

Function

The Arahi 7 is meant to be a stability shoe. On the website’s scale from “neutral” to “stable,” these shoes are as stable as you can get. The J-Frame midsole technology is meant to prevent excessive overpronation, and this is something worth considering when buying this model.

Early reviews for these shoes state that the shoes feel “stiff” compared to previous versions of the Arahi. In my opinion, this is not a bad or good thing, only something to note when deciding your purpose for the ride. “Stiff” can translates to uncomfortable for some people, but these were not in my case.

I took the Arahi 7s on two back-to-back runs, one in the evening and one in the early morning. I am moving very carefully since rolling an ankle badly in November, and these shoes felt very secure.

Construction

I typically like a wide shoe, because I have a wider toebox than some. Reviewers of the Arahi 7 mention that this version is narrower in the forefoot and toe box than previous versions. Having never tried any of the previous versions, I can’t compare them there.

However, in comparing to other HOKA models, I will say these didn’t feel any narrower than those did. The toebox and forefoot were comfortable on my feet and didn’t rub or squeeze my feet in any way. I do tend to find HOKAs run a bit larger than other brands, and I will say these did not.

The shoes breathe well but also kept my feet dry on a rainy run, though I didn’t purposely step in any rain puddles to truly test that theory.

Fit

HOKA shoes have been known to be cushy with a high stack and can be a heavy shoe. The Arahi 7 has “balanced” toe-off cushion, which puts these on the scale of “responsive” (AKA “firm”) to “plush” right in the mid-range.  The tongue of the latest version is plusher than previous versions, and there’s a more breathable flat-knit upper and a stretchy dual gusset under the lace line. The shoes do not feel heavy or large on my feet.

Though the Arahi did not feel uncomfortable, it’s certainly worth noting, as mentioned above, that if you prefer a “cloud” level cushiness that many other HOKA shoes will give you, the Arahi’s are not going to give you that.

Though I like a cushy shoe, I am pleasantly surprised to see HOKA offering more variety in the style of their shoes. These have much less bounce to them but they still move well.

Overall

As advertised, the HOKA Arahi 7 is less cushy than many other styles of HOKA shoes. They definitely feel like a stability shoe and do a great job of supporting your stride.

The Arahi 7 is  meant to be an every day runner or walking shoe. These are comfortable enough to wear on my weekday runs, but I am undecided on how they would feel for long-distance double-digit mile days. Like with any “new-to-you” style or brand of shoes, you should always test them on shorter distances before braving the longer runs.

HOKA is doing a great job of trying to find something for everyone and I am excited to continue to try new models in the future.