My second run this year on its second day and the first half marathon of my life in 2:10:04! 13 months ago at the age of 36 I got back into running. I just wanted to get a little fitter and lose some weight. I started watching your vlog for the shoe reviews to decide what to get and then stayed for the motivation you gave me to keep on running and pushing and turning that door knob. In 2021 I ran 2330 km and I lost over 10kg (about 22 lbs I think), which seemed impossible to me starting out. My highest yearly volume before was 366 km ;) thank you, Seth, for the daily videos and all the goodness that comes from your channel. KEEPING DGR STRONG IN GERMANY!
I purchased this shoe for a 50K in the Franklin Mountains (7K vert) in Nov2021. I purchased these over the Speedgoats that I had used in the Grand Canyon (r2r2r). A big difference between the two was the toe box - way more room in the Mafate. I think these are great for rugged long trail runs, and if you want a lot of cushion underneath, but they run heavy and it took 50-60 miles before I felt these shoes were broken in properly. Enjoy the trails!
So these seem hefty like a bondi for the trails. You seem to be saying these are good for trail ultras with a lot of loose rocks ? Overall you believe the shoe makes up where the speedgoat lacks comfort especially in the toe box for long runs where you’re taking more pounding?
@@tobin87 That’s been my experience. The toe cap DID catch a few loose rocks when I wasn’t picking my feet up; but they were very cushiony throughout the race - in fact, I thought I would have blisters for days (like with the Speedgoat 4’s), but I had ZERO blisters after my 50k. My experience with loose rocks (there were a ton in my last 50k race), was that it handled quite well, but note that the Mafate do sit higher than the Speedgoat for sure, however, the room in the toe box is what convinced me. I don’t have wide feet but when I put my Speedgoats back on, my toes get squished. Again, that’s from what I experienced. One final note - they are heavier. This is especially noticeable if you run in Cliftons or some other road shoe.
QD: The coldest temperature I've ever experienced was -37C during a skiing trip. I've learned the next day, that the low temperature record for Poland was broken in a village a couple kilometers away from my camp. Still, I was walking around the camp in a t-shirt and a hoodie like it's noting. But the coldest I've ever FELT was when I did ice diving for the first time last year. It is a very healthy thing to do, improves your immune system like nothing else, but you need to start slowly and get used to the extreme conditions. I went out on my first time like everyone else who was already accustomed to it... and then almost passed out on the way back home. I stopped shaking after 10 minutes in a warm bath. I need to do it again sometime 😁
QD: As a Canadian, I am going to speak in celsius. I have been out in temperatures below -40 several times. In the high arctic. In Northern BC. Even here in Calgary. I taught skiing for over 15 years. I have worked in temperatures colder than -30. Have had minor frostbite on my face and what felt like frozen toes. That is still not the coldest I have ever been. The coldest I have ever been was teaching skiing in Australia between 0 and -5 in a snowstorm. The snowstorms there come in hard off the Tasman sea south of Australia. The snow doesn't fall. It is blown horizontally with strong wnds. The snow is also very wet. With the force of the wind, the wet snow penetrates everything. Australia is the only place I have ever been where you have to pur the water out after taking off your ski boots. Soaked to the bone, in strong winds with pelting wet snow in -5......that is the coldest I have ever been.
Tim Tolleson ran Western States and UTMB in the Mafate. Note that there is a Mafate Evo that uses the Matrix upper and is a lot lighter than the speed. The Mafate has more forefoot cushion feel than the Speedgoat.
Seth made a review of Mafate 2 EVO. He did not took it to 50 and recomend Speedgoat EVO instead. So there two confusing lines of Mafate. It`s like one are for hikes and EVO for ultras.
I know it’s a slightly different shoe, but I just ran a 100 mile race in the Evo Mafate 2s. Very great shoe. Bouncy on those aggressive trails with plenty of mud and rocks.
QD: coldest I’ve ever been is USMC boot camp November 1988 in Parris Island, SC. Probably not too low of a temperature but I assure you we were miserably cold. Rain, lack of sleep, lack of dry clothes, ankle deep fighting holes and a sense of uncertainty rarely experienced. It was one night during the most transformative 13 weeks most will ever endure.
QD. The coldest I’ve experienced and run in is -40 C or -40 F. It’s when the temps meet. But hey, I’m from Carman, MB Canada 🇨🇦.. These temps happen! I see a few of my neighbors south of the border in Minnesota sharing similar temps. We can also get +40 C in the summer too. This -40 C temp was about 4 years ago and just happened to have a vacation booked in Cuba a couple days after. Shooed a pic of my frosty face to one of the resort staff and he said to me “ how do you live there?” I just laughed, you get used to it. Currently it’s -30 C in southern Manitoba but a warm up on the way. Yaaaah! 🙂
This past week in Calgary the temperature has dropped to -50 with the Windchill making Calgary one of the top 10 coldest places on earth. Everything was closed Christmas and no access to a indoor track or treadmill. I am in the end of a half marathon training block so no choice but to layer up get out and get it done ! Must keep to the schedule.
What happened to the Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra review? Did you have a change of heart and think "I can say this shoe doesn't work for me", but a broad based "Don't buy this shoe" was too far? Or was there some external factor that caused you to pull the review?
