HOKA Arahi 7 Review
Published: January 5, 2024
The HOKA Arahi 7 Delivers A Comfortably Stable, Though Unspectacular Ride
Likes
- J-Frame technology offers great arch support
- Midsole offers comfort without sacrificing support
Dislikes
- Foam is on the firmer side
- Fit is somewhat narrow
What's New
With the return of one of the most popular stability running shoes on the market, the HOKA Arahi 7 offers a modest update to the upper in an effort to increase the overall comfort of this beloved model. Up top, the Arahi 7 features a lightweight, engineered flat knit upper that allows for excellent airflow and breathability.
The Bottom Line
We are all aware of the old adage, "if it's not broke, don't fix it," and that appears to be the approach taken by HOKA with the 7th iteration of the Arahi, for better or for worse. After putting in the miles, our testers agreed that the Arahi 7 maintains its DNA as a lightweight and versatile daily training stability option, but felt that the shoe lacked the soft cushioning that HOKA is typically known for. While the shoe may have lacked optimal responsiveness, both testers appreciated the impact absorbing protection offered by the CMEVA midsole. Moreover, the new engineered flat knit mesh upper, which represents the primary update to this model, was a hit! Both testers appreciated the comfort and security of the upper despite their differing foot widths.
Overall, our testers thought the HOKA Arahi 7 is a solid offering that will keep the Arahi in the conversation as the best stability daily trainer on the market, even if the underfoot experience lacked the excitement that we look for in our running shoes.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Coming Soon |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 29 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Stability |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Liz: "The new engineered knit mesh of the Arahi 7 offers a more adaptable fit that I appreciated with my wider feet. The lacing design allowed me to securely lock down my midfoot and heel while allowing extra room for my toes to splay. My one warning is that the last for this shoe is straight and narrow, which didn’t work for my wide feet despite the accommodating toe box volume. I would recommend those with wider feet to purchase the wide width in this model."
Risa: "I love the HOKA Arahi 7 knit upper. I can easily get a secure lockdown with my more narrow feet. It feels more premium than your standard upper."
Midsole
Liz: "I think that there will be mixed opinions on the midsole of the Arahi 7. While this shoe is highly cushioned, it doesn’t have the sinking in softness that is becoming popular with many modern running shoes. That said, the cushioning still offers a high level of underfoot protection and never feels like it bottoms out on the run. For me, the firmer feel is part of the shoe’s stability. Where soft cushioning requires the foot and ankle to work harder to stabilize, this slightly firmer cushioning works with the J-frame stability tech to help provide stability to keep overpronator’s feet happy on long runs, walks, and days on their feet."
Risa: "When I first put the Arahi on, I was surprised by the midsole as it was noticeably firmer than the HOKA Clifton or Bondi that I’d run in before. However, on the run, the Arahi felt quite comfortable and supportive without being all-around rigid like some stability shoes can be. At 7.7 oz for a women’s size 8, the shoe is lightweight for a daily trainer, so it could be used for some speedwork as well, although personally I like to have a bouncy sensation in my running shoes for speedwork. You definitely don’t feel like you’re sinking in and, therefore, getting no energy return from the shoe. It has plenty of protection for daily running, though I personally prefer max cushion shoes for my long runs of 7+ miles."
Outsole
Liz: "The outsole did not stand out in this shoe, and that is a good thing! The Arahi 7 has rubber in targeted areas to offer durability without making the shoe feel heavy on foot. Overall, I had no issues with traction and felt that the Arahi 7 offered a smooth ride both walking and running."
Risa: "I didn’t get a chance to test the Arahi in any wet conditions, but I had no issues with grip. I expect the shoe to be very durable as my other HOKAs have been."
Comparable Models
HOKA Arahi 7 vs. ASICS Gel Kayano 30
Liz: "The Arahi 7 feels lighter and a bit more streamlined on foot that the Kayano 30. In comparison, the Kayano 30 offers more cushioning and a softer ride. I would recommend the Kayano 30 for those looking for a bouncier and slightly squishier ride while the Arahi 7 would be my recommendation for those who want something with higher arch support and a lighter feeling on foot."
