HOKA Mafate 5 vs Mafate X

Mafate 5 or Mafate X? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want plush, protective cushion for long trail days? Get the Mafate 5.

Want maximum cushion with a plate for long, smooth trails? Get the Mafate X.

Get the Mafate 5 if

You like a less rigid forefoot
You’d rather spend $40 less

Get the Mafate X if

You want a carbon plate for faster running
You want more foam underfoot (4mm more at the heel)
You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward

On the run

Mafate 5: Plush, grippy ultra cushion. Very plush and surprisingly energetic, built for long ultras. Outstanding Vibram Megagrip traction. It’s heavy, and the stiff ride won’t suit everyone.

Mafate X: Sky-high, plated trail cushion. Massive cushion (nearly 50mm) with lively PEBA foam and a plate, plus a wide footprint that makes it surprisingly stable. Very heavy and too tall for technical terrain.

Specs side by side

	Mafate 5	Mafate X
Price	$185	$225
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	45 / 37mm*	49 / 41mm*
Drop	8mm	7mm
Weight, men’s	11.7 oz	12.1 oz
Weight, women’s	8.1 oz	10.3 oz
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	Carbon plate
Widths	Standard	Standard
Built for	Trails, Long runs	Trails, Long runs
Expected life	450–550 miles	400–500 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

Mafate 5. Runs about a half size short, so go up a half. Roomier than most HOKAs, with a durable, breathable knit upper.

Mafate X. Runs slightly short, so consider a half size up. Roomy, but heel lockdown could be better.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.