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Hoka One One is introducing their new neutral running collection in 2018: the Fly Collection.
This collection focuses its attention on making highly cushioned but lightweight running shoes.
But how?
Hoka One One's new PROFLY technology! A dual density midsole: softer in the heel for a more cushioned landing, with a higher-density foam in the forefoot for increased propulsion. In Hoka's words: "these shoes are ready to take flight."
The first in the series is...
The weight and heel to toe offset of the Cavu, the first neutral running shoe in this collection, is as stated: the lightest and lowest.
Hoka made this shoe with only 6.6 oz for women and 8.2 oz. for men. The heel to toe offset is 4mm instead of its sister/brother shoes, the Elevon and Mach, who come in at a 5mm heel to toe drop.
Cavu's price point will also be the lowest of the series, but we'll have to leave you in waiting until 2018.
If you're looking for a low price point, lightweight shoe and responsive cushioning, the Cavu could be your new year new shoe!
The Hoka One One Mach is also incredibly lightweight, but with added technology. At only 6.7 oz. for women and 8.2 oz. again for men, plus a 5mm heel to toe drop, these running shoes are a sport trendy hit. The breathable mesh upper differentiates the Mach from the Cavu in aesthetics.
And if you're familiar with the brand, the Hoka One One Mach is reminiscent of the Clayton--Editor’s Choice Award Winner of Runner’s World Magazine in 2016.
“The Clayton continues HOKA ONE ONE’s evolution into mainstream footwear,” write the Runner’s World editors. “This shoe likes to be driven fast.” And the Mach, with the Clayton genes running through its shoe veins, is no different. It likes to be driven fast and is Hoka's NEW Clayton.
Composed of the PROFLY technology in the midsole and full RMAT outsole, which provides a lightweight, soft ground contact and responsive cushion, plus some stability elements, the Mach is the next step up from its little sibling.
The Mach is designed with Hoka's early stage Meta-Rocker for a smooth ride and transition. The Meta-Rocker support a runner's natural running gait and gives the runner a smooth roll from impact to toe-off. This technology is designed to increase running efficiency.
Not only that, though, the Mach has an oversized active foot frame for maximum tuned stability. An active foot frame is a comfortable option to traditional extra post support--it allows your feet to sit deep inside the midsole for a cup-like fit for your foot, rather than on top of the midsole material.
Hoka One One's third and final running shoe in the collection: the Elevon.
You can already tell by the photos, that the aesthetic of this shoe is the best of the series. It has a combination of a sleek mesh and a seamless upper with a changing gradient. Oooo la la!
The outsole incorporates a smooth and pleasing color change, too and if you look at the image below, you'll see that the heel clip is a wonderfully, colorful and transparent speckled pattern. Not to mention the jagged pumpkin mouth looking midsole is an eye-catcher.
The Hoka One One Elevon is the highest price point of the series because it houses the most Hoka technology, making it pretty much the prettiest and most innovative of the entire Fly Collection.
It's heavier than the Mach and Cavu, with weights of 10.5 oz. for men and 8.6 oz. for women, but the heel to toe drop is the same as the Mach at 5mm.
The tech, like the Mach's Clayton relationship, derives from its Hoka shoe cousin: the Vanquish 2. If you remember the Vanquish 2, it was a super cushioned and versatile shoe for the runner looking for a springy, responsive ride. With a dual-layer midsole construction built with two EVA compounds, the Vanquish 2 designed to provide customary Hoka One One Ultrasize cushioning.
RunningShoesGuru said that the "best part about [the Vanquish 2] is how cushioned the ride feels. It has a ride that I’ve yet to experience in another shoe."
The Vanquish 2 was also a Competitor Magazine's Editor's Choice Award winner in 2016. Competitor Mag said "This is the shoe for you if … you’re looking for a lightweight max-cushioned shoe for half-marathon and marathon training runs." And their wear-tester Adam Heaney went on to say “this shoe was a blast. It is one of the most responsive shoes I have ever run in. It sets the standard for energy return in a running shoe.”
