Like its predecessor, the Hoka Arahi 6 is a fantastic stable running shoe that gives overpronators a supportive ride without feeling too overbearing. Tweaks to these shoes include an even lighter upper and a more rounded secure fit with adequate cushioning, which Hoka is famous for.
The Arahi 6 features a J-shaped stability platform that wraps around the foot encouraging runners to keep their footing straight. Meanwhile, the midsole, made of a softer CMEVA foam, provides a secure and comfortable underfoot for a smooth ride. The Arahi 6 fits perfectly into those daily miles, longer easy runs, and recovery runs when you need the comfort of high-level cushioning to level out the impact.
Hoka Arahi 6 review: Price and availability
At press time, the Hoka Arahi 6 retails for £125 with the option to make three interest-free payments of £41.66 with Klarna. It is available for purchase directly through the Hoka website.
(Image credit: Hoka One One)
Hoka Arahi 6 reviews: Tech
The Hoka Arahi 6 is designed to run on tarmac, so not best suited for off-road racing. However, this model offers versatility as it is geared more towards easy training, general jogging and running. The Arahi 6 offers excellent stability and support, which is good news for overpronators like me.
It is also a great shoe for those with flat feet as the model has a slightly stiffer sole but still has the required cushioning without being overbearing. The Arahi is super light for the amount of cushioning it offers. It weighs 221 grams for women while it is about 50 grams higher at 275 grams for men,
This latest iteration of the Hoka Arahi still features the brand’s signature J-Frame technology providing full foot support and protection. The J-shaped foam hook, which is a different shade from the rest of the foam, wraps around the heel, helping to guide the foot without the stiffness or stiffness of some materials.
In addition, Hoka uses its Meta-Rocker midsole, which aims to make landings and toes fast and efficient. Cushioned EVA foam midsole provides a smooth ride helping with a smoother heel-to-toe transition.
(Image credit: Hoka One One)
Hoka Arahi 6 reviews: Ergonomics
Finding a happy medium between stability and lightweight cushioning isn’t always easy, but Hoka seems to have managed to do it seamlessly with the Arahi 6. As soon as I put the shoe on, I felt a decent amount of amortized without wanting to. had extra weight that was weighing me down or constricting my foot, especially around the toe box. There was no stiffness or rigidity, which may be the case depending on the material used for such a shoe. The lightweight mesh upper gives them a snug and snug fit, as does the extra padding on the tongue on this model. Meanwhile, the reinforced heel tab made them easier to put on and take off.
The different colored foam in the J-Frame on the sole is significantly firmer than the rest of the foam. They definitely had a bounce underfoot but held firm. I was especially keen to see if the Arahi 6 provided support for riders like me who were overpronating. Luckily it guided my foot instead of correcting it, which was very welcome.
Hoka’s use of its Meta-Rocker midsole is intended to make landings and toes soft; I had to applaud the brand’s ability to deliver on this front. The heel-to-toe transition created a springboard effect to build forward momentum.
(Image credit: Hoka One One)
Considering the heel height of 29mm and the forefoot height of around 24mm, the Arahi 6 is not the most flexible stability shoe. But the toe box is roomy enough for a good flex, which makes the toes look natural. There are standard, narrow and wide options available similar to the Arahi 5 model.
The shoes felt slick during a long run of eight miles and a shorter, slightly fast run of three. The Arahi 6 didn’t feel heavy to me and I thought it had a rounded fit to support my foot. The breathable mesh upper moved well with my feet while running. The cushioning was the right amount, and at no point did my feet feel like they were hammered on tarmac or gravel. More use will tell if the zonal rubber placement found on the outsole gives the shoe increased durability and reduced wear.
Although the Arahi 6 offers a smooth ride, don’t expect to get much energy return from this shoe. Granted, they have some responsiveness to propel you down the road, but not enough if you’re looking to race speed or tempo with them. That said, this stability shoe is not designed for that purpose and is best suited for long, easy running days.
Hoka Arahi 6 Review: Verdict
In short, this is what you can expect from the Hoka Arahi 6: natural support thanks to J-Frame technology, cushioning thanks to the EVA foam midsole and a smooth heel-to-toe transition thanks to Meta-Rocker . For a lightweight stability shoe, this is not to be sniffed at.
Although there have only been a few minor changes from its predecessor Arahi 5, the changes made, including the lightweight upper, plush padded tongue and overall fit, make this new model much more comfortable to wear. for an easy and smooth ride. It may not be the shoe for speed or tempo training due to low energy return, but it is a reliable shoe that offers just enough comfort and support that one would expect. of a trusted stability shoe.