I wish more people did as honest a review. I bought them based on the other reviews I had seen. I can not even walk across my living room without being in significant pain on the heel (achilles) and inside ankle. I was so disappointed! Tried to double up my socks and even make an attempt to wear them short distances to break them in. I have never had an issue like this with a shoe, and I have a bit of a shoe collection. I was glad to know I wasn't the only one having an issue.
I hope it wasn't "big shoe" getting to Seth. Maybe he watched some of his fellow shoetubers reviews after publishing (Kofuzi) and realized that the shoe was good for some other folks.
I thought it was very strange he released two videos yesterday. In light of the fact he deleted the review it makes a lot more sense. I doubt “big shoe” got to him but very likely he made a wise decision based on the reality of his business model. It is what it is!
This shoe needs a pretty long break-in according to The Ginger Runner and I agree from my experience. The midsole is protective, a bit responsive, resilient and tough, not bouncy and springy nor made to be. The midsole is dual density with firm EVA at the bottom for rock protection. Said midsole layer also extends up into the arch providing support for late in the run. Really firmly secure heel lockdown without rubbing.
Coldest it's been up here on the Mountain of the Winter Warlock is -40f. I once made the mistake of locking myself out of the house in February (20 degrees out)while I went for a run! I had to wait an hour in the unheated garage soaked in sweaty running clothes until someone came to let me in!
Although I've been comfortably outside in -20F temperatures, the coldest I've ever been was outdoor camping at 40F in the pouring rain. Being soaked through and trying to sleep in a hammock under a tarp at 40F is no fun. Give me colder and drier conditions, anytime!
QD: The coldest I've been was during my first DNF. I did the Batona Trail 55-miler in NJ and ran into IT band issues early causing my knee to lock up. This past November it was 21 degrees at the start of the race and I went out a little hard starting to sweat. When my knee locked it up forced me to walk and there were areas where runners had to walk through ankle deep water. I've never been so cold in sweaty clothes, soaked feet, and walking in sub 30 degree weather as the sun came up! Lots of lessons in this race!
@@jp05598 not sure yet! I'm going to do the Dirty German in May. I'm looking at possibly doing Tesla Hertz in New York in October. I think the Batona would be too quick of a turn around!
Surprised you reviewed this shoe since it's been out for a year already. Guess you can't say you're not thorough! I wasn't impressed with the Mafate Speed 3 for the first 50 miles or so, but I am starting to like it now that it's broken in. It's much better than the Speedgoat for muddy and wet conditions.
This is my first Hoka shoe. I bought it last summer. Bit of backround to give you an idea where I'm coming from. I started running in spring 2018 at the age of 35. Before I played basketball for 21 years and after 2014 only calisthenics and few years of muay thai. I ran maybe every other week for around 10k. Running seemed boring. Got sucked into it and last year I ran my first marathon. Year totals were 2300km and 22k vertical gain. Now I'm aiming to start and finish my first ultra (70k trail) here in Finlad at September. I'm a bit bigger than your average runner, 191cm and 87kg. Shoes felt good from the beginning. Needed little bit of break-in and started to loosen up in a good way after 50k. After 100k they felt even better. Now I have around 250km and they feel good. Been running in weathers from -15 to +25C. In mud, snow, rock, dirt and some road in transition to forest. Mafate is my go-to shoe when I want softer feeling compared to my Speedcross 5. Seriously thinking about running that ultra with Hoka. No complaints about the shoe so far. Bit of wear in some lugs due to my stride. QD: coldest I've felt was as a kid. Alpine skiing in -28C. Had to come inside to warm up every 20 min or so.
QOD: The coldest run for me was -7F. I was on a business trip years and years ago, and I don't even remember the city, but if I don't get the run in before work, it won't get in. I started the run and felt that it was cold, but had to get the miles in. I was running past a bank in the dark and their sign had the temp. -7F cold!
QD: The coldest I've ever been was in summer of 2017. I was working on the activities staff at a camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and as such, a group of us were tasked with setting up the swimming area on the lake that the camp resides on. It was 40 degrees outside that day in May, and we lost one of the buoy anchors at the bottom of the lake. Water Temps were in the 50s and I had to snorkel around the lake for an hour to find the anchor. Walked away with a mild case of hypothermia, but the worst part was it literally took 3 days for my body temp to return to normal. I live in the Northwoods now, and let's just say I'll never get into lake water before July ever again!
Coldest I've ever felt was a 9 mile run at 5 degrees. Only double layered, but felt ok leaving the car. Thought I was running into the wind until the turnaround. Longest 4.5 miles of my life. Almost thought the wind chill was going to emasculate me. Such a unique and excruciating pain. Don't underestimate pelvic protection and warmth on those cold runs.
QD: I've been in colder temperatures, but the coldest I've ever FELT was doing intervals this morning at -47°F here in North Dakota. My personal limit used to be -30°F due to my eyelashes wanting to freeze shut, but a good pair of goggles remedied that!
Every time you say "Gotta hit the gym" I picture Ryan Hall. Surreal the transformation he has performed on his physique. A fantasy of many of us scrawny distance runners.
QD: My 1 ° run in Denver last night, used my speedgoats for a little extra traction on top of packed snow, layers were key to staying comfortable. Gallon zip locks over my darn tough socks to keep the wind from blowing thru (or feet from getting wet). Used thick mittens, but could've used plastic bags or hand warmers underneath them. Learning how to adapt to the changing weather here in Colorado.
