END x Hoka Mafate Speed 2
I was really excited for this pair to come in once I saw the beginning of their rollout. The Mafate Three 2 is one of my favorite Hoka models for everyday wear, so I was looking forward to trying out the Speed 2 model for the first time.
Materials: this model is very light in hand & really breathable due to materials used on the upper. The upper is a thin, but durable tan mesh with slits of softer & breathable hits scattered throughout the pattern of the green TPU. On the left shoe, they added the END logo & placed HOKA in the right shoe in that same outer window. Similar to the Kaha model, they swapped the logos on the insoles (left Hoka, right END). Moving to the tongue, there's a 3M strip under the lace cage that finishes off w/ the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 branding printed at the top of the tongue tag. && Lastly, I wanted to mention the gum bottom hit on the outsole, it's subtle but I feel like it really completes the overall look for this design. Next up, sizing...
Comfort/Sizing: the Mafate Speed 2 is a pretty comfortable shoe on feet & has a sponge-like, squishy feel on foot, while also maintaining a responsive & tilt forward bounce with each step. In terms of sizing, I'd recommend going with your tts.
Overall Opinion: I really like how they designed this pack bc w/the Kaha, you have a sturdy & waterproof design perfect for hiking any terrain. Then with the Mafate, you have a lightweight trail runner with an aggressive tread pattern for extra grip on the trails. Due to the color blocking, both can easily be worn as a pair to just throw on & go if you wanted to. If I had to choose between the 2, the Mafate Speed 2 definitely won me over, but I will be hiking in the kaha GTX on a regular basis going forward.
These dropped today and are currently available on Hoka & Bodega's website as I write this. Thank you for the continued support. Much love 🫶