The eighth edition of the Arahi offers stability for everyday running and features an even more solid, powerful construction. Hoka added more foam, which increases the perceived softness, and increased the drop to 8mm without compromising the lightness. It is a good option for runners looking for a lightweight, stable shoe for everyday use, suitable for both short and long distances. It is a shoe that seamlessly combines control and comfort.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Hoka Arahi 8 is a well-cushioned training shoe designed for hard surfaces. It performs best on asphalt and in urban areas, where its soft, responsive foam effectively relieves joint pressure. Thanks to its solid ground isolation and stable construction, however, it also copes well with compacted dirt paths in the forest or outside the city. It is a stability shoe designed primarily for overpronating runners who need control without sacrificing comfort.
Pros
- very good cushioning,
- non-invasive stabilization
- soft upper with standard width,
- very lightweight (among the 11% lightest shoes with stabilization)
Cons
- the midsole that is not covered by the outsole may wear out quickly.
What’s New in the Latest Edition
| HOKA ARAHI 7 | HOKA ARAHI 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height men’s | 37/32mm | 39/31mm |
| Stack height women’s | 34/29mm | 37/29mm |
| Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Weight men’s | 281g | 276g |
| Weight women’s | 228g | 218g |
| Midsole | CMEVA, relatively firm + J-Frame | CMEVA, softer + J-Frame |
| Upper | technical flat weave mesh | double jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | abrasion-resistant rubber | abrasion-resistant rubber |
Hoka Running Shoes – lineup
The Hoka Arahi 8 is similar to the popular Clifton, but with added stability. It has a slightly stiffened midsole on the medial side to help control foot movement and reduce excessive inward rolling of the ankles. The Arahi is the second best-cushioned stabilizing shoe in Hoka’s lineup, behind only the Gaviota, which provides even more softness and cushioning. The Arahi 8 is a better choice for runners looking for stability in a lighter, more dynamic form. The Gaviota is ideal for those who need maximum protection and comfort over long distances.
A complete list of all models can be found in the Hoka running shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Skyward X  Bondi 9 |  Gaviota 5 |
| very high cushioning |  Clifton 10  Skyflow |  Arahi 8 |
| high cushioning |  Rincon 4 |
Similar to Hoka Arahi 8
The Hoka Arahi 8 is a notable alternative to other stability shoes, including the Asics Gel GT-2000, the New Balance 860 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. However, it stands out due to Hoka’s signature running style, offering soft cushioning and lightness that isn’t always expected from traditional models with pronator support. Read more about the Arahi 8 and other stability shoes in our shoe guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Solution 2 | 36/26 | 10 | 292 | 242 | 150 |
| Asics GT-2000 14 | 36.5/28.5 | 8 | 273 | 239 | 160 |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 | 36/24 | 12 | 283 | 249 | 150 |
| Hoka Arahi 8 | 39/31 | 8 | 276 | 218 | 160 |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 | 36/24 | 12 | 295 | 246 | 160 |
| New Balanace Vongo v6 | n/a | 6 | 303 | 243 | 180 |
| Nike Zoom Structure 25 | 30/20 | 10 | 322 | 263 | 130 |
| Saucony Guide 18 | 35/29 | 6 | 272 | 245 | 150 |
CMEVA & J-Frame – Cushioning That Protects, Stability That Supports
The Hoka Arahi 8 features pressure-molded CMEVA foam for cushioning. This foam is softer in the new version, resulting in a more comfortable stride and better shock absorption. The midsole also has slightly different geometry. It is now 39mm high under the heel and 31mm high in the forefoot, providing an 8mm drop. As with other Hoka models this year, the drop changed from 5mm to 8mm, which may not be very noticeable but could encourage runners to land on their heels.
While the shoe feels softer than its predecessor, it still does not belong to the “max-cushioned shoe” category. The Arahi 8 provides considerable isolation from the ground, pleasant elasticity and softness underfoot, but remains within reasonable limits.
The new Arahi’s midsole has been extended to the sides, making the shoe look more powerful. Add a softer foam to this design, and you get a shoe that is softer than its predecessor but not in the “max-cushioned” category. These features make the Arahi 8 a good choice for runners weighing up to 90-95kilograms.
