Details
Brand
Hoka One One
Heel To Toe Drop
3 mm
Breathability
6.9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• Fantastic aesthetic• Superior grip over rough running surfaces• Incredibly durable construction• A great investment trail racer• Increased breathability from its former edition
Upper
Much like the original, the Hoka One One Speed Instinct 2 is made of seamless mesh. However, it has been improved upon by making the mesh more breathable than in the original, which was one major complaint that edition had garnered. As a result, runners will appreciate how their foot will remain remain feeling cool and dry even on difficult technical trails. Holding the runner’s foot firmly in place after lace-up, the synthetic mesh material of the upper doesn’t cause irritation, such as blistering, even when running without socks. Although there is a trade-off, in that this open mesh upper will not protect the foot from water, so be careful of sinking your foot into a puddle. Although there have been some complaints that the tongue tends to slide to the side during a run and its stretch laces may fall forward when descending from a steep incline, these have been sporadic and certainly doesn’t reflect a universal experience.
Midsole
Keeping one important aspect of the original Instinct largely intact is the Instinct 2’s midsole construction. Hoka One One is known for its incredibly comfortable midsoles, and the Instinct 2 carries on with this tradition. Although not as plush as many of the company’s midsoles, this is a choice to maximize performance. After all, an ultra-soft midsole would not be optimal for a hard-charging trail shoe. However, this is not to say the midsole of the Instinct 2 isn’t comfortable: soft but stable with a firm forefoot, the midsole is both comfortable and responsive, with extra cushioning in the heel for comfort and to provide heel strikers with some extra protection upon impact.
Outsole
For a trail running shoe to be able to traverse steep inclines and negotiate tricky terrain, much of its performative abilities depend on the construction of its outsole. Here the Instinct 2 excels: fully covered in rubber with high-abrasion areas strategically covered with even more rubber, it’s a durable, protective outsole that will keep its integrity for a long time after first step-in. Even more important are its multi-directional lugs, which are both sturdy and numerous and offers great grip on a variety of surfaces, from smooth asphalt and well-trod trails to technical trails and rocky, uneven terrain. Its rocker-like construction guides the runner’s foot through the gait cycle, offering smooth movement throughout a ride. With a surprisingly short stack height and low drop (3mm), the outsole of the Instinct 2 will protect the runner’s foot while also aiding them in running, hiking, and trodding even the toughest trails out there.
Breathability
While a major–if not the main–complaint of the original Instinct was its lack of breathability, the updated upper in the Instinct 2 firmly addresses this problem. Whereas before runners complained that the upper was hampered by the many overlays that blocked free-flowing air from entering the foot chamber, leading to a hot foot–which leads to blisters –the Instinct 2’s upper features an open mesh design that allows for a great amount of breathability to keep one’s foot cool and dry throughout a run.
Comfort
Known for making comfortable shoes, Hoka One One retains this reputation with the Instinct 2. Its excellent midsole cushioning, which features extra padding in the heel, features a firm forefoot that has a little extra room in the toe box to allow for the toes to spread. This may seem minor, but having crushed toes during a difficult trail race can be more than uncomfortable, as any trail runner could attest. Its lightweight construction also makes it a versatile trainer that can hold up on a technical trail while providing a comfortable ride on more standard surfaces (although some may find its 3mm drop a little uncomfortable on the even pavement and asphalt of one’s neighborhood). However, overall this is a surprisingly comfortable serious trail runner.
Style
One adjective to describe the Instinct 2’s aesthetic is striking. This is a striking-looking shoe, and for good reason: its form fits its function. Although there are more subdued colors runners can purchase a pair in, perhaps the most exciting options are the most colorful. Bright yellow outsoles with blue uppers dotted by light red overlays, lashed about the top like the shoe itself is a frenzy of activity and outlined by orange. Considering the shoe was built for some rather intense activity, where the runner is racing over rocks and up steep inclines, this sleek, eye-catching shoe shines best when the runner decides to pick out a pair with the most vivacious color schemes. Barring that, there are more muted color palettes for those who would rather not have their shoes overshadow their own activity.
Durability
With a synthetic upper mesh that’s highly resistant to wear and tear and scrapes, a well-crafted outsole made of carbon rubber with an extra layer of rubber in high-wear areas to keep the integrity and ferocity of its grip intact after numerous heavy-duty technical trail sessions, and a midsole construction that keeps its cushioning and responsiveness long after first step-in, runners will be pleased to find a lightweight trail racer that will stand up to the treacherous courses that they take on.
Protection
While the Instinct 2’s outsole is certainly made to protect the runner from rough, rocky, and uneven terrain–and it performs its duty admirably, considering this shoe does not have a rock plate–runners should be aware that what this edition gained in breathability it also had to sacrifice a certain amount of protection in its upper, which is now even more vulnerable to water. While the overlays may offer nominal protection, it may not protect your feet very much in inclement weather.
Responsiveness
Built to navigate tricky terrain, the Instinct 2 is crafted for responsiveness. Although its midsole provides a great amount of cushioning, the forefoot is firm so the runner will feel firmly in control of the surface area they tread. Its multi-directional lugs also aid in responsiveness, allowing for runners to climb and adjust their path in an instant when out on a difficult trail.
Support
A neutral running shoe, the Instinct 2 offers nominal arch support. However, it may not offer the sort of support those who suffer from over- or underpronation require, or those with fallen arches, so runners with these issues should be aware this is not specifically a support shoe.
Terrain
Ready to take on the tricky technical trails and rough topography in the great outdoors? Because the Instinct 2 was built for this very purpose. However, it is also a sneaker that works great on standard running surfaces, as well, so those who like the most out of their trainers will be pleased with the Instinct 2’s versatility in this regard.
Price
Although not exactly a discount shoe, the Instinct 2 is also not the most expensive trail runner on the market, and for its performance, versatility, and durability, its slightly elevated price should be seen more as an investment–and one that will pay off in the long run.
Drop
Featuring a 3mm drop, the Instinct 2 seems to get just to the edge of being a zero drop shoe without actually being considered as such. This may necessitate a period of adjustment by some runners who are used to running in a trainer with a higher drop.
Stability
With a 3mm drop, some trail runners may be surprised at how stable the Instinct 2 is and neutral runners in particular will enjoy its well-balanced construction. However, this is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
The upper of this shoe is relatively flexible and wraps around the foot snugly after lace-up, but with a firm forefoot in the midsole and overlays that limit the flexibility of the upper, this trail racer is not particularly the most flexible shoe on the market.
Traction
The multi-directional lugs on the Instinct 2’s tenacious outsole is more than able to handle the difficult trails and terrain a runner seeking to tackle technical trails and rough terrain. Over rocks, uneven topography, loose dirt, and other hazards runners will feel secure in this shoe.
Bottom Line
Trail racing–especially on technical trails–is a high-endurance, difficult activity for even the most seasoned runners. It’s also an activity that demands a trainer to be able to navigate the most tenacious trails and terrains. For this, the Hoka One One Speed Instinct 2 is a solid entry into the category of trail racer. With an improved upper for breathability, an outstanding outsole outfitted with multi-directional lugs, and a surprisingly comfortable midsole that’s still responsive, the Instinct 2 is for serious trail racers. However, it’s also adaptable to more standard surfaces, so even after wearing a pair to get up, over, and through rigorous pathways in nature, runners may be surprised to find themselves reaching to put on a pair for their daily run through their neighborhood, as well.
