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Hoka Mafate X Review | Worth It In 2026?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Hoka Mafate X review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2026.
As a seasoned ultra-distance trail runner with over 16 years of experience testing premium trail running shoes, I recommend these for runners seeking maximum protection and comfort for long-distance trail adventures.
For this review, I’ve logged 100+ miles testing my personal pair of the Mafate X since its release in 2025.
This review is based on 100 miles in my own Mafate X, scored through repeat testing on the same types of terrain I use for every shoe.
I ran it on smooth singletrack, hardpack, loose gravel climbs, and moderate technical sections, with enough descending to expose any “tippy” moments from the tall platform. To test traction, I went out after rain and ran wet rock and slick downhills to see how the outsole behaves when you’re braking and cornering under load.
I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on varied terrain. I’ll go over comfort/fit, traction, stability & support, weight, overall protection, and durability. I scored each category using objective testing, then I’ll give you the overall score and who I think it’s best for.
Related: Best Trail Running Shoes
Hoka Mafate X Review In Short
The Hoka Mafate X is an all-around top-comfort trail shoe with excellent foot protection and traction. The cushioning is top-notch with excellent impact absorption.
Traction is excellent on mild to moderate terrain, with very good stability features such as the heel counter. Overall, it competes very well with other trail shoes in its upper echelon class, such as the Norda 001, Brooks Cascadia 18, Salomon Speedcross 6, and Hoka Challenger 8.
Overall, I rated the Mafate X an 8.6/10 (rounded)
Mafate X Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for ultra-distance trail adventures
- 49mm stack height
- Surprising energy return from the carbon plate
- VERY durable
Cons
- Heavy at 12.5 oz (men’s size 10.5)
- High stack height creates occasional instability
- Stiff shoe construction reduces flexibility and ground connection
- Price
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
Should you buy the Hoka Mafate X?
Buy if
- You want one of the most PROTECTIVE ultra-distance trail shoes on the market
- You’re seeking maximum cushioning for multi-day adventures
- You want reliable performance on smooth and flowing trails
- You prioritize comfort over weight for long-distance running
DON’T Buy if
- You prefer lightweight, nimble trail runners for technical terrain
- You want a flexible shoe with good ground feel
- You’re seeking a budget-friendly option under $200
Hoka Mafate X Price
Right now the Mafate X retails for $225.
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Hoka Mafate X Comfort & Fit
When I first tried on the Mafate X, I felt like my foot was being cradled by a cloud designed specifically for mountain adventures.
The PEBA foam core combined with supercritical EVA carrier foam created an instant plush sensation underfoot. I really felt a great bounce and forward propulsion of my foot during my very first run.
The woven textile upper hugged my foot securely without creating hot spots or pressure points. Unlike most ultra-cushioned trail shoes, there was absolutely no break-in period required.
I was able to tackle a 10-mile trail run straight out of the box without any discomfort. The extremely cushioned midsole deserves a shoutout, I felt I was really able to dig into the midsole with my foot during ascents without the retaliation of the “bottoming out” effect of a stiff midsole.
The toe box I measured at 3.5 inches was generous enough to accommodate foot swelling during long runs without feeling sloppy.
The upgraded TPEE sock liner is a significant improvement over standard Hoka sock liners, offering better comfort during extended periods on trail with a silky feel on the inside.
The gusseted tongue stayed in place perfectly, with no slippage even on steep descents and zero lace bite concerns.
Thanks to the combination of PEBA foam and the forked carbon plate, the shock absorption is truly outstanding.
While other trail shoes leave your joints battered after 5-10+ miles, the Mafate X creates a protective fortress between you and the harsh trail beneath, absorbing impact like nothing else I’ve tested.
Overall, the comfort and fit of the Mafate X is among the best in the maximalist trail category, especially when considering the lack of break-in period and exceptional shock absorption for ultra-distance efforts.
Currently it is rated as our #1 most comfortable trail running shoe in 2026.
Comfort & Fit Score: 9.5/10 (20%)
Traction 8.5/10
The Hoka Mafate X comes equipped with the premium Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is the gold standard for trail running shoes. The outsole features 3.5 mm lugs with a taco and pizza-slice style pattern strategically placed for optimal grip.
The lugs are well-spaced to prevent mud buildup while providing excellent traction on varied terrain. I will say, the shallow lugs do not shed mud as well as deeper lugs (5+mm) tend to.
