When I first slipped on the Hoka Mafate Speed 4, I knew this wasn’t your average trail running shoe. With its aggressive styling, lofty stack height, and Vibram Megagrip outsole, it looked ready to crush technical mountain terrain. But I had a different plan. I took it to one of Gujarat’s most unique natural landscapes, Dumas Beach.
Known for its black sand and mysterious foggy mornings, Dumas Beach near Surat isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind for trail running. But its combination of loose sand, pebbled sections, packed dirt trails, and coastal humidity offered a rich testing ground to explore the full capabilities of the Mafate Speed 4. And believe me, it didn’t disappoint.
This review isn’t just a love letter to the shoe or the beach; it’s a deep dive into how the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 handles real-world terrain that tests every feature from grip and cushioning to breathability and durability.
First Impressions: Beast Mode Activated
Pulling the shoes out of the box, I was immediately struck by the rugged design. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 3.9 mm lugs looked like it could claw up a mountain. The dual-layer ProFly+ foam midsole promised both cushion and responsiveness. The upper, a dense engineered mesh, felt premium yet durable.
Putting them on, the fit was snug, particularly around the toebox, which is something I expected from Hoka. If you’ve got wide feet, this could be a red flag. But for me, it felt secure and performance-oriented.
The heel collar was higher than usual, extending above the Achilles, which gave me confidence in its trail-readiness. However, I made a mental note to check for debris intrusion during the run, an issue often flagged by other reviewers.
Technical Specifications
Our technical references are taken from Hoka’s official website for reliability and accuracy.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.3 oz (293g) |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 38.0 mm |
| Stack Height (Forefoot) | 30.8 mm |
| Drop | 7.2 mm |
| Midsole | Dual-density ProFly+ (17.5 HA soft, 28.0 HA firm) |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip with 3.9 mm lugs |
| Breathability | 3/5 (Engineered Mesh) |
| Flexibility (30° Bend Test) | 14.1N |
| Stiffness in Cold | 31.8N |
| Torsional Rigidity | 4/5 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 2/5 |
| Insole Thickness | 3.3 mm (Removable) |
| Width | Medium (Toebox width: 69.8 mm) |
| Price | ₹18,550 |
The Run: Sand, Sweat, and Surprises
I began my test early in the morning while the beach was still cloaked in mist. The air was thick with salt and the sand cool underfoot. I started on the packed sand close to the shoreline, which mimicked hard trail surfaces. The Mafate Speed 4’s cushioning immediately stood out. The 38 mm heel stack absorbed impact beautifully, making each step feel like a soft rebound.
On the loose black sand further up the beach, the Vibram Megagrip outsole came into play. The 3.9 mm lugs dug in firmly, offering surprising traction on what’s usually a slippery surface. Even during sudden tempo changes, the shoe held its ground.
Then came the driftwood trail, a narrow dirt path interspersed with stones, roots, and debris. This is where the dual-density midsole truly shined. The softer layer near the foot soaked up shocks, while the firmer base offered stability and protection. Despite lacking a rock plate, my feet felt well-shielded.
However, I did notice the ankle collar’s design flaw. As I ran through loose twigs and debris, small particles easily found their way into the shoe. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely something Hoka should address in future iterations.
Cushioning and Energy Return: A Plush Performer
Running on a mix of hard-packed sand and uneven trails, cushioning becomes critical. The Mafate Speed 4 excels here, thanks to its ProFly+ midsole. The foam near the heel was particularly impressive, scoring 129 SA in lab tests, well above average.
Even forefoot strikers will appreciate the 30.8 mm stack in that area, offering 118 SA in shock absorption. The shoe doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness either. With an energy return of 58.3%, it provides just enough bounce to keep your stride energetic without feeling too springy.
The ride felt stable yet lively, especially during my intervals on the beach’s packed sand. Transitions were smooth, and the foam never felt mushy or unresponsive.
Fit and Comfort: Room for Improvement
The Mafate Speed 4 fits true to size, but it’s not forgiving for wider feet. At 69.8 mm, the toebox is narrower than average, and I could feel some pressure during the longer sections of my run.
That said, the shoe offers a snug, performance-oriented fit. The semi-gusseted tongue stayed in place, and the 7.5 mm tongue padding added a plush feel against the top of my foot. The heel tab, although stylish, didn’t add much functionality.
What did stand out was the breathability. Despite a dense upper, the shoe scored a respectable 3/5. Running in humidity didn’t result in overly sweaty feet, and the engineered mesh dried quickly once I hit the water’s edge.
Stability and Durability: Built Like a Tank
The Mafate Speed 4 is a stable shoe, no doubt. With a forefoot width of 115.8 mm and a heel width of 101.1 mm, it offers a broad platform that inspires confidence, especially on uneven terrain.
Torsional rigidity was rated 4/5, which you can feel during lateral movements. Despite its flexibility in the forward motion, the shoe resists twisting, which is crucial on rocky or root-laden paths.
Durability was another highlight. After over 20 km of beach and trail running, the outsole showed minimal wear. The upper, reinforced with overlays, shrugged off sand abrasion and debris. The toebox and heel padding both scored 4/5 in lab Dremel tests, a testament to their build quality.
Trail King With a Coastal Soul
Testing the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 on Dumas Beach gave me a unique lens through which to evaluate this trail beast. Whether on dense sand, driftwood-strewn trails, or pebbled paths, the shoe delivered a consistently stable, cushioned, and grippy ride.
It’s not perfect, the ankle collar lets in debris, and the narrow toebox won’t suit everyone. But as a high-performance trail shoe capable of handling ultra distances and technical terrain, the Mafate Speed 4 is a standout.
From the black sands of Dumas to the rocky paths inland, this shoe proved it’s not just a mountain runner, it’s an all-terrain champion.
If you’re looking for a trail shoe that blends rugged durability with plush comfort, and you don’t mind a snug fit, the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 should be high on your list. Just be ready to empty out some sand now and then. For runners who tackle moderate to technical trails and want something that can last miles upon miles, the Mafate Speed 4 is a worthy investment. Its ₹18,550 price tag is justified by its performance, durability, and versatility.
Just make sure your feet aren’t too wide, and consider wearing gaiters if you’re running through loose debris. Otherwise, lace up and let the trails, or beaches, be your playground.
Conclusion: A Shoe Worth Exploring
Running is about discovery, not just of places, but of gear that enhances the experience. The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 didn’t just hold up on Dumas Beach; it elevated the entire run. For me, that’s what makes a shoe truly great. Not just lab specs or marketing claims, but how it performs when the rubber meets the sand.
So, whether you’re an ultrarunner training for your next big race or a weekend warrior exploring local trails, the Mafate Speed 4 deserves a spot in your rotation. And if you ever find yourself on Dumas Beach, take a moment to appreciate the harmony between nature and technology, right under your feet.
