The HOKA Zinal is a nimble trail running shoe with a connected-to-the-ground feel that can handle a variety of trail conditions.
HOKA adds another shoe to their trail arsenal, but this time it looks a bit different from the marshmallow-like, maximum-cushioned shoes that the brand is known for. With the all-new Zinal, HOKA developed a lower profile shoe that's made for speeding through technical terrain on shorter, faster trail runs thanks to its lightweight design, nimble feel, and responsive ride.
What You'll Love
- Strategic Vibram Megagrip lugs
- Responsive cushioning
- Closer to the ground feel
The Zinal is a zippy trail running shoe with a connected to the ground feel. As part of the PROFLY collection, the Zinal features a rubberized EVA Foam which gives the shoe a responsive and bouncy ride that's perfect for picking up the pace on long fire roads or when speeding around switchbacks. The Zinal also has a lower stack height than HOKA's other trail models meaning that this shoe will be more agile on a technical and uneven trails. A durable Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs adds trustworthy traction, and a simple mesh upper with a gusseted tongue helps keep debris out. Overall, the HOKA Zinal has the speed and agility for shorter trail efforts, but also comes with the durability and grip to handle any kind of terrain.
Model Number: 1119400-SBDP
Specs & Fit
Shoe Specs (Men's Size 9)
| Weight | 8.6 oz |
| Heel Stack | 32 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 27 mm |
| Heel-Toe Offset: | 5 mm |
How It Fits (based on D width)
| Sizing: | True to size |
| Heel Width: | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume: | Medium to low |
| Toe Box Fit: | Medium to narrow |
| Arch Height: | Medium |
Technologies
MIDSOLE
- PROFLY gives a cushioned landing and a propulsive toe-off.
- Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry is a rockered midsole design engineered to provide a smooth ride.
OUTSOLE
- Vibram Megagrip 4mm lugged outsole has amazing grip, provides additional durability.
UPPER
- Engineered Mesh offers structure and an improved midfoot lockdown.
- Gussested Tongue helps keep debris out.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I'm a recent transfer to Hoka from Salomon as Salomon changed their model line-up and nothing seemed to work for me anymore. I love the Torrent 2 for its light responsive feel and durability. (350 miles on the first pair and still feel great.) I recently purchased the Zinal based on positive reviews and I love it. Compared to the Torrent, the shoe is slightly lighter because the upper has been trimmed back with a thin tongue and different materials and protective layers. I believe Hoka actually added cushioning to the midsole as it feels even livelier. The fit is nearly identical to the Torrent 2. Not sure it will be quite as durable as my Torrents and I'll stick with them for training, but it's been a joy to use in 20+ mile runs and races.
From: Anonymous. August 29th, 2021
Comments: I ran with the Speedgoat Evo for 500mi and they were great. The Zinal was lacking some of the mid-foot support which leads to quick bruising on very aggressive rocks. (It is literally just foam for a large section of the midsole) Also, the details emphasized the traction, but when I used them for a couple of weeks, the tiny lugs were eaten away very quickly. For the price point of these shoes, HOKA could have put more time into engineering. Full outsole and slightly more aggressive or denser compound for grip.
From: Justin. El Paso, TX. August 13th, 2021
Comments: I have been trail running in three shoes: Nike Kiger 7, Hoka Torrent 2, and Salomon Sense 4 Pro. While these are all well-performing shoes, I find that so far I prefer the Hoka Zinal. It is lighter than any of the above three, is comfortable over long distances, and feels more resilient, as well. A surprise has been the durability of the outsole. I run on rocky, technical trails and after about 50 miles I see no wear. The open question is how long the bouncy feel will last.
From: Anonymous. August 9th, 2021
Comments: I'd heard they run long. I ordered half a size down. Despite moving from my regular 13 to 12.5 the shoe was still long. The midfoot was reasonably secure, but the upper in the toe box felt like it was going to cause blisters/hotspots from extra material. I have a wide foot with a lot of volume and the forefoot fit was better than many Hokas but a little sloppy with too much material running across the top of the shoe. The midsole appeared too soft and unsupportive and the vibrant lugs lacked depth to provide any long-lasting traction. It may work for some, but ultimately I returned the shoe only having tried it on. I'd would've liked to have seen slightly firmer foam medially in the mid-foot area or better overlays. If the shoe was priced like the Rincon I would've considered giving them a try but I'm much happier with the fit and function of ATR's (wide), Carbon X's, Speedgoat (Wide), and Rincon's. The Rincon at $120 is a lighter and more versatile shoe. Hoka would have done better to have added some lugs to Rincons. Finally, the flex point in the shoe seemed odd. Perhaps it would've run better but there appeared to be an errant flex point through the center of the arch. The second flex point was around the ball of the foot, in between these two areas the shoe was quite stiff. Being a mid/forefoot runner, I was curious to see the impact of this flex but given the price and poor fit didn't bother. Perhaps it is a brilliant rocker for mid-fore foot strikers but given the number of quality shoes Hoka has to choose from this was not a keeper.
From: Jeremy. Madison, WI. July 23rd, 2021
Comments: Love this shoe. As a veteran trail runner, I've run and raced in several pair of the Hoka EVO Speedgoat, Nike Kiger, and Brooks Catamount. This shoe surpasses my expectations; great fit, plenty of forefoot room, exceptional grip, etc. The roll is buttery smooth and the impact protection is just enough.
From: Anonymous. July 19th, 2021