Hoka Arahi 6 Review

The Hoka Arahi 6 is a fantastic lightweight stability shoe from Hoka’s Glide category.

Designed to conquer countless miles of running, this shoe offers superb cushioning in a light package.

Made with Hoka’s J-frame technology, The Arahi 6 is great for runners that need a little added support to combat overpronation. 

The overall performance of this shoe compares well to that of its neutral sister, the Hoka Clifton 8, and was updated with many of the same design features as its predecessor, the Arahi 5.  

The Arahi from Hoka’s Glide category has been my favorite trainer for several years now. Keep reading to find out why! 

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Hoka Arahi 6: First Impressions

My first impression of the Arahi 6 is that it felt just as good as the Arahi 5. This makes sense considering that the Arahi 6 is utilizing the same midsole technology from the previous version. 

A massive improvement made with this update is the new aesthetic. A sleeker design with better colors has made this shoe and many others more appealing to runners.

Hoka shoes offer a one-of-a-kind feeling underfoot that isn’t appealing to every runner. On the other hand, some find it to provide the most comfortable sensation they have ever felt underfoot.

An occasional observation made by first-time wearers is that they notice some pressure under their arch. This seems especially common in people with less of a natural arch.

I felt this slight pressure in a new pair of shoes, but it quickly fades away. 

For myself, this brand gives me the best overall running, walking, and wearing experience when compared to any others that I’ve tried.  

Hoka Arahi 6: About the shoe

• Weight: M 9.3 oz / 264 grams | W 7.6 oz / 216 grams

• Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

• Category: Stability

• Terrain: Road

• Pace: Daily running

The Hoka Arahi 6 has many great features that help it stand tall above the rest. Of course, at the end of the day, it’s all subjective.

The midsole itself is made with CMEVA foam; a traditional midsole blend for many Hoka products. Somewhere in the CMEVA is the magic behind the cushioned, lightweight performance that people love so much about Hoka shoes.

The CMEVA foam has a j-frame support structure to provide overpronation support without making the shoe feel hard or stiff.

The offset of the heel and toe settles in at 5 mm for both men and women. This is lower than many shoes in the industry.

For some first-time Hoka wearers, the lower offset ratio can set the illusion that the wearer is rolling backward on their heel. Nevertheless, the heel is still raised above the forefoot.

Zonal rubber on the outsole increases durability in this model. I would agree that the shoe does feel a little more durable than previous editions as the miles continue to add up.

The new jacquard mesh upper provides a sleek, sporty look, and the elevated plushness to the tongue creates all-day comfort. An added bonus to the upper is that it is made with vegan and recycled materials!

An extended heel tab makes pulling on these shoes an effortless task.

The early-stage meta rocker changes how the foot shifts with every stride. Meant to provide a smooth ride and additional forefoot support, the meta rocker can feel a bit strange for the first-time wearer. 

Still, it reduces fatigue in runners and is often sought after by individuals with arthritis, neuromas, or other foot-related conditions.

Hoka Arahi 6: Colors and Widths

The Hoka Arahi 6 comes in a great variety of colors for both men and women. 

Eight color options in total, this shoe also comes in a wider width than the standard. 4 of the available men’s colors are made in a wide width, while 3 of the women’s options are made available in a wide.  

Sizes 5 – 12 are available for women, and men’s shoe sizing goes from 7 to 15. This should accommodate most feet, keeping in mind that the occasional wearer may need to go down 1/2 size to achieve the same fit they’re comfortable in with competing brands.

The Hoka Arahi 6 fits 1/2 larger than many other shoes.

More colors might release in the future. Be sure to keep your eyes out for them as they become available! 

Hoka Arahi 6 Road Test: How Did It Perform?

The Arahi 6 performs well on the road. My first time wearing this shoe was after extensive training in Brooks and the new cushion left me a little apprehensive at first.  

As with any change in footwear, the body may need time to adjust to the new structure underfoot. The offset from heel to toe is reduced in the Hoka Arahi when compared to many other popular brands. 

 With the more balanced footbed, my lower legs worked harder and my calves were sore the next day.

To prevent soreness from developing unnecessarily, I would suggest easing into an entirely new shoe and rotating footwear throughout the first week or two, so the body can adjust appropriately. 

After allowing the legs to become accustomed to the new distribution of effort, I quickly found the Arahi to be my favorite shoe to run in.  

Moderately cushioned, this shoe keeps the legs from amassing fatigue over any length of mileage. The added forefoot cushioning and meta-rocker keep my forefoot from feeling any soreness even after the longest of runs. 

For my feet, the heel is secure, and the forefoot is plenty accommodating in medium width.

As mentioned already, the Arahi is my favorite shoe in the Hoka lineup. In fact, it’s my favorite shoe for all things training related.

I have no significant criticisms to make.

Key Takeaways: Should You Buy The Hoka Arahi 6?

Hoka controls the market when it comes to providing cushion underfoot AND a lightweight feel. The Hoka Arahi 6 is no exception. 

I would recommend the Arahi to anyone that needs a little more stabilizing support for their overpronation. 

This shoe is excellent for all distances of training. Long or short, every run will feel like it’s taking place on a cloud in the Arahi 6.  

Settling into a moderate price range, I would argue that you get a little more than what you pay for.

So should you buy the Hoka Arahi 6? I would encourage anyone to try this shoe or its neutral counterpart, the Clifton 8. The Arahi might be the perfect shoe to mix into your rotation if you typically wear stability shoes.  

Hoka offers a 30-day return/exchange policy. Run in any Hoka product and return it within 30 days if you aren’t fully satisfied. 

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