6 minute read
The Hoka Zinal is a trail running shoe that stands out for its agility and speed, designed for runners who seek a lightweight and responsive experience on technical terrain. This shoe is part of the Hoka Zinal family and is a departure from the brand's usual high-cushion offerings, focusing instead on a more ground-connected feel.
Key Features:
The Hoka Zinal is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize a lightweight, nimble shoe for fast-paced runs. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole offers reliable grip, making it suitable for a range of trail conditions.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running shoes.
The Hoka Zinal is a trail running shoe that delivers on its promise of being lightweight, agile, and fast. It's a significant shift from Hoka's typical cushioned models, offering a closer-to-ground feel and a firmer ride. The dual-density ProFly midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole provide a responsive and grippy experience, suitable for short, fast trail runs. However, the shoe's narrow fit and minimal cushioning may not be ideal for all runners, especially those looking for comfort over longer distances. The Zinal's breathable mesh upper and low stack height contribute to its nimble nature, but some may find the shoe's durability and protection lacking for more aggressive terrain. Overall, the Hoka Zinal is a specialized shoe that excels in fast, technical trail running but may fall short for runners seeking a more versatile or cushioned trail companion.
The Hoka Zinal 2 is the latest iteration in the Hoka Zinal line, featuring a lower stack height and deeper 5mm lugs for improved grip. The shoe is lighter than its predecessor, weighing 208 grams (7.3 ounces) for a UK men's size 8.5. The updates focus on enhancing the shoe's responsiveness and traction for technical trail running.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is a more cushioned alternative to the Zinal, with aggressive lugs that provide superior traction in wet and muddy conditions. Runners who prioritize long-distance comfort and protection may find the Speedgoat 4 to be a more suitable choice.
For those who run on a mix of road and light trails, The Hoka Challenger 6 ATR may be a better fit than the Zinal. It offers a more versatile outsole that can handle a variety of surfaces, making it a great option for runners who need a shoe that transitions smoothly between different terrains.
Compared to the Hoka Zinal, The Salomon Pulsar offers a lighter and more forgiving ride. While the Zinal is designed for short, fast trail races, the Pulsar may be a better option for runners seeking a shoe that can handle a wider range of distances with greater comfort.
The Hoka Zinal's upper is crafted from engineered mesh, providing a breathable and comfortable fit. The gusseted tongue helps keep debris out, while the overall design of the upper ensures a secure lockdown. However, some runners may experience heel slip due to the lower cut ankle, and the shoe's fit runs slightly large, suggesting that buyers may need to size down for an optimal fit.
Featuring a dual-density ProFly midsole, the Hoka Zinal offers a firm yet responsive ride. The midsole geometry includes Meta-Rocker technology, which aids in smooth transitions during the running stride. While the shoe is not as cushioned as other Hoka models, it provides sufficient shock absorption for shorter, faster trail runs.
The outsole of the Hoka Zinal is equipped with Vibram Megagrip Litebase technology, offering excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The 4 mm lugs are strategically placed to balance grip and turnover, making the shoe versatile for different mountain terrains. The outsole's durability is also noteworthy, contributing to the shoe's overall longevity.
The Hoka Zinal tends to run big, and some runners may need to order a half size down. The shoe's fit is more akin to a road shoe, with a medium toe box that provides a familiar feel. However, the narrow and straight design may not accommodate all foot shapes comfortably.
While the Hoka Zinal is designed for speed, it does not compromise on comfort. The lightweight design, combined with a soft midsole and a thick insole, ensures a comfortable fit. The thin, lightly padded tongue adds to the comfort without detracting from the shoe's breathability.
The cushioning in the Hoka Zinal is lower profile compared to other Hoka models, with a focus on keeping the feet close to the ground. This design choice results in a firmer ride, which may be less cushioned but allows for a more responsive and connected trail experience.
The Zinal's upper is made of super thin mesh, making it highly breathable and suitable for hot weather conditions. This feature also allows the shoe to drain and dry quickly, which is beneficial for stream crossings or wet trail conditions.
