Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe review – verdict, price, comparison, who it suits

Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe upper

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe’s upper is made from engineered mesh with above-average breathability. The upper material feels soft, supple and pleasant to the touch, providing good step-in comfort.

The upper has a medium-width fit, but a wide version is also available. The toe box is rounded rather than narrow, with room for the toes. The midfoot holds the foot more snugly; this was changed from the previous version to help provide a more secure fit. The heel area is roomier but holds the ankle securely. It has moderate lateral stiffness, and the rear of the heel collar is not as rigid as is typical of stability shoes.

The heel collar is generously padded, as is the tongue, which is not gusseted. However, its thickness allows you to tighten the laces firmly, keeping it from slipping to the side while running.

The lace eyelet arrangement has also changed. In the previous version, each of the top two eyelets had an additional, more widely spaced position, which I thought was a good idea. In the new version, only the top eyelet has an extra position.

The Arahi 9 also features Active FootFrame, which means that the midsole foam extends high up around the upper to hold the foot securely.

The sockliner is not glued in, so you can replace it with your own if you wish.

Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe midsole

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe’s midsole is made from two EVA foams with different properties. One is CMEVA foam, which is moderately soft and very similar to the midsole material used in the Hoka Clifton 11. The other is a firmer EVA foam shaped like the letter H, forming a frame around the midsole. Hoka calls this H-frame because of its H shape.

This firmer H-shaped frame provides support not only for runners who overpronate, whose lower legs tilt inwards, but also for those who supinate, whose lower legs tilt outwards.

It is worth adding that this H-Frame is asymmetrical and provides greater support along the medial arch. This H-shaped frame is not new to Hoka running shoes: the GAVIOTA 6 also uses an H-shaped frame for stability.

The H-frame makes the midsole stiff, but not excessively so; it remains comfortably accommodating.

My first run gave me a very interesting combination of impressions. On the one hand, the shoe provides very good stability, preventing the foot from rolling either inwards or outwards. On the other hand, its midsole feels much softer than I expected from such a supportive running shoe.

Besides running, I also used the Arahi 9 for walking and standing all day. I prefer firmer midsoles for standing and walking, so I found it soft, but it is still suitable for these activities.

Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe outsole

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe’s outsole is segmented and does not cover the entire midsole.

It is segmented both across its width and along its length. It does not need to add stiffness or stability, as the midsole’s H frame provides enough rigidity to ensure stability.

It feels like a softer rubber compound and offers good grip, but these softer rubbers generally wear down faster. I wore out my previous Arahi shoes relatively quickly, although wear also depends heavily on the runner and their running mechanics.

The outsole is thicker than average, which benefits durability.

What is the Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe like to run in?

Cushioning and midsole

The Hoka Arahi 9 offers slightly above-average impact absorption through its midsole. This is not down to an extremely high stack, but more to the inclusion of a firmer, stiffer H-shaped layer. Its energy return is not particularly high either, sitting only slightly above average. However, because it is among the lighter shoes in the stability category, its responsiveness is respectable within that category.

Stability and guidance

The Hoka Arahi 9 is a stability running shoe, so its high level of support comes as no surprise. Stability comes from a stiffer, firmer H-shaped layer and a wider-than-average midsole. The Arahi 9’s support is not intrusive: you do not feel it when you first step into the shoe, but its benefits become apparent on longer runs. The H-shaped frame is asymmetrical, providing greater support on the medial side.

The Arahi 9 provides firm but non-intrusive stability.

Upper and comfort

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe’s upper is made from soft, comfortable mesh with good breathability. It has generous heel padding and a thick tongue. Overall, the upper is designed for comfort and extended wear. It fits true to size in length and has a medium-width fit, although a wide version is also available.

The Arahi 9’s upper is comfortable, breathable and holds the foot securely.

Foot strike and grip

The Hoka Arahi 9 midsole has a drop of 8 mm, although it feels slightly higher. The heel is wider than average, which encourages heel striking, but I had no trouble landing on my forefoot at faster paces. Despite a large central cutout in the outsole, grip is good on both dry and wet surfaces.

Pace and responsiveness

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe is primarily suited to slower runs at lower intensities. With its wider-than-average midsole and average energy return, it was not designed for faster running, but it can handle the occasional faster section.

The Hoka Arahi 9 prioritises stability and comfort over speed.

Long runs vs tempo runs vs training

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe combines slightly above-average midsole cushioning with a comfortable upper and good stability, giving it everything needed for longer runs. It is particularly good for logging miles.

The Hoka Arahi 9 works best on easy runs and longer outings.

Who is the Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe recommended for – and who should avoid it?

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe is recommended if you are looking for a relatively lightweight, breathable stability running shoe to support overpronation on longer runs or at lower intensities. It is a good choice for beginner runners, walking or jobs that involve standing all day.

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe is not recommended if you are looking for a fast, lightweight running shoe for faster-paced runs and races. It is not recommended if you have neutral foot alignment, as the H-Frame support may feel uncomfortable for a neutral runner.

What has changed from the previous version? Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe vs Hoka Arai 8.

Essentially, only the upper of the Hoka Arahi 9 has changed from the previous version; the midsole and outsole remain the same. The upper has been reinforced to provide better lateral support. It feels slightly snugger, but not enough to require a change in size. The reinforced upper makes it feel more stable, but it has also increased the weight by 7 grams.

Alternatives to the Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe – comparison

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe?

The men’s and women’s Hoka Arahi 9 running shoes do not differ structurally. They use the same materials, and any lower stack height in the women’s version would simply be proportional to its smaller size. There is no clear data on this, but as with most running shoes, the women’s Hoka Arai 9 is very likely built on a narrower last.

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe is a stable, comfortable, versatile running shoe primarily suited to lower-intensity running. It can also handle the occasional faster section and is suitable for longer runs thanks to its sufficiently high, stable midsole. It is primarily intended for runners who overpronate and want stability in a lightweight, breathable running shoe.
The Hoka Arahi 9 is a good choice if you are looking for a comfortable stability running shoe to support overpronation.

Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe review

A stable ride with non-intrusive guidance.
Good cushioning for longer runs and easy miles.
A soft, comfortable upper with above-average breathability.
Good grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

Its responsiveness is average, so it is not designed for fast running.
Compared with the previous Arahi 8, the changes are largely limited to the upper.
The reinforced upper makes it 7 grams heavier than its predecessor.

8.1Expert Score

The Hoka Arahi 9 running shoe is a stable, comfortable, versatile running shoe primarily suited to lower-intensity running. It can also handle the occasional faster section and is suitable for longer runs thanks to its sufficiently high, stable midsole. It is primarily intended for runners who overpronate and want stability in a lightweight, breathable running shoe. The Hoka Arahi 9 is a good choice if you are looking for a comfortable stability running shoe to support overpronation.

Foot lock

8.5

Breathability

8

Cushion

9

Responsiveness

7.5

Energy return

7.5

Stability

9

Grip

7.5

Durability

8

Weight

7

Value for money / affordable

8.5

PROS

• A stable ride with non-intrusive guidance.
• Good cushioning for longer runs and easy miles.
• A soft, comfortable upper with above-average breathability.
• Good grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

CONS

• Its responsiveness is average, so it is not designed for fast running.
• Compared with the previous Arahi 8, the changes are largely limited to the upper.
• The reinforced upper makes it 7 grams heavier than its predecessor.