#7 on this list
Mafate Speed 4
Hoka
For ultrarunners tackling steep, technical mountain courses, the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 offers the aggressive bite and responsive resilience that the softer Speedgoat lacks. Where the Speedgoat leans into plush comfort for cruising, the Mafate is engineered for high-output mountain running across rugged surfaces, offering an energetic two-part Profly+ midsole that balances soft heel landings with a propulsive toe-off. The outsole is equipped with a burly Vibram Megagrip setup featuring deep 5mm Traction Lugs. It bites tenaciously into loose gravel, loam, and wet rock, out-climbing and out-braking nearly every other cushioned shoe on the market. Unlike softer foams that compress and feel wallowy when landing hard on sharp rock, the responsive underfoot foam provides a lively, stable platform that preserves foot mechanics late into long mountain ultras. The upper uses a single-layer woven jacquard mesh that vents moisture efficiently while holding the foot firmly in place through steep, cambered corners. The toe box offers slightly more accommodating volume than the Speedgoat, though it remains a secure, performance-oriented fit. The main drawbacks are the premium price tag and an underfoot ride that may feel firmer than expected for runners seeking pure cloud-like softness. **Highlights** - Two-part Profly+ midsole combines cushioned impact with lively propulsion - Vibram Megagrip outsole with aggressive 5mm Traction Lugs - Breathable, resilient single-layer jacquard upper resists abrasion - Articulated heel collar provides a locked-in, blister-free fit - Exceptional stability and durability on steep, alpine terrain **Watch-outs** - Noticeably more expensive than most standard trail shoes - Cushioning is on the firm, energetic side rather than plush - Aggressive lug depth is overkill for flat, well-maintained dirt trails
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#8 on this list
Ultraventure 4
Topo Athletic
The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 is built for long, easy trail miles, gravel grinding, and extended thru-hikes where all-day foot comfort is the paramount concern. Topo's design philosophy combines an anatomical, foot-shaped toe box with a secure midfoot wrap and a modest 5mm heel-to-toe drop, giving you the natural toe splay of a wide shoe without the Achilles stress associated with zero-drop platforms. The plush ZipFoam midsole delivers a cushioned, forgiving ride that soaks up repetitive impacts across endless dirt roads and smooth-to-moderate singletrack. The upper is constructed from an engineered mesh that feels supple across the top of the foot while breathing exceptionally well in high heat. Generous padding in the heel collar and tongue further enhances that plush, step-in comfort. Traction is handled by a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole with low-profile, widely spaced lugs. This design excels on dry dirt, crushed limestone, and packed forest paths, while also transitioning seamlessly across paved sections. However, the shoe lacks a rock plate, and its modest tread pattern will quickly lose purchase in sloppy mud, wet clay, or loose alpine scree. It is a dedicated comfort cruiser, not a technical scrambler. **Highlights** - Anatomical toe box allows toes to spread naturally on long descents - Gentle 5mm drop balances natural gait with lower-calf relief - Forgiving ZipFoam midsole absorbs repetitive trail pounding - Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole offers excellent durability on hardpack - Breathable, supple upper construction limits hotspots and friction **Watch-outs** - Lacks a rock plate, leaving feet vulnerable to sharp stone points - Modest lug pattern easily spins out in slick mud and wet grass - Too wide and unstructured for technical off-camber rock navigation
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Mafate Speed 4 | Ultraventure 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10.4 oz (295 g) for men's US 9 | — |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4 mm (33 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot) | 5 mm (35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot) |
| Outsole Rubber | Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug | Vibram XS Trek EVO |
| Lug Depth | 5 mm multidirectional | — |
| Midsole Material | Dual-density PROFLY+ foam | — |
| Upper Material | Single-layer woven jacquard mesh | Recycled engineered mesh |
| Approximate Weight | — | 10.5 oz / 298 g (Men's 9) |
| Midsole Compound | — | Proprietary ZipFoam EVA blend |
| Rock Plate | — | None |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Mafate Speed 4
- Tenacious 5mm Vibram Megagrip traction across mud and wet rock
- Dual-density PROFLY+ foam prevents bottoming out on sharp terrain
- Breathable, hydrophobic jacquard upper drains and dries rapidly
- Locked-in heel hold with zero Achilles tendon irritation
- Noticeably firmer ride than plush alternatives like the Speedgoat
- Deep 5mm lugs feel clunky and inefficient on smooth, hardpack trails
- High retail price sits near the top of the trail shoe category
Ultraventure 4
- Anatomical toe box allows natural splay while midfoot stays securely locked down.
- Plush 5mm drop ZipFoam platform relieves calf strain on long trail days.
- Durable Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole transitions effortlessly to paved sections.
- Breathable engineered mesh upper minimizes hot spots and sand intrusion.
- No rock plate leaves feet vulnerable to sharp rocks and roots.
- Low-profile lugs lack grip in slick mud, wet roots, and loose scree.
- Lacks lateral agility and precision on technical off-camber trails.
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