In my opinion the mafate is a better overall shoe then the newest Speedgoat. The cushion, lockdown, nimbleness is top notch. Find the mafate is great for fast 50k and longer miles. Probably one of my top shoes of 2022.
Great, thorough review and discussion of the MS4. Would have been my trail shoe of the year if not for the Xodus Ultra. But for precision, rocky, technical running with decent stability for the stack, the MS4 is just fantastic. The upper has given some folks problems on the eyelet chain. Maybe someday HOKA will join the modern foam crowd, but the dual density profly stuff works well enough, even if it's not as propulsive as the Pebax-based trail options. And the fit/tongue on this are So, SO, much better than the Speedgoat 5
Thanks for watching! I've heard from a few different people now that the Xodus Ultra was one of the best do everything trail shoes of 2022. It's kind of amazing how great the Saucony trail line up is, despite their lack of trail presence on the race scene. I agree with you as well the MS4 upper and fit is better than the SG5.
Had to chuckle sadly when you mentioned stumbling in the mafate, as I had my worst trail fall ever doing exactly this in the Mafate 2, narrowly missing shattering my kneecap in the process. I tried giving them a chance months later, and immediately caught my toe twice in a few miles -- they went straight into the trash after that. I've seen a review recommendation to bandsaw off those leading lugs, pretty hilarious. At least this version has redesigned the outsole to remove the gaping holes that would catch and hold on to 1/2" rocks; I had that happen to me with the mafate 2 during a race, and had to stop and take the shoe off to dig this giant pebble out of the outsole.
@@ConversationalPace I actually had ground down the front lugs with a drill grinder attachment on my pair shortly after my first run in them. As a mostly road runner who can trip on a penny they are much better now! Word of caution, do this outside with safety glasses.
I'm shopping about for a shoe to take to CCC later this year and am definitely leaning to the Mafate! I've got a pair of La Sportiva Akasha 2 on the way, so we'll see.
Great shoe! But! Do you happen to have a recommendation on something Similar that has a Slight bit more room for toe splay? Usually for me the Altra/Topo amount is a bit too much room up front. But I still find myself a tad confined in the Mafate.
Thank you for the review gentlemen. I have been wearing the Speedgoat since version 3 and wish they would have just left this shoe alone. The 4 started digging into my little toes and the 5 did the same as well as my lateral heel. Plus he 5 with it's non existent tongue left me scarred at the point where my laces are knotted. Literally dug holes into the top of each foot. In shoe stability is also an issue with the 5's. I am probably going to buy the Mafate 4 due to an upcoming 100 miler, the HURT100. Very technical terrain with lots of ups and downs. Although you have me wondering with it was hinted that maybe it was designed for up to 100K? Thoughts? Thanks again!
Speedgoat 2 and 3 were my favorite versions as well. I would feel confident, personally, taking it through a rugged 100 miler. The top layer of the midsole is a bit softer than Mafates of the past, which really helped improve the comfort over super long efforts. -Brett
@@ConversationalPace , thank you for the reply! It's either going to be the Malfate Speed or the Saucony Exodus Ultra for the race. Maybe both. Keep up the great work!
I enjoyed this shoe until two eyelet holes broke at mile 125. I know Seth James Demoor had the same issue with the eyelet chain. I have had build quality issues with Hoka in the past... Just my buyer beware two cents.... but I'm no shoe surgeon.
I didn't end up wearing the shoe out, as there have been just too many other shoes to test out. I got about 150 miles on this pair. One of my friends who trains exclusively in the Mafate routinely gets about 500 mountainous miles in them and it's the midsole that wears out first for him
I am on my 7th pair of Mafate Speed 4 now and usually use them for 500 to 600 miles depending on the technicality of the terrain a bit. The midsole nor the upper is a problem here, it is more that the lugs are getting worn down after that time. If you like the fit of the shoe I highly recommend to get and try one.
@@uloutdoors I did end up getting it. I like the fit and feel. For me personally if the toebox was just slightly wider more in line with a Altra it would be perfect but perfect shoes don't exist. Thanks for the response.
While I have never competed in a backyard style ultra, what I have most commonly heard is to get whatever is the most comfortable, so for me, this shoe would be very high up there as I think exceptionally comfortable.
In my opinion the mafate is a better overall shoe then the newest Speedgoat. The cushion, lockdown, nimbleness is top notch. Find the mafate is great for fast 50k and longer miles. Probably one of my top shoes of 2022.
Great, thorough review and discussion of the MS4. Would have been my trail shoe of the year if not for the Xodus Ultra. But for precision, rocky, technical running with decent stability for the stack, the MS4 is just fantastic. The upper has given some folks problems on the eyelet chain. Maybe someday HOKA will join the modern foam crowd, but the dual density profly stuff works well enough, even if it's not as propulsive as the Pebax-based trail options. And the fit/tongue on this are So, SO, much better than the Speedgoat 5
Thanks for watching! I've heard from a few different people now that the Xodus Ultra was one of the best do everything trail shoes of 2022. It's kind of amazing how great the Saucony trail line up is, despite their lack of trail presence on the race scene. I agree with you as well the MS4 upper and fit is better than the SG5.