QD: Coldest I have ever been out in was -47 in Alaska for work. Coldest run was -8 Celsius (17 F?) in Canberra, Australia. As an Australian I ran in shorts and shirt and hence had frozen arm hairs by the end of the run. First 3km felt cold but remaining 7km was ok. Hottest run was 17km at 39 C (102 F).
When I was serving in the British army we was on exercise near Seattle USA , we slept out in -38 for 2 weeks with our combats jackets turning brittle. The one and only time I have ever drank coffee, you cant say not when the sergeant major offers you his brew no matter what it is.
I think the coldest was skiing in Austria at -20°C. By the way, I weigh 80kg and use the Mafate Speed 2 and Evo Mafate 2 for 100K ultra trails and long runs and it needs at least 100K to break in. If you are lightweighted the Speedgoat is enough for ultras. GREETINGS FROM SALZBURG/AUSTRIA!!!
QD: Coldest I've ever been was when I was working on a farm one winter, air temp was -25, and with wind chill it was -40. Me and the guy I was working with had to hunker down behind a round bale of hay for a few minutes just to get out of the gale. When we got to the farm house we went into the basement pulled a couple of logs up to the wood furnace, opened its door, sat down on the logs, took our boots of and pretty much stuck our feet into the fire. The guy I worked with was an old time tough guy who would never admit when he was hurt even if he had blood pouring out of his head; he turned to me and said "I've never thought about quitting a job in my life but I thought long and hard about it a couple of times this morning." It was unreal.
Ran Black Canyon 100k (2021) in version 2 of the shoe. They were comfy as can be when starting but felt pretty flat by the end of the race. I find that they really don't hold up to high mileage but they are incredibly comfortable and offer a lot of protection for me (170 lbs) through about 40 miles. In version 1 I lost lugs in the first 30 miles of MN trail running which is the only time I've lost lugs that early with a shoe. QD: A -5* 20 miler in Minneapolis, MN with a tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back. I thought I was going to lose some fingers and a friend came through with an extra pair of hand warmers around mile 12. Thank goodness! It's incredibly rare that I will not run because it's too cold. A couple of years back while in MN, there was a day with temps in the -30* f before the wind and windchills in the -60*. I didn't run then and even fully bundled, froze outside in about 90 seconds. That kind of cold is extremely dangerous.
QOD: I can’t remember exactly when but it was within the last 4-5 years working the midnight shift (I’m LEO) and I got stuck on a perimeter of a stand-off on the coldest night of the year for about 4 hours. Temp was in the negative teens Fahrenheit but with the windchill it was something like negative 30’s. I just remembered the extreme pain in my fingers and toes before they went numb and thinking there was no way I didn’t have frostbite. Luckily I didn’t, but it practically took me the remainder of my shift sitting in my car with the heat on high, to warm back up.
I purchased the evo mafate 2 this year and gotta say, didn’t love it at first. It was an expensive shoe so I kept giving it chances and after 50 miles I really started to love it. Any time I was running fire or service roads/ more buffed out trail this shoe became my go to even over my Speedgoats. This shoe however is incredibly unstable on roots and in rock scrambling situations! Do not try to scramble in this shoe 😂 Add on: the lug depth makes no sense on a shoe like this I agree
I got a pair of the Hoka Challenger GoreTex for Christmas. I'd also say that one feels heavy on the feet. Not bad for what I want it for though (hybrid Trail and road runs, usually not too long). But in contrast I think the upper is not good. I ordered myself a pair of shoelaces from Amazon and I'll see if I can fix that problem with better laces. Still, even with the problems I'll wear them until I wear them out. I'm sure they'll break in eventually.
Been chilly in NE North Dakota. New Year’s Day early morning … -37 with -54 with chill. It’s not the weather it’s the clothing. So cold the snow squeaks underfoot when you run!! 🥴💨
Glad I got the EVO Mafate 2, at a discount a few months ago (109), which has a more flexible over-toe vamp (compared to the SG4), and while it can a bit unstable on cambered rocks, roots, that beefy outsole/cushion combo is great for dirt roads and easy trails. It is also, as someone has already stated below, incredibly good in snow. Those lugs bite, and keep biting. And I've never "bit it" on snow or ice (!) in these things. Good, durable, stuff. Too bad the Mafate S3s aren't as good, seemingly....I think Tollefson did it in the EVOMaf2, not the Speed 3.
Fort Yukon, Alaska: - 64 degrees Fahrenheit (or - 53 Celsius). The small bush plane landed on skis. Just before opening the door, the pilot uncapped a plastic water bottle. He opened the door and swung the bottle skyward. The water froze midair in an icicle - like a Jedi light saber!
NEW MAFATE ON THE WAY!! I think the release date is Aug "22. Total redesign. They are using a dual density foam (what they call Profly) but overall shoe has the same mission: long trail days over any terrain. [This shoes namesake is the Mafate region of Reunion Island which is traversed during the The Grand Raid de la Reunion: very technical, hot, slow 100 miler] [Dylan Bowman has a great movie about his experience in "21]
Used this shoe for a 50mi and a 100mi this past year. It really works well on snow and ice here in Boulder. My only complaint is was my Achilles were sore after the 100mi which was new for me. Could have been the vert, could have been the shoe, who knows. I also agree it needed a break in period. I’m at 300+ miles and it’s still chugging!
