HOKA Arahi 7 Review
The HOKA Arahi 7 delivers a comfortable and stable ride
Likes
- J-Frame technology offers great arch support
- Midsole offers comfort without sacrificing support
Dislikes
- Foam is on the firmer side
- Fit is somewhat narrow
What's New
With the return of one of the most popular stability running shoes on the market, the HOKA Arahi 7 offers a modest update to the upper in an effort to increase the overall comfort of this beloved model. Up top, the Arahi 7 features a lightweight, engineered flat knit upper that allows for excellent airflow and breathability.
The Bottom Line
We are all aware of the old adage, "if it's not broke, don't fix it," and that appears to be the approach taken by HOKA with the 7th iteration of the Arahi, for better or for worse. After putting in the miles, our testers agreed that the Arahi 7 maintains its DNA as a lightweight and versatile daily training stability option, but felt that the shoe lacked the soft cushioning that HOKA is typically known for. While the shoe may have lacked optimal responsiveness, both testers appreciated the impact absorbing protection offered by the CMEVA midsole. Moreover, the new engineered flat knit mesh upper, which represents the primary update to this model, was a hit! Both testers appreciated the comfort and security of the upper despite their differing foot widths.
Overall, our testers thought the HOKA Arahi 7 is a solid offering that will keep the Arahi in the conversation as the best stability daily trainer on the market, even if the underfoot experience lacked the excitement that we look for in our running shoes.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 272 g (size 9) | Women's: 235 g (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 29 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Stability |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Individual Thoughts
When I first took the HOKA Arahi 7 out of the box, I was surprised by how firm the cushioning felt in hand, but once I started running in it, I began to understand why it is our most popular stability shoe here at Running Warehouse Europe. While the shoe doesn’t have a cloud-like or sinking-in softness, it does a great job of dampening impact upon landing and offering comfort without sacrificing support. The ride of the shoe is not bouncy or responsive, but the rockered geometry rolls the runner through their stride efficiently for a smooth ride that doesn't feel mushy or sluggish.
As someone who runs in a lot of stability shoes, I especially appreciated how the J-Frame stability technology didn’t feel harsh underfoot but really cradled my high arch in a way that many stability shoes don’t anymore. As more and more brands move away from medial posts and towards “bumper-like” guidance systems, I feel like the arch support of stability shoes is starting to be lost. As someone with a high arch, I appreciate when I find a stability shoe that matches my footshape in this way.
My only complaint about the Arahi 7 is that the upper, while more accommodating thanks to the new knit design, is narrow through the base. With my wider forefoot, I needed to transition to the wide version of this shoe for comfort over long distances. Overall, I would recommend the HOKA Arahi 7 for runners and walkers looking for a supportive and protective stability shoe that still feels lightweight and minimal on foot.
Overall, the Arahi 7 is an excellent stability shoe that is impressively lightweight and versatile. The midsole is slightly firm but that adds to the shoe’s inherent stability, along with the brand’s J-Frame technology. There are other options on the market in addition to the Arahi that no longer have medial posts for stability. However, I still appreciate that non-intrusive stability – this shoe feels supportive but not necessarily like a stability shoe to me (in a good way). I loved the knit upper and fit of this shoe as I was easily able to get a secure lockdown for my narrow feet. (Read: this is not a wide-fitting shoe.)
For runners looking for one shoe that can be used for different types of runs, or runners and walkers who just prefer shoes that aren’t overly plush like many on the market these days, this shoe fits the bill.
