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FORGIVING COMFORT Hoka Arahi 8 218g for size 5.5 | RRP R3 199
The Arahi 8 is Hoka’ s latest update to its lightweight stability range and it’ s a shoe that successfully balances support with comfort. After testing it on a mix of easy 5km recovery runs and a 14km tempo effort, it was clear that this model is one of the most versatile stability shoes Hoka has produced to date. One of the biggest changes is the fit. The toe box is noticeably roomier than its predecessor, which will be a welcome relief to runners with wider feet or anyone who found the Arahi 7 a bit snug. The upper, now a soft double jacquard mesh, feels light and breathable without sacrificing structure. The heel locks down securely – there was no slipping even on uphill efforts – and the padded tongue and collar add to the overall plush feel. While this is a stability shoe, it doesn’ t feel overly rigid or blocky underfoot. Neutral runners looking for a little extra guidance will find it surprisingly accommodating.
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Performance-wise, Hoka has replaced its firmer JFrame support system with a new HFrame design that delivers a smoother, more natural ride. It still provides mild-to-moderate stability, but it’ s less intrusive and pairs well with the softer dual-density EVA cushioning. On the run, the Arahi 8 felt comfortable at both slower paces and during quicker bursts. It’ s not the lightest shoe on the market, but the cushioning makes it a strong choice for everyday mileage.
The outsole traction felt reliable on dry roads and light paths, and the rubber coverage should stand up well to daily use.
The sculpted midsole and subtle two-tone colourway give it a clean, modern look. It’ s the kind of shoe you won’ t mind wearing casually when you’ re not running. VERDICT: If you need a stability shoe but dislike the stiff, heavy feel that often comes with that category, this is an excellent option. It’ s suited to runners who need light-to-moderate stability and those transitioning from a neutral shoe and looking for extra support. The 8 is a solid upgrade that’ s more forgiving and comfortable. It’ s ideal for long, steady runs and recovery days.
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LONG-RUN GUIDANCE Asics Gel-Kayano 32 331g for size 10.5 | RRP R4 000
The Gel-Kayano 30 marked a major shift for the flagship Asics stability shoe. Instead of relying on hard medial posts for motion control, Asics introduced a more flexible and responsive system designed to support your stride as it naturally changes throughout a run. The 31 improved the flow and comfort, and now the Kayano 32 continues in that direction with small but noticeable upgrades. If you’ ve run in the 30 or 31, the 32 will feel familiar – but a little smoother and lighter, with more focus on comfort and stride efficiency. At the centre of the shoe is a 4D guidance system helping to guide your foot into a more stable position without forcing it. The four dimensions here are width, length, depth and time – the last one being key. As your form changes over time during a run, this system helps reduce how long you spend in a collapsed or overpronated position by propelling you forward
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instead of working against you. It’ s not a stability shoe that feels stiff or corrective. Instead, it gives you a bit of extra structure when you need it – especially later in long runs, when fatigue sets in and your stride starts to break down.
Like the two versions before it, the 32 features PureGEL in the heel. It’ s soft but not mushy, and it’ s there to absorb shock during impact. It’ s well-integrated and doesn’ t make the heel feel overly padded or bulky.
The midsole is made with FF Blast Plus Eco Foam, which offers a good balance between cushioning and a slightly more responsive feel than previous versions.
The upper is a new engineered mesh that’ s soft, breathable and holds the foot well. It’ s not flashy, like a modern race shoe, but it does a good job of holding your foot securely without creating irritating rub spots nor feeling sloppy. It has a velvety fabricated tongue with a standard lace setup providing you with a snug and secure feel.
The outsole has more than enough rubber in critical contact points to last a long time and grips well on dry and wet roads. You
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RUN FOR YOUR LIFE | 29 |