Totaly agree with price point opinion. On the other hand shoes like Mafate are designed for differend targed group: for peiple who střední long distance ultras in big mountains where you walk a lot. With long technical sections. Where fast guys finish in 30hours and “normal runners” need 40h+ As well as fastpacking and simulace activities…
Just grabbed these for Spartan Ultras, I’m a “bigger” runner as you said at 175lbs haha. Hoping these workout but I share a lot of the same thoughts you shared
From Montréal: -30 Celsius, but skiing a couple of years ago -35… as for running in cold: -25 Celsius, bottle of Gatorade froze in 20 minutes… it was cold!
I went to school in North Dakota. My freshman year we had -60F windchill’s or lower or an entire week. We went to school Monday through Thursday and they finally canceled school Friday for cold.
QD: I'm not sure when the coldest I ever felt was, but the coldest run I've recorded is -22°f. On the flip side, the hottest run I've done is 118°f. After further thought, I'm fairly certain the coldest I've felt was when I had to change a helicopter engine in a Minnesota field on a 10°f windy day. I had some frozen fingers that day.
If this is the same midsole as the Evo M2, mine bottomed out under the forefoot at 800km. Much bouncier, more fun ride than the Evo SG. I’m also disappointed the Evo M2 isn’t coming back esp given how heavy the MS3 is. However after your review, I’m intrigued but the Tecton X! On sale, though. OMG need to wait for a sale.
Just picked this up in the Hoka Winter Sale for a bargain price. Haven’t had any experience with the shoe before but took a gamble based on instinct. Thanks for the detailed review Seth
QD - coldest I’ve over been ? I ran a half marathon in a January some years ago, and around mile 10 my hat froze. I took it off and the top of my head froze. It took everything to finish that run in snow and frozen temps.
i think you need to put a UTMB mandatory gears on you vest and test this shoes on teachinal trail, maybe you will feel different. who can run a 3:00/km on 100miles ? i think you can not put a high speed concept on this shoes, because Hoka have Zinal . Tim raced in Evo Mafate 2, you tested it before.
Thanks for this review Seth. I am looking for the equivalent of the Bondi 7 for long slow trail, with mixed surfaces (road, trails ...), for easy daily door to trail. I thought the Mafate came close to it, but its sole is really not made for the road (I think). The Challenger ATR6 has a weird fit that doesn't suit me, the Stinson is an XXL UFO, I don't know what to choose ...
Does anyone know what the purpose of the twist test is? I know he does it for every shoe but I don’t know if loosey goosey is good or bad in which context?
How do you not know what the lug depth is? Is this channel for reviewing running shoes? That's minor league stuff Seth. Don't know the lug depth, get a ruler and measure it (hint- use the really small marks those are mm). You can do better then that.
Kind of worthless review. This is obviously a shoe created for multiple 30-50-100 miles runs, a short run and some pinching of the midsole is not sufficient for a valid review. Low score for price point seems unreasonable when comparing with shoes in the same category.
I recommend checking out a different channel or look for someone who has put a 100km into them if thats what you are after(or post your own when you do). Seth reviews a lot of shoes so everything is in context with the limitations of this- saying that he does not throw it under the bus and does say maybe it needs 75km or more. He's reviewed lots of hoka's so you could check them out to compare/contrast. All the best for your running!
My second run this year on its second day and the first half marathon of my life in 2:10:04! 13 months ago at the age of 36 I got back into running. I just wanted to get a little fitter and lose some weight. I started watching your vlog for the shoe reviews to decide what to get and then stayed for the motivation you gave me to keep on running and pushing and turning that door knob. In 2021 I ran 2330 km and I lost over 10kg (about 22 lbs I think), which seemed impossible to me starting out. My highest yearly volume before was 366 km ;) thank you, Seth, for the daily videos and all the goodness that comes from your channel. KEEPING DGR STRONG IN GERMANY!
I purchased this shoe for a 50K in the Franklin Mountains (7K vert) in Nov2021. I purchased these over the Speedgoats that I had used in the Grand Canyon (r2r2r). A big difference between the two was the toe box - way more room in the Mafate. I think these are great for rugged long trail runs, and if you want a lot of cushion underneath, but they run heavy and it took 50-60 miles before I felt these shoes were broken in properly. Enjoy the trails!
This comment gives more information than Seths review.
@@sunnlands I guess Seth doesn't have the time to take shoes to 50 miles to break them in.
So these seem hefty like a bondi for the trails. You seem to be saying these are good for trail ultras with a lot of loose rocks ? Overall you believe the shoe makes up where the speedgoat lacks comfort especially in the toe box for long runs where you’re taking more pounding?
@@tobin87 That’s been my experience. The toe cap DID catch a few loose rocks when I wasn’t picking my feet up; but they were very cushiony throughout the race - in fact, I thought I would have blisters for days (like with the Speedgoat 4’s), but I had ZERO blisters after my 50k. My experience with loose rocks (there were a ton in my last 50k race), was that it handled quite well, but note that the Mafate do sit higher than the Speedgoat for sure, however, the room in the toe box is what convinced me. I don’t have wide feet but when I put my Speedgoats back on, my toes get squished. Again, that’s from what I experienced. One final note - they are heavier. This is especially noticeable if you run in Cliftons or some other road shoe.
