The Mafate 5 is a radical makeover of one of my all-time favourite trail shoes, the Mafate Speed 4. After burning through a few pairs, I was gutted to see that model go. As a cheer-me-up, HOKA came back promising us all even more comfort, for longer, without sacrificing on technical ability. Following in the footsteps of one of HOKA’s most successful trail models is a lot to live up to. Can HOKA give us both the buttery cruiser we want and actual technical agility in the new Mafate 5? Should we be worried about weight added and “speed” removed from the name? And what exactly makes the Mafate 5 worthy of our hard-earned money?
Upper and Fit of the HOKA Mafate 5
What works for me
The Mafate 5 hardly looks like the Mafate Speed 4, but they do share a unique selling point: the promise of trail comfort. It’s the reason loyalists keep coming back. Myself included!
Here, a warp-knit mesh upper accommodates wider forefeet, with just enough of a toe bumper at the tip. When putting the Mafate 5 on, I missed the narrower, more minimalist forefoot found in the Speed 4. This is purely personal preference. Another dozen runners will breathe a sign of relief that their toes have regained circulation in the Mafate 5.
For those runners, an expandable vamp handles swelling with ease on long runs, while a plush heel counter prevents hot spots. An inset heel and midfoot wrap lock the foot with confidence. And, wait for it: TPU overlays finally reinforce those high-wear zones that blew out on all my older models, adding both durability and a cradled feel. Nice touch.
The Mafate 5 tongue will probably split opinions. It’s short and paper-thin, which won’t please everyone. But with just the right padded accents, it gave me a pressure-free fit making me wonder why we needed the pillowcases in the older HOKAs. A new gaiter loop is a handy addition for flying debris fighters.
What doesn’t work for me
While the overall fit is secure when you first cinch down the laces, my shoe felt looser than I would have liked after running for a while. I found myself stopping to tie laces tighter to get that same great lockdown for confidence on the top of a climb.
Other than that, the ridiculous length of the laces in this shoe is perplexing. Only spaghetti noodles should keep going on that long as you draw them towards you.
Midsole and Ride of the HOKA Mafate 5
What works for me
The Mafate 5 rides unlike anything else I’ve worn this year, and it’s so fun. HOKA’s signature MetaRocker is still here, with what feels to me like a slightly earlier toe-off than before. This time, though, HOKA claims it’s tackling the dreaded midsole flattening that plagued past models. A so-called “integrity plate,” hidden between two layers of foam at the forefoot, helps preserve that rolling action over more miles. Note this is not a carbon plate for propulsion but a plastic cradle-like device to support the rocker.
I have heard that some runners report mild rubbing from the plate, but in my pair I felt a slightly more propulsive rocker and I can’t say I am complaining about it!The dual-density foam setup also gives the ride some character. The firmer top layer adds stability and snap, while the bottom layer is soft enough to rival a kid’s squishy toy. It makes for a really unique sensation. HOKA claims that the softer foam molds to the ground and dampens ground impact. I’m not fully sure about the science on this, but I did notice a subtle suction-cup effect on pavement. Surprisingly, I didn’t notice the heel adherence sucking an inordinate amount of energy from the footstrike thanks to that firmer forefoot EVA foam. Genius.
The Mafate 5 was completely reimagined after bidding adieu to its lower drop older sibling. It’s pumped up high, though you can’t really tell you’re up at an 8mm drop given the new sensation. The Mafate 5 is that stable on the landing and fully designed with a rear-foot focus. It’s as if HOKA wasn’t embarrassed to acknowledge that most of us runners are heel strikers anyway (shhhh!). With this model, HOKA manages to offer one of the most comfortable trail options for heel strikers on the market today.
What doesn’t work for me
I loved so much about the ride on the Mafate 5. I was pleasantly surprised at how stable… yet reactive… yet comfortable it could be on all sorts of surfaces. The only place I felt the weight of the shoe was on a runnable uphill where it’s not nearly as nimble as its predecessor. Removing the “speed” as an attribute makes sense here. This is your long-haul companion rather than your speed sidekick.
