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The Hoka Arahi 8 is the stable counterpart to the Hoka Clifton 10 within the brand’s range, offering a smooth and supportive ride for your daily training. It was an unexpected hit with the whole Run Tester team, even though we are neutral runners, and certainly worth considering as a comfortable and enjoyable running shoe
It’s certainly one of the best running shoes for those that need extra stability we’ve tested, offering a lighter and more versatile design than options like the Saucony Hurricane 25, Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 and Asics Gel-Kayano 32. If you want a stable shoe to eat up your miles, it’s top of our list right now.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £140/$150
- Weight: 270g/9.5oz (men’s UK 9 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 8mm
- Upper: Double jacquard mesh
- Midsole: CMEVA with H-frame for added stability
- Outsole: Super abrasion rubber
Hoka Arahi 8 review
How’s The Fit
Nick, Mike and Kieran tested out the Hoka Arahi 8 for our review and found that it fit well in our normal running shoe size. Like most Hoka shoes, it leans towards the narrow side of things, but it was comfortable enough and held the foot well on long runs without overheating.
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The Run Test: Likes
The Hoka Arahi 8 was not necessarily a shoe that we expected a lot from. On paper it has quite a bland design, and looks like it will simply be a firmer, more stable version of the Hoka Clifton 10.
However, it impressed us greatly on the run thanks to its smooth ride. The rocker works beautifully in easing you from heel to toe at any pace, and the support from the H-frame is subtle and works well for neutral runners as well as those who overpronate.
We also found the Arahi 8 to be more versatile than expected. It’s pretty light for a stability shoe and while the foam isn’t the most responsive, the rocker helps you to tick along at faster paces.
It’s also cushioned enough for long, easy efforts and we’ve enjoyed using the Arahi 8 for runs over 30km during marathon training, even if it’s not a maxed out cushioned shoe.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The compression-moulded EVA foam in the midsole is not particularly lively and the Arahi 8 relies heavily on its geometry to create a fun, smooth ride as a result. We all found we could get into a great rhythm with the rocker on the shoe, but if you don’t and are relying more on the foam delivering energy return, you might be disappointed.
While we found it cushioned enough for our tastes, some will prefer more comfort underfoot, which you’ll get from stability shoes like the Saucony Hurricane 25. The Hoka Clifton 10 also provides a but more cushioning underfoot, if you want a similar ride without the H-frame for stability.
Verdict And Alternatives
It’s not often that a shoe surprises us as much as the Hoka Arahi 8, and it was a very pleasant surprise all round. Even though we are neutral runners it’s a shoe we’ll likely continue to use because of the smooth ride, and it’s our top recommendation for stability-seeking runners who don’t want a max-cushioend shoe.
If you do want a softer ride, then the Saucony Hurricane 25 is a great alternative to the Arahi 8 with more foam underfoot, while the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 has springier midsole than the Hoka. Both of those shoes are heavier and less versatile than the Arahi 8 for us though.
Hoka Arahi 8 vs Hoka Clifton 10
Both Hoka shoes deliver smooth, comfortable versatile rides for daily training. The Arahi 8 is more stable, has a thicker outsole and is a bit lighter, while the Clifton 10 is softer and more cushioned, which is notable under the forefoot in particular.