I run in both, Mafate and Speedgoat, I completely agree with your comment, Mafate for rocky terrain and long runs is great.
Tim raced in the Evo Mafate 2. The lighter weight counterpart to this shoe. It’s been one of my favs so I’m sad to see it being discontinued.
QD: The coldest temperature I've ever experienced was -37C during a skiing trip. I've learned the next day, that the low temperature record for Poland was broken in a village a couple kilometers away from my camp. Still, I was walking around the camp in a t-shirt and a hoodie like it's noting. But the coldest I've ever FELT was when I did ice diving for the first time last year. It is a very healthy thing to do, improves your immune system like nothing else, but you need to start slowly and get used to the extreme conditions. I went out on my first time like everyone else who was already accustomed to it... and then almost passed out on the way back home. I stopped shaking after 10 minutes in a warm bath. I need to do it again sometime 😁
QD: As a Canadian, I am going to speak in celsius. I have been out in temperatures below -40 several times. In the high arctic. In Northern BC. Even here in Calgary. I taught skiing for over 15 years. I have worked in temperatures colder than -30. Have had minor frostbite on my face and what felt like frozen toes.
That is still not the coldest I have ever been.
The coldest I have ever been was teaching skiing in Australia between 0 and -5 in a snowstorm. The snowstorms there come in hard off the Tasman sea south of Australia. The snow doesn't fall. It is blown horizontally with strong wnds. The snow is also very wet. With the force of the wind, the wet snow penetrates everything. Australia is the only place I have ever been where you have to pur the water out after taking off your ski boots. Soaked to the bone, in strong winds with pelting wet snow in -5......that is the coldest I have ever been.
Tim Tolleson ran Western States and UTMB in the Mafate. Note that there is a Mafate Evo that uses the Matrix upper and is a lot lighter than the speed. The Mafate has more forefoot cushion feel than the Speedgoat.
Seth made a review of Mafate 2 EVO. He did not took it to 50 and recomend Speedgoat EVO instead. So there two confusing lines of Mafate. It`s like one are for hikes and EVO for ultras.
I know it’s a slightly different shoe, but I just ran a 100 mile race in the Evo Mafate 2s. Very great shoe. Bouncy on those aggressive trails with plenty of mud and rocks.
QD: coldest I’ve ever been is USMC boot camp November 1988 in Parris Island, SC. Probably not too low of a temperature but I assure you we were miserably cold. Rain, lack of sleep, lack of dry clothes, ankle deep fighting holes and a sense of uncertainty rarely experienced.
It was one night during the most transformative 13 weeks most will ever endure.
QD. The coldest I’ve experienced and run in is -40 C or -40 F. It’s when the temps meet. But hey, I’m from Carman, MB Canada 🇨🇦.. These temps happen! I see a few of my neighbors south of the border in Minnesota sharing similar temps. We can also get +40 C in the summer too. This -40 C temp was about 4 years ago and just happened to have a vacation booked in Cuba a couple days after. Shooed a pic of my frosty face to one of the resort staff and he said to me “ how do you live there?” I just laughed, you get used to it. Currently it’s -30 C in southern Manitoba but a warm up on the way. Yaaaah! 🙂
This past week in Calgary the temperature has dropped to -50 with the Windchill making Calgary one of the top 10 coldest places on earth. Everything was closed Christmas and no access to a indoor track or treadmill. I am in the end of a half marathon training block so no choice but to layer up get out and get it done ! Must keep to the schedule.
What happened to the Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra review? Did you have a change of heart and think "I can say this shoe doesn't work for me", but a broad based "Don't buy this shoe" was too far? Or was there some external factor that caused you to pull the review?
Im curious as well!
I wish more people did as honest a review. I bought them based on the other reviews I had seen. I can not even walk across my living room without being in significant pain on the heel (achilles) and inside ankle. I was so disappointed! Tried to double up my socks and even make an attempt to wear them short distances to break them in. I have never had an issue like this with a shoe, and I have a bit of a shoe collection. I was glad to know I wasn't the only one having an issue.
I hope it wasn't "big shoe" getting to Seth. Maybe he watched some of his fellow shoetubers reviews after publishing (Kofuzi) and realized that the shoe was good for some other folks.
Yeah I noticed that the review was deleted
I thought it was very strange he released two videos yesterday. In light of the fact he deleted the review it makes a lot more sense. I doubt “big shoe” got to him but very likely he made a wise decision based on the reality of his business model. It is what it is!
This shoe needs a pretty long break-in according to The Ginger Runner and I agree from my experience. The midsole is protective, a bit responsive, resilient and tough, not bouncy and springy nor made to be. The midsole is dual density with firm EVA at the bottom for rock protection. Said midsole layer also extends up into the arch providing support for late in the run. Really firmly secure heel lockdown without rubbing.
Coldest it's been up here on the Mountain of the Winter Warlock is -40f. I once made the mistake of locking myself out of the house in February (20 degrees out)while I went for a run! I had to wait an hour in the unheated garage soaked in sweaty running clothes until someone came to let me in!
