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 2025.
As a seasoned ultra-distance trail runner with over 10 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 have put in over 50+ miles into testing my own personal pair of the Mafate X since their release in 2025.
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’ll be giving a score of each category based on OBJECTIVE testing standards and an overall score with recommendations at the end.
Released in 2025, the Mafate X impressed ultra-distance trail runners due to its forked carbon fiber plate and PEBA foam core.
Compared to other max-cushioned options, the upgrades consisted of a generous 49mm heel stack, premium Vibram Megagrip outsole, and innovative midsole technology.
Mafate XThe Hoka Mafate X is an all-around top-comfort trail shoe with excellent foot protection and traction. The price tag is hefty, but the quality of materials and performance you get is directly proportional to the price tag.
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.
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Right now, the Mafate X retails for $225,currently Hoka.com has the best deals.
Discover the Hoka Mafate X, your ultimate companion for ultra-distance trail adventures. Engineered for maximum protection and comfort, these premium trail running shoes redefine long-haul performance. Featuring a generous 49mm heel stack with a responsive PEBA foam core and a propulsive carbon fiber plate, the Mafate X delivers exceptional cushioning and surprising energy return.
One of our top rated trail runners of 2025
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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.
The Hoka Mafate X comes equipped with the premium Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is the gold standard for trail running shoes. The outsole features 3.5mm taco and pizza slices-shaped lugs 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 50+ miles of testing, I’ve noticed minimal wear on the lugs, suggesting 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.
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 really aids in the heel counter stiffness you need.
My foot feels secure within the upper, with the stiff plastic heel counter and padded collar ring preventing unwanted movement. This secure fit is crucial for maintaining stability during long descents when fatigue sets in and your natural form begins to deteriorate.
I noticed that on extremely technical terrain with 20%+ grade, some stability issues become apparent due to the tall platform.
The carbon plate provides torsional rigidity but can’t completely eliminate the tippy feeling on uneven rocks and roots where zero ground feel becomes a disadvantage.
The 8mm heel drop feels perfect for ultra-distance efforts, protecting the Achilles while still promoting a natural running form.
The forefoot rocker geometry creates smooth forward propulsion that becomes increasingly beneficial as the trail goes on also offsetting foot fatigue.
The broad footprint of the Mafate X contributes significantly to its stability, providing a planted feel despite the high stack.
I measured the base width at the forefoot at 4.2 inches, wider than many comparable max-cushioned options and contributing to the heel lock security.
The Mafate X delivers impressive stability considering its extreme cushioning.
While it won’t match the confidence of lower-stack models on technical terrain, it provides reliable support for the intended purpose of ultra-distance running on moderate trails and smooth terrain.
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.
The Hoka Mafate X incorporates multiple protection features that make it excel for punishing ultra-distance efforts. The combination of extreme stack height and carbon plate creates a shield against rocks, roots, and uneven terrain that few running shoes can match.
The reinforced toe bumper is among the most substantial I’ve tested, extending further along the sides than most trail shoes. This prevents painful toe strikes even when form deteriorates in later miles during mountainous terrain navigation.
The woven textile upper, while not waterproof, provides reasonable protection against trail debris and all the elements you’ll encounter.
It’s more durable than many lightweight uppers but sacrifices some breathability in the process compared to a traditional road shoe.
With a 49mm stack height, you have excellent clearance for small water crossings and mud patches. During testing, I navigated several shallow creek crossings without water penetration, however they do not have a GTX membrane.
For overall underfoot protection, the Mafate X is virtually unmatched. Even after 20+ miles on rocky terrain, my feet felt remarkably fresh compared to less cushioned alternatives, making it an excellent choice for those long distance efforts where foot preservation is critical.
The Hoka Mafate X demonstrates exceptional build quality that justifies its premium price point. After 50+ miles of testing on varied terrain, I’ve observed minimal signs of wear on either the upper or outsole always a good sign for long-term value.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole shows excellent durability characteristics, with the 3.5mm lugs maintaining their shape and effectiveness without wear.
This is significantly better than many competing outsoles that begin to show wear patterns after similar mileage, such as the Contagrip.
See our case study on Contagrip vs Vibram
The woven textile upper, while firm, has remained intact with no fraying or tearing at flex points.
The reinforcements at high-stress areas appear thoughtfully placed for long-term durability, differentiating it from less robust Hoka models.
This is massive, because Hoka has a reputation for making less durable models because of the high stack height(midsole foam compression), and comfortability which tends to affect the durability.
The top layer PEBA foam and two layers construction approach appears to maintain its responsiveness better than single-density designs.
Even after extensive testing, the energy return from the forked carbon plate remains consistent, suggesting the plate makes a lasting difference in performance retention.
Overall, I expect the Mafate X to deliver 400-500 miles of reliable performance before significant degradation, making it an excellent value despite the initial investment.
We will continue testing to verify long-term durability expectations, but early indicators are very promising for race day reliability.
If you’re an ultra-distance trail runner seeking maximum protection and comfort for races or training, the Hoka Mafate X absolutely delivers on its promises.
This represents one of the most protective trail runners available for serious ultra distances as well as long-lasting comfort.
As a specialized ultra-distance trail shoe, the Mafate X excels on flowing trails and moderate terrain, though it’s less ideal for highly technical trails or steep mountain routes where a more nimble shoe would provide better ground feel and maneuverability.
It’d be near impossible to find a better max-cushioned trail shoe for serious ultra-distance efforts, even at the premium $225 price point.
The innovations in midsole foam technology and forked carbon plate design justify the investment for committed trail runners. If this fits within your budget.
The drawbacks to consider would be the substantial weight, high stack height limitations on technical terrain, and premium price point.
For runners seeking more agility, the Brooks Cascadia 18 or Salomon Sense Ride 5 might be better options as a gravel shoe or fun shoe for technical sections.
Discover the Hoka Mafate X, your ultimate companion for ultra-distance trail adventures. Engineered for maximum protection and comfort, these premium trail running shoes redefine long-haul performance. Featuring a generous 49mm heel stack with a responsive PEBA foam core and a propulsive carbon fiber plate, the Mafate X delivers exceptional cushioning and surprising energy return.
One of our top rated trail runners of 2025
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.
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.
Yes, the Mafate X features a generous toe box measuring approximately 3.5 inches wide.
Absolutely, the rearfoot stability is impressive due to the rearfoot active focused frame. The forefoot stability is supported by the carbon fork plate.
I personally tested the Hoka Mafate X over six months 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.
Over the past 10+ years, I’ve logged thousands of trail miles across everything from smooth single-track to steep, technical mountain terrain. This includes 100-mile ultras in the Rockies, multi-day fastpacking adventures, and technical alpine races where shoe performance can make or break your day.
This kind of hands-on experience helps me evaluate how a trail running shoe truly performs—whether it maintains comfort after 30+ miles, provides adequate protection on punishing terrain, and holds up over time under serious mileage. The trail world demands honest assessments of gear performance.
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.
