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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1451520
And while it sounds trivial, the memory foam collar around the heel pulls more than its weight in added comfort. Not only is the collar soft itself, but it is also the key to the superb lock-in that the Bondi 7 has around your whole foot. The foot feels cradled from the toe to the ankle, with no slippage or extra room—great for overall feel, and especially important while running. If speed is on your mind more than comfort, look no further than the Rocket X. At 7.62 ounces, the Rocket X is the lightest shoe in the Hoka lineup and is designed to break records on race day. From my very first strides in the Rocket X, my feet wanted to go faster. After my first run, I was amazed at how much my pace improved over similar runs in the Bondi 7 or my previous running shoes. Thinking it may be the weather, the playlist at the time, or some other factor, I tried to repeat the test in more exacting conditions, only to repeat the results. My time actually improved with the Rocket X. That being said, the Rocket X aren’t there to pump your ego during training runs. There is almost no outsole, and cushioning is a far cry from the Bondi 7, so you’ll want to save these for important runs. They also have very little traction, so running on busy roads, or crowded routes with lots of sidewalks and intersections could prove difficult. Also, the lightweight design sacrifices some support and structure, so make sure that you have a confident, stable stride before you take off on these bad boys. What the Rocket X does have is a carbon fiber plate beneath your feet. This ultra-light, ultra-rigid technology curls under the toes and enhances the Meta Rocket technology even further. Whatever mad sneaker technology they squeezed into the Rocket X, I can’t argue with the results. If I ever get competitive with my running, I’ll be sure to have my Rocket X with me. Regardless of whether your last run was a slow recovery run or an all out sprint, you’ll want to slip into Hoka One One’s ORA Recovery Slide. These sandals also come in a flip flop format, and are engineered clouds. Super thick, super soft, and super comfortable, the ORA Recovery Slide is made entirely of foam. You’ll barely feel the ground beneath your feet as you float around the house, or your post-run hang out. Since they bear the Hoka logo, the ORA Recovery Slide still includes the Meta Rocker geometry, so the gait should feel familiar. They also feature a contoured design to offer support for your arches—though admittedly the focus is on the plush, cushiony feel, and not firm support. The ORA also features ‘strategic grooves’ providing traction for your feet. I also think these grooves provide added air flow, as the ORA Recovery Slide seemed to keep my feet drier than other sandals or synthetic slip-ons. With no rubber outsole, you won’t be taking the ORA Recovery Slide on your next hike or your long trips around town. However, whenever you are lounging around, you’ll be reaching for the ORAs faster than your last run in the Rocket X. Whether you are an aspiring jogger looking to ease the early pains of a new hobby, or an expert runner who wants to take their races to the next level, Hoka One One has you covered. Across the board the Hoka shoes are clearly designed by passionate runners, and are pushing the boundaries of what consumers can expect in a running shoe. For more information, visit: www.hoka.com