Although I've been comfortably outside in -20F temperatures, the coldest I've ever been was outdoor camping at 40F in the pouring rain. Being soaked through and trying to sleep in a hammock under a tarp at 40F is no fun. Give me colder and drier conditions, anytime!
QD: The coldest I've been was during my first DNF. I did the Batona Trail 55-miler in NJ and ran into IT band issues early causing my knee to lock up. This past November it was 21 degrees at the start of the race and I went out a little hard starting to sweat. When my knee locked it up forced me to walk and there were areas where runners had to walk through ankle deep water. I've never been so cold in sweaty clothes, soaked feet, and walking in sub 30 degree weather as the sun came up! Lots of lessons in this race!
@@jp05598 not sure yet! I'm going to do the Dirty German in May. I'm looking at possibly doing Tesla Hertz in New York in October. I think the Batona would be too quick of a turn around!
Surprised you reviewed this shoe since it's been out for a year already. Guess you can't say you're not thorough! I wasn't impressed with the Mafate Speed 3 for the first 50 miles or so, but I am starting to like it now that it's broken in. It's much better than the Speedgoat for muddy and wet conditions.
so many shoes so little time
This is my first Hoka shoe. I bought it last summer.
Bit of backround to give you an idea where I'm coming from. I started running in spring 2018 at the age of 35. Before I played basketball for 21 years and after 2014 only calisthenics and few years of muay thai. I ran maybe every other week for around 10k. Running seemed boring. Got sucked into it and last year I ran my first marathon. Year totals were 2300km and 22k vertical gain. Now I'm aiming to start and finish my first ultra (70k trail) here in Finlad at September.
I'm a bit bigger than your average runner, 191cm and 87kg.
Shoes felt good from the beginning. Needed little bit of break-in and started to loosen up in a good way after 50k. After 100k they felt even better. Now I have around 250km and they feel good. Been running in weathers from -15 to +25C. In mud, snow, rock, dirt and some road in transition to forest. Mafate is my go-to shoe when I want softer feeling compared to my Speedcross 5.
Seriously thinking about running that ultra with Hoka.
No complaints about the shoe so far. Bit of wear in some lugs due to my stride.
QD: coldest I've felt was as a kid. Alpine skiing in -28C. Had to come inside to warm up every 20 min or so.
QOD: The coldest run for me was -7F. I was on a business trip years and years ago, and I don't even remember the city, but if I don't get the run in before work, it won't get in. I started the run and felt that it was cold, but had to get the miles in. I was running past a bank in the dark and their sign had the temp. -7F cold!
QD: The coldest I've ever been was in summer of 2017. I was working on the activities staff at a camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and as such, a group of us were tasked with setting up the swimming area on the lake that the camp resides on. It was 40 degrees outside that day in May, and we lost one of the buoy anchors at the bottom of the lake. Water Temps were in the 50s and I had to snorkel around the lake for an hour to find the anchor. Walked away with a mild case of hypothermia, but the worst part was it literally took 3 days for my body temp to return to normal. I live in the Northwoods now, and let's just say I'll never get into lake water before July ever again!
I love this little bastard, he's great.
I am sort of confused by the title sequence on this Video, it says January 2nd 2021 !
Coldest I've ever felt was a 9 mile run at 5 degrees. Only double layered, but felt ok leaving the car. Thought I was running into the wind until the turnaround. Longest 4.5 miles of my life. Almost thought the wind chill was going to emasculate me. Such a unique and excruciating pain. Don't underestimate pelvic protection and warmth on those cold runs.
QD: I've been in colder temperatures, but the coldest I've ever FELT was doing intervals this morning at -47°F here in North Dakota. My personal limit used to be -30°F due to my eyelashes wanting to freeze shut, but a good pair of goggles remedied that!
Every time you say "Gotta hit the gym" I picture Ryan Hall. Surreal the transformation he has performed on his physique. A fantasy of many of us scrawny distance runners.
pretty funny to watch him run fast now
QD: My 1 ° run in Denver last night, used my speedgoats for a little extra traction on top of packed snow, layers were key to staying comfortable. Gallon zip locks over my darn tough socks to keep the wind from blowing thru (or feet from getting wet). Used thick mittens, but could've used plastic bags or hand warmers underneath them. Learning how to adapt to the changing weather here in Colorado.
QD: Coldest I have ever been out in was -47 in Alaska for work. Coldest run was -8 Celsius (17 F?) in Canberra, Australia. As an Australian I ran in shorts and shirt and hence had frozen arm hairs by the end of the run. First 3km felt cold but remaining 7km was ok. Hottest run was 17km at 39 C (102 F).
When I was serving in the British army we was on exercise near Seattle USA , we slept out in -38 for 2 weeks with our combats jackets turning brittle. The one and only time I have ever drank coffee, you cant say not when the sergeant major offers you his brew no matter what it is.
I think the coldest was skiing in Austria at -20°C. By the way, I weigh 80kg and use the Mafate Speed 2 and Evo Mafate 2 for 100K ultra trails and long runs and it needs at least 100K to break in. If you are lightweighted the Speedgoat is enough for ultras. GREETINGS FROM SALZBURG/AUSTRIA!!!
-70c Northern Bc 🇨🇦 February 1990 @ upper Williston Lk.
