Gear Review: Hoka One One Mafate Edition Trail Runners

These funky-looking runners surprised us with their problem-solving performance. Our tester, who has an artificial hip and bum knees and runs on hard slickrock and bouldery trails, was impressed with the shock absorption of the 1 3/4-inch-thick EVA midsole. “The deeply recessed heel cup absolutely kills pronation and the wide heel base and zero heel drop make for an extremely cushy, stable mid-foot strike,” he says. The curved sole offers a natural gait and the multi-depth lugs are grippy on dry surfaces. But the lack of a defined heel brake causes some slipping on steep, slick descents. Best for wide, high-volume feet. $160; 1 lb. 7 oz. (9.5); m’s 8.5–13; hokaoneone.com