The Megagrip compound excels on dry surfaces, loose gravel, and moderately technical trails. The traction remains reliable on most surfaces, but begins to lose confidence on extremely wet or muddy technical sections.
While testing on wet rock slabs after a rainstorm, I noticed some minor slipping, particularly on slick surfaces and steep descents. The Vibram compound performs admirably in most conditions, but extreme mud and snow reveal its limitations.
Transitioning between different surfaces is where the Mafate X truly shines. The outsole pattern balances trail grip with enough surface area to handle sections of pavement without premature wear.
This makes it ideal for ultra races with mixed terrain where you might encounter both technical trail and brief road sections.
Long descents are handled confidently by the Mafate X. The combination of cushioning and reliable traction allows you to bomb downhills with less fatigue and impact on your joints, though the high stack height requires some adjustment on technical sections.
After 100 miles of testing, I’ve noticed minimal wear on the lugs, revealing excellent durability from the Vibram Megagrip compound. This is especially important given the premium price point of these super shoes.
Overall, the Mafate X delivers excellent traction for the ultra-distance runner who prioritizes reliability on varied terrain rather than specialized performance on extreme surfaces.
Traction Score: 8.5/10 (20%)
Stability & Support
The substantial 49mm heel stack height initially raised concerns about stability, but Hoka has engineered surprising confidence into this platform.
The forked carbon plate significantly enhances lateral stability while maintaining the broad platform design that makes the shoe surprisingly stable.
The molded TPU heel counter adds the stiffness I want for long descents.
My foot feels solid in the upper with the stiff plastic heel counter and padded collar ring keeping everything in place.
On super technical terrain with 20%+ grade I noticed some stability issues due to the tall platform.
The carbon plate provides torsional rigidity but can’t eliminate the tippy feeling on uneven rocks and roots where zero ground feel is a disadvantage.
The forefoot rocker geometry is smooth and gets better as the trail goes on and offsets foot fatigue.
The broad footprint of the Mafate X contributes significantly to its stability, providing a planted feel despite the high stack. This was not as appreciated on the Mafate 5, see Hoka Mafate 5 vs Mafate X.
I measured the base width at the forefoot at 4.2 inches. The wider base improves stability, while heel lock comes from the heel counter and collar structure.
The Mafate X is very stable for its amount of cushioning.
It won’t be as confident on technical terrain as lower stack models but it’s good enough for ultra distance running on moderate trails and smooth terrain.
Stability & Support Score: 8.5/10 (20%)
Weight
The Mafate X is undeniably hefty at 12.5 oz for a men’s size 10.5 .This places it among the heavier options in the premium trail running category.
The weight is the most noticeable trade-off for the exceptional cushioning and protection these carbon plated shoes provide.
When comparing to similar shoes in the max-cushioned category, the Mafate X is approximately 1-2 oz heavier than competitors like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 (10.7 oz), however is around the same weight of some running shoes such as the Hoka Clifton 9 (12 oz)
During long runs, I found the weight most noticeable on technical climbs and when quick foot adjustments were needed.
I really believe Hoka prioritized protection and durability over weight savings (remember every shoe can’t be the best at everything), which aligns with the shoe’s intended purpose for ultra-distance efforts.
When fatigue sets in after 10+ miles, the cushioning benefits far outweigh the weight penalty, though this remains a bit clunky compared to nimbler alternatives, like the Nike Pegasus Trail 5.
Weight Score: 7/10 (15%)
How’s The Overall Protection Of The Mafate X?
The Hoka Mafate X is essentially a beast when it comes to ultra-distance running. Its ridiculously high stack height combined with a carbon plate gives it a level of protection from rocks, roots and general rough terrain that very few trail running shoes can keep up with.
The reinforced toe bumper on this shoe is seriously robust its one of the best I’ve ever tested, and it stretches further along the sides than most trail shoes – which means even when your form starts to break down on those long, grueling mountain runs, you’ll not be getting any nasty toe strikes.
Now admittedly it’s more durable than a lot of lightweight uppers out there, but it does come at a small price: breathability isn’t quite as good as the average trail shoe by comparison.
Add to all this the fact that the 49mm stack height gives you loads of clearance should you need to cross any small streams or muddy patches. In testing I found I could splash through shallow crossings, I stayed mostly dry because the upper drains well, but this is not waterproof. Deeper water will soak through.
