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Arahi is a beloved member of Hoka’s increasing operating shoe lineup. However in a set largely characterised by on a regular basis impartial footwear and bouncy racers, it stands aside by offering additional stability. The shoe is certainly a Hoka—simply take a look at that chunky sole—however for an organization that is at all times run in its personal lane, Hoka Arahi 7 treads a extra conventional path the likes of Asics, Brooks, New Stability, and Saucony have blazed earlier than.
For those who’re a runner who likes footwear with additional assist, Arahi 7 is your entryway into Hokaland. And if you happen to’re already acquainted, know that the newest model of the shoe has an all-new higher that ups the consolation issue. After placing dozens of check miles right into a pair, I discovered Hoka Arahi 7 makes good on its promise of additional assist for on a regular basis operating.
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Total Impressions of Hoka Arahi 7
Tanner Bowden
Lots of people like Arahi; it is one in every of Hoka’s hottest fashions. These folks will admire not a lot has modified within the newest model, apart from the brand new flat-knit higher. I am a fan of the brand new design, which has a pleasant look to it. However, extra importantly, due to that plush tongue and heel collar, the combo seems like a kind of comfy airplane neck pillows however to your ankle. The higher locks the midfoot down however was roomy sufficient for my toes to splay. Whereas different reviewers famous being slender, I did not discover that—and it is also obtainable in huge.
Though I discovered it to be just a little clunky—I do not usually run in stability footwear—I did not discover it as a lot once I picked up my tempo. Once I determined to throw some strides into a simple run, Hoka Arahi 7 dealt with them simply superb. It would not be my alternative for velocity, but when it is all you have got, it is succesful.
Arahi 7 is firmer than anticipated. When it comes to really feel, it falls between Hoka Clifton and Hoka Gaviota. It does not run just like the impartial and everyday-oriented Clifton—it isn’t as responsive—however has an analogous profile. Gaviota has the soundness issue extra akin to Arahi. Nonetheless, Arahi’s J-Body system feels extra substantial and akin to conventional stability footwear, whereas Gaviota has extra of the standard Hoka rolling max-foam really feel. Wanting past the Hoka catalogue, you would possibly examine Arahi to the Asics Gel-Kayano or Mizuno Wave Encourage, each of which offer conventional stability shoe experiences.
Professionals
Plush and comfortable tongue and upperRoomy toe field with good midfoot lockdownJ-Body offers noticeable stability however is not overkillGreat for strolling and on a regular basis put on
Cons
Stiffer than anticipated of a Hoka shoeCan really feel clunky at occasions
Specs
Weight: 9.9 oz (measurement 10 males’s)Stack Top: 37 mm heel, 32 mm forefootDrop: 5 mm
Closing Verdict
With its built-in stability options, Hoka Arahi 7 is a strong alternative for runners who expertise overpronation, which is when the arch collapses and causes the foot to roll in. It is also nice for runners preferring a firmer, extra steady trip.
Arahi 7 can be a strong alternative if you happen to solely run each occasionally and desire a shoe that is good for simply strolling round in, too. Hoka Arahi is available in colours acceptable for on a regular basis put on and, as we talked about, is offered in huge sizes.
Key Options and Tech in Hoka Arahi
Hoka Arahi 7 is without doubt one of the few stability footwear in Hoka’s lineup. It options the model’s J-Body tech, which consists of a agency piece of froth formed just like the letter “J.” The froth sits contained in the EVA midsole, hooking across the heel to the medial facet of the foot, serving to mitigate overpronation.
Whereas earlier iterations of Arahi had been fairly comparable, the latest model boasts a brand new higher with extra cushion within the tongue and gussets on both facet to cease it from sliding round. Hoka Arahi additionally has zones of grippy Durabrasion rubber and a swooping heel entry.
Why You Ought to Belief Me
I began operating in center faculty. Since 2017, I’ve skilled for and run 5 marathons, qualifying for the Boston Marathon and incomes a private finest of two:56 on the 2023 Tokyo Marathon. I run year-round—almost 1,200 miles in 2023—in my dwelling state of Vermont and throughout New England, the place there are many filth roads and trails along with paved paths. Circumstances vary from sub-zero wind chill to 90-degree humid warmth.
Along with operating, I have been writing about operating and operating gear for almost a decade. That work has included reviewing street and path footwear, attire, restoration gear, diet merchandise, in addition to the tradition that surrounds the assist. In doing this work I have been in fixed contact with manufacturers, athletes, designers, and different trade execs.
Just lately, I examined almost each Hoka operating shoe for Males’s Journal. I ran (and walked) within the Arahi 7 whereas coaching for the 2024 London Marathon.
How I Examined Hoka Arahi 7
I put 30-plus operating miles on Arahi 7, together with some strolling miles. I ran totally on pavement and sidewalks, with a couple of miles on filth roads and some on snow. I additionally examined them throughout a wide range of coaching runs throughout a marathon buildup, together with slow-paced restoration runs, easy-effort runs, and fast-paced intervals. Take a look at run distances ranged from six to 10 miles.
Many elements go into evaluating a operating shoe. I pay shut consideration to step-in really feel upon first attempt to after a couple of runs. I analyze match, as in how a lot room there’s within the forefoot; how good the lace lockdown is; and if there’s any heel slippage whereas operating. I additionally test to see if I expertise any bizarre stress factors or sizzling spots. Lastly, I consider responsiveness, cushion, assist, and grip.
Who Ought to Put on Hoka Arahi
The Hoka Arahi 7 is an efficient day by day driver for runners who’re simply getting began or run at slower paces. Nonetheless, if you happen to often incorporate velocity exercises into your coaching, you would possibly go for a unique Hoka shoe.
No two ft are alike—not even after they’re hooked up to the identical human. A shoe that works for one particular person could not work for an additional. What’s extra, scientific research, like analysis printed within the British Journal of Sport Drugs, counsel that your singular notion of shoe consolation is a good information for selecting a shoe. Fan Zhou, REI’s normal supervisor of operating and footwear, says, ” operating shoe is one which, whenever you take your first steps and stroll round, feels comfy, supportive, and also you get excited to run in it.”
If Hoka Arahi 7 feels like a great shoe to you, head to your native specialty operating retailer and take a look at on a pair.
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