the hoka running shoes of marlene
In this blog, pro triathlete and multiple IRONMAN winner Marlene de Boer tells us why she chooses HOKA running shoes. She takes you along her favorite HOKA running shoes and explains why HOKA can be the perfect running shoe for you! Will you read along with us?
Marlene x hoka
For a number of years I have been working with the shoe brand HOKA. In this blog I want to tell you more about my favorite models. Of course this is very personal and depends on your height, weight, frequency, running style, speed and whether you are a beginner or experienced runner.
HOKA?
One of the reasons why I am a fan of HOKA: the choice is huge. Since the beginning of my collaboration I have been able to test so many different models. The HOKA brand is very progressive and constantly working on innovation, in addition to improving the current models, many interesting new models have come onto the market in recent years. The focus of the brand is on improving running performance, but at the same time the campaigns #flyhumanfly and #borntofly are aimed at everyone being a runner.
Hoka is for everyone
HOKA offers an extensive collection of shoes, for beginners to experienced runners. Which model is most suitable for which training? That depends on the goal of your training. The different types of training that I distinguish as a triathlete are:
recovery training
For recovery training I am looking for a shoe with comfort, cushioning and stability.
Endurance run (with or without tempos)
For an endurance run I choose a shoe with comfort and cushioning but with more responsiveness.
Interval training
For interval training I prefer a lighter shoe with more responsiveness. I try to run one training session per week in racing shoes. Before an important race I also do my long runs with specific tempo blocks in my racing shoes.
Matches
My competition shoes contain a carbon plate. This carbon plate is light and strong and gives an extra boost to the push-off. This is especially suitable when you run tempos faster than 15 kilometers per hour. During a triathlon you often run under fatigue, and a carbon plate can influence your running style. This is something to take into account when choosing your shoes to prevent injuries.
My favorites
Your body benefits from alternating shoes. By alternating different models, your body is stressed in a different way, which reduces the chance of injuries. I have the luxury of being able to test all models. However, in practice I notice that I still run the most kilometers on the five models below.
- Read more
Read more
DAMPING
The Mach 6 features a low-profile cushioning bed that keeps your foot closer to the ground and uses a firmer material designed for efficient push-off.
- Read more
Read more
Stability
The Mach 6 features a symmetrical cushion with no additional prescriptive technologies. Designed to provide the support you want and nothing you don't.
HOKA -
If I had to choose one model from the entire collection to do all my training on, I would choose the Mach 6. This shoe combines speed and cushioning and offers a huge improvement over the Mach 5. Without a carbon plate, this shoe is suitable for races, interval training and easy endurance runs. The shoe contains profly+ material in the midsole, which ensures a soft landing, responsive push-off and more speed. This shoe is very suitable for a beginning triathlete to train on, but certainly also to race on.
- Read more
Read more
Widely applicable
This versatile running shoe is comfortable enough for long distances and responds just as well to tempo changes.
- Read more
Read more
For fast miles
The Pebax® plate gives you an extra push to make those fast kilometers a little easier.
- Read more
Read more
Thin, tight collar and woven top
Offers lightweight breathability and a close fit
HOKA -
In addition, I run many kilometers on the Mach X2 every week. This model was released last year. This model does not contain a carbon plate, but a pebax plate. This shoe is designed as a competition shoe, but I think it is also very suitable for (tempo) training, because this shoe offers a lot of comfort. Trainings for which I use this shoe most are: interval training and long endurance runs with tempo blocks. This shoe is extremely suitable for the running part of a triathlon when you prefer not to run on carbon shoes.
- Read more
Read more
PEBA foam midsole
Provides soft cushioning and energy return with every step
- Read more
Read more
Deep Active Foot Frame™
Wraps the heel for a stable walking experience
- Read more
Read more
Carbon fiber plate
Bends in the middle for a great floating feeling
- Read more
Read more
Super Critical EVA rocker frame
Supports the MetaRocker™ for a consistently smooth, easy running experience
HOKA -
The Skyward X was launched earlier this year. This model follows the Bondi X and has surprised me very positively. My running frequency is naturally on the low side. The shoe with a lot of cushioning like the Bondi makes my frequency go down even further. The Skyward X is super comfortable, without negatively affecting my running frequency. Ideal when you are tired and want to create as little muscle damage as possible during training. I use these shoes for all my quiet runs and really feel like I can run comfortably on them for hours.
- Read more
Read more
Damping
The Skyflow is designed to provide protective cushioning while maintaining a responsive toe-off for when you want to go faster.
- Read more
Read more
Rocker profile inspired by the Skyward X
Smooths the transition for an exceptional walking experience. Combined with an extremely durable rubber outsole for exceptional endurance.
HOKA -
This brand new model has just been released and is based on the Clifton, but contains all the latest techniques. This shoe is super suitable for a triathlete because of the comfort and the cushioning, which is ideal if you want to improve your resilience. The responsiveness of the Skyflow is higher than the Clifton. This shoe is also made of a textile that wears much less quickly and is therefore more durable.
- Read more
Read more
The road is at your feet
A groundbreaking product aimed at elite runners, the Rocket X 2 is enhanced with a hyper-focus on the perfect fit.
- Read more
Read more
High-quality PEBA midsole
Firm foam on the bottom for propulsion, combined with a layer of responsive cushioning so you can run fast and still enjoy comfort.
- Read more
Read more
Explosive propulsion
Thanks to the redesigned carbon fiber plate, you can enjoy our most explosive running experience yet.
HOKA -
This is my favorite racing shoe with carbon plate and superfoam. This model gives me relatively much stability for a racing shoe. In a race I actually never get blisters and the material is water-repellent so you don't immediately have wet feet when you cool your body with water in a race. The model is less suitable for heavier runners.
did you know?
shoes
Thanks to the close collaboration between HOKA and TriathlonWorld, you always have the opportunity to test the latest HOKA running shoe.
In addition, HOKA and TriathlonWorld regularly organize test events at various locations in the Netherlands. Here you have the opportunity to try on the shoes and immediately run a lap in them. Ideal if you need a little more time to find out whether a shoe fits well. In addition, you run together with other runners and that is also fun. See you soon?
JOIN OUR WORLD | Sign up for our newsletter and receive exclusive deals, tips and much more!