Hoka might have made a name for itself in the trail running shoe department, but the brand's hiking boots have also become well-loved on trails worldwide. Those who love the blend of plush, sneaker-style comfort with technical clout are going to want to pay attention to the California-based brand's latest announcement.
Hot off the chunky heels of the Mafate X trail running shoe, which hit the stores back in March, Hoka has announced the impending release of the Hoka Mafate X Hike. In any Hoka shoe, that X marks the spot where there's a carbon plate, and 15 years after the brand released its first Mafate shoe, it wasn't hugely surprising they'd attempted a more propulsive version for runners, even if the evidence is mixed on whether carbon plates really help trail runners.
