Hoka/Fat Tire or other "maximal" shoes

[307]

Anybody tried these for hiking/hunting applications. A friend of mine thinks they will revolutionize the outdoor footwear industry. I have to admit that I'm intrigued...

Either way it's kind of funny how quickly we went from "minimalist" to "maximalist" in running footwear.

 

[tipsntails7]

I don't think they will change anything, I don't know what the hokas are but the UA fat tires are some of the dumbest shoes I've seen. Guys who actually need technical footwear will never wear them, and guys who don't won't pay the price they want for them. I predict the only guys you will see with these are paid to wear them.

I've also read a few reviews from actual runners and they have had really nothing good to say about them as far as a technical aspect. "Terribly inefficient" was used.

Also is the shoe filled with air? What if it pops? There also seems to be zero support. Seems like a recipe for some foot, knee, or back issues.

 

[cg2737]

I have owned 5 pairs of Hokas over the last 6 years and love them. I was having foot and knee pain after running. I switched to Hokas and the pain was greatly diminished. They also have a much wider toe box than most shoes. Many of my friends and wife gave me crap when I started using them. Now they all own a pair or two.
Great product.

I personally don't see myself hunting in them.

 

[307]

I am really interested in trying these. I like to experiment with the extremes. I was given a pair of the vibram 5 fingers which I didn't find all that wonderful. I also have a pair of NB minima shoes which I prefer by a wide margin to the Vibram's though I wear neither with any regularity.

Efficiency would likely suffer, though much energy is expended in adapting to uneven surfaces which may be eliminated by this squishy shoe.

I believe that the shoe is simply EVA foam in a very thickened and low density configuration, not air filled as the name might imply.

I was more skeptical until my friend spoke so highly of them. His resume in the mountains is quite impressive so for him to give such a strong endorsement likely sold a pair to me in the future. He is not paid to wear/endorse the product and as far as I know, paid retail $ for them. I'll report back if/when I have any first hand experience.

 

[Arrowslinger]

When I think of a great shoe/boot to hunt with, I would never consider a spongy soft low dropped shoe. Why? EVA foam, though soft will compress easily, which makes hokas so great for running, but add a 55# pack to your back and now stop often to glass or walk slowly and that soft mid sole is now under a lot of stress and can create a negative drop -your heal is lower than the ball of foot. That increases the strain on your calf and more importantly your achilles, two things that are vital to backcountry travel. I've run in them, I sell them, I get them for free, yet I don't use them for hunting. Take that for what it is, my opinion.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Hokas seem to have really found their niche in the running market, and many people sing their praises. I agree with Arrowslinger that soft EVA midsoles don't seem like they would translate well to hunting though.

 

[jmez]

Interesting. Have never seen these. Don't think I would like them personally, not a fan of that much cushion.

The hardcore Crossfitters and Pose runners will have a seizure over these!