Hoka zinal 2

Learn more about the Hoka zinal 2 male running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Hoka zinal 2

Price

$280

Rating

High

Popularity

Less Popular

The Hoka Zinal 2 is a lightweight and responsive trail running shoe designed for short and quick off-road runs, sitting between the Hoka Torrent and Hoka Speedgoat in terms of cushioning and performance within the Hoka lineup.

Summary

The Hoka Zinal 2 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for agility and speed, ideal for shorter distance trail races and quick off-road runs. Compared to Hoka's other models, the Zinal 2 is lighter and more streamlined, focusing on providing a responsive ride and excellent ground feel. While shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat and Mafate are geared towards ultra-distances with maximum cushioning and rugged durability, the Zinal 2 fits into the lineup as the go-to choice for those seeking a nimble shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort but emphasizes speed and responsiveness on technical trails.

Surface

trail

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(20mm)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(creel jacquard mesh upper)

Weight

226g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

4mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(medium density, 3.7mm lugs)

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Hoka zinal 2 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 16 wear-tester reviews.

Summary: The Hoka Zinal 2 is a lightweight and agile trail running shoe that excels in speed, traction, and performance on shorter, less technical trails, making it ideal for fast-paced runs and racing. However, it has been noted for its narrow fit and potential stability issues, particularly in heel security, which may limit its appeal for longer distances or runners with wider feet..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Firm

The main points to note are that many users appreciate the shoe's responsive and lightweight cushioning, but there are concerns about its lack of plushness and support for longer runs, which may not meet everyone's comfort needs.

EVA (2)

responsiveness (2)

protection (2)

speed (1)

targeted (1)

heel (1)

cushioning (1)

weight (1)

Pros

"The midsole features a compressed molded EVA that provides a consistent ride."

midsole

cushioning

consistent ride

"The updated EVA midsole provides a cushioned ride while maintaining responsiveness."

cushioning

responsive

comfortable

"The lightweight and responsive EVA midsole provides excellent cushioning whilst maintaining speed."

EVA midsole

cushioning

responsive

"The midsole construction allows for good ground feedback and a responsive feel, enhancing the running experience."

responsive

flexible forefoot

ground feedback

"The shoe is designed to give a responsive feel underfoot while maintaining comfort during descents."

responsive

cushioning

"The shoe has a high-speed cushion that facilitates quick runs."

high-speed

cushion

lightweight

"The shoe provides targeted cushioning that enhances the speed feel and performance on trails."

targeted cushioning

performance

speed

"The shoe maintains a good level of cushioning, especially in the heel area, for longer runs."

cushioned

comfortable

long runs

"The Hoka Zinal 2 has a cushioned feel for its low weight, offering comfort without sacrificing speed."

cushion

comfort

lightweight

"The Hoka Zinal 2 is lighter and more cushioned than its predecessor, enhancing the running experience."

lightweight

cushioning

performance

"Despite their minimal design, the Zinal 2 provides good cushioning and a responsive ride, making them ideal for racing."

cushioning

racing

"Despite being lighter, the Zinal 2 still offers decent cushioning, enhancing comfort during runs."

cushioning

comfort

shock absorption

"The midsole with compressed molded EVA provides a light and responsive feel while running."

EVA

lightweight

responsiveness

Cons

"The shoe's midsole design results in less cushioning compared to prior models, potentially affecting comfort."

midsole

cushioning

comfort

"The cushioning, while comfortable, is not pillow-soft and may lack some softness for certain users."

cushioning

comfort

not soft enough

"The shoe is not the most protective option for long distances."

long distance

comfort

cushioning

"The shoe lacks sufficient cushioning for technical trails."

cushioning

rocky terrain

foam

bruised foot

"The shoe's minimal cushioning may not provide enough support for longer runs or ultra distances."

cushioning

long distance

"The shoe could benefit from more foam to create a smoother and more cushioned ride on harder surfaces, which may address stiffness and improve versatility."

cushion

smoothness

firmness

"The shoe's responsiveness may come at the cost of less overall cushioning, which some runners prefer."

responsiveness

cushioning

"The cushioning profile differs from typical Hoka shoes, being less plush."

cushioning

taut

responsive

"Some trail purists might find the shoe still too cushioned."

cushioning

trail

purists

"The shoe's cushioning may not be sufficient for all types of terrain."

