Hoka Skyflow Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein
Hoka SkyflowPrice: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10 oz, 283 g (men's size 9), 8.9 oz, 242 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 39 mm / 34 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Shoe Purpose: Maximal Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Consistent and durable ride
Cons: Upper can run a little warm,
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The HOKA Skyflow is a neutral premium training shoe to log many miles in. The Skyflow is built off of the same geometry as the Skyward X and features a supercritical EVA midsole to increase the cushioning and responsiveness of the platform. There is no plate in the Skyflow. The weight falls in the middle between the HOKA Clifton and Bondi.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Clifton
PAST MODEL: N/A
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Hoka Skyflow fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit feels slightly long but this is offset by the low volume Creel Jacquard Mesh. This mesh, although soft, does not have much stretch. The lower volume and snug fit combined with the Jacquard Mesh provides a secure fit that did not secure additional lock down. The toe box is both low and tapered. This transitions into a snug forefoot where the volume continues to be extremely low. The midfoot is also snug with a low instep. The tongue is thick and strongly gusseted. The heel is normal to slightly snug with a moderate amount padding around the heel collar and a stiff counter. The counter is rounded but is still stiff, so those with heel sensitivities will not do well. The inner aspect of the upper is decent but not smooth enough for sockless running. The thicker and low toe guard has caught caused some pressure on my toes, so I would suggest using socks with this shoe.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
David: The HOKA Skyflow fits true to size in my Men's 9.5, though may be a tad bit long. The upper is a Creel Jacquard Mesh material that holds its structure well and gives good security throughout. The material itself is on the thicker end, but still decently comfortable. The width in the shoe is normal throughout the entire platform. Many HOKA shoes come off a tad narrow through the midfoot, though this model falls in line with most midfoot fits from other companies. The heel is moderately padded throughout and cushions a stiff heel counter. I had no issues with this and felt it integrated with the heel well. The tongue has a decent amount of padding to it and I had zero issues with biting from the laces. The shoe can run on the warm side, but from a general fit and security standpoint this is one of my favorite uppers so far this year.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Stiff
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Hoka Skyflow is a maximal daily training shoe. The midsole is a supercritical EVA that provides a mildly firm ride. This foam is well cushioned and is a bit more snappy than the traditional Hoka EVA foams. This feeling of slight firmness also comes from the highly stiff midsole that fortunately features a decent rocker geometry. There is a large heel bevel with a more central bias but with slightly more lateral sole flare than medial. The forefoot features an early-stage rocker, which combined with the stiffer ride makes this a great option for those with toe mobility issues (as long as they are not sensitive to the lower volume upper).
Due to these factors, the heel is slightly clunky, the midfoot is stiff but the forefoot has a decent transition. The midfoot is quite wide and combined with the stiffer ride transitions a little slowly. The forefoot is the best part as the rocker rolls forward nicely, making for a shoe that feels a little better if you land farther forward. The stiffness makes the heel drop feel lower than the listed 5mm drop, so those with good ankle mobility will do better in this shoe.
Pace-wise, this shoe does best for easy mileage but can do some slight uptempo work. The weight prevents this from being a major workout shoe like the original Clifton but the snappiness does help with some mild uptempo efforts. Thanks to the stiffness and additional outsole rubber, the durability is quite good. I have 30 miles on my pair with no noticeable wear on the outsole. For that reason, I expect an above-average number of miles out of these compared to most daily trainers. Surface wise this shoe is best for roads given the large central groove in the midsole picking up rocks. The traction is fine for smooth trails but a trail shoe will definitely be needed for technical terrain.
David: The HOKA Skyflow is built off of a similar rocker as the Skyward X model's geometry. The geometry is consistent with a rocker profile, but comes off leaning towards the early stage in the heel and late stage in the forefoot. What I mean by this is that the rounding in the heel is a further back and sharper, with the forefoot being similar in profile. This is not a dramatic rocker, but one that is still noticeable. The midsole of the Skyflow is a supercritical EVA, and so the foam has a little bit more life to it when loaded. I do prefer this midsole to the normal EVA foams of the Clifton and Bondi. To some degree this is what I was wanting the Bondi to feel like. The construction of the Skyflow is a tad heavier and bulkier than that of the Clifton, but does provide a little more security and life to the foam. The supercritical EVA does still have a little bit of a firmer feel to it, being EVA based, but there is a noticeable bounce that comes off of it when it is loaded.
Despite the "firmer" comments, this is still a max cushioned training shoe. The outsole traction underfoot is a high abrasion rubber and is noticeable with most uses. There are some gentle sidewalls throughout the platform, though I would still classify this in the neutral category of shoes. The Skyflow has a decently resilient foam and a durable feel to it. I have really enjoyed getting easy day miles on these for daily mileage. The foam does have some responsiveness to it when it is loaded, though I still think it performs best at logging daily mileage. The shoe is comfortable with standing and walking as well. I have worn these in the clinic multiple days without any issue. The flatter platform actually feels pretty nice for prolonged standing and walking. The Skyflow is one of my favorite trainers of the year to date.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Hoka Skyflow is a neutral training shoe that is meant to be stable. It features large sidewalls in the heel and into the anterior medial midfoot, a wide midfoot, a stiff ride and an early forefoot rocker. The sidewalls in the heel are high enough that the rearfoot sits into the shoe (Active Foot Frame). This transitions into the wider midfoot, which combined with the stiffness creates a stable ride through the middle of the shoe. The forefoot rolls forward easily thanks to the early rocker and the mild medial sidewall in that area. However, the sole flare in the heel is more prominent on the lateral than medial side. This causes an abrupt transition that pushed me medial quickly. I was somewhat caught by the medial sidewall and filled in medial midfoot. This was then corrected at the forefoot, but still put some extra pressure on my posterior tibialis to control that medial pitch. For that reason, those who land a little farther forward will find this shoe to be stable neutral in the midfoot and forefoot, while those who want some lateral stability in the heel will do best.
