Hoka Zinal 3

The Hoka Zinal 3 is a lightweight racer for fast mountain races, probably the least Hoka-like Hoka in the entire range: low stack height, a relatively narrow platform and more ground contact. Within the American brand's off-road range, it shares its foam with the popular Speedgoat 7, but the Zinal 3 focuses on shorter distances and more technical terrain. The Torrent 4 remains the simpler option for forest tracks and trails, and the Mafate 5 covers the other end with full cushioning for ultras.

Three years after the Zinal 2, the changes are quite significant. Gone are the knit tongue and gaiter-style collar that made it look like a sock, replaced by a very thin, breathable synthetic mesh upper with a conventional gusseted tongue, flat laces and a little more padding at the heel. Over the toes it introduces a stretch panel to accommodate feet of different widths, although it does not convince everyone: some testers notice the foot moving around on steep descents and tight turns, exactly where a shoe like this needs to hold. The fit is still snug and true to size, designed for precision rather than high-volume feet. In exchange for all this it gains some weight over the previous version, although it remains one of the brand's lightest shoes.

The big change is in the midsole: the conventional EVA of the Zinal 2 gives way to a softer, bouncier supercritical EVA, and the stack height rises 1 mm to 31 mm at the heel and 26 mm at the forefoot, with a 5 mm drop. The result is a friendlier, more flexible ride than its low profile suggests. The outsole drops Vibram® Megagrip rubber in favour of a rubber of Hoka's own, with 3.5 to 5 mm lugs that grip very well on dry and loose dirt, although a compound from the prestigious Vibram® is almost a minimum requirement above a certain level, and only legendary brands in the sector (such as La Sportiva or Salomon) use their own rubber on the outsoles of their top-end shoes. Ideal for runners with good technique looking for a fast shoe for mountain races from 10K up to marathon distance.