GEAR REVIEW - HOKA Speed Instinct
Posted on September 29 2016
Here's our HOKA Speed Instinct Gear Review after running 240km including UTMB and The Green Race Plover Cove.
The Speed Instinct could be HOKA's most comfortable trail shoe yet, incorporating their signature uber-cushioning but also a slightly wider forefoot fit, which will be a welcome relief for many runners. Trail responsiveness is still decent, despite the 23mm stack height, but speedy shorter distance runners might want something with a bit more ground feel.
The meta-rocker feeling is less pronounced but there is a firmer toe-off feeling (like the road Tracer and Clayton) for quicker acceleration, which complements the more aggressive 5mm drop. A cushioned tongue and inner lining complete the plush finish.
The rubber overlay outsole provides excellent grip in dry and even muddy conditions, and it copes just fine on road as well. However, traction on smooth wet surfaces is worse than average. Wear to date has been minimal - this is a well built shoe.
At less than 240 grams for a US Men's 9, we think this makes a great training shoe or dry weather racer for distances over 20-30km.
Score 8.5/10
RRP HK$1,400
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