Hoka question

Mr mom

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I just found out I can get Hokas locally, quite pumped about that but I have reservations. I looked online at a promo explaining the various types and what they do. Obviously I would be looking at the bondi ones or the evo stinsons. My real question is... do I do enough running and miles to justify getting them, provided of course I find them to my liking. My other problem is will they contain my foot well enough. I never saw anything about them containing a pronation bar, which is one of the things I look for in a shoe as I do overpronate. I am kind of assuming that they would be ok because of the way the shoe envelopes your foot and heel and has the extra cushioning as well as a good kickoff. I know it will most likely be Joel and Nick who give me my responses as they both use them.
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
I just found out I can get Hokas locally, quite pumped about that but I have reservations. I looked online at a promo explaining the various types and what they do. Obviously I would be looking at the bondi ones or the evo stinsons. My real question is... do I do enough running and miles to justify getting them, provided of course I find them to my liking. My other problem is will they contain my foot well enough. I never saw anything about them containing a pronation bar, which is one of the things I look for in a shoe as I do overpronate. I am kind of assuming that they would be ok because of the way the shoe envelopes your foot and heel and has the extra cushioning as well as a good kickoff. I know it will most likely be Joel and Nick who give me my responses as they both use them.
I add an insert to my Hoka's. I know that is slightly against what they want the shoe to do, let your foot sink into the cushion, but I like a structured inside. I get them for the soft ride and durability. I injured my Achilles once before, so I dont want it to get stretched again. The insert helps keep it lifted slightly and out of trouble.

Now, I started off with the Bondi B's. Love them. I have 700 miles on them now. They are starting to hurt a little from impact, what use to come with 300 miles on Saucony's, so i have a new pair coming tomorrow. I am trying the Stinson Evo's. They have a little more structure to them and might last a little longer. I didnt go Stinson Evo "Tarmac" since those have a super flat outer sole and wont allow for any trail. I have read review that the regular Stinson with the trail tread is good for both off and on road.

If you are looking for structure, you might like the Stonson's. I have not run in them yet, but Nick says they are a little stiffer. Might be good for you. It is a wash for me since I put an insert in mine anyway. I like for my arch to be 100% support all the time from Superfeet Inserts.

I know you can get them locally and I like to support local shops. Ask if they have a return guarantee. Nick and I buy ours from Boulder Running Company. They offer a no questions, money back within 90 days. That is why Im trying the Stinson's risk free.

Yes, that $170 price tag is steep, but I have gotten double the miles out of 1 pair then my old shoes. They retailed at $110 but Id find them for about $80 on amazon.

If you want the best shoe on the market, buy Hoka. I have zero post leg fatigue in my joints and most muscle groups. You should at least give them a shot.

Nick told me a long time ago, either you love them or hate them.... but I have never met anyone that hated them (probably one of those minimalist runners).

@Donald Duck .... you thoughts
 

Donald Duck

Tonga Toast Killer
Plain and simple: try them. The reason us ultra folks gravitate towards them is because help prevent injury and offer superior cushioning for the LONG miles. Our bodies get destroyed over 100 mile races and that added cushioning helps everything going up the chain of the body. It is not a miracle shoe by any means, more like preventative measures. On the flip side, there ismso much cushion that there is virtually no energy return, so don't plan on being speedy, and your legs may feel more tired. Running 100 miles or more the fatigue aspect just doesn't even matter anymore.

There is no pronation / over pronation or whatever specific models. It's just big cushioning in a giant shoe that still weighs less than the average trail shoe.

I wear the Mafate; the specific hard use trail shoe and the Mauna Kea (discontinued); a tanked up waterproof version of Mafate. The most cushioning of all the models, most durable, and a moderate upper.

The Stinson EVO: hybrid trail and road shoe that my pacer actual wears. He loves the grip and it is a bit more stiff than Mafate. The upper is very thin and not very supportive.

Bondi is a road shoe that can hit trails well. They are VERY soft and will wear quickly. They have a supportive upper.

PM me for more details.

