I have always struggled to find a trail shoe that offers the responsiveness of a road shoe, but the stability of a trail shoe. The Speed Instinct accomplishes both.
It is a low profile, light weight, responsive trail shoe, that has a significantly lower stack height/drop than other traditional Hoka shoes. At only 3mm drop, it has a protection cushioning heel and a stiffer midfoot sole, allowing for a more responsive/propulsion toe off. The low-profile tread on the sole of the shoe offers plenty of grip on rugged trails, but also keeps the weight down and allows for a more responsive ride. The snug no seam upper mesh of the shoe allows for comfort and reduces the chance for blisters. It does a great job locking the foot in for a secure running fit on more rugged trails.
I first ran in the shoe after a long week of running miles on the road, and my feet were extremely happy to put some miles in the plush soft ride of the Speed Instinct. I was pleasantly surprised with the responsiveness, supportive, and light weight feel of the shoe. It has a lesser rocker profile compared to other Hoka shoes and runs a bit more like a traditional running shoe but still with the great comfort and softness of the Hoka foam. The Speed Instinct blends the best of the traditional Hoka principles (comfort, softness, and cushioning) with the responsiveness, light weight, and snug fit characteristics of a traditional running shoe. Stoked to put more miles in it!
By: Matt Chorney Matt is a Skinny Skis ambassador, avid runner, racer, and skier. 