Jeff from United States, TX Public Profile

I am 5'10", 170lb neutral runner who puts in 50-150 miles per month depending on the season (I live in Central Texas - summer running is lethal) and ambition (maintenance vs race training). My HOKA history - 1 pair of the original Cliftons, 3 pairs of the original Rincons, 2 pairs of the Rincon 2s, 3 pairs of the Rincon 3s, 1 pair of the Carbon X 2s. The best part of this shoe is the midsole without question. They are more comfortable now (about 150 miles in) than they were on my first run in them. Firm (relative to the Clifton and Rincons) yet still really cushioned/comfortable and more responsive (in my opinion) than the Carbon X 2s. The upper is very comfortable and definitely more breathable than the Carbon X 2s BUT, like a lot of other "professional" shoe reviewers have said, it is hard to get a good lock down with the upper (but it does allow your feet to swell). But because a lot of my runs are fairly straight, I am not making a lot of twists/turns in them so the lockdown isn't THAT big of a deal. The heel tab accommodates my heel and achilles better than the Carbon X 2 (rubbed a hole through the fabric in the heel cup) and I have never rubbed a blister in these shoes. I have used these shoes on anything from 4-mile tempo/HR runs to 11-mile ultramarathon training runs. My recommendation for these shoes - anything from fast 5-10K asphalt/concrete race shoes (where the course isn't too sinuous) to tempo/HR track sessions to half-marathon. Personally, not sure I

I am 5'10", 170lb neutral runner who puts in 50-150 miles per month depending on the season (I live in Central Texas - summer running is lethal) and ambition (maintenance vs race training). I ran through 3 pairs of the original Rincon and 2 pairs of the Rincon 2s. I currently have 2 pairs of the the Rincon 3's and they are THE BEST OVERALL version of the shoe. The original Rincons were amazingly comfortable for 150 miles or so. They didn't dramatically change the outsole or midsole for the Rincon 2s but I found the upper/breathability, tongue and lockdown of the Rincon 2 to be and upgrade over the originals but the durability issues persisted (MAYBE a little closer to 200 with the midsole - they seemed to last a little longer). However, the changes they made to the outsole (increased durability in the heel and forefoot area) and the midsole (seems slightly stiffer but in a good way - looking to get 300 or so out of the Rincon 3s) while DECREASING weight is a game changer. Some have pointed to the changes in the tongue but even during my longer runs to this point (6-10 miles) they have not seemed to cause any problems (shifted, rubbed, etc). They remain super breathable and the outsole seems to be more durable and "grippy". I am incredibly happy with these shoes and hope that HOKA doesn't overthink this shoe to much (like they did with the Speedgoat and others) or overprice it. At the current price, I am not sure there is a better ROI on the market, regardless of bran

After talking with Hoka directly and watching a number of reviews on YouTube, I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to get. I gave the Rincon 4 stars but there are 2 parts of the shoe that are only worthy of 3-stars (and that might be generous). I have run about 15 miles on these shoes since receiving them (all on paved surfaces) and the outsole is already showing signs of wear. Secondly, the insert is very, very thin. It hardly serves a purpose. I am a neutral heel-striker with a high arch. If my arch was any higher, I would inevitably have to replace them with custom inserts. However, on the 5-star side - these shoes are LIGHT. My other go-to road shoes are the Brooks Ghosts and these shoes make them feel like concrete. The midsole is fantastic - great balance between response, cushion, and support. No shin, ankle, or knee problems whatsoever and my post-run soreness (I'm 41) has been reduced. Upper is highly breathable - will be a great spring/summer running shoe for here in Central Texas. My trail runners (and favorite shoes) are Speedgoat 2s and Hoka told me that these be the closest fit to the Speedgoats.