HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4 Review
Light and Stable
Likes
- Ample cushioning
- Lightweight
- Smooth ride
- Adaptable upper
Dislikes
- Slightly narrow
- Women's heel is quite wide
What's New
The HOKA ONE ONE Arahi is the brand's moderate stability shoe, which has become a go-to for its lightweight and responsive ride. Designed to reduce overpronation without feeling harsh or intrusive, the HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4 features the same midsole and outsole combination as the previous version. HOKA's J-Frame midsole technology supports the foot with a firmer EVA that cradles the heel and wraps along the medial side of the shoe. This works with the flat-waisted geometry of the shoe to provide lightweight structure without the harsh feel of a stability shoe. For better performance, the all-new Arahi 4 debuts a reconstructed engineered mesh upper that has been stripped down for a more refined and breathable fit.
The Bottom Line
If you are sick of harsh and stiff feeling stability shoes, the HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4 brings the support that you need in a comfortable and lightweight package. The highly cushioned midsole delivers just enough softness while supplying the energy return needed to keep the wearer moving forward. Our testers especially enjoyed the unintrusive support provided by the J-Frame technology.
The new engineered mesh upper gives the shoe a more dialed-in fit that offers better performance and increased breathability, and although the toebox is more accommodating than the previous version, those with wider feet will appreciate that the Arahi 4 is offered in a wide width. Overall, from overpronators to neutral runners, those looking for a smooth and stable ride will appreciate the lightweight cushioning and agility provided by the HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium (Women's: Medium to low) | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.8 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.6 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 32 mm (Heel), 27 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Moderate Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4 features a dual-density midsole that combines a slighter firmer EVA foam on the medial side for support and a rubberized EVA base below for resilient cushioning. This gives the Arahi 4 a cushioned ride that is firmer than most HOKA models.
Allie: "The Arahi 4 is softer than other standard daily trainers and maximum stability shoes. It's not the sink-in softness you get with shoes like the Bondi, but it has plenty of cushion and protection that feels pretty soft mid-run."
Derek: "While an extremely squishy shoe could be counterproductive to the reduction of overpronation, I believe part of the draw of previous Arahis was the uniquely soft ride that traditional stability shoes weren't able to deliver. While the Arahi is still one of the softest and lightest stability shoes on the market, I'm a bit disappointed that it isn't as soft as it used to be."
Ride/Energy Return i
A rubberized midsole foam gives the Arahi 4 a more responsive feel than most highly cushioned running shoes. Although our testers wouldn't recommend it for uptempo workouts, they enjoyed the energy return during long-distance runs and daily training.
Allie: "The Arahi has more energy return than other HOKA models. However, due to the cushioning, my legs have to work harder during uptempo workouts. The shoe is better suited for a longer, slower day, but there is still enough pop for uptempo work if the runner prefers more cushion and protection."
Ben: "Although these are not racing shoes, they are noticeably springy and do not inhibit a faster stride during marathon racing."
Underfoot Protection i
Although the cushioning of the Arahi 4 is on the firmer side, our testers found that it did a great job of keeping their legs feeling fresh after a run. The wide platform and J-Frame technology provide a stable ride that helps keep overpronators comfortable on just about every type of run.
Derek: "With 32 mm of cushioning under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot, the Arahi features a high level of cushioning perfect for overpronators looking for protection from the harsh pavement."
Ben: "The Arahi 4 lives up to its HOKA heritage by providing excellent cushioning for anything from the race to the recovery run. In this model, however, shoe performance is not sacrificed for the sake of cushioning."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Like most HOKAs, the shoe's high level of cushioning limits its flexibility, and this is especially true in the Arahi 4 thanks to its firmer dual-density cushioning. Despite this, our testers found that the shoe's rocker design helps give it a natural and smooth feeling ride.
Allie: "The Arahi is not as stiff as a traditional stability shoe; however, it does not flex very much due to its broad base. Regardless, the shoe rolls well during the gait cycle thanks to the meta-rocker."
Derek: "With the firm J-Frame extending through the forefoot, this shoe was not very flexible. This is common of stability shoes and helps the overpronator's foot resist excess movement throughout the stride."
Upper Feel i
As the biggest change made in the Arahi 4, the new engineered mesh upper proved to be a major improvement. Our testers found that it provided a soft, snug fit that added a high-performance feel without being restrictive.
Derek: "The engineered mesh is thin and breathable without compromising too much support. It felt roomy in the toebox without allowing significant foot movement throughout my long or short runs."
Ben: "The Arahi 4 had a secure fit that felt soft and breathable on my foot. My only issue was that the heel cup is pretty rigid and the structured upper makes the Arahi 4 a little on the narrow side for my wide feet. I would suggest the wide width for those who have higher volume feet."
Individual Thoughts
I have been running in the Arahi since its first version, and I feel that the 4 has some worthy updates. Since the first version, HOKA has cut down on weight and added breathability. The Arahi 4 is the most breathable version yet, and my feet finally feel a bit cooler in the shoe.
The fit is generous in the forefoot, and I found the volume to be ample. The only hard thing to fit is my heel. The heel fit for the Arahi 4 has improved from its previous versions, but the rigidness and lack of padding may cause issues for some runners.
I really enjoy the Arahi 4. It gives overpronators a stability option that is as comfortable and low weight as its neutral competitors. It provides ample support and great cushioning for an everyday training shoe.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
At under 10 oz, the Arahi 4 was my go-to for slightly shorter, faster days while the Gaviota remained my bae for most of my recovery days and long runs. I am a very severe overpronator with late-stage pronation, and I don't feel as confident in the Arahi for long runs or slow recovery runs. However, for most overpronators, the Arahi 4 should provide enough stability to reduce everything from mild to moderate overpronation. Also, neutral runners might find the Arahi a great option when they're feeling a little beat up after a hard workout.
Overall, the Arahi 4 is a great stability shoe, and the sales numbers back that up. In terms of a smooth, lightweight ride, you'd be hard-pressed to find a stability shoe that could compete. Personally, I would need it to be a little more stable and a little softer to make it my go-to recovery day and long run shoe, but for that, I have the Gaviota.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
From your competitive races to your recovery days, the Arahi 4 provides a cushioned ride along the way, and I definitely enjoyed that ride! The Arahi 4 blends cushioning and performance to make a comfortable everyday shoe that also works for marathon racing.
The upper was breathable and well made, but like many HOKAs, the Arahi 4 runs a little narrow. Also, after 50 miles, the exposed EVA soles on my pair are showing noticeable wear.