Hoka Rincon 4 running shoes

The Hoka Rincon 4 Running Shoe is a lightweight, stable, not expensive everyday running shoe that can be used for more dynamic runs as well as relaxed, easy runs. It has changed a lot from the previous version, with a softer and higher midsole, but it hasn’t made the shoe much heavier. The previous version had a more critically acclaimed outsole that has been completely redesigned, with a rubberised EVA foam replacing the traditional rubber outsole.
The Rincon 4 running shoe can be a good option for beginners, but experienced runners and will love it for their easier runs, or for shorter tempo runs and interval training.

Hoka Rincon 4 Upper

The upper of the Hoka Rincon 4 running shoe is made of a lightweight mesh fabric with good breathability. Because the upper is light and thin, it is less durable, but its durability depends on how you use it. The upper feels a little smaller than the true size and is thin, so those with wide feet should consider buying half a size larger, but the good news is that you can buy a wider version of the shoe also. The tongue is thick and comfortable, but a little short, and like the previous version, the Rincon 4 doesn’t have a gusseted tongue. The heel collar is low, well cushioned and stiffer than average, almost as stiff as the heel collar of stable running shoes.

Hoka Rincon 4 midsole

The midsole of the Hoka Rincon 4 running shoe is made of CMEVA foam. CMEVA is a compression molded EVA foam, the point of the manufacturing process involves placing the heated EVA foam into a mold to create the final shape of the midsole. This process allows the density and hardness of the midsole to be more precisely adjusted. The CMEVA foam used in the Rincon 4 running shoe is a moderately soft foam, but softer than the midsole of the previous version. The midsole is very flexible, has good torsional flexibility and can be easily twisted by hand. The midsole is wider than average in the forefoot and heel, which gives the shoe good stability. Because the shoe is lightweight and the midsole is flexible, the overall shoe provides a light, comfortable running experience. It has good shock absorption (the thickness of the midsole and outsole at the heel is a total of 37mm). The rocker geometry of the midsole is not aggressive, but just enough to make rollovers smooth and fast.

Hoka Rincon 4 outsole

The Hoka Rincon 4 running shoe outsole is an unconventional solution. There is no traditional rubber outsole, but a 6-7 mm thick EVA wear layer mixed with rubber is placed under the midsole. It is a view of opinion if this is a good solution or if it comes at the expense of durability. On the one hand, it is a good solution because it is lighter, more flexible and gives the shoe extra dynamism. It’s good because it’s thicker, so even if it wears faster, the remaining thickness is still sufficient. In terms of grip, this solution is not bad on a dry surface, but it can become slippery on a wet surface. In terms of wear, it is a worse solution as it wears much faster than average. This is compensated for by the thickness of the outsole and the fact that the grooves are deep, but if you are a runner who wears out the outsole quickly, or if you have a very concentrated pattern of 1 or 2 areas where the sole of your running shoes wears heavily, this may not be a good solution for you.

Summary

The Hoka Rincon 4 Running Shoe is a neutral, lightweight, flexible running shoe with good stability, a comfortable upper, and good breathability. It is ideal for faster runs or easy, daily runs up to half marathons (you can run longer distances in it, but the energy return is low for longer runs). It can also be a good choice for beginners. Much has changed from the previous version, with a higher and slightly softer midfoot and a completely different outsole. Fortunately, the weight and character have not changed, and this is still a lightweight, everyday running shoe.