Photo:Courtesy of Brand
Courtesy of Brand
These days, I am a lot more conscious about how my body is feeling during a workout. I used to just chuck any shoe on and call it a day, but, I’ve found that the design ofa sneakercan really contribute to the overall success of whatever movement I am doing. From feeling comfortable while I walk to ensuring I am strengthening the right muscle, I really need all the support I can get.
I still absolutely love myBrooks Ghost Max sneakersfor walking and running, but I knew instantly that they’re not the best sneakers for training because of their plush cushion. I have been in the market for finding a shoe that keeps my stability in line, that can also be worn for a walk if I need. So, when Hoka launched the newest version of the Arahi, one of its most supportive shoes,I was sold on trying them. After six months of wear during workouts, I’m still loving them.
Hoka Arahi 7
Hoka
$145 at Hoka.com
These Arahi 7 sneakersare unlike any shoe I’ve owned before. I received them from the brand for testing a few weeks ago after they launched earlier this month, and I’ve been wearing them for my weekly workouts ever since (I workout minimum four times a week, so roughly 10 times as of this writing). Honestly, I really wasn’t sure if I’d like them when I first chucked them on. They’re quite stiff and snug—a far cry from the pillowy base of my Ghost Max’s. But the more I wore them, the more I realized I actually loved them.
Eating Well / Kristin Montemarano
They have a very stiff base, with a balanced level of cushion. It’s a firmer material than other sneakers I’ve tried, even from the same brand. The cushion does taper from the heel to the toe, but it’s a very smooth transition. This stiffness and flatness helps keep my feet laying flush and in place. The mesh upper also contributes to keeping me stable. This upper is the primary change from the previous model, the Arahi 6. It lays flatter to my foot, which is hard for me to find because my feet are a bit narrow. I really love the tighter feel it provides, and I find that this updated upper is breathable enough for me.
There are more design elements that have made this shoe stand out for me. The back of the shoe has an extended top which helps give my ankle a little more support in the back. I also noticed that the tread of these sneakers was really grippy to the ground, especially on top of floor mats.
While I love this shoe for my workouts, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. Because of how snug they are, they might not be the best shoe for folks with wider feet (there is a wide size available, however). I also don’t find the cushion the most comfortable for running because it’s pretty firm and I prefer a softer base, especially on concrete. You may prefer the stiffness, though, especially if you deal with overpronation or rolling, as that’s what the shoes are designed for. For me, these shoes are worth the investment, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that they aren’t necessarily affordable, especially if you’ll only wear them for one part of your exercise routine.
I look forward to putting these shoes on everytime I workout now, especially for strength training. If you have a similar routine to me and are looking for a supportive shoe, or you need a bit more stability,these Arahi 7 sneakersmight just be the ticket for you.
Shop More Hoka Sneakers:
Hoka Arahi 7, Men’s
Hoka Bondi 8
$165$132 at Hoka.com
Hoka Solimar
$125 at Hoka.com
Hoka Kawana 2
$140 at Hoka.com
Hoka Clifton 9
At the time of publishing, the price was $145.
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