Run hard.
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
...much cushion that there is virtually no energy return, so don't plan on being speedy, and your legs may feel more tired...
Nick is right here. My legs were more tired the first 100 miles I ran in them. However, they got use to it, adapted, the muscles in my legs that werent used primarily before that were getting fatigued strengthened and now Im fine. No fatigue muscle feeling.

I understand what nick is saying about the speed, but I can still run an 7:30 - 8 minute mile and it doesnt feel super foreign or Im out putting a 5:30 or 6 pace compared to my old shoes.

Nicks right. Give them a try.
 

Mr mom

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So I go down to check these things out since the store online has a local outlet. The conversation went like this..

me- where are the Hoka's
dude- the what?
me- Hoka's
me- running shoes
dude- what is the brand name?
me-Hoka, H O K A
dude- never heard of those
me- well your company website has them.
dude- maybe another store, try downtown they do other stuff
me-!!!!!! f%$#
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
So I go down to check these things out since the store online has a local outlet. The conversation went like this..

me- where are the Hoka's
dude- the what?
me- Hoka's
me- running shoes
dude- what is the brand name?
me-Hoka, H O K A
dude- never heard of those
me- well your company website has them.
dude- maybe another store, try downtown they do other stuff
me-!!!!!! f%$#
That is when I say

Me: Is this a running shop?
dude: ummm, Yes
Me: Ok, then why dont you know about a shoe Im asking about? You are a running shop. You should know every product on the market
dude: Well, there are so many shoes out there
Me: True, but I bet you can tell me everything I need to know about trendy shoes like the 5 finger shoe cant you.

Mr Mom, this is why i find it so hard to support local stores. They are there for people like my mom.... who goes in there and buys her gear 1 month before her relay or 5K. I went into the premiere store in town 2 weeks ago looking for a Nathan bib only belt. They should carry every product of Nathan since it is a major name brand. They didnt carry them, and only had 1 style of water belt.

So, Amazon got my order.
 

Mr mom

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
The problem is that most of these stores are just franchise types that hire folks for minimum wage and they learn on the job. There is one true specialty shop in the area that does specialize in running and their company sponsors and participates in all kinds of walks/ runs etc. The problem is that they are a big company and get bulk buy discounts etc from set manufacturers to push specific product lines etc and also to sell some of their own branded gear. The result is that they don't carry everything and I find much of their stuff pricey. Now that being said some of their branded stuff is quite good and innovative, so I have shopped there.
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
One thought Mr Mom. I just got my Stinson Evo's. They are a lot narrower than the Bondi. Not necessarily in the inside room/toe box, but the outside. The bondi's have a very large foot imprint. Big Sole. I loved that, but the Stinson's are a bit narrower. Like a normal shoe. Just take that into consideration. I think Im going to love these shoes. I ran in the around the house. I put my insert into them and didnt like it. The heel is raised a little higher in these then the Bondi's. Brand new, the Bondi's almost had a little sinking heel feel. Stinsons almost feel flat inside and SUPERIOR comfort and support. Insane.

Putting 10 miles on them in the am. Ill report back.
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
Shoe review: I love these shoes. I dont have to have my inserts as of now. They have enough support that they are what Nick described as "stiff". That works for me.

I think I might keep them. I mean it is only a 6-7 month commitment. I think the Bondi's large foot imprint is nice, but I think it was giving me blisters on the sides of my big toes towards the end of life on them.

The Stinson's feel more lean and faster with the angled sole and inside. I think I might love them. LOL
 

Mr mom

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
OMG, I tried a pair of Stinsons at the florida mall. They have a unique feel to them and I now know my size in them etc. I may seriously have to get these when my current pairs wear out.
They were the evos
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
OMG, I tried a pair of Stinsons at the florida mall. They have a unique feel to them and I now know my size in them etc. I may seriously have to get these when my current pairs wear out.
They were the evos
Is this the point of the "I told you so" moment. I think so. :D That is awesome. I got the regular Evo Stinsons and not the Tarmac version. I would be doing trail and road, but Im not bothered by the lugs on the sole. If you are going to do only road, I would imagine the Tarmac version is a smooth ride.
 

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