Had to chuckle sadly when you mentioned stumbling in the mafate, as I had my worst trail fall ever doing exactly this in the Mafate 2, narrowly missing shattering my kneecap in the process. I tried giving them a chance months later, and immediately caught my toe twice in a few miles -- they went straight into the trash after that. I've seen a review recommendation to bandsaw off those leading lugs, pretty hilarious. At least this version has redesigned the outsole to remove the gaping holes that would catch and hold on to 1/2" rocks; I had that happen to me with the mafate 2 during a race, and had to stop and take the shoe off to dig this giant pebble out of the outsole.
The combo of late stage rocker and deep lugs make it easier to clip that toe for sure. Maybe it's a sign we don't pick up our feet enough 😅
@@ConversationalPace I actually had ground down the front lugs with a drill grinder attachment on my pair shortly after my first run in them. As a mostly road runner who can trip on a penny they are much better now! Word of caution, do this outside with safety glasses.
Love it so far!
Somebody get Brett a mic 🤘🏻
I'm shopping about for a shoe to take to CCC later this year and am definitely leaning to the Mafate! I've got a pair of La Sportiva Akasha 2 on the way, so we'll see.
If you're wanting a bit more cushion without making a sacrifice to ruggedness, that Mafate is one of the best blends out there!
Great shoe! But! Do you happen to have a recommendation on something Similar that has a Slight bit more room for toe splay? Usually for me the Altra/Topo amount is a bit too much room up front. But I still find myself a tad confined in the Mafate.
You should try on the newest Brooks Caldera 7! Definitely has a bit more width up front, IMO
Thank you for the review gentlemen. I have been wearing the Speedgoat since version 3 and wish they would have just left this shoe alone. The 4 started digging into my little toes and the 5 did the same as well as my lateral heel. Plus he 5 with it's non existent tongue left me scarred at the point where my laces are knotted. Literally dug holes into the top of each foot. In shoe stability is also an issue with the 5's. I am probably going to buy the Mafate 4 due to an upcoming 100 miler, the HURT100. Very technical terrain with lots of ups and downs. Although you have me wondering with it was hinted that maybe it was designed for up to 100K? Thoughts? Thanks again!
Speedgoat 2 and 3 were my favorite versions as well. I would feel confident, personally, taking it through a rugged 100 miler. The top layer of the midsole is a bit softer than Mafates of the past, which really helped improve the comfort over super long efforts. -Brett
@@ConversationalPace , thank you for the reply! It's either going to be the Malfate Speed or the Saucony Exodus Ultra for the race. Maybe both. Keep up the great work!
At UTMB I believe Tollefson and Walmsley both wore the Mafate Speed…3? in 2021?
You're correct. Jim also wore the EVO Mafate on his first UTMB. Jim wore the Tecton X2 (release date spring or summer 2023) for this past year's race
Curious to see how these compare to the Speedland GS:TAM's or Norda 001's
I can't make any guarantees, but I would love to be able to make a comparison video at some point. Definitely all similar shoes on paper it seems.
I enjoyed this shoe until two eyelet holes broke at mile 125. I know Seth James Demoor had the same issue with the eyelet chain. I have had build quality issues with Hoka in the past... Just my buyer beware two cents.... but I'm no shoe surgeon.
Oh dang, really?? I hadn't heard of this issue before. Which 2 eyelets? Were they closer to the top of the shoe or the bottom?
I know this is late but how is the width on these compared to say a trabuco max 2/3?
I'd say this Mafate is a little narrower than the Trabuco Max, but it's pretty close
@@ConversationalPace Might order a pair from running warehouse. It's between this or the Nike Zegama 2!
Can you please provide an update? How long did this shoe last? Did the upper or midsole die after 300miles or more like 500miles?
I didn't end up wearing the shoe out, as there have been just too many other shoes to test out. I got about 150 miles on this pair. One of my friends who trains exclusively in the Mafate routinely gets about 500 mountainous miles in them and it's the midsole that wears out first for him
@@ConversationalPace Great to know. Thanks!
I am on my 7th pair of Mafate Speed 4 now and usually use them for 500 to 600 miles depending on the technicality of the terrain a bit. The midsole nor the upper is a problem here, it is more that the lugs are getting worn down after that time. If you like the fit of the shoe I highly recommend to get and try one.
@@uloutdoors I did end up getting it. I like the fit and feel. For me personally if the toebox was just slightly wider more in line with a Altra it would be perfect but perfect shoes don't exist. Thanks for the response.
would you recommend to use this shoe in a backyard ultra ? :)
While I have never competed in a backyard style ultra, what I have most commonly heard is to get whatever is the most comfortable, so for me, this shoe would be very high up there as I think exceptionally comfortable.
@@ConversationalPace thank you for the answer, i decided to go with the nike zegama as i got them way more cheaper :)
Great choice! Hope they work out for you 👍
@@ConversationalPace i have taken them out for couple of 6-9km runs and they feel amazing - will take them for longer runs soon!