by Lionel Brahim Brodie III
The HOKA Arahi 7 is a cushioned, highly responsive stability trainer that is built for.....nah, let me start over.
From the moment that I saw the first official image, I have been impatiently waiting for the 7 to release. It looks totally different than any HOKA shoe I've ever seen.....streamlined, sheek…..like the first time I saw a Rivian in real life. The following is a true story:
I'm running in Wayne, PA one day.....ironically wearing the very plush, very cushy Gaviota 5. This pickup truck flies down the street, looking like it was on a skateboard. This can't be right.....right? It's a light, matte grey.....looks like a DeLorean on a Hoverboard. I make a few turns, and am about to Marty McFly (get it) down this seldomly run declining street. It's so infrequently run that I am the Strava Segment Mayor! I'm mid–block and I see a fellow unloading groceries from a hunter green Rivian. I stop mid–run and begin to laud and gawk over/at this truck. I had never heard of this brand, or seen these vehicles. But they were sheek, futuristic, streamlined.....and I wanted one.
THAT'S how I felt the first–time laid eyes on the Arahi 7.
I've been running in it for a few weeks now. As I mentioned before, the flat knit upper, a smoothed–out aesthetic, looks proper! I've been a patron of the Arahi since the 4th edition. Version 7 is more cushioned than ever, maintaining that responsiveness that gives stable (improved midfoot lockdown) and fast simultaneously. Like.....a Rivian pickup flying down the street on the Main Line, USA.
If you've been following along (thank you, mahalo, gracias, merci, danke) I am on the road to nowhere as I recover from a few nagging industries. There are a lot of viable explanations for those physical setbacks.....but I've been sticking to stability with most of my runs and upcoming training. I dig the Arahi Seven (7) for anytime running, and if you're a stability shoe subscriber and don't desire to sacrifice speed for support (alliteration). I can see these toeing the line from 5Ks to half marathons. Marathons too.....and I still owe my thoughts on running shoes versus racing shoes. Should I even go there? Story for a different time.....
I tend to favor my right side when I'm sitting, standing, walking, running, breathing. So I overcompensate my weight, gait, everything to the opposite side to "even out". Leads to some pretty sore hips and everything beneath. With every Arahi 7 run, walk, and run/walk I felt completely secure, protected, and locked in. But enough about me…..
The Tech Talk:
The Arahi 7 improves its midfoot lockdown with a revamped engineered flat knit upper and is fine–tuned with a plush tongue, midfoot ghillies, and a stretchy dual gusset beneath the lace line to help prevent the tongue from sliding out of place. Completing the shoe off is a Durabrasion rubber outsole that adapts to various road surfaces and is placed in high–wear zones for extra weight savings without compromising durability. Both seasoned and novice runners will enjoy the excellent stability, comfort, and support offered by the HOKA Arahi 7.
The Specs:
Stack height – Heel (34mm), Forefoot (29mm)
Heel–To–Toe Drop – 5mm
The Key Features:
CMEVA Foam is durable and provides a soft landing without feeling overly plush.
EVA J–Frame provides lightweight dynamic stability by placing firmer EVA foam along the medial side of the shoe and around the heel to guide the foot naturally without using a standard medial post.
Early–Stage Meta–Rocker Geometry is a rockered midsole design engineered to deliver a smooth ride and increased propulsion.
Molded Ortholite Sockliner helps with odor management while providing additional underfoot cushioning.
Durabrasion Rubber is strategically placed for increased traction and durability while minimizing weight.
Engineered flat knit upper is lightweight and allows for excellent airflow and breathability.
Gusseted Tongue stays in place while enhancing the step–in feel to create a comfortable fit.
The Finish Line:
The HOKA Arahi 7 is available NOW! Our staff of experts can answer any questions you have about this shoe, HOKA, and other product in our 4 locations (Center City, University City, Manayunk, or Glen Mills). Stop in to say hello, schedule a gait analysis, or order a pair from our online shop today!