HOKA Arahi 6 Review
Subtle Stability Returns in an Even Lighter Package
Likes
- Lightweight
- Unobtrusive stability
- Protective cushioning
Dislikes
- Lacking responsiveness
What's New
With only a few minor tweaks from its predecessor, the Arahi 6 continues its legacy as a trustworthy daily trainer that gives overpronators a pleasantly supportive ride without feeling overbearing. The new version features a lighter-weight upper, as well as a more secure fit that helps the Arahi 6 maintain its identity as a stability shoe that even neutral runners can love.
The Bottom Line
If you're still wearing a classic stability shoe, the HOKA Arahi 6 might just blow your mind! What really makes the Arahi stand out from its competitors is its unintrusive stability technology and lightweight design. Rather than using an inelegant medial post under the arch, the Arahi features a J-shaped stability platform that cradles the foot and acts as a bumper to guide overpronators' feet straight during their stride. The rest of the midsole consists of a softer CMEVA foam that offers a comfortable underfoot experience at any pace. While the Arahi does not have a high level of energy return, which is typical of stability shoes, it offers a smooth ride that helps make the miles feel easier. Overall, the Arahi 6 is a highly protective daily trainer that our testers enjoyed for long runs, recovery runs, and daily miles alike.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 269 g (size EU 42 2/3) | Women's: 216 g (size EU 40) |
| Stack Height | 35 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Moderate Stability |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Men's HOKA Arahi
Women's HOKA Arahi
Individual Thoughts
The HOKA Arahi 6 is a lighter weight stability shoe that became one of the most reliable options in my weekly rotation. There weren't many significant updates with the 6th version of the Arahi, but the small tweaks only added to the trustworthiness of this shoe. The midsole has HOKA's classic EVA foam, which is always soft at initial step-in and offers an underfoot experience that feels neither too firm nor too soft. The J-Frame technology provides natural-feeling stability that helps to guide rather than overcorrect. The upper is the only real update to the shoe, and the overall fit and new padded tongue work very well. For everything from easy days to long runs, the Arahi 6 was a reliable shoe with just enough stability and a "just-right" feel that I could trust mile after mile.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Arahi 6 feels like a great daily training shoe for someone who is injury-prone. It made me feel protected and refreshed. The more I ran in the Arahi 6, the more I liked it, and it seemed to soften up after about 40 kilometers. It's not the most propulsive shoe, and I did feel a little less energetic in the Arahi 6. However, it was a fair trade-off considering the stability. Overall, I found it to be true to size. It feels generous in the forefoot, but the material doesn't have a lot of give to it. By the end of some runs, my toes swelled enough to hit the upper. I had some issues with the left shoe because I have a slightly smaller left foot, but this wouldn't change my mind about the sizing.