Hoka was loaded with innovation and worthy updates. They are on a roll! The star of the show so far a new line from Hoka called Pro2Lite “PROtection, PROpulsion".





The three new shoes the Carbon Rocket, Tracer, and Clayton all share superlight weights, a PRO2LITE midsole - softer in the heel for cushioning, firmer in the forefoot for propulsion, and no sew uppers. The softer and firmer sections of foam are joined by a tongue and groove construction so not a totally sudden shift in firmness across the entire interface between the two.

Hoka in the last year has branched out from its traditional trail and ultra running base, signing top track and road race athletes. The Pro2Lite line is the “a bit less Hoka” I have been looking for since my first Hoka in 2009. The three Pro2Lite shoes will be available around April 1st.

Hoka One One Carbon Rocket The Carbon Rocket is the flat out speedster of the bunch. It has a PRO2LITE +10 midsole, softer in the heel (white) and firmer in the forefoot (blue) with an almost full length carbon fiber Propulsion Plate which forks laterally and medially in the forefoot, into 2 tongues. The plate is embedded just above the yellow RMAT outsole material so well below the foot and close to the road. Land, deflect the foam then push off. It is close to a zero drop shoe with 19mm forefoot and 20mm heel. Weighing it at 6.3 oz, super light for the amount of cushion provided. The yellow outsole is mainly a durable RMAT, the same material as in the expired Huaka with some pads of carbon rubber in key locations. While super stiff, I believe the combination of cushioned midsole and Hoka rocker will provide the road equivalent of a very well cushioned track spike for the swift.



I put one on and ran a bit in the aisles. A very unique feel and a good one. The softer heel over the carbon plate transitions very nicely to the firm forefoot. The combination of rocker, cushioning, and plate did not have me feeling they were overly stiff to be my 5K and maybe 10K shoe. They felt fast! I I believe the retail is $180.

Hoka One One Carbon Rocket Outsole

Clayton (left) Tracer (right)





The Clayton

(yellow)

is built on the same last as the Clifton 2 and is the shoe Michael Wardian set the world 50K treadmill record in, I was told practically straight out of the box running them only one mile before his record attempt. Coming in at 7.3 oz, so lighter than the Clifton Clayton has a 4mm drop with a 24 mm heel and 20mm forefoot stack. $150. The yellow layer at the bottom of the shoe is RMAT, same midsole as the entire Huaka which had a few rubber patches, with above the yellow and white midsole the

PRO2LITE midsole

. Some may be concerned about wear and while essentially a high wear midsole material and not rubber, the RMAT should be decently durable. There are tradeoffs in

achieving

such cushioning and responsiveness at such a light weight.





The Tracer See our November 2015 review of the Tracer here (blue and white) comes in at 7oz and has a 22mm heel, 18mm forefoot so 4mm drop. $130.

Hoka One One Clayton (left) Tracer (right)

Hoka One One Clayton Upper

The Clayton has a full RMAT outsole, no blown rubber patches. The Tracer has a blown rubber outsole pattern, blue and black below.

Clayton (left) Tracer (right)





Hoka One One Tracer





Hoka One One Tracer

I can't wait to train in the Clayton and race in the Tracer. I tried on the Clayton and Tracer and jogged the aisles a bit and loved the firm forefoot contrasting to softer heel. The Clayton could be my next daily trainer, the Tracer my half and marathon shoe.



Update: See our March 2016 review of the Clayton here. It did not disappoint!



The Infinite is can be called Hoka's low priced point shoe at $120. Similar to the Clifton but with a "medium" level of stability. It weighs 9.7 oz with a 5mm drop and stack of 29mm heel and 24mm forefoot. It has a full surface outsole for durability and an air mesh upper with mid foot structure. really liked this shoe. I suspect they will sell very well. Will ask as to availability date and update.

Hoka Infinite





Hoka Infinite