minimalist

cushioning

"The Zinal 2 may not provide enough cushioning for longer distances or for runners used to more cushioned shoes."

cushioning

long distance

performance

comfort
Breathability: More breathable

The most common points about the shoe's comfort are that it provides a natural ride, has a breathable upper, and offers a plush feeling underfoot, while notable concerns include inadequate toe protection, potential chafing at the Achilles, and insufficient padding in the tongue area.

fit (2)

upper (2)

padding (2)

design (2)

natural experience (1)

breathability (1)

protection (1)

agility (1)

Pros

"The shoe provides a natural ride, enhancing the overall running experience."

natural ride

comfort

grounded

"The shoe's upper includes a breathable, lightweight mesh that aids in drying quickly."

breathable

quick-dry

"The new stretch-knit, gaiter-like collar provides debris protection during trail runs."

gaiter-like collar

debris protection

"The shoe maintains a good balance between trail feel and protection."

trail feel

protection

"The upper is designed for comfort, moving and flexing with the foot for better agility."

upper

flexibility

comfort

"The upper knit cuff design allows for a comfortable fit without scrunching."

knit design

comfort

slip-on

"The knit cuff helps keep trail debris out while providing a unified fit."

knit cuff

debris

fit

"The updated knit upper material provides comfort and reduces pinching around the foot."

knit

comfort

"The mesh upper is breathable and offers good ventilation, enhancing comfort during runs."

breathable

comfortable

temperature_control

"The shoe provides a plush feeling underfoot, contributing to a comfortable running experience."

plush

comfort

"The redesigned knit stretch upper allows easy slipping on and helps keep debris out."

ease-of-use

debris-protection

"The new sock-knit collar design allows for great comfort and ease of entry."

ease of entry

fit

breathability

"It retains Hoka's emphasis on comfort while being less cushioned than other models, appealing to those seeking more responsiveness."

comfort

responsive

trail running

"The heel collar has been redesigned to conform well to the foot, preventing chafing."

heel collar

conformity

chafing prevention

Cons

"There is inadequate toe protection, risking injury from trail obstacles."

toe protection

risk

injury

"Users may experience chafing at the Achilles due to the high collar."

Achilles

socks

discomfort

"The CMEVA midsole's performance does not justify the shoe's high price point."

pricing

midsole

"The shoe's performance in cold conditions is significantly decreased, which may affect comfort during colder climates."

cold

comfort

"There isn't sufficient padding in the tongue area, which might lead to discomfort during prolonged wear."

tongue

padding

"The heel collar's lack of padding might not be suitable for those who prefer more cushioning in that area."

heel collar

comfort

cushion

"The shoe has a firm ride that may not be suitable for longer runs on firm terrain."

firmness

ride quality

"The upper material may not be as breathable as previous versions, which could lead to discomfort."

breathability

upper material

"Wearing low tab socks might cause rubbing against the heel due to the high collar of the shoe."

sock compatibility

heel rub

"The footbed feels minimal and lacks the cupping effect most runners prefer."

footbed

minimal

support

"The exposed seam from the pull-tab might rub against the Achilles tendon for some users."

achilles

rub

comfort

"The absence of a conventional tongue can be confusing and takes time to adjust to."

tongue absence

adjustment time

durability

The main points to note are that the shoe has a highly durable mesh upper and a durable outsole, which are mentioned frequently, while concerns about the upper's long-term durability are also noted.

outsole (2)

mesh (1)

heel durability (1)

value (1)

lifespan (1)

uppers (1)

upper (1)

protection (1)

Pros

"It features a durable mesh upper that keeps trail debris out while allowing breathability."

durable

breathable

debris protection

"The shoe maintains good durability in heel padding, making it more reliable for trail runners."

heel padding

durability

trail running

"The outsole shows great durability even after extensive use on rough terrain."

durable

high_mileage

wear_resistance

"The outsole is durable, showing minimal wear even after extensive use."

long-lasting

reliable

"The shoe’s construction justifies its price tag, promising durability and performance."

investment

performance

versatile

"Despite its lightweight design, the shoe is durable with a lifespan of about 300 miles."

durability

mileage

long-lasting

"The Hoka Zinal 2 features a highly durable and breathable mesh upper."

mesh

upper

breathability

Cons

"The upper durability of the shoe may not hold up well over time."

