TREKKING
Product 2021
Woman, Man
In 2015 Hoka One One, a brand that specializes in trail running, tackled trekking shoes with the Tor Ultra Hi, a shoe with an inordinately thick sole, and or its time a very avant-garde look that earned me a lot of mockery from my hiking companions. Since then, this style of footwear has become commonplace, and proven itself out on the terrain. Now Hoka One One is back, with a new model, the Tennine Hike Gore-Tex, and a new futuristic design: that looks like it’s straight out of a hallucinogenic episode of Star Trek! This time it won’t just be due to the outer sole’s thickness the butt of the jokes but its overflowing dimensions, and especially at the heel: a snowshoe sole!
So, we tested them for several days, in technical terrain, in different weather conditions, with steep, often wet, rocky, snowy, technical trails, mixing tough descents and gentle tracks. Ok first of all we have to admire its look. It is very, very special! Like any avant-garde product, it can be surprising, especially this one in an environment like hiking, which is unaccustomed to this kind of extravagance; unlike trail running where similar models (low ankle) have been around for a while in several brands. It is true that at first glance the snowshoe-sole is surprising. However, once you’re wearing it, if it wasn’t for the funny looks from other hikers that we met, you quickly forget the extraterrestrial look. You get used to it very quickly, we even found them very nice, it gives a certain style. Technically we get the impression that the Hoka One One Tennine Hike is the result of in-depth research, and serious thinking, because the constraints to be resolved were many for a concept that is so far from conventional standards.
Immediately they are very easy to put on and are very comfortable. Like slippers. Your foot is well held, and completely enveloped. The heel is securely lodged in the mass over the entire height to the ankle, a real bonus which saves the lateral muscles on difficult terrain, like scree. The lacing is precise thanks to metal semi-locking eyelets, which maintain the tightness perfectly over time. The tongue is a little short, we would have liked it to go up a little more. Similarly, if it had been a little wider it would have protected the areas around the malleolus better from compression points at the metal eyelets when adjusting tightly or when wearing thin socks.
The sole is a good 5 cm thick (same as the Tor Ultra Hi) with a 4mm drop, which is low so that the foot adopts a more natural position. This famous heel, the keystone of comfort and cushioning, which on the Tennine starts by a slight overflow on the sides and is very, very generous at the back. This wide heel, (with Hubble geometry), has several advantages: it provides excellent cushioning, very good stability, and a large surface area for ground contact and therefore more grip. The sole’s rear extension therefore makes it possible to absorb shocks, cushion effectively (with the help of the foam midsole), while transferring the energy of the stride into forward motion, a sort of self-propulsion. You can really feel the phenomenon, on the downhill, the flat, and when there’s an average vertical drop, and to a lesser extent when you go sharply uphill, where normally we are more on the front than on the rear.
The stride is fluid, the transition between the back and the front is smooth, the shoe unravels almost. You have the impression that you bounce with each step, which is a very pleasant feeling that causes you to accelerate without realizing, especially as the great cushioning stops your knees from protesting. You can make the most of this to either increase your speed or waste less energy. Either way, it’s a win-win situation. On the other hand, due to its construction and volume the Hoka Tennine induces a slightly different foot strike. Especially at the beginning, when you’re breaking the shoes in, they tend to force you to run in a certain way and therefore you feel muscle ache in different places than you would do normally.
These sensations disappear after three or four trips. As much as the rear dimensions of the shoe are “disproportionate”, the front dimensions are standard, similar to Tor Ultra hi. On difficult terrain, a little technical and rocky passage, even if the sole’s thickness keeps you at a distance from all the action, the shoe behaves very well for an experienced hiker. For a “less-experienced” hiker they could be more difficult to get used to. With the 5mm lugs and Vibram sole, you can tackle slippery terrain without any problem, even very steep, or wet rock slabs. A grip that is even better as it is multiplied by the contact surface area of these snowshoe-style soles.
However, on “adventurous terrain”, and in particular on downhill sloping slabs of rock, you must remain vigilant if you have to walk crossways on the slope, so you don’t catch the rear sole’s overhang. It is better, wherever possible, to go straight down the slope, especially as the Vibram sole grips so well! Likewise, in parts where there are steep steps or protruding roots, you have to always keep in mind the volume of the rear overhang which can tip you over if you put your foot too far back from the step, or if you get it stuck under a root.
Although, throughout the test, this type of incident didn’t happen to us once and we were on this type of terrain. However, in theory it could happen, especially if you are out of your comfort zone, or out of control! Another little detail, but which is important, avoid going backwards. Given the size of the rear overhang, you have a one in two chance of stepping on your own sole! Turn around or put your feet wide apart if you need to step backwards. It is also strongly recommended not to drive your car wearing them, and you will quickly understand why. Also be careful on steps, even if this is not necessarily the target area of this Hoka One One!
The length of our testing didn’t give it enough time to consider its durability, but considering the usual uses and conditions, the areas that often suffer from wear and tear seem to be very robust with good finishing. The rear sole is the zone that is most used, it gets hammered by each foot strike, so this is where you’d need to see how it behaves in the long term. In our testing it remained as new. We liked the strap at the back to help you get the shoes on, a proper size that doesn’t slice your finger in two. The overall shape, the front is much more compact, narrower for this type of shoe, well fitted. You don’t have the impression you’re wearing hefty boots.
The shoes are light, slightly heavier than the Tor Ultra Hi, but that’s just due to the difference in volume. As far as waterproofness, we literally walked through puddles with water right up to the first lacing eyelet and nothing happened, perfectly waterproof. We also had light rain and walked through damp vegetation and our feet remained perfectly dry. You would need to see after several hours of walking in heavy rain when water accumulates around the laces at the front of the shoe and see if it saturates the fabric. But the shoes have been well manufactured with quality materials, we don’t see any problems with durability.
We weren’t able to really test the breathability of the Gore-Tex membrane. Firstly, because it’s difficult to gauge and because it depends on; socks, temperature, how much your feet sweat, etc. and secondly because it was cold, and we didn’t get warm enough for our feet to sweat. But regarding whether our feet suffered from the cold, not at all, these Tennine were comfortable and thermal regulation is perfect for 3-season hiking.
Hoka used recycled materials, which can only be celebrated. More and more brands are doing this which is a good sign for the planet, also because the products made are designed to be used in nature.
The Hoka One One Tennine and its futuristic look could turn people off to begin with, but it undeniably opens a new approach in the concept of a hiking shoe with its snowshoe-like sole. A 4X4 shoe that’s mega comfortable and provides fluid stride and exceptional cushioning. You really feel like you float on the downhill trails and our knees were in heaven.
This shoe is designed for long distance hiking, treks, but also day trips. A shoe for intermediate to expert hikers with an agile walking style who must tackle technical terrain. Beginners can also enjoy them on more gentle trails. The price reflects the outer sole: “voluminous”, 250 euros. But the quality is there and seems to be in the long term. A good investment, especially for your leg joints!
This “outrageous” product won the Test4outside CORE Award.
4 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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