HOKA Arahi 9 vs Arahi 8
Arahi 9 or Arahi 8? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Arahi 9 replaced the Arahi 8.
A more flexible forefoot, better grip on wet roads and a reworked upper. A little heavier, with slightly less bounce.
What changed
- Upper: Redesigned engineered mesh with better side support. This is the biggest change.
- Outsole: Same layout in a new rubber compound with better wet grip.
- Shape: Slightly lower stack, a more flexible forefoot and a rocker that starts later.
- On the run: Less bouncy, more flexible up front and snugger. Cushion about the same.
- Measured: 0.7 oz heavier. Heel stack and drop about the same.
Still like the Arahi 8? It’s $35 less than the Arahi 9 while supplies last, with 10 colors in stock.
On the run
Arahi 9: Stable, steady and built to last. Stable without feeling rigid. The broad base and HOKA’s H-Frame keep you steady, and the heel-to-toe roll is smooth. Soft enough for easy miles, but there’s little bounce.
Arahi 8: Soft stability, the HOKA way. The softest Arahi yet, with a smooth rocker. The support comes from a frame on both sides of the heel, so it guides you without feeling like a traditional stability shoe.
Specs side by side
| Arahi 9 | Arahi 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $119.95 (was $150) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 39 / 31mm* | 39 / 31mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10 oz | 9.8 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.2 oz | 7.7 oz |
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs |
| Expected life | 450–550 miles | 450–550 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Arahi 9. True to size with a secure fit on a wide platform. The toebox is a little narrower than the Arahi 8’s, and the heel collar is kind to sensitive heels. Wide and extra-wide available.
Arahi 8. True to size with a roomy toebox and a snug midfoot. Some runners find the volume generous, so lace it firmly. Wide and extra-wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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