Beginning with the apparent…let’s speak about its big platform. Like I discussed, the pair I obtained has a stack top of practically two inches. I’ll admit: I had severe doubts about how I might probably stroll, not to mention run, in these infants with out twisting my ankles—however extra on that later.
One other factor that instantly caught my eye was how gorgeous these Hokas regarded. I’m normally not one to fuss over aesthetics for my exercise stuff, but it surely was inconceivable not to be impressed by the attractive gradient of pastel blue, salmon pink, and sundown orange-yellow on the midsole. It received me actually excited to look (and hopefully really feel) nice on my runs—and the truth that they’re trendy sufficient to pair with my on a regular basis outfits was a significant bonus too (particularly since these value greater than $200).
Match and really feel
For those who’ve received vast toes like me, you’ll in all probability love the brand new Hokas. My typical measurement (6.5, which I put on for each avenue and trainers) match completely—my toes had been cosy however not squished or cramped, and my heel stayed put with out slipping. That mentioned, chances are you’ll wish to take into account sizing down you probably have slim toes.
Consolation-wise, this shoe checked all of my containers, which was stunning, given how intimidatingly tall it’s. For my first two days of testing, I really simply walked in them to verify I wouldn’t break my ankles. However as soon as I took them out on my runs, I used to be pleasantly shocked at how safe my toes felt. The Skywards had been undoubtedly sort of heavy and didn’t have that tremendous squishy, “strolling on clouds” really feel (because of that carbon fiber plate). However I really most popular the sturdier, extra steady help they supplied for longer distances.
On the run
Since I’ve been coaching for my first half marathon, I wore these sneakers on all kinds of runs in preparation—together with a 10-miler, which on the time was my longest ever—and one factor stood out each time: My toes didn’t harm in any respect! I’ve handled my justifiable share of working accidents, and I normally expertise a uninteresting ache on the underside of my foot across the fifth mile. Not with these, although: No ache factors or sharp twinges. I really felt like I might preserve going.
They had been cosy and hugged my toes good, giving me the sort of help I desperately wanted throughout uphills, which might be large in my upcoming half in Central Park. Over time, I additionally got here to comprehend that the additional cushion wasn’t only for present: It blunted the affect of every step to make the expertise pain- and ache-free (an actual lifesaver once I’d be pounding the pavement for practically two hours).
That mentioned, this tremendous coach isn’t the right choose for each sort of run. Sadly, they felt as heavy as they regarded, weighing in at 9.2 ounces. So once I tried selecting up the tempo, it felt like I used to be dragging some additional load alongside. Personally, this wasn’t a large deal-breaker for me for longer runs (the place velocity isn’t my precedence), but it surely’s undoubtedly one thing to think about when you’re making an attempt to set a private file.
Backside line
Truthfully, this shoe deserves main props for being the solely one which has stored me injury-free and assured to sort out double-digit miles—which I’ve by no means skilled with every other sneaker, together with the Hoka Mach X, my earlier go-tos for shorter runs that left my toes aching after an hour.
I’ll in all probability nonetheless maintain onto my Nike InfinityRN4 (one other of my standbys) for these fast sprints once I’m gunning for a private greatest. However general, I’m so excited to have the Skywards in my rotation: They’ve actually boosted my confidence as a brand new runner, and now I really feel prepared (excited, even) to sort out my first half marathon.