QD: Coldest I've ever been was when I was working on a farm one winter, air temp was -25, and with wind chill it was -40. Me and the guy I was working with had to hunker down behind a round bale of hay for a few minutes just to get out of the gale. When we got to the farm house we went into the basement pulled a couple of logs up to the wood furnace, opened its door, sat down on the logs, took our boots of and pretty much stuck our feet into the fire. The guy I worked with was an old time tough guy who would never admit when he was hurt even if he had blood pouring out of his head; he turned to me and said "I've never thought about quitting a job in my life but I thought long and hard about it a couple of times this morning." It was unreal.
Ran Black Canyon 100k (2021) in version 2 of the shoe. They were comfy as can be when starting but felt pretty flat by the end of the race. I find that they really don't hold up to high mileage but they are incredibly comfortable and offer a lot of protection for me (170 lbs) through about 40 miles. In version 1 I lost lugs in the first 30 miles of MN trail running which is the only time I've lost lugs that early with a shoe.
QD: A -5* 20 miler in Minneapolis, MN with a tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back. I thought I was going to lose some fingers and a friend came through with an extra pair of hand warmers around mile 12. Thank goodness! It's incredibly rare that I will not run because it's too cold. A couple of years back while in MN, there was a day with temps in the -30* f before the wind and windchills in the -60*. I didn't run then and even fully bundled, froze outside in about 90 seconds. That kind of cold is extremely dangerous.
I have additionally had some rocks get stuck in the holes in the bottom of the shoe (versions 1 and 2) which were difficult to get out.
The Mafate is my favorite shoe for trail, easy, and more than 2 hours run. It feels like pillows in your feet.
QOD: I can’t remember exactly when but it was within the last 4-5 years working the midnight shift (I’m LEO) and I got stuck on a perimeter of a stand-off on the coldest night of the year for about 4 hours. Temp was in the negative teens Fahrenheit but with the windchill it was something like negative 30’s. I just remembered the extreme pain in my fingers and toes before they went numb and thinking there was no way I didn’t have frostbite. Luckily I didn’t, but it practically took me the remainder of my shift sitting in my car with the heat on high, to warm back up.
I purchased the evo mafate 2 this year and gotta say, didn’t love it at first. It was an expensive shoe so I kept giving it chances and after 50 miles I really started to love it. Any time I was running fire or service roads/ more buffed out trail this shoe became my go to even over my Speedgoats. This shoe however is incredibly unstable on roots and in rock scrambling situations! Do not try to scramble in this shoe 😂
Add on: the lug depth makes no sense on a shoe like this I agree
I got a pair of the Hoka Challenger GoreTex for Christmas. I'd also say that one feels heavy on the feet. Not bad for what I want it for though (hybrid Trail and road runs, usually not too long). But in contrast I think the upper is not good. I ordered myself a pair of shoelaces from Amazon and I'll see if I can fix that problem with better laces. Still, even with the problems I'll wear them until I wear them out. I'm sure they'll break in eventually.
Been chilly in NE North Dakota. New Year’s Day early morning … -37 with -54 with chill. It’s not the weather it’s the clothing. So cold the snow squeaks underfoot when you run!! 🥴💨
Glad I got the EVO Mafate 2, at a discount a few months ago (109), which has a more flexible over-toe vamp (compared to the SG4), and while it can a bit unstable on cambered rocks, roots, that beefy outsole/cushion combo is great for dirt roads and easy trails. It is also, as someone has already stated below, incredibly good in snow. Those lugs bite, and keep biting. And I've never "bit it" on snow or ice (!) in these things. Good, durable, stuff. Too bad the Mafate S3s aren't as good, seemingly....I think Tollefson did it in the EVOMaf2, not the Speed 3.
QD: The coldes I've been in is -60 degree windchill temps in northern Minnesota. Had to be outside to do some work. Crazy.
Fort Yukon, Alaska: - 64 degrees Fahrenheit (or - 53 Celsius). The small bush plane landed on skis. Just before opening the door, the pilot uncapped a plastic water bottle.
He opened the door and swung the bottle skyward. The water froze midair in an icicle - like a Jedi light saber!
NEW MAFATE ON THE WAY!! I think the release date is Aug "22. Total redesign. They are using a dual density foam (what they call Profly) but overall shoe has the same mission: long trail days over any terrain. [This shoes namesake is the Mafate region of Reunion Island which is traversed during the The Grand Raid de la Reunion: very technical, hot, slow 100 miler] [Dylan Bowman has a great movie about his experience in "21]
Used this shoe for a 50mi and a 100mi this past year. It really works well on snow and ice here in Boulder. My only complaint is was my Achilles were sore after the 100mi which was new for me. Could have been the vert, could have been the shoe, who knows. I also agree it needed a break in period. I’m at 300+ miles and it’s still chugging!
Totaly agree with price point opinion. On the other hand shoes like Mafate are designed for differend targed group: for peiple who střední long distance ultras in big mountains where you walk a lot. With long technical sections. Where fast guys finish in 30hours and “normal runners” need 40h+
As well as fastpacking and simulace activities…
I guess he made 1 run < 20 miles before this review, not enough to judge AND not the mileage (purpose) of the shoe, which is >> 50 miles...
Just grabbed these for Spartan Ultras, I’m a “bigger” runner as you said at 175lbs haha. Hoping these workout but I share a lot of the same thoughts you shared
Ordered me Hoka speedgoat 4's today, to keep it up with Chicago weather this year!
