| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good value-for-money | Has to be worn in / could be too stiff for some |
| Great cushion and stability | Some runners reported tightness in areas |
| Lightweight and durable | Tongue occasionally slipped out of position on our pair |
Hoka One One Arahi 4 Intro
Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard about the athletic shoe company Hoka One One (pronounced O-NAY O-NAY).
Hoka was founded in 2009 and in 2011 released the Bondi, the first road running shoe. Since this release in 2011, their popularity has only spiked.
For the past year, I have tried several different shoes and, for many years, was a die-hard Nike fan, but when I began running in Hokas, my whole mind had changed.
The Hoka Arahi 4’s have shifted my perspective- I could not understand how there could be a maximalist athletic shoe with so much cushion while continuing to be incredibly lightweight.
The Hoka Arahi 4 Pricing
These shoes fall in mid-range pricing for running shoes; for the quality of the shoe, the price point is good value for money.
I believe that the lower price for a shoe that looks and feels like this one is well worth it over a competitor’s more expensive shoe that will not keep you as secure and comfortable as these.
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4″ items=”1″]
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4 women” items=”1″]
Hoke One One Arahi 4 – Technical Breakdown
The Arahi 4’s have a 5.0mm heel-to-toe drop, and the women’s shoe sits at only 8.00oz and the men’s shoe sits around 9.60oz.
The shoe also features a wide toe box, helping to prevent ingrown toenails and bunions. The fabric on the Arahi 4’s is mostly mesh to allow maximum air to keep your feet cool while wearing the shoes.
The mesh on the shoe was also helpful to dry off the shoe seemingly quicker after running in the rain or stepping in a puddle.
The shoe also features a J-frame with a high angle lift at the heel of the shoe that helps your foot roll smoothly from heel to toe while walking or recovering after a run without ever rolling inward.
Hoka Arahi 4 : Stability
These Hoka’s have a good amount of structure without ever feeling too stiff. I have never felt as though the stability and wide sole of the shoe ever got in the way of making short or quick movements. The Arahi 4’s are not as soft as the Clifton 7’s,
which may sometimes feel like your foot is sinking into them.
The rubber outsole of the shoe helps the durability of the shoe
and allows the runner to have extra traction while working out. As well as the Meta Rocker Technology functions to deliver a smoother run for the athlete.
Related article: Hoka One One Bondi 7 Review and Hoka Rincon 3 Review
Hoka One One Arahi 4: Sizing
When I was researching the shoe before trying it on and testing it out, many people said to size down in these shoes as they run big.
However, when I tried on the shoe, I sized up to my standard running shoe size (W7) and had no issue.
I believe that if I wore my everyday shoe size (W6.5), they would have been too tight and would not have the extra space in my shoe for my foot to move forward while running.
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4″ items=”1″]
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4 women” items=”1″]
Hoka One One Arahi 4: The Pros
One of my favorite parts of the shoe, aside from the large cushioned sole, is the pull tab at the shoe’s heel.
I tend to keep my shoes tied to not mess with how tight the shoes are on my feet, so having the pull tab on the shoe is incredible for keeping my laces where I want.
Another reason I really love the shoe, is because it truly is a DURABLE shoe.
Even after wearing these shoes several hundred miles, they still hold their shape and comfort.
The shoe’s sole has an extra plump cushion around the arches and towards the ball of the foot to help runners achieve the best midfoot strike while running.
Of Course, It’s Not Perfect: The Drawbacks
One of the biggest issues I have had with these shoes is that the shoe’s tongue does not stay in place occasionally. I have had to pause for a second to fix the tongue on the shoe several times while running long distances in these shoes.
I also tend to wear crew-cut socks with these shoes as I have noticed many of my socks (that I have not had issues in other shoes) may sometimes fall down in the Arahi 4’s more than in other shoes.
Several other runners find the shoe to be too stiff. However, over time, I have found the shoe to only remain stiff at the framing around the heel, but have never been uncomfortable by this structure.
Related: Hoka Clifton 8 Review: The Best Clifton Yet?
Hoka One One Arahi 4s: After 400+ Miles . . .
And after 400+ miles in my Arahi 4’s, I still have noticed minimal differences in comfort and shape of the shoe.
There has been some normal wear and tear right at the Achilles, where my socks rub the back of the shoe.
Besides that, I have seen the cushion on the soles decrease only a little bit, as general wear on the shoe, especially on the asphalt and gravel grounds I run on in New York City.
And while we are on the subject of how these shoes wear on the ground in New York City… They are great!
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4 mens” items=”1″]
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4 women” items=”1″]
Wearing The Arahi 4’s In Weather
New York City weather can be pretty brutal and shift rather quickly, so I have tested the shoes in the rain, sun, and snow, as well as on treadmills and a couple of trips to Colorado for trail running.
While these shoes are designed for the road, I never experienced slipping on the road in rain and snow or damp wooded areas. I noticed the grip on the shoe got better after the first 50 miles, once the shoes were fully broken in and at the most comfortable.
Bottom Line: The Hoka One One Arahi 4
If you have any sort of knee, hip, or lower back pain and need a pair of shoes to carry you from casual walking all the way to marathon training, the Hoka One One Arahi 4’s are a solid option.
And as much as I love these shoes for running with lots of comfort and stability, I know that even when I retire these shoes from running, I will still keep these in my rotation for other workouts and for walking around New York City.
Almost all Hoka athletic shoes do a great job at straying from the ugly design of many running shoes, which for many runners is not first on the priority list; unless you happen to dress up when you are running to help motivate you along the way.
However, Hoka’s sleek look and comfort have made the brand far more popular for those who like wearing these shoes with everyday outfits.
Regardless . . . if looks, comfort, or stability is what you are looking for, you will find it in the Hoka One One Arahi 4 shoe.
All opinions are our own and never influenced by brands. We may earn money if you buy from a link.
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4″ items=”1″]
[amazon bestseller=”hoka one one arahi 4 women” items=”1″]
