Details
Brand
Hoka One One
Heel To Toe Drop
5mm
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• 5 mm heel drop• Plush dual-layered midsole• Seamless upper• Profly top layered midsole material• TPU clip in the heel for added support• Flex grooves in outsole for added flexibility• Curved foot shape• Breathable mesh upper
Upper
The new upper of this shoe saves ounces and ensures that runners have the most lightweight ride possible. Hoka traded their traditional external web for a lightweight, highly breathable engineered mesh. This mesh provides visible breathability, with larger ventilation holes. The upper is made using a seamless design that reduces the risk of friction and irritation to the runner. Runners commented that this upper design reduces blisters.
Midsole
The midsole features Hoka’s signature dual midsole design. Although both materials provide added responsiveness and springiness to the shoe, Hoka made sure to use lightweight materials to keep this shoe as light as possible while still providing maximum cushioning. The top layers of the midsole design use Hoka’s signature Profly material. The bottom layer uses a material that provides maximum rebound and shock absorption. The forefoot of the shoe has been designed with increased firmness in order to provide the most forward propulsion possible. Additionally, runners were pleased with the updated TPU clip in the heel for added stability.
Outsole
Some of the most important updates to this shoe have come to us via the outsole. Hoka added additional rubber placement to the outsole to increase the overall durability without interfering with the shoe’s high level of responsiveness. Hoka also added deeper flex grooves along the forefoot of the shoe to increase the flexibility of the shoe. The outsole of this shoe provides extra durability to the runner and runners found that this layer of rubber helped reduce how often this shoe needs to be replaced.
Comfort
Hoka is known for their exceptional cushioning and comfort, and the Elevon has the highest level of plush cushioning of any of the Hoka shoes in the innovative Fly collection. Not only does the midsole provide runners with two layers of midsole foam to create an adaptive, plush feel, it also wraps the foot in lightweight upper mesh to create an individual fit for each runner. The shoe also boasts a new curved shape combined with a base that is more narrow. This allows the runner to pick up the pace while also ensuring the most comfortable ride possible. Runners also raved about the high level of breathability that increased ventilation to the foot and reduced the likelihood of blisters or hot spots, enabling runners to go longer without the fear of irritation. Additionally, the redesigned upper is made of a seamless mesh material that also helps to reduce the risk of friction for the runner.
Style
The bulkier look of the Hoka doesn’t exactly make these the sexiest shoes on the market today. These are not like Nike’s or even Reebok’s that perfectly pair fashion and function. These shoes are all about performance, but Hoka has done a good job in the Fly collection to reduce the bulky look and streamline the upper. They also increase the aesthetic appeal by designing the shoe in vibrant colors like Diva Blue with Sulphur Spring, Niagara Blue with Vintage Indigo and Black with Racing Red.
Durability
Hoka added extra toughness to the outsole to increase the shoe’s lifespan. The Hoka design team added an extra layer of durable rubber to the outsole to ensure that the shoe can hold up to high mileage without the need to be replaced prematurely. Additionally, the dual layering of the midsole ensures that the midsole can hold its shape for longer, which means more support for a longer period of time.
Protection
In terms of protection, runners can expect to see and feel the added support that only a Hoka can deliver. The shoe comes equipped with an updated TPU clip in the heel for added stability. This shoe is designed to support the runner who struggles with stability issues, and overall, this shoe does an excellent job of protecting runners from injury. Injury-prone runners turn to the Hoka design to cradle the foot and keep them safe from strain, pain, and overpronation.
Responsiveness
The Elevon’s dual midsole layering is designed to provide a unique combination of plush cushioning and a high level of responsiveness. The Profly top layer creates a high rebound feel, while the lower layer is more firm and does an excellent job of propelling the foot forward. These layers provide a plush cushioning but are thin enough to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in direction, speed, and terrain.
Support
Hoka’s are known for their support and the new Elevon keeps with that tradition with the dual midsole foam design. These two midsole materials work together to cradle the foot and provide great arch support too. Additionally, the TPU clip that is found in the heel does a great job of stabilizing the foot and adding extra support to any length run.
Terrain
This shoe is best for the urban runner. The outsole has added rubber to provide a durable ride. The outsole design responds best to pavement, treadmill and track surfaces. Although it can be used on groomed trails, it lacks any substantial lug system that would keep runners upright on loose surfaces.
Price
This shoe is not suggested for runners on a really tight budget. Hoka puts a lot of technology and engineering into their shoes, and this is reflected in the higher price tag. This shoe is above average compared to the average road running shoe on today’s market, but for runners who are injury prone and need or enjoy the plush support of the Hoka, it is worth the price.
Drop
This shoe has a much lower drop than the average road running shoe on today’s market. The Elevon features a heel height of 33 mm and a forefoot height of 28 mm, giving this shoe a 5 mm heel drop. The lower heel drop can take some getting used to if runners are used to running on a traditional heel drop of 10 mm.
Stability
The Hoka One One Elevon is a great shoe for the runner who needs added support with over pronation issues. The stability features of this shoe help keep the foot and ankle from rolling inward during their gait cycle. Runners reported that this provided them with protection from injury in the long run and provided them with an instantly more comfortable ride.
Flexibility
In their redesign of the outsole, Hoka made improvements to the shoe’s flexibility. This model comes with deep flex grooves that help the shoe move more naturally with the runner. The deepest of these grooves can be found along the forefoot. Additionally, the mesh upper is very light and moves freely with the foot.
Traction
The outsole of the Elevon has gone through some updates to increase the traction and flexibility of the shoe. Hoka added a unique groove system that helps the shoe grip onto the ground below it. Additionally, the added rubber along the outsole adds a stronger grip. Runners reported that this shoe is a good choice for running on wet, slick surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Hoka One One Elevon is the lightest, most cushioned shoe in the new Fly Collection. The Elevon is designed after its cushion shoe, the Vanquish 2, but has been lightened up to make it good for racing or daily training. Runners loved this shoe for all distances from the 5k to the marathon. The upper has been redesigned to be more breathable and lightweight. It comes with visible ventilation holes that keep the foot cool and comfortable. Runners raved about the overall comfort of the shoe. This shoe is great for the injury prone runner who needs extra help with preventing overpronation. Although the shoe is pricey, runners found that the higher level of durability due to the added rubber of the outsole, makes this shoe a smart investment. The Elevon has a sleeker, more stylish look than some of the other Hoka shoes on the market, and runners reported that they enjoyed the different color options.
