The Hoka Arahi is a modestly stable trainer, designed to function as a daily trainer. Its uniqueness lies in its combination of conventional and unconventional stability aspects. While the Arahi possesses its merits, the inconsistent and at times uncomfortable feel holds it back from truly excelling.
Do you deserve Hoka Arahi 7?
This would cater to a runner who is in search of a stability trainer that deviates from the norm.
However, this might not be suitable for someone who isn't open to exploring something distinctive and unconventional when it comes to stability.
Hoka Arahi 7 Brief Introduction
When I initially evaluated the Hoka Arahi several years ago, it was a relatively obscure trainer from a compact French brand, which is now currently headquartered in California.
Leap to 2024, and it's notable how Hoka has become ubiquitous. Not only have they evolved into a favorite among the running community, but many also opt for these as their everyday footwear.
This year signifies the release of the 7th edition of the Arahi, which serves as Hoka's mid-level stability trainer. On the other hand, the Gaviota, the brand's other stability trainer, is regarded as the model with maximum stability.
The Arahi is in direct competition with Saucony Guide, Brooks Adrenaline, and the ASICS GT-2000. Its retail price stands at 145 dollars.
Hoka Arahi 7 Running Experience
I typically steer clear of white running shoes, being too aware of how prone they are to getting dirty quickly.
My sentiments shifted a bit when I first saw the Arahi. The vibrancy struck me as soon as I opened the box - they appeared so pristine and brand-new. The contrasting logos against the white background made it immediately apparent that they were Hokas.
I was eager to put them to test and see their performance.
The Arahi's inaugural run was a 5k distance.
Initially, the Arahi's ride felt a tad rigid right from the start and this persisted throughout the run. I found myself needing to adjust and tighten the laces mid-run to enhance the fit.
On the first run, they didn't quite live up to my expectations. I was optimistic that this was a phase of adjustment, coupled with them needing some time to be broken in.
Hoka Arahi 7 Upper/Vamp
The 7th edition of the Hoka Arahi comes with several modifications to the upper section. The fabric used for the new upper design is now constructed from an engineered flat knit, providing a moderate level of structure.
The enhanced breathability enables easy air circulation in and out. When you look inside, you'll discover a new feature - a gusseted tongue. The combined effect of the new upper material and the gusseted tongue has significantly improved the fit and comfort of the Arahi.
A notable disadvantage is the length of the tongue and the positioning of the laces. They sit on the tongue's edge, and when tied, induce stress on the top of your feet. I had to loosen them more than I usually want to, just to ease this pressure.
The heel section is identical to that of the Arahi 6. It features a flared heel collar, an internal heel counter, and a moderate degree of cushioning.
During my runs, I experienced occasional heel slipping. This typically occurred when the pressure from the laces became noticeable.
The upper contains the same ortholite sockliner, which adds a hint of bounce. There's ample space from heel to toe allowing for natural foot expansion.
Hoka Arahi 7 Sole Units
Let's begin from the basics.
The Hoka Arahi's outsole features a slender layer of durabrasion rubber, positioned at the impact zones. After covering a distance of 50 miles, it displays some signs of wear. It ensures grip in both damp and dry conditions. The midsole is crafted from CMEVA foam.
This element remains unchanged from the earlier version. It relies on Hoka's classic responsive foam, which typically has a bounciness to it. However, compared to past models, it fell a little short in this aspect, leading to a stiffer ride.
The Arahi utilizes Hoka's customary J-Frame for stability. A dual-density segment of the midsole extends from the medial side of your forefoot to the lateral aspect of the heel.
It's an unconventional, yet robust stability system. It evenly distributes the weight of your feet and the intensity of your stride. Although it's a natural stability system, it infuses firmness into the midsole and this has caused the Arahi to have issues with energy rebound.
In all versions of the Arahi I've examined (4,5,6), there has always been a problem with the right arch causing friction and discomfort. As a solution, I opted for a wider variant in the 7s. Although there was still some discomfort, it was significantly less than in previous scenarios.
The Arahi features an early stage meta-rocker, a rocker-like midsole design that aids in facilitating smoother transitions and enhancing propulsion while running.
This managed to balance out the rigidity and deficiency in energy rebound. It's a highlight of the midsole, in conjunction with the 5 mm drop, which effectively drives you forward.
Summary and Conclusion
The Arahi has evolved into one of Hoka's top-selling trainers, and rightfully so. It has unique features like the J-Frame stability system and the meta-rocker, making it a feasible alternative to conventional stability trainers. Regrettably, the negatives tend to overshadow these strengths.
The Arahi offers a solid yet responsive experience during runs. However, at times, it has felt overly rigid, which inhibits energy recovery and comfort during runs. The J-frame system consistently proves effective, providing stability without drawing attention to its presence.
The 5 mm drop is also beneficial, aiding in forward propulsion. But, the midsole of the Arahi delivered an irregular performance.
To avoid past problems related to arch support, I had to opt for the wider version. If I had chosen a medium width, I presume I would have faced the same arch issues.
The upper had its pros and cons. The engineered flat knit material used was highly efficient for breathability and adaptability. It offered a fair amount of structure and fit. Additionally, the upper's gusseted tongue is noteworthy for its contribution to a good fit.
The position of the laces on the short tongue resulted in pressure on my foot-top. Coupled with slight heel slippage, achieving the perfect fit turned out to be challenging.
This is the fourth edition of the Arahi series that I have analyzed.
My impression has remained fairly constant since the inaugural review. Ultimately, the Hoka Arahi is a standard stability trainer. It certainly has its merits, but the intermittent discomfort and variable feel of these overshadow its advantages.
Though Hoka is increasingly becoming a preferred choice among many runners each year, including the Arahi series, I'm afraid I do not count myself among its fans.
- Product: Hoka Arahi 7
- Price: $145
- Styles & Colors:
- Cloudless / Poppy
- Oat Milk / Barley
- Virtual Blue / Cerise
- Shadow / Dusk
- Black
- Blanc De Blanc / Steel Wool
- Black / White
- Outer Space / White
- Usage:
- daily training
- Other Details:
- Supportive flat-knit upper
- Dual gusset
- J-Frame™ midsole support
- Zonal rubber
- Extended heel pull
- Plush tongue
- Compression molded EVA midsole
- Durabrasion rubber
- Weight: 9.90 oz
- Heel drop: 5 mm
