Equipment Review – HOKA Skyflow & Mizuno Neo Zen

I must lead into these reviews with a disclaimer.  I am a regular guy.  A large regular guy at 6’5” 260 lbs.  I run and I own a running store but I am by no means a professional runner or shoe reviewer.  These are my observations from running in the shoes that I’m trying and I am only trying shoes that are legal to use in Ironman races.  This is not meant to be a selection of the best shoe for me or anyone else.  Just one man’s point of view. 

HOKA Skyflow

Price                                                                       $160

My Use                                                                  Daily runner

Size                                                                         14D

Stack height (Heel/Forefoot)                           (40mm/35mm)

Drop                                                                       5mm

Weight                                                                   13.6 ounces

 

What does HOKA say?

 

Designed to elevate your daily running practice, the Skyflow combines premium Skyward X-inspired geometry with upgraded foam compounds, taking everyday miles to the next level. Super-critically foamed EVA offers an extra cushy, springy ride, while a supportive heel-focused Active Foot Frame™ cradles the foot and a smooth forefoot rocker profile encourages effortless strides. Constructed with a sleek upper and extra durable outsole, this shoe redefines the idea of “daily driver.”

 

My Thoughts

 

The only HOKA I’ve done significant running prior to the Skyflow was the Bondi.  I did Ironman Florida in the Bondi 8 as a last minute replacement due to some blistering issues that arose late in my training with another shoe.  I liked the Bondi but felt the cushion lacked energy return and it felt like a very big shoe to me.  I love the Bondi for a walk shoe, it is very comfortable for me.

 

I love the feel of the Skyflow.  It is a true fit shoe, meaning when I put on a 14, I have almost a full size of room.  The introduction of a newer supercritical EVA formula seems to make the shoe significantly more responsive to my strides than the Bondi.  As for weight, I’ve run in lighter but it is ~17% lighter than the Bondi.  I am by no means a weight weenie and as noted above I am not a professional shoe reviewer but to this normal guy, this shoe feels like a running shoe and I have no complaints.

 

Mizuno Neo Zen

Price                                                                       $150

My Use                                                                  Daily Trainer

Size                                                                         14D

Stack height (Heel/Forefoot)                           (40mm/34mm)

Drop                                                                       6mm

Weight                                                                   10.6 ounces

 

What does Mizuno say:

 

 

 

Discover serenity in motion with the Mizuno Neo Zen, merging the essence of Zen with advanced technology. Smooth Speed Assist technology allows for a smooth midfoot run, perfect for long jogs, while reveling in the bouncy sensation of a full-length MIZUNO ENERZY NXT midsole. With a 1-piece stretchable breathable knit upper and seamless integrated tongue, find your Zen in every step, embracing comfort, responsiveness, and a harmonious running journey.

 

My Thoughts

 

First, as it seems with all Mizuno’s we fit on people, it runs a little bit smaller.  When I wear a size 14 I generally have almost a full size of room for my feet to expand while running.  In the Neo Zen I have about half a size of room.  We will see how this plays out over the next few months as my runs get longer and the weather gets hotter.

 

Having never run in a Mizuno before, I was pleasantly surprised.  First, it is a very similar stack height to the Skyflow with only 1mm of additional drop.  Second, the sock upper, which is going to be somewhat polarizing to people I happen to like very much, particularly the snug fit with material that still allows for some foot movement. Although it is a sock shoe, I wear socks with it as I have read that the heel tab stitching may be detrimental to your skin on your Achilles and socks make them easier to get on and off. Third, you can definitely feel the bounce created by the full-length ENERGY NXT midsole.  It is hard for a man my size to feel “bouncy” when I run.

 

Overall

 

I run in both of these shoes regularly.  For my longer weekend runs I typically run in the Mizuno Neo Zen.  For my mid-week runs I typically run in the Hoka Skyflow.  For me, the drop of 5mm and 6mm is in a sweet spot. 

 

Next Week

 

Next week I’ll take on the Brooks Glycerin Max and the Saucony Endorphin Speed.