HOKA Arahi 8 Review
By Matthew Klein
Like many recent Hoka shoes, the Arahi series emerges with a complete overhaul in its eighth version. The long standing standard stability shoe of the Hoka line-up, the Arahi has been known for its unique J-frame stability set up. Essentially a medial post that ran the entire length of the shoe with a small wrap around the lateral midfoot. This feature provided medial support from the heel to the forefoot, something most companies only extended into the midfoot. The relatively lighter weight for a training shoe also set the Arahi series apart, with many people using the original versions as long distance racing shoes before the era of super shoes. While still a stability shoe, the Arahi 8 moves in a slightly different direction than its prior version: the J-frame is exchanged for a more central H-frame, the stack height increases, the weight increases and the sole softens. The Arahi stays in line with current trends, making it a slightly softer, more central daily trainer.