David: The HOKA Skyflow is a neutral daily training shoe, but does have some elements that help it with stability. Similar to other HOKA models, the shoe does have a little bit of sole flaring along the platform and some gentle sidewalls throughout as well. The outsole traction feels reliable for most things. The upper has good security throughout. Though it is a neutral shoe, I feel like the shoe runs decently stable.
Thoughts as a DPT: Not All Rockers Are the Same
By David Salas
When someone talks about a shoe with a rocker, they are mainly referring to the geometry and platform of the shoe. A rocker implies a rounding in predictable regions, where our body has a rolling motion on our feet when we are barefoot. The two main points that most shoes focus on is the heel and the forefoot. The rounding of the platform in the heel is meant to align with the rolling nature of our calcaneus, the heel bone. The forefoot usually lines up with our metatarsal heads and the proximal interphalangeal joints. What does this look like in a shoe? This essentially is a rounding of the shoe's platform at both the heel and the forefoot. It gives the shoe the shape of a shallow "U."
Throughout literature we have found various uses for rockers at the heel and forefoot. Many have looked at its effects on joint kinematics, muscle activation, and plantar pressure. With all of these variables, people are also playing with the angles of the rockers and its effect on these things. Rocker profiles have shown to have impacts on many things including toe clearance when walking, normal walking speed, EMG activity in the calf, etc. The interesting thing is that some of these variables may have optimal degrees for what is trying to get achieved. Thies et al. (2015) found that toe clearance and walking speed was improved in older adults at 15 degrees, when compared to 10 degrees. Though 20 degrees showed minor improvements at clearance than 15 degrees, but with slower walking speeds.
Everything has a sweet spot, and I think it is good to see companies playing with different rocker profiles in the heel and the forefoot.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: While I have enjoyed the midfoot and forefoot in the Skyflow, I have struggled with the rearfoot. The more lateral sole flare creates a strong push inward that somewhat defeats the purpose of the Active Foot Frame. The extremely low upper has broken in but still fits the classic Hoka feel of being snug. For those reasons, my major suggestions for this shoe would be to rework the heel and add a little more volume to the upper. Adding a properly angled posterior lateral heel bevel that is not obstructed by lateral sole flare would make the ride far smoother given that people typically land there. The upper volume is extremely low and combined with the already snug upper limits the fit to those with lower volume and narrow feet. A normal volume with good security may reach more people. For now, this shoe will work best for a unique person.
David: The main recommendation I have for the Skyflow is to work on the upper's breathability. The only thing I really found on this model was that it does run a little warm. The ride is consistent and something I would not mind logging long miles on, though the material feels like it could be a little more breathable throughout.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Hoka Skyflow is a daily training shoe for someone who wants a classic Hoka ride and fit with a bit more firmness and stiffness. The midsole will work best for those who want a large amount of cushioning that is slightly firmer and a little more resilient. The upper will work best for those with low volume, narrow feet who want a secure, close-fitting upper. The stability is best for those who want a rigid shoe with little to no flexibility, a wider midfoot and large sidewalls with a little more lateral sole flare. This makes this shoe great for those who need stiffness, some lateral heel motion resistance and a narrow fit. The Skyflow sets itself apart from the Clifton due to the firmer and stiffer ride compared to the softer, compliant and lighter ride of the Clifton. The Bondi is a totally different shoe with a more centered, soft cushioned ride that works better for easier miles and no real versatility into uptempo efforts. While the Skyflow has a good amount of overlap with other shoes on paper, its actual execution make it classically Hoka but different from other recent Hokas.
David: The HOKA Skyflow is a daily training shoe for someone that wants a classic HOKA training ride with a little more bounce and resilience. The supercritical EVA maintains a slightly firmer profile, but does have a noticeable addition to the resilience of the foam when it bounces off of the forefoot. The Skyflow feels like it has a home in between the Clifton and Bondi, leaning towards the Bondi due to it being a tad heavier and more built up than the Clifton. This is a workhorse trainer or walker.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B- (Slightly long but low volume and snug fit. Best for those with low volume narrow feet)
Performance: B (Clunky heel and stiffer ride. A training shoe with a little uptempo range)
Stability: B [Stable Neutral] (Stable neutral but lateral sole flare creates medial bias at heel. Good in midfoot/forefoot from stiffness and sidewalls)
Value: B (Durable ride but slightly uncomfortable, heavier and more expensive than shoes like the Clifrton)
Personal: C+ (Heel is too stiff and clunky for me and the upper is too compressive. It did break in but not a shoe that works for me)
Overall Design: B-
David
Fit: A- (I feel the fit and dimensions are pretty dialed and one of my favorite uppers this year. I just want it a little more breathable.)
Performance: A (A daily training shoe that will do everything I ask it to with a consistent and smooth ride. Not the most responsive for workouts, but adds a little spark into training runs.)
Stability: B+ (Platform not quite as wide as some HOKA's, but still good sole flaring throughout, gentle sidewalls, good traction, and good upper security.)
Value: A (I don't see this shoe breaking down for a little bit, I think you'll get good use out of it.)
Personal: A (A daily training shoe that works for my mechanics and gives good consistency and cushioning.)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORHoka SkyflowPrice: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
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Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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