Hoka Men's Zinal Trail Running Shoes (Evening Primrose / Blue Coral) Expired

Earlier this year I purchased a pair of Zinals. Big disappointment. I'm familiar with HOKA footwear. I've worn the brand since 2016. The Zinal, like most models from Hoka, has a standard "meh" EVA midsole that goes dead between 50-100 miles. It has no bounce. No rebound. The foam thickness on the Zinal is thinner than the typical Hoka so you don't get the benefit that most Hoka's provide, cushioning.

The upper of the Zinal is it's biggest problem. They went with a thin tongue. Usually, this isn't a issue. Most designers will either curve the end of the tongue so it fits around the curvature of the front of the ankle. They will make the end pliable so it flexes during dorsiflexion. But that's not what Hoka did. The Zinal tongue cuts into the ankle causing incredible discomfort. When the shoe is laced up the end of the tongue is stiff like a fiberglass cast.

Consumers need to do more research. Hoka sells a lot of shoes. But that's a result of a big marketing budget, not because their products are best in class. There are better alternatives out there to the Zinal for the same or similar price. Saucony has the Xodus Ultra. Nike has the Pegasus Trail. Those models are technologically superior. Road shoes with all-terrain outsoles such as the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 are also worth consideration. That shoe has a durable and tacky PumaGrip rubber outsole with reasonably thick lugs, a better midsole, and carbon infused nylon plate for increased efficiency.

Screaming deal. I just can't with the available colors. I know I shouldn't care... I just do.

I agree with you. These odd colors are not much useful outside of gym