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The Hoka TenNine GTX is one thing above all: Striking! But what can the shoe do? Our expert Mirko Schohn tested the shoe for you.
I knew what to expect when I opened the shoe box. But I approached the whole thing with an open mind and didn’t let myself be seduced by the first visual impression and gave the Hoka a chance. When I took it out of the box, the shoe scored with its, from Hoka already known, low weight. It’s amazing that so much shoe only weighs a little over 500 g. Comparable shoes easily weigh 150 g more.
Furthermore the oversized midsole and rear spoiler were also noticeable at first sight. According to Hoka, this should significantly reduce the impact energy. I was curious to see how that would feel. It is also worth mentioning that the TenNine Hike has already the obligatory 4mm drop (heel/ forefoot raise). That’s not much for a hiking shoe. I will see how much I will feel this.
Now get dressed and off you go
I had a little trouble getting into the shoe the first time when I put it on. I had to open the lacing very wide, which was a bit tedious. This means that anyone who wants to try this shoe on should persevere, because it’s worth it. Once you’re inside, the foot has a surprising amount of space, but is still held securely. That was the first surprising “aha” experience. Others were to follow. The first steps with the Hoka TenNine were also different than I imagined. The Hoka slogan “Time to fly” keeps its promise. If you consciously roll over your heel while walking, you can clearly feel the much larger contact surface of this hiking shoe.
Take it off-road
The mega-grip sole from Vibram immediately comes into its own off-road and plays to its strengths, which are beyond reproach. It lifts on any surface. The enlarged surface of the sole provides even more grip and traction. The TenNine plays this out all the more on soft and slippery ground. You can wear it well on snow. This is where we come to one of the few shortcomings that I have to address besides the appearance. Unfortunately, you can’t use the TenNine with junk or spikes. But it’s almost not necessary.
During the hikes and runs, the optimal heel support was also noticeable without affecting the Achilles tendon. The cut in the heels is specially designed so that no unnecessary pressure is exerted on the Achilles tendon. The Hubble sole geometry is especially perceptible when walking downhill and running. I have never been so well cushioned when hiking. So this innovation makes for an absolute purchase recommendation for long-distance hikers, mammoth marches and all hikes that take longer, and for “normal hikers” who value maximum cushioning and comfort. Especially downhill, you feel your knees especially on a long hiking day and longs for the end – not with the Hoka TenNine. The hike can last longer if you want. The TenNine is a waterproof shoe with a Gore membrane. As the GTX suffix in the name suggests, it does what it is supposed to do. It keeps the shoe watertight. The GORE-TEX Leaf technology is used for this. The recycled polyester mesh on the cuff, laces, heel flap and shoe vamp makes the design even more sustainable.
In my eyes, the shoe is not suitable for hikes and mountain tours with many steps, scree and roots. Here the Hubble construction is too much in the way and you could get stuck with it, which can have fatal consequences in exposed terrain.
Conclusion:
The Hoka TenNine GTX will win over its sceptics with incredible grip on any surface, excellent fit and sensational insulation if they jump over their shadows and give the shoe a fair chance, regardless of its looks. It will not disappoint. A shoe that shows its strength more and more the longer you run with it. The Hoka TenNine gives you the feeling of being able to fly much further.
True to the motto:
Time to fly.