Details
Brand
Hoka One One
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Excellent impact protection delivered thru RMAT® material midsole• Seamless and breathable air mesh upper• Meta-rocker design encourages better running form• Lightweight and flexible Pro2Lite midsole• Attractive, streamlined shoe available in many colors
Upper
The Hoka Tracer features a lightweight and ultra-breathable upper with structural thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlays that helps to stabilize the midfoot. Many runners raved about the upper material. The no-sew construction provides a seamless environment for the foot which helps prevent blisters and hot spots. The Tracer tongue is made of a very thin leatherette material, and except for a bit of padding down the middle, is unpadded. Some runners said the thin tongue gave the shoe a secure fit. The laces are flat and there were no complaints about them coming undone. The heel counter is semi-rigid halfway up the heel of the shoe and then the material becomes flexible and soft against the Achilles tendon.
Midsole
The midsole of the Tracer features new dual density foam construction. Softer foam (usually white) is used in the heel area of the shoe which meets with firmer foam (usually colored) in the front of the shoe. Hoka calls this their Pro2Lite technology which is a balance of “PROtection and PROpulsion”. An early stage meta-rocker geometry used in most Hoka models means runners will still experience efficiency in their running stride as their foot is gently pushed through the running cycle. The shoe also features a raised arch pod in the midsole to ensure support to the runner’s foot.
Outsole
The outsole of the Tracer is composed of RMAT® material which is a blend of the traditional Hoka super soft foam and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) rubber. This soft, yet durable foam-rubber provides for reliable traction while running on roads. It also adds cushioning for a high energy return and a more responsive ride. High abrasion carbon rubber is strategically placed in high wear areas on the sole unit for added durability. Some heavier wearers reported the sole unit wore down quickly, but most had no complaints. Unlike plusher Hoka models, the Tracer has a bit more firmness upon impact, but this firmness provides an excellent response when on the road.
Breathability
The Hoka Tracer has a very breathable mesh upper which sheds water and sweat well and provides ample airflow around the foot. The mesh is thin, yet durable enough to protect the foot. One runner who wore the Tracer for a wet 10K said the shoe held up very well and dried out as good as new. Made for running long distances, the shoes manage to keep the runner’s foot cool and dry regardless of the running conditions. A thin Ortholite insole offers additional breathability underfoot.
Comfort
The Tracer offers the perfect balance of cushion and responsiveness thanks to the Pro2Lite midsole materials. Although not as thick as most Hoka shoes, the midsole is still adequately cushioned for great road impact. The inner lining of the shoe is also very comfortable next to the foot. A raised arch pod in the midsole ensures support to the runner’s foot. The shoes provide a firm lock on the heel and a tight fit in the midfoot area for a more natural and efficient gait cycle. The toe box area is adequate to promote a natural position of the toes for more powerful takeoffs. Some runners with wide feet found the toe box to be a little narrow. Unlike most Hokas which run a little large, most runners had to size up with the Tracer to find a comfortable fit. A thin Ortholite insole offers additional cushioning to the shoe.
Style
The Tracer comes in several different attractive colors with the Hoka name wrapped around the back of the shoe. Men’s colors include citrus (yellow) with blue, black with citrus, cyan with black, cherry tomato with acid (actually looks quite nice), and medieval blue with white. Women’s colors include bright green with neon pink and deep teal with meadowbrook. Although the Hoka website only shows two colors for the ladies, two more colors are offered on Amazon’s website. The overlays and use of color on the outsole give the shoe a very fast and streamlined look. Flat laces are colored to match the color scheme of the shoe.
Durability
With a style and weight comparable to most racing flats, the Tracer offers superior durability through its outsole and midsole materials. The RMAT® material of the outsole is highly durable whether used for short races or marathon training runs. The midsole material is also very strong, giving a cushioned ride from the first few miles and even after several hundred miles. The thin upper material also provides strength to the shoe. Most runners were able to get many miles out of these shoes before noticing significant tread wear.
