HOKA Arahi 8 Review

The HOKA Arahi 8 is for you if...

You are looking for a combo of max cushioning and support. 

You want a soft stability shoe that's not too heavy. 

You are an overpronator that favours long, easy runs. 

What is the HOKA Arahi 8 made for?

HOKA is often lauded as the first oversized midsole in the running shoe market, setting the trend for many high-stack styles that we continue to see to this day. After the first Clifton was successfully released in 2016 as a reliable high-cushioned daily trainer, HOKA followed it up in 2017 with a stability version, the very first stability shoe in HOKA’s lineup—thus, the Arahi was born. It offered a comfortable blend of lightweight cushioning and functional support, and introduced the J-frame midsole technology that has defined every HOKA stability shoe since. The J-frame design consists of a firmer layer of foam that curves around the heel and extends up through the medial side of the shoe, gently correcting overpronation. Now, arriving at its eighth iteration, the Arahi has seriously upped its game. 

The Arahi 8 has been redesigned from the ground up. Instead of the J-frame, this shoe uses the new H-frame design, which extends through the medial and lateral sides to provide a solid base and optimal support for mild to moderate overpronators. The dual density foam setup includes a little more stack in the heel, for a softer midsole that is comfortable for all gait patterns. This shoe is excellent for providing comfort and support during easy runs, long runs, and casual paces for runners at any level. With revamped mechanics and a lighter overall feel, the Arahi 8 has a smoother and softer ride than ever before. 

Comfort

With out-of-the-box comfort, the Arahi 8 is more cushioned than your typical stability shoe. The midsole is soft without feeling too heavy, and overall feels softer than the previous version, which was a pleasant surprise. The H-frame support system does not feel too stiff or obstructive underfoot. Because of the large volume of foam, it was an adjustment for us to get used to how soft it felt for a stability shoe, but after the very first run, the Arahi 8 proved itself to be as supportive as it is comfortable. To top it off, the mesh upper was breathable yet protective on hot runs, even in almost 90-degree weather.

Performance

The Arahi 8 is a solid daily trainer for easy miles, especially for runners who overpronate. The stability in the Arahi 8 provides a moderate amount of support while still feeling very soft. The outsole appears to have a standard amount of durability, and when we unexpectedly encountered some major rain, the traction kept us from slipping on some very wet surfaces.  

This shoe is not built for speedwork, but the plentiful cushioning felt great for walking, recovery runs, and easy runs, even on 7-mile runs or longer. If feeling protected and comfy on short or long runs is your version of performance, the Arahi 8 will give you just that.

Fit

We found the Arahi 8 to fit true to size, with plenty of room for your feet to expand without getting too tight or uncomfortable on longer efforts. Those of us with wider feet appreciated the ample room and generous toe box. The lockdown felt secure without any slippage, nor did we have to stop and readjust at any time, which is a big win. 

We had varying results of the fit around the heel collar. Some didn’t notice any discomfort here at all, while others experienced slight irritation. While it wasn’t enough to stop mid-run or deter from wearing the shoe again, it was a noticeable feeling for some.