At the 2025 Western States 100, the race for podium spots wasn’t the only contest worth watching, there was another quiet competition underfoot.
In a detailed analysis conducted by TRAILRUNNINGReview using data collected by iRunFar, every shoe worn by all 369 starters was documented via video just a few miles into the race. The result is a rare, data-driven snapshot of what the ultrarunning world is lacing up for the sport’s most iconic 100-miler.
Western States has a profile unlike most other century-length trail races, with roughly 18,000 feet of climbing, 22,000 feet of descent, and mostly runnable, non-technical terrain.
The course rewards sustained leg turnover and forgiving cushioning, and the winners’ times reflect just how fast it can be.
Caleb Olson crossed the Auburn finish in 14:11, and Abby Hall took the women’s title in 16:37. That race profile, as iRunFar notes, seems to give certain shoe brands a distinct edge.
And in 2025, no brand capitalized more than Hoka.
Hoka’s Grip on the Field
According to the iRunFar/TRAILRUNNINGReview data, Hoka shoes were on the feet of 32.6% of starters, a dominance that would be notable in any race, but feels especially pronounced here. Hoka’s formula of high-stack cushioning, comfortable fit, and increasingly aggressive outsole options meshes neatly with the demands of a fast, downhill-leaning course.
Models like the carbon-plated Tecton X and the new Mafate X offer both protection and speed, while the long-established Speedgoat line remains a staple.
The Speedgoat 6 was the single most-worn shoe model in the race, appearing on 7.4% of starters. The Mafate Speed 4 and Tecton X 3 tied for second-most popular at 6.0% each, underscoring just how deep Hoka’s roster runs for trail ultras.
The Chasing Pack
While Hoka’s lead was clear, the rest of the field still showed plenty of variety.
Altra claimed 12.9% of the start line, continuing its steady rise in the ultra scene thanks to zero-drop platforms and roomy toeboxes. Salomon, a long-time trail running heavyweight, held 7.7%. Nike (6.3%) and adidas Terrex (6.0%) posted slightly higher shares than they see at more technical mountain ultras, likely benefiting from their road-running reputations and recent carbon-plated trail offerings.
Further down the list, Brooks (5.2%), Saucony (4.4%), Topo Athletic (4.4%), La Sportiva (2.7%), and NNormal (2.7%) filled out the top ten. NNormal’s presence, though small, is notable, its co-founder Kilian Jornet wore a pair en route to his third-place finish.
Innovation on Display
Beyond the production models, the race also served as an unofficial prototype showcase. Observers spotted what appeared to be an unreleased Nike Ultrafly 2, multiple custom Hoka builds, including the Rocket X Trail worn by runner-up Fu-Zhao Xiang, and an experimental Brooks trail racer. As Outside has reported in its gear coverage, Western States has become a proving ground where brands debut innovations under the harshest real-world conditions.
Reading the Trend Lines
If there’s a takeaway from the 2025 data, it’s that the “super shoe” wave is firmly washing over the trails. Lightweight foams, plated midsoles, and maximal cushioning, once reserved for road marathons, are now commonplace in the ultra world. Hoka remains the benchmark, but Altra’s growth and the carbon-shoe incursions from Nike and adidas suggest a more competitive marketplace ahead.
For now, though, the start line at Western States tells a simple story, the reigning king of ultra-trail footwear wears a Hoka logo.