Outsole of the HOKA Mafate 5
Grip and Traction
There may well be a good amount of exposed foam underfoot in this model, but the Vibram Megagrip outsole appears present precisely where it’s needed. The lug pattern on the Mafate 5 resembles that of the Mafate Speed 4 on a much wider platform, which stretches lugs to longer shapes, still using rather effective micro spurs.
When I say the lugs were effective, I struggled to find a place where they didn’t inspire full trust. Come rain or shine, whether over rockfall or roots, on forest trails or rain engorged grassy alpine sections, the grip on the Mafate 5 is absolutely bulletproof. For me, this shoe shines on rocks where the combo of not feeling sharpness yet being able to adhere to the surface was pretty sweet.
The 5mm lugs are only a downside in boggy areas where shedding the muck can take some stomping. Overall, we can probably all agree it’s well worth the traction you are getting underfoot in the most demanding situations.
Durability
There have been a lot of promises about the longevity of this shoe. I can’t say much about the durability of the Mafate 5 yet, but given the Rocker Integrity plate promises and very soft foam in the heel, I want to come back to this after another 200km or so to make a proper assessment. In the meantime, please drop your experience in the comments if you have some feedback for readers here as this has always been a major concern across HOKA models and can no longer be overlooked in an ultra shoe.
Conclusion
Value for Money
The price tags on trail shoes may be getting out of hand but there is so much innovation going into the Mafate 5 for €190. Sold alongside this year’s other HOKA release, the Mafate X, it’s a no-brainer for €30 less. For comparison’s sake, it’s worth noting that this model is priced higher than Brooks trail options released this year.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
The Mafate 5 is a versatile trail tool. It could be used as a daily trainer for those endless trail miles or used as your ultratrail race day shoe. Back in the day when my running trails were few and predictable, I might have sprung for this as my only trail shoe. Today, I would set this alongside a shorter distance uphill shoe like the ASICS Fujispeed 4 (plated) or the Topo Athletic Mtn Racer 4 (non plated) for days when you want the “speed” back in the Mafate range.
Final Verdict
The Mafate 5 is less about chasing speed and more about delivering comfort, stability, and trust on technical trails. HOKA has traded a bit of nimbleness for a shoe that feels purpose-built for long days in rough terrain. At €190, I am not going to say it’s cheap, but the thoughtful updates: from the rocker integrity plate to the reimagined heel comfort, not to forget the great grip, are significant. It’s no wonder this was a UTMB crowd pleaser last month. For runners who want cushioned protection without losing confidence on technical ground, the Mafate 5 stands out as one of HOKA’s most complete trail offerings to date.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
HOKA Mafate 5 vs. HOKA Mafate Speed 4
Don’t be fooled by upgrading your Mafate Speed 4 without looking closer at the Mafate 5. Apart from “Mafate” in the name, these two models couldn’t differ more. For starters, the Mafate Speed 4 is lighter, narrower, has a 4mm drop and a firmer landing. It was a much more minimalist shoe with greater ground feel. But that shoe also had a midsole that flattened prematurely and lugs that washed away over time. With the Mafate 5, heel strikers especially are gaining in exceptional softness underfoot for long trail adventures. We’ll come back to the lug wear in due time!
HOKA Mafate 5 vs. HOKA Mafate X
Released around the same time, the Mafate X is the must-have ultra trail companion of the Mafate 5 you’ve seen on a lot of influencers’ feet. The Mafate X shines for long efforts on less technical trails, on packed dirt or gravel paths. While they are both high-cushioned options, the Mafate X is the fun friend of the Mafate 5 that will meet you at the end of the bike path after your run straight down the mountain. A quick look underfoot reveals a less aggressive outsole on the Mafate X yet maximum comfort. For €30 less, the Mafate 5 is more rugged, more protective and ready to go off the beaten track.
HOKA Mafate 5 vs. Brooks Caldera 8
The stability and wide base found in the Mafate 5 feels somehow reminiscent of the Brooks Caldera 8. Both shoes are rugged, and protective but chill long run friends. You’re getting a more cushioned package in the Mafate 5 but what looks to be a more durable Caldera 8 mid and outsole. Mafate 5 is going to outshine the Caldera 8 on gnarly paths. Then again, with the Caldera 8 in hand, you can invite all your friends to coffee after your long run with the money you saved!