Made my 45 mins run ay -22 in moscow some weeks ago 🏃♂️
From Montréal: -30 Celsius, but skiing a couple of years ago -35… as for running in cold: -25 Celsius, bottle of Gatorade froze in 20 minutes… it was cold!
I went to school in North Dakota. My freshman year we had -60F windchill’s or lower or an entire week. We went to school Monday through Thursday and they finally canceled school Friday for cold.
I have a variety of Hoka models, I bought the Mafate 3 as a Thru Hiking Shoe which is working well for that purpose… 🎅🏻🏴☠️🏔
QOD: I’ve run in some cold weather (teens) however, more than cold is wind. Stack a 20 degree temp with a moderate wind and count me out.
QD: I'm not sure when the coldest I ever felt was, but the coldest run I've recorded is -22°f. On the flip side, the hottest run I've done is 118°f.
After further thought, I'm fairly certain the coldest I've felt was when I had to change a helicopter engine in a Minnesota field on a 10°f windy day. I had some frozen fingers that day.
I ran 100m putting diesel into my truck this year so I could say I ran in 122F temps. Hot, hot, hot.
The coldest I've been was Spring 2010, Fayetteville North Carolina 8 degrees.
Oooo, using "chapters" in this video 👀 will those stick around? perhaps just for shoe reviews...?
If this is the same midsole as the Evo M2, mine bottomed out under the forefoot at 800km. Much bouncier, more fun ride than the Evo SG. I’m also disappointed the Evo M2 isn’t coming back esp given how heavy the MS3 is. However after your review, I’m intrigued but the Tecton X! On sale, though. OMG need to wait for a sale.
Just picked this up in the Hoka Winter Sale for a bargain price. Haven’t had any experience with the shoe before but took a gamble based on instinct. Thanks for the detailed review Seth
The lugs on those shoes looked like Legos. Aggressive!
At my house in Texas last year was the record at -7F but I have been in -19F while visiting Ohio.
QD: -21 Run with our November project running group!
What happened to the "Don't buy this shoe for running video?" It seems to be private?
Minus 38 deg C in Astana, Kazakhstan.
I have the first version and it is my light hiking boot. It does last.
-6°C 21°Fnot VERY cold pretty sure the Uk is not as cold as people think the rain just makes it feel colder!
QD: -40 Celsius in Kazakhstan now ^^
Good morning, DGR!
Happy New Year to you DGR Family
QD - coldest I’ve over been ? I ran a half marathon in a January some years ago, and around mile 10 my hat froze. I took it off and the top of my head froze. It took everything to finish that run in snow and frozen temps.
i think you need to put a UTMB mandatory gears on you vest and test this shoes on teachinal trail, maybe you will feel different.
who can run a 3:00/km on 100miles ? i think you can not put a high speed concept on this shoes, because Hoka have Zinal .
Tim raced in Evo Mafate 2, you tested it before.
Tim Tollefson ran the Mafate Speed 3 in the Womens! Version...
Thanks for this review Seth. I am looking for the equivalent of the Bondi 7 for long slow trail, with mixed surfaces (road, trails ...), for easy daily door to trail. I thought the Mafate came close to it, but its sole is really not made for the road (I think). The Challenger ATR6 has a weird fit that doesn't suit me, the Stinson is an XXL UFO, I don't know what to choose ...
Tolefson races in the Mafate evo’s
I'm really curious whether Hoka is gonna get the hang of it and fix their foam and actually turn it into a super foam in 2022
I tried the Speedgoat 4 before I returned it. It just felt too clunky and stiff. I hear the 2 & 3 version was more comfortable
QD: Salt Lake City running in 16 degrees F. Bloody freezing
Nice review Seth! Please review the Norda shoes 001. Thanks
where did the terrex review go ,I was gunna watch it but it disappeared ?
Hoka should make a speed trail shoe out of the mach 4 and just ad a trail out sole
Audio is low, noticed when the adds start shouting...
Did you remove the adidas terrex agravic ultra trail shoe review video?
Hey did you get affected by the fires?
QD: my loewest temp was -18°C when your tears freeze in your eyes.
Does anyone know what the purpose of the twist test is? I know he does it for every shoe but I don’t know if loosey goosey is good or bad in which context?
Why Adidas got a 4 score for durability and this shoe got a 9 with less durability???
Wouldn't that be a great snow running shoe?
Yes, it would.
สุด
How do you not know what the lug depth is? Is this channel for reviewing running shoes? That's minor league stuff Seth. Don't know the lug depth, get a ruler and measure it (hint- use the really small marks those are mm). You can do better then that.
Fit Wide Feet ?
Kind of worthless review. This is obviously a shoe created for multiple 30-50-100 miles runs, a short run and some pinching of the midsole is not sufficient for a valid review. Low score for price point seems unreasonable when comparing with shoes in the same category.
I recommend checking out a different channel or look for someone who has put a 100km into them if thats what you are after(or post your own when you do). Seth reviews a lot of shoes so everything is in context with the limitations of this- saying that he does not throw it under the bus and does say maybe it needs 75km or more. He's reviewed lots of hoka's so you could check them out to compare/contrast. All the best for your running!
Looks like this pair is for someone heavy
First!
the worst HOKA shoe, painful feet after just a few kilometers