The Hoka Thread

Cheshire_set · Joined: 21 Mar 2012 Posts: 84 Location: Wilmslow

So, as I said the Clifton 2 was waay too narrow. Clifton 3 I have tried and it is a much better width but I still could not get on with it, the area under the forefoot just seemed to collapse after minimal use. I always go back to Altra (should stop messing about really). Road & light trail = paradigm. Trail & mud = Olympus (size at least 1/2 up on other Altra's).
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Jorgan · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 10:56 am Post subject:

I begin my Hoka journey today. I got the Odyssey 2 half price on Sportpursuit, so it's a pretty cost effective 'experiment'. I don't see much mention of the Odyssey 2 on the Internet, but they seem like the most 'normal' looking of the Hokas, and they are very light given their bulk.

One thing that's different from my Zoom Elites, is that the upper is stiffer, as a result of the nylon ribbing on it, the tongue seems pretty stiff too. Still, the sun's out, new trainers, and 10 miles for lunch...what could possibly go wrong.
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PCP · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 1672 Location: Manchester

Interesting to see that Hoka were the most used shoe at Kona, Saucony 2nd and Asics going from 1st to 3rd.

I'm looking st running some longer distances next year and running more in general. Is it really worth looking at moving to Hoka from Saucony? I used to wear Saucony Mirage now on the Rides until they discontinue them too Rolling Eyes

I get on with them really well but are they suitable for higher mileage?

Roscoemck · Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Posts: 388 Location: Glasgow

Interesting that this thread has popped up again.

I'm pondering a change to something that may be more easy on my calves/Achilles.

I have a history of calf/Achilles niggles from a long long time ago. Currently run in Brooks Aduro's and Adidas Ultra Boost. Both ok, however, on Saturday, gave myself a niggly calf strain.

Anyone have any experience of Skechers? Seem to be getting a lot of press just now?

explorerJC · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 15207 Location: Farthingstone

Roscoemck · Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Posts: 388 Location: Glasgow

explorerJC · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 15207 Location: Farthingstone

so, you knowing didn't recover effectively after a race, don't do an effective warm up, went out too far/fast on your return and continued when your body gave you a warning signal.

assuming that your new shoes will overcome all the above, you should be ready to roll Smile

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Roscoemck · Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Posts: 388 Location: Glasgow

Roscoemck · Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Posts: 388 Location: Glasgow

Back to the original question!

Are Hoka's more forgiving on a battered old body, assuming everything else is done properly ie recovery, warm up etc?

Not looking for a miracle here, just something that potentially gives a more forgiving run.

explorerJC · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 15207 Location: Farthingstone

arthur itictoe · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 363 Location: Leicester

A bit of back ground.
I have been doing tri since 1994 and during the last 10 years or so have been doing the LD stuff. About 4 years ago I had an op on my left medial meniscus and my knee has never been the same again – probably arthritis related. I have done 2 IMs since the operation but my run training prior to both was inconsistent and curtailed as I kept getting pain and swelling in that knee the result being that both IM marathons were awful.
I did a couple of sprint distance tri in May/June 2016 which went OK. In June 2016 we went to the Canaries and had a day in Fuereventura walking up miles of sand dunes. My knee didn’t like it and flared up again. I was so hacked off I decided to bin running and therefore triathlon altogether and just do biking. I really missed it. In August 2017 having not run for over a year I bought a pair of Hoka Bondi 5 over the internet – I just took a punt. Previously I have worn Saucony Grid . I find the Hokas brilliant with so much cushioning that they are so much easier on my knees. They are the most comfortable pair of trainers I have ever had. I have gradually built up to running 3 miles twice a week which is pretty pathetic I know [ 8.15 per mile] but they have allowed me back in the game. Before my knee used to take a while to warm up and I used to limp during the first 5 or 6 minutes. With the Hokas I do some activation work and a brief jog before starting to run and when I start running I don’t experience any pain.
Really happy that they have allowed me to carry on doing the sport I love
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explorerJC · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 15207 Location: Farthingstone

hammerer · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 5:00 pm Post subject:

blindcider · Joined: 12 Sep 2013 Posts: 245

I bought a pair of speedgoats and they are beautifully comfortable until I have to run in them. Anything over 5km and they cause the most horrendous blisters just behind the ball of the foot.

Guess my feet are the wrong shape for them, tried changing the insoles and that hasn't helped either.

Shame, but glad I got them on sale and they seem fine as an off road walking shoe at least
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explorerJC · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 15207 Location: Farthingstone