The successor. The next in line to the Vanquish legacy.
It keeps this dual-layered midsole cushioning, with a combination of a super lightweight midsole and foot-cradling cushion.
Hoka One One adds its suspension construction featuring a top layer of PROFLY and high rebound injection bottom frame designed with PROpulsion, PROtection, and support. Plus, a TPU clip in the heel for support and stability.
On the bottom of the shoe, there's a zonal rubber placement for durability.
Technically, yes. If we're talking about running efficiency and added Hoka tech for an improved running experience, but each shoe is designed for a specific consumer in mind. Depending on price point, Hoka has developed the shoes in according to what they could add or take away to still complete a great running shoe.
The Elevon includes all of the above for a smooth transition, durable cushioning and a responsive ride. The Mach is your middleman, with partial Elevon technology, but still with award-winning design making this shoe great for your everyday runner. And the Cavu, if you're new to running or looking for something that you're not destroying with mileage, it's the perfect shoe.
Marathoners and high-mileage runners and those seeking a truly premium and superior ride, go for the Elevon. Honestly, though, you can't go wrong with either option.
At this point, I have run almost 100 miles in the Hoka One One Gaviota, Hoka’s replacement of the Constant 2, and my feet and legs have never been happier. I ran a few hundred miles in both the Constant and the Constant 2, so I was a bit worried when I heard Hoka had discontinued it and had a replacement in the works called the “Gaviota.” But since Hoka One One constantly improves their products, my nerves settled.
The Gaviota features Hoka One One’s new J-Frame technology to help slow the rate of pronation for people who need stability in their running shoes, without being intrusive to their gait; needless to say, I was very intrigued.
Out on my first run, I immediately noticed and fell in love with the Late-Stage Meta-Rocker technology. Every stride felt so incredibly smooth from heel to toe. I am a natural mid-heel striker, and cognizant as not to overstride, and felt like I could just glide along the ground with these on my feet.I moderately overpronate and tend to overpronate more at the end of my run when I am tired and fatigued, so the support from the new J-Frame was perfect for me. I think it would work well for a wide variety of runners who experience that same exhaustive haul at the end. I am typically more biomechanically efficient at the beginning of my run, and I felt no hindrance from Hoka’s J-Frame during the start. It was right there to support me as muscle fatigue set in and my form broke down a little, and the wider platform helped provide a touch of inherent stability throughout the run as well without intruding into my gait.
I received a pair, laced them up and could immediately feel the difference in the Meta-Rocker designs. With the lower weight and more responsive midsole, I knew the Arahi was going to be my go-to-shoe for tempo runs and speedwork. The support is the same as the Gaviota, being there when you need it and not intrusive when you don’t, but the big difference, in my opinion, is the Early-Stage Meta-Rocker. It really helps propel me forward and just makes me want to go fast. It definitely has a place in my running shoe arsenal, but my new favorite shoe for cruising through long runs hands (well, feet) down.
Shop Hoka One One Gaviota Running Shoes
Overpronators rejoice! Hoka One One (pronounced "Oh-nay, oh-nay") has developed a stability shoe for mild to moderate overpronators: the Arahi.
The Māori people are the indigenous Polynesian settlers of New Zealand, and the word "arahi" derives from their dictionary. It means: to lead, escort, conduct, or drive. Its second meaning is: to herald - used of particular stars which, when they appear in the night sky, signal the beginning of particular lunar months.
Either way, "arahi" is a powerful verb, and the shoe is nothing short of powerful itself. This Hoka One One shoe derives power from its oversized midsole, meta-rocker geometry, active foot frame, J-frame technology, slightly denser EVA, and OrthoLite liners.
What does all that mean?
MARSHMALLOW: SUPER THICK, LIGHT, AND WIDE MIDSOLE
This unique maximum cushioning and minimal weight provides stability, excellent shock absorption, and supreme comfort.