For overall foot protection the Mafate X does an excellent job. Even after really pummeling my feet on rocks for more than 5 miles, I could still feel like I’d only just started, which says a lot for this shoe.
Hoka Mafate X Overall Protection: 9/10 (10%)
Durability
The Hoka Mafate X Proves it’s Worth the Price Tag
After putting the Hoka Mafate X through its paces over 100 miles of varied terrain, I can confidently say that the build quality is top-notch. It’s a premium product that justifies every penny. I’ve seen next to no signs of wear on the upper or outsole, which is exactly what you want to see if you’re in it for the long haul.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a machine. It’s a far cry from some of the other soles I’ve seen, like the Contagrip, which start to show the wear and tear after just the same kind of mileage.
Check out our Contagrip vs Vibram case study to see the difference for yourself
The woven textile upper is a bit firm, but it’s still holding strong with no fraying or tearing in the flex points. The reinforcements in high-stress areas are where Hoka had thoughtful placement, which is key to durability.
This is a big deal, since Hoka has a bit of a reputation for making shoes that aren’t the most durable, and that’s partly because of the stack height and comfort levels they’re going for.
At first glance, you might think that the top layer PEBA foam and two layer construction would mean a less responsive shoe, but that’s not what I’ve found at all. In fact, it seems like the Mafate X is able to maintain that responsiveness better than the single-density designs out there.
The energy return with the combined forked-carbon plate, stack height, and Meta rocker is truly exceptional. After each testing session, I find myself much less fatigued and recovery much quicker with this model.
After 100 miles of testing, I have been very impressed so far with the build quality and longevity.
Durability Score: 8.5/10 (10%)
Is the Hoka Mafate X worth it?
If you’re an ultra-distance trail runner looking for maximum protection and comfort for racing or training the Hoka Mafate X delivers.
This is one of the most protective trail shoes for serious ultra distances and long term comfort.
As an ultra-distance trail shoe the Mafate X is great on flowing trails and moderate terrain but not ideal for highly technical trails or steep mountain routes where a more agile shoe would give better ground feel and maneuverability.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better max cushioned trail shoe for serious ultra distance efforts even at the premium $225 price.
The midsole foam technology and forked carbon plate are worth the investment for committed trail runners if you can afford it.
The drawbacks would be the weight, high stack height on technical terrain and the premium price.
If you want more agility the Brooks Cascadia 19 or Salomon Speedcross 6 might be better options as a gravel shoe or fun shoe for technical sections
Value: 4.5/5 (5%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort & Fit (20%): 9.5/10
Traction (20%): 8.5/10
Stability & Support (20%): 8.5/10
Weight (15%): 7/10
Overall Protection (10%): 9/10
Durability (10%): 8.5/10
Value (5%): 4.5/5
1.90 + 1.70 + 1.70 + 1.05 + 0.90 + 0.85 + 0.45 = 8.55 / 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Hoka Mafate X Good For?
The Hoka Mafate X excels in ultra-distance trail running, particularly on moderate to flowing terrain. It’s ideal for races and training runs exceeding 20 miles where comfort and protection are prioritized over weight and agility.
Can You Wear The Hoka Mafate X On Roads?
Yes! The Mafate X performs surprisingly well on road sections thanks to its substantial cushioning and broad platform. While the Vibram outsole will wear faster on pavement compared to a dedicated road shoe, the shoe handles mixed-terrain routes exceptionally well, making it versatile for ultra races with varied surfaces.
Does The Mafate X Have A Wide Toe Box?
Yes, the Mafate X features a generous toe box measuring approximately 3.5 inches wide.
Is The Hoka Mafate A Stability Shoe?
Absolutely, the rearfoot stability is impressive due to the Rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame. The forefoot stability is supported by the carbon fork plate.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Hoka Mafate X for over 100 miles with continued testing in 2026, with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased Mafate X review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
This review is based on 100 miles in my own Mafate X, scored through repeat testing on the same types of terrain I use for every shoe.
I ran it on smooth singletrack, hardpack, loose gravel climbs, and moderate technical sections, with enough descending to expose any “tippy” moments from the tall platform. To test traction, I went out after rain and ran wet rock and slick downhills to see how the outsole behaves when you’re braking and cornering under load.
Over the past 16+ years, I’ve logged thousands of trail miles across everything from smooth single-track to steep, technical mountain terrain.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions. This ensures our Hoka Mafate X review reflects genuine user experience rather than marketing influence.
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
