Mountain shoes
Product 2025
Woman, Man
We were excited to slip into this carbon-plated version of the Mafate…
The Hoka Mafate X is built for long-distance running. It features a carbon plate and a PEBA foam layer, and the outsole boasts Vibram Megagrip.
From the very first strides, the Mafate X stays true to the Mafate DNA: the shoe is tall, highly cushioned, and has a pronounced heel rocker. Its massive shape gives off a sense of invincibility—with the Mafate X, you crush everything in your path, especially on the downhills! On foot, it’s not the lightest shoe, a sensation that’s particularly noticeable on steep climbs. But that’s not where this shoe truly shines.
Possibly due to the carbon plate, the Mafate X feels quite stiff overall, though the forward foot transition remains quick. On rolling terrain, the shoe delivers serious speed thanks to its energy return. That “pop” comes from the combination of the foam and the plate. The overall efficiency is excellent, with a pleasant rebound effect for runners who enjoy that kind of feedback. Ground stability under the forefoot is also outstanding.
The Mafate X smooths out rough, technical trails while remaining responsive and energetic on flatter sections where you want to push the pace.
That said, the outsole has a couple of drawbacks. First, it tends to trap small stones. Second, the lugs are not as aggressive as they could be. This raises a question: will the grip be sufficient in the muddy terrain of the Diagonale des Fous, especially in the Colorado section?
Build quality is impeccable. The mesh, materials, glue work, and seamless construction are all top-notch. We especially appreciated the padded tongue, which is highly effective over long distances.
The Mafate X is an excellent long-distance trail shoe, responsive on runnable terrain thanks to the carbon plate. But the real question remains: does the higher price and added tech make it a better buy than the Mafate 5?
8 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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