As with previous models, the midsole construction is distinctive. The slightly raised edges create the FootFrame, which provides optimal stability on any surface. The raised sides act as a frame that controls foot movement and limits lateral displacement. These edges are slightly larger in the Arahi 8 than in the Arahi 7. Add to that the widened midsole, and you have a powerful-looking running shoe.
In addition to the FootFrame system, the Hoka Arahi 8 has a J-Frame system — a J-shaped element made of stiffer, less flexible foam located on the medial side to limit inward ankle pronation. The Arahi 8 is primarily designed for runners looking for stability, especially those with overpronation. However, the J-Frame system works subtly. This keeps the shoe comfortable and safe for runners with neutral feet who prefer more stable support during daily training.
Urban Outsole, But Watch the Gravel
Compared to the previous model, the tread on the Hoka Arahi 8 has not undergone any revolutionary changes. It has a moderately aggressive pattern typical of shoes designed for hard surfaces. The tread depth remains at 1.4 mm, the same as the previous model, but additional texture is provided by delicate indentations in the foam. Together, these features create a versatile sole that provides reliable grip on a variety of hard surfaces. The Arahi 8 performs well on urban asphalt but can also handle gravel roads or forest paths while maintaining stability and running comfort.
However, as previous editions and other designs of this type have shown, durability can be an issue. Fortunately, the rubber is sufficiently durable and will wear down slowly. However, in addition to the rubber elements, the Arahi has a lot of foam that is completely exposed. These exposed parts of the sole can wear down quickly, especially if you run frequently on gravel roads.
Double Jacquard Mesh – Breathability and Fit in One
The Hoka Arahi 8’s upper is made of classic-style double jacquard mesh, perfect for everyday running. This material is breathable, durable, and sturdy. Soft inserts and sponges throughout the shoe increase comfort and provide good support for the foot. The shoe’s tongue has also been carefully padded to comfortably separate the foot from the laces, ensuring a soft and comfortable fit, even during longer runs.
The Hoka Arahi 8 has a standard fit and width. This is a significant improvement over the Arahi 7, which was a fairly narrow shoe. The new model is much better in this respect. It is a wider, more spacious shoe that increases comfort, especially in the forefoot. With a width of 104.2mm at its widest point, the shoe is confirmed to be of standard width and suitable for most foot types. If your foot isn’t exceptionally narrow or wide, this will be a good choice.
The heel counter of the Hoka Arahi 8 is typical of stabilizing shoes. Reinforced with a rigid internal clip, it is a natural extension of the FootFrame midsole construction. This keeps the heel securely in place, increasing stability while running. Like previous models, its shape is slightly raised, reminiscent of the Clifton 10, but not excessively high. Additionally, there is a generous amount of foam padding around the heel that softly envelops the foot for high comfort and a pleasant fit without any pressure points. The combination of stability and softness makes the Arahi 8 ideal for short training sessions and long runs on hard surfaces.
Lightweight Yet Stable
According to the manufacturer’s data, the men’s Hoka Arahi 8 weighs 276 grams and the women’s weighs 218 grams—values nearly identical to the previous edition. In size 12 US, the shoe weighs 310 grams, one gram less than before—an imperceptible difference. It’s still an impressively light result, especially for stability shoes. More broadly, the Arahi 8 ranks among the 37% lightest running shoes and among the 11% lightest training models with stabilization. For runners looking for a light, comfortable, supportive everyday training shoe, the Arahi 8 is one of the best choices.
Final Thoughts
Although the Hoka Arahi 8 looks powerful, it is a lightweight training shoe that combines comfort with subtle stabilization. The FootFrame and J-Frame systems control pronation without restricting foot movement. The new double jacquard mesh improves breathability, and soft padding and a comfortable tongue enhance comfort. The soft CMEVA foam midsole and slightly wider construction provide a better fit and isolation from the ground. The outsole provides excellent performance on hard surfaces, gravel roads, and forest trails. The Arahi 8 remains one of the lightest stability shoes for daily workouts.
