HOKA Mafate X vs Tecton X 4

Mafate X or Tecton X 4? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

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

Want a fast, plated trail racer for long efforts? Get the Tecton X 4.

Get the Mafate X if

• You want more foam underfoot (11mm more at the heel)
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (7mm vs 5mm)

Get the Tecton X 4 if

• You want something for race day
• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
• You like a less rigid forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 2.4 oz

On the run

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.

Tecton X 4: The PEBA, carbon-plated trail racer. Fast and bouncy, with two layers of PEBA foam and parallel carbon plates that stay stable on uneven ground. Vibram Megagrip Litebase with 4mm lugs.

The Tecton X 4 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Tecton X 3 lab test (RunRepeat) plus Running Warehouse’s description of the X 4.

Specs side by side

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

Tecton X 4. Runs slightly short (like the Tecton X 3), with a stretchy forefoot and a gaiter-like knit collar.

Try them on

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

Shop the Mafate X · Shop the Tecton X 4 · Compare other running shoes