Risa: "Compared to the Kayano 30, which was the other stability model I tested this year, the Arahi 7 is firmer, lower to the ground, and lighter weight. Personally I prefer the Kayano because I enjoy softer shoes, but I appreciate the low weight and versatility of the Arahi."
HOKA Arahi 7 vs. HOKA Clifton 9
Risa: "After testing the Arahi for the first time I could see why this is a very popular (in fact it’s the most popular) stability shoe for us. Like the Clifton, it’s a really versatile daily trainer option. The Clifton is definitely softer and has a touch of bounciness, while the cushioning is the Arahi is more supportive and firmer. The Arahi 7 is a great option for those who need stability or prefer a firmer feel."
HOKA Arahi 7 vs. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Liz: "The Brooks Adrenaline offers a moderate amount of cushioning and has a lower to the ground feel when compared to the Arahi 7. With that, I feel it is a better choice for those who may use the shoe for cross-training or want an option that looks more stylish for everyday wear. Meanwhile, the Arahi 7 is a better option for those looking for a higher level of underfoot protection and comfort for longer miles and days on their feet."
HOKA Arahi 7 vs. Saucony Tempus
Liz: "The Saucony Tempus is probably my favorite stability shoe. It has a midsole design that cradles the foot and like the Arahi 7, the arch is slightly higher and actually supports my high arches. The cushioning in the Tempus is noticably bouncier and the rocker is more pronounced, giving the Tempus a faster feeling. Meanwhile, the Arahi 7 has a firmer, more dampening feeling cushioning that add versatility for those who will be walking and standing in the shoe."
Individual Thoughts
LizOverall Score: 7/10
When I first took the HOKA Arahi 7 out of the box, I was surprised by how firm the cushioning felt in hand, but once I started running in it, I began to understand why it is our most popular stability shoe here at Running Warehouse. While the shoe doesn’t have a cloud-like or sinking-in softness, it does a great job of dampening impact upon landing and offering comfort without sacrificing support. The ride of the shoe is not bouncy or responsive, but the rockered geometry rolls the runner through their stride efficiently for a smooth ride that doesn't feel mushy or sluggish.
As someone who runs in a lot of stability shoes, I especially appreciated how the J-Frame stability technology didn’t feel harsh underfoot but really cradled my high arch in a way that many stability shoes don’t anymore. As more and more brands move away from medial posts and towards “bumper-like” guidance systems, I feel like the arch support of stability shoes is starting to be lost. As someone with a high arch, I appreciate when I find a stability shoe that matches my footshape in this way.
My only complaint about the Arahi 7 is that the upper, while more accommodating thanks to the new knit design, is narrow through the base. With my wider forefoot, I needed to transition to the wide version of this shoe for comfort over long distances. Overall, I would recommend the HOKA Arahi 7 for runners and walkers looking for a supportive and protective stability shoe that still feels lightweight and minimal on foot.
RisaOverall Score: 8/10
Overall, the Arahi 7 is an excellent stability shoe that is impressively lightweight and versatile. The midsole is slightly firm but that adds to the shoe’s inherent stability, along with the brand’s J-Frame technology. There are other options on the market in addition to the Arahi that no longer have medial posts for stability. However, I still appreciate that non-intrusive stability – this shoe feels supportive but not necessarily like a stability shoe to me (in a good way). I loved the knit upper and fit of this shoe as I was easily able to get a secure lockdown for my narrow feet. (Read: this is not a wide-fitting shoe.)
For runners looking for one shoe that can be used for different types of runs, or runners and walkers who just prefer shoes that aren’t overly plush like many on the market these days, this shoe fits the bill.
HOKA Men's Arahi
The HOKA Arahi offers high cushioning and smooth stability in a lightweight and stylish package.
HOKA Women's Arahi
The HOKA Arahi offers high cushioning and smooth stability in a lightweight and stylish package.