Despite the smaller lugs, the Hoka Zinal provides a surprisingly good grip on the trails. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures reliable traction, even on technical terrain. The shoe's grip is a standout feature, allowing runners to maintain speed with confidence.
The Hoka Zinal is best suited for trail runners who are looking for a shoe that can handle fast, technical runs with agility and precision. It's an excellent choice for those who value a lightweight design and a low drop for a more natural running position. Runners who enjoy a firm ride and a close-to-ground feel will appreciate the Zinal's performance on shorter, high-intensity efforts.
Runners who prefer a more cushioned, protective shoe for long-distance runs or ultra-marathons may want to look elsewhere. The Hoka Zinal's minimal cushioning and tight fit might not provide the comfort needed for extended periods on the trail. Those who frequently encounter wet, muddy conditions might benefit from a shoe with more aggressive lugs, such as the Hoka Speedgoat 4.
The Hoka Zinal excels in short, fast-paced trail races where responsiveness and grip are crucial. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for runners who prioritize speed and agility over long-distance comfort. The shoe's design is tailored for technical terrain, making it a strong contender for trail runners who enjoy pushing their limits on challenging courses.
The Hoka Zinal is optimized for short, fast trail runs and may not provide the cushioning and comfort needed for long-distance trail running. It's designed for speed and agility on technical terrain rather than endurance.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole of the Hoka Zinal offers reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, including wet terrain. However, for extremely wet or muddy conditions, a shoe with more aggressive lugs might be preferable.
The Hoka Zinal weighs 241 grams (8.5 ounces) for the men's version and 198 grams (7 ounces) for the women's version, making it a lightweight option for trail running.
Yes, the Hoka Zinal features a vegan-friendly construction, making it a suitable choice for runners who prefer products without animal-derived materials.
Now viewing Hoka Zinal | ||||||
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
released | ReleasedJul 2021 | Aug 2022 | Jun 2021 | Dec 2023 | Dec 2022 | Jun 2022 |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | | | | | |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 241 g W: 198 g | M: 261 g W: 224 g | 281 g | M: 264 g W: 224 g | M: 252 g W: 218 g | 303 g |
Forefoot | ForefootM: 18 mm W: 17 mm | M: 14 mm W: 12 mm | 20 mm | 29 mm | 26 mm | 27 mm |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop4 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm | ||
Heel | HeelM: 22 mm W: 21 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm | 26 mm | 29 mm | 31 mm | 27 mm |
Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | MudTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail |
Usages | UsagesRacingSpeed training | Racing | Racing | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | Daily runningRacingSpeed training |
Brand | BrandHoka | ASICS | Dynafit | Altra | Hoka | Altra |
Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweightLow drop | Low drop | Low dropZero drop | Low dropZero drop | ||
Rocker | Rocker | |||||
Breathable | Breathable | |||||
Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
Techs | TechsVibram | Vibram | Vibram | |||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainableVegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | Sustainable | Sustainable | ||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2046) |
Terrain | Trail (+532) |
Usages | Racing (+183)Speed training (+302) |
Brand | Hoka (+107) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1598) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1574) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1112) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1521) |
Shoe Type | Lightweight (+409)Low drop (+277) |
Fit | Medium toe box (+851) |
Features | Orthotic friendly (+452)Removable insole (+435)Rocker (+177) |
Materials | Mesh (+938) |
Techs | Vibram (+84) |
Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable (+174)Vegan Ⓥ (+250) |
Colorways | Atlantis / Outer Space, Blazing Orange / Persimmon Orange, Blue, Deep Lake / Ceramic, Evening Primrose / Blue Coral, Festival Fuchsia / Bellwether Blue, Fiesta / Black Olive, Impala / Flame, Paradise Pink / Blazing Orange, Radiant Yellow / Camellia |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Released | Jul 2021 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 241 g W: 198 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 4 mm | |
Heel | M: 22 mm W: 21 mm | |
Forefoot | M: 18 mm W: 17 mm |