The Hoka Mafate X is a highly stacked “super shoe” in Hoka’s trail running lineup. The “X” in the name signals the addition of a carbon plate—something that immediately piqued our interest, especially with its supershoe price tag of $225. The Mafate series has always been a go-to for ultra-distance runners, and this version actively calls out those looking to spend all day on the trails.
That, however, is not me.
I run trails, and while I can put in a decent number of miles, I’m not out here covering ultra distances. I typically max out at around 50 miles per month on trails, with another 50+ on the road. So, consider this review from the perspective of someone who loves a good trail session but isn’t testing the Mafate X in a 100-mile race.
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Construction
The biggest construction feature here is the stack height. Yes, you read that right—49mm in the heel. That’s a lot. It provides incredible protection, but it’s fair to question how stable a shoe this tall can actually be. Surprisingly, it handles better than expected, though it’s hard to call it truly “stable.”
Fit
At 12.4 ounces for a men’s size 10, this shoe isn’t light. That might turn off some runners, especially those tackling long-haul efforts. Personally, as someone who’s 6’2″ and 195 pounds, I don’t feel a huge difference between this and a shoe that’s an ounce or so lighter.
However, I imagine more slender runners will notice the heft, even though the shoe feels fairly nimble on descents. The carbon plate adds some stiffness, which some will appreciate and others might find too rigid.
Looks
The Mafate X comes in a bold yellow colorway, which is reminiscent of the Brooks Caldera 7—another max-stacked trail shoe. I personally think it’s a fun look, though I know not everyone is down for bright yellow on their feet. We’ll have to see what other colorways Hoka releases in the future..
Specs
- Weight: 12.1oz (Men’s size 10)
- Stack Height: 42mm (heel) / 34mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8mm
- Lugs: 3.5mm
Upper
The woven textile upper provides ample breathability and drainage—essential features for tackling wet or humid trail conditions. There’s generous room in the toe box, allowing for natural foot splay during longer runs. The gusseted tongue and well-padded heel enhance the overall fit, ensuring the foot remains securely in place even on uneven terrain.
Midsole
We already covered the “X” factor—the carbon plate—but let’s talk about how it fits into the midsole setup. The Mafate X uses a sandwich construction: a PEBA top layer, a supercritical EVA carrier on the bottom, and the forked plate in the middle.
Despite the massive stack height, the shoe feels firmer than expected. That’s likely due to the plate, which tends to add stiffness to most shoes. I was anticipating a plush, bouncy ride – with that stack and all – but what I got instead was a surprisingly responsive feel (relatively speaking I suppose) with some decent rebound.
The big question is whether the rebound is enough to offset the shoe’s weight. I think it works well for moderate trail terrain, which is what I primarily run on. However, I’m curious how it would handle highly technical trails. As for the 8mm drop—it doesn’t feel as drastic as it might seem on paper. It felt similar to the 5-6mm drop shoes I usually run in.
Outsole
Equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole, the Mafate X excels in providing traction across various surfaces. The lugs, whimsically designed to resemble smiling tacos at the forefoot and frowning tacos at the heel and sides, not only add a touch of fun but also serve a functional purpose. This design ensures reliable grip during both ascents and descents, instilling confidence on technical trails.
Overall
I don’t mind this shoe. As a larger runner who isn’t logging ultra distances, the extra weight isn’t a dealbreaker. The stiffness is more than I’d prefer, but again, it’s not a huge downside for the types of trails I run. That said, I’m not sure I’d personally drop $225 on it.
For those who need a shoe built for technical ultra races, it’s worth trying on at a local running shop to see if it fits your needs. Some runners will love it, while others might prefer something lighter and more flexible. Either way, the Mafate X is an interesting addition to Hoka’s trail lineup.
