Hoka Mafate X Review

There are trail shoes built for speed. Some for agility, others for cushioning. And then there’s the HOKA Mafate X – a shoe so maxed out in stack height, propulsion and plushness, it feels like it belongs in an ultra-luxury category of its own. 

I tested the Hoka Mafate X over a series of long, cruisy trail runs – think fire trails, pea gravel, compact dirt – and from the first few strides, it was clear: this beast is built to go the distance in comfort, not to set segment records.

So let’s break it down.

The Hoka Mafate X fits like your favourite oversized hoodie: roomy, soft, and built to protect. The toe box is spacious enough to let your toes splay naturally and swell mid-run, while the midfoot wrap holds things stable without any noticeable pressure points. 

The sidewalls rise slightly higher than most trail shoes, which adds to the locked-in feel. The shoe is to size for me, with just enough wiggle room. Runners with wide feet or those tackling big back-to-back training blocks will appreciate the relaxed, comfortable fit.

One of the unsung heroes of this shoe is the gusseted tongue – which I like to see as a work of art. It’s lightly padded, but structured enough that it doesn’t fold or bunch, even during quick lace-ups on the fly. There are small perforations near the top – presumably for ventilation or drainage – but they also help reduce bulk in what would otherwise be a high-volume shoe.

The flat laces are substantial without being overly rigid, and I didn’t experience any slippage or need for mid-run retightening. The tongue and lacing system work in tandem to anchor the foot securely, and there’s zero lace bite even when cinching things down tight.

Despite its visual heft, the engineered woven mesh upper is surprisingly breathable. I ran in lowly warm, dry conditions before winter truly kicked in, and never felt like the shoe was holding in heat. It’s not quite as airy as some stripped-back race uppers, but for an ultra-focused model, it walks the line beautifully between durability and ventilation.

The upper has enough structure to resist collapsing against the foot and maintains airflow without letting in too much of the outside world. During early morning winter runs, I appreciated that it didn’t feel like my toes were completely exposed. 

The weave also feels reinforced without being stiff – ideal for brushing against low scrub or trail debris. No hot spots, no overbuilt overlays, just a smooth and effective design that balances protection with airflow.

Overall, the Hoka Mafate X strikes a nice middle ground: breathable in the heat, yet not a freezer box in the cold. 

Moving onto the back of the shoe, that step-in feel is luxe. L-U-X-E. The heel collar is plush without being overly padded, and the Achilles notch is gently sculpted to cradle the back of the foot. I noticed how cushioned the ankle zone felt even after a good few hours on my feet. There’s a bit of extra stiffness through the heel counter, which helps lock you in and prevent slippage, especially when the carbon plate wants to push you forward with that aggressive rocker.

With that being said, the Meta-Rocker kicks in almost immediately in the first step you take – and you don’t need to be sprinting to feel it. It’s an assertive sensation, like the shoe is nudging you gently downhill even on flat ground. Combined with the carbon fibre plate, it creates a ride that feels consistent and smooth, especially over rolling terrain and gentle inclines.

Now for the underfoot. The Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole is a tried-and-true performer, and in the Hoka Mafate X it’s paired with a uniquely playful lug layout. Yes! Those are little smiley and frowny faces underfoot. And while it might seem like a gimmick at first glance, there’s a bit of function behind the fun.

The curved shapes provide multi-directional grip: smiley faces help with propulsion during toe-off, while frowny faces add braking traction on descents or heel strikes. It’s subtle, but in combination with the aggressive Meta-Rocker, it makes transitions feel smoother and more controlled over varied terrain. It’s also a cheeky little easter egg – trail running is serious business, but your shoes don’t have to be.

Lug depth sits at around 3.5mm, which puts it on the shallower side for a trail shoe. 

The HOKA Mafate X is a bold step forward for runners who want maximal cushion, a smooth and efficient ride, and long-haul reliability. And yes, it looks as good as it feels. The men’s version comes in the punchy Zest/Mountain Fog shade, while the women’s line-up offers an equally eye-catching combo, Feldspar/Mountain Fog. The colourways are unapologetically bold, just like the shoe itself.

The Low Down

Great for: Ultras, fire trails, gravel, mild to moderate technicality
Not so great for: Slick clay, light-and-fast agility, technical scrambles
Ideal foot type: Neutral 
Test terrain: Compacted dirt, pea gravel, fire trails, dry grass

More info:
– RRP: $379.99 AUD / $399.00 NZD
– Website: hoka.com 
– Conditions: Shoes in Feldspar/Mountain Fog provided for testing by HOKA