Whilst marathon training last year, I started to get terrible knee pain on downhills. Even walking down a slight slope became an issue. IT band was the issue. I researched plenty and found that a low drop shoe could help. Enter Hoka at 5mm drop.
Being an overpronator, I opted for Gaviota (grey in pic) which have maximum cushioning and are stability shoes. Result - overnight cure! Never had a knee issue since. Over the last year I’ve had 2 pairs of Gaviota and I’ve also tried 2 pairs of Arahi (light blue in pic) - less cushioning and more responsive apparently, but also stability shoes.
So I’ve been umming and arring over which style is better. Well, after one year, I’ve decided. It’s got to be Gaviota. They’re just so comfortable! The cushioning gives them the edge over Arahi, although I think Arahi are good for short and fast summer running. Arahi seem to be far more available in running shops, which seems odd. But the Gaviota is now going to be my go to shoe. Big shout out though for Hoka Speedgoats - the best trail shoes in the world!
Written by
Tasha99
Marathon
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This is interesting boss! Last week I switched from Brooks to Hoka and have the challenger atr5 for muddy longer runs and Arahi 4 for shorter ones. I may well go to the Gaviota after my Arahi 4 have done their duty. I'm really keen to try the Saucony Hurricane too at one point.
I went for wide fit in both my Hoka's and so far ran 24m in the ATR so still getting used to them. They aren't as cushioned as Brooks Transcend or Glycerin but they are already helping my knees. Coming back from that very first run in them was so transformative for me. In Tasha I trust 😁
The Hoka Arahi’s win every time for me - they must just just suit my gait/ feet! I’d wear them all year round if I could! I tried the Gaviotta but didn’t find them as good for me. However, its so muddy on my weekend trail route that I am now wearing my Speedgoats - much more protective and of course they cope with the terrain better.
Glad the low drop shoe helped your IT band issues. It makes no difference what shoes I wear 10 mm, 8 mm or 4 mm drop. After 12 Km my knee is very sore. I think my HM goal is a distant memory.
Many times. Not for a while though. I keep doing my exercises and my foam rolling but not much seems to work. I'll keep plodding round doing my 10 K's. I have to look for flat routes now because like you said its the hills that bring it on. Quite difficult when I live in Sheffield which is all hills....
I'm a Hoka convert too. I just love the effect of that sole on a run. The neutral Clifton and Challenger for me (basically the same shoe but one for road and one for trail). They feel so, so comfortable ... I had always been told I needed a stability shoe so was nervous when sold the (neutral) Clifton ... but no problems and very even wear on the soles (if anything the outer edge has most wear). Having said that, I still get blisters on the inside of both feet (as with every shoe I've tried to date), despite them being comfy and plenty, plenty big enough.
At the time I was sceptical, wondered if they were just selling me what they had in stock (they were a small independent though, not a big chain) but the even wear suggests they were right, so I'm now on my second pair 😊
All really interesting stuff. I’m on my third pair of Aharis. But extra cushioning would be gratefully received. I recently tried out my old neutral Brooks Ghost 11s which saw me through my first year. They still look great and little sole wear, but so little cushioning now.
I like my Hokas too, but I did get blisters on the inside of both feet; I never get blisters!! Like any shoes, I suspect that it is all a question of fit. After calf trouble following the recent wet weather I had a trip to the physio. Her view was that slipping around on increasingly muddy trails was the cause. I switched to my tight fitting and tough soled la sportivas for my hill runs and the problem was fixed; question of right shoes for the conditions/elevation changes maybe? I may have weird feet 🙂
I think it is a temporary problem caused by sliding all over on muddy trails on hills; I don’t usually have calf trouble. Hokas were good for my knees.🙂
I know these posts are very old but I’m looking at the Hoka Arahi 5 at the moment so any input on what I’m asking is appreciated.Anyone going for the wide fit? I have a bunion that after all my adult life now seems to be giving me terrible foot pain has anyone with bunions tried them?
I am still trying to see the doctor I have a telephone appointment today don’t know how that works but the problem is I can’t walk anywhere in shoes or slippers fine bare foot ( makes it very difficult to leave the house ) obviously the pressure I have been icing constantly and taking ibuprofen which I don’t want to do long term.
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Should I get some more shoes?
Shoes!!!