Protection
The rockered midsole does a good job of protecting the runner’s foot from sharp rocks and other road hazards while still providing excellent ground feel. The dual density midsole material helps reduce overuse and impact-related injuries. The soft cushioning of the heel area and the firmer cushioning of the forefoot delivers a great combination of protection and propulsion (Hoka’s Pro2Lite technology). Although the mesh upper of the shoe is very light, a toe bumper on the toe box provides sufficient protection to the front of the shoe. The design of the upper also keeps the foot centered in the shoe to help avoid lateral movement injuries.
Responsiveness
The Pro2Lite technology of the Tracer’s midsole works well to give the runner good rebound, ground feel, and cushion. The cushioned midsole adapts nicely to the movements of the runner’s foot and creates a bouncy feeling that also absorbs road impact. As a shoe built for speed, this type of quick response is good for runners with a high turnover rate. The internal construction of the shoe provides a tight fit from the upper which is needed fast speeds.
Support
Runners needing arch support or extra stability may not like this shoe. The Tracer is a neutral shoe designed for speed and distance. The upper is very flexible but provides a secure fit around the foot. The meta-rocker geometry of the outsole supplies the support by guiding the foot through the running gait cycle. Marathon runners praised the Tracer for its overall solid support. A form-fitting heel construction offers a secure, plush fit around the heel that prevents slipping.
Terrain
The Tracer was designed for the road running. The shoe has great traction and breathability and works for long runs or short runs on virtually any paved surface. The shoe can be used on soft trails and grass, but there are no lugs for extra traction. The shoe also got good reviews on wet surfaces.
Price
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the Tracer is $130, making it a moderately priced shoe. Compared to the lower priced Saucony Kinvara, the price is a bit high, but owners of both shoes claim they got twice the mileage out of the Tracer, making it the better buy. Discounts and online coupon codes can usually bring the price down a little.
Drop
The Tracer brags of a 4mm heel-to-toe drop with a height of 18mm in the forefoot and 22mm at the heel. Low drop shoes are preferred by many runners because it helps prevent heel strikes which can lead to poor form and high milage injuries. A low drop also makes for softer landings and improved form. Most long distance runners prefer a shoe with a low drop.
Stability
The Tracer is not a high stability shoe although there are some stability elements through the dual density midsole. The low stack height eliminates the need for a wide base and runners who overpronate will probably not like the Tracer. Runners with good form who normally wear neutral shoes will find no lack of support while running. The full-length EVA cushioning does a good job at offering cushion and support underfoot. The decorative overlays on the upper also work to secure runner’s feet in the shoe. A form-fitting heel construction offers a secure, plush fit around the heel that prevents slipping.
Flexibility
The Tracer is a very flexible shoe thanks to the thinner rubber outsole and the Pro2Lite midsole. The light mesh upper gives the foot a secure fit while moving with the foot, rather than stabilizing it. Runners needing a high stability shoe may not like the feel of the Tracer.
Traction
The Tracer is listed as a road shoe. The outsole design is rather smooth but comprised of soft yet durable foam-rubber which provides for reliable traction while running on paved roads. High abrasion carbon rubber is strategically placed in high wear areas on the outsole to increase the durability of the shoe over long distances. The tread design of the forefoot provides good grip when running on wet surfaces. Heel strikers will also find good traction in the softer heel for more consistent and safe landings.
Bottom Line
The Hoka One One Tracer is a superb, lightweight trainer/racer, unlike any prior Hoka model. Reviewers stated that miles were “easy” in this shoe. The Hoka Pro2Lite midsole PROpulsion and PROtection marketing are more than just a selling tool. Although not as cushy as some models, runner’s described a unique sensation of having such a “light, stable, cushioned, and lively shoe underfoot”. Runners also commented that they did not have sore legs after long runs.;The transition of foam densities was a favorite with midfoot strikers and felt more comfortable at higher speeds. All runners agreed that the Tracer is a great racing shoe from the Hoka company and should appeal to runners who enjoy the feel of the Saucony Kinvara, New Balance Vazee Pace, New Balance 1400, and similar racing flats. Runners looking for a “serious” and fast shoe should consider taking the Tracer for a spin.