upper

durability

"The shoe lacks a rock plate, limiting its effectiveness on rocky terrain."

no rock plate

limited rocky terrain

performance
Distance suited: Short (<10km)
Rocker: More rocker

The most common feedback about the shoe is that it is lightweight, which is mentioned frequently, while concerns include its limited performance on soft or muddy trails and its lack of versatility for various terrains.

lightweight (5)

weight (3)

speed (3)

flexibility (2)

responsiveness (2)

versatility (2)

terrain compatibility (1)

workout (1)

Pros

"The shoe offers a lightweight design that is nimble and aggressive."

lightweight

nimble

responsive

"The shoe is lightweight, enhancing the agility and ease of running fast."

lightweight

agility

speed

"The shoe offers a lightweight and flexible design, making it suitable for various trail conditions."

lightweight

flexible

trail

"The Hoka Zinal 2 features a lightweight and responsive design ideal for various terrains."

speed

agility

versatile

"This shoe is lightweight, making it suitable for fast trail racing."

fast

racing

trail

"The shoe has a flexible forefoot that aids in natural movement."

flexible

natural

rocker

"The shoe's flexible sole unit enhances the connection to the trail."

flexible

trail feel

"The shoe is very responsive, aiding in push-off during climbs and accelerations."

responsive

climbs

acceleration

"The midsole provides a highly responsive and dynamic feel while running on technical surfaces."

responsive

dynamic

technical_surfaces

"The midsole allows for a snappy and responsive feel during runs."

fast

agile

snappy

"The Zinal 2 is designed for shorter trail runs, providing agility and responsiveness."

short trails

agility

performance

"The Zinal 2 is lighter than its predecessor, making it more agile for trail running."

lightweight

agility

"The Hoka Zinal 2 is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for speedy runs."

lightweight

speed

"The weight of the shoe is very light, contributing to the overall performance for trail running."

lightweight

effortless

performance

"The Hoka Zinal 2 is engineered for speed, making it ideal for fast runs on mild trails."

speed

trail running

"The shoe is lightweight and enhances speed and agility on the trails."

lightweight

trail

high-performing

"The shoe is designed for fast-paced trails, making it lightweight and responsive."

lightweight

fast

agility

"The Zinal 2 is designed for moderate terrains, ensuring good performance on mild trails."

mild trails

short distances

"The shoe is suitable for hill climbs and speed intervals, making it a good choice for specific workouts."

hill climbs

training

speed intervals

"The Zinal 2 is agile and responsive, excelling in shorter distance races."

responsive

fast

short_distance

"The Zinal 2 is an option for door-to-trail runs, suitable for mixed surfaces including road and gravel."

door-to-trail

mixed surfaces

"The shoes perform well on various terrains including asphalt, hard rocky surfaces, and forest trails."

multi-terrain

asphalt

"The shoe gives a rolling sensation due to its meta rocker design, enhancing the natural running experience."

rolling sensation

natural

performance

Cons

"The translation of the foot in the shoe, especially during swift movements, creates hesitation which affects performance."

foot movement

hesitation

performance

"While fun and lightweight, the shoe can become challenging to navigate on very soft or muddy trails due to foot translation."

navigation

muddy trails

performance

"The elimination of ProFly in the midsole results in decreased responsiveness on flatter surfaces."

midsole

responsiveness

flat surfaces

"The shoe may not provide the responsiveness desired for race day due to its cushioning."

cushioned

race day

responsiveness

"The shoe may not perform as well on flat, fast surfaces, lacking the snappy response of the previous version."

flat surfaces

performance

snappy

"The shoe may not be effective on roots, rocks, and mud, indicating limited performance on challenging terrain."

roots

rocks

mud

"The lugs are not suitable for deep mud, limiting performance in certain conditions."

lug depth

mud performance

cross country

"The shoe may not be versatile enough for all types of terrain due to its design."

terrain

limited versatility

broken ground

"The shoe lacks versatility for longer races beyond half marathons."

price

performance

race suitability

"The tread pattern on the front of the shoe is less aggressive, affecting uphill performance."

tread pattern

uphill performance

"The Zinal 2 lacks a carbon plate, which could impact the shoe's performance for some runners."

carbon plate

performance

trail running

fit
True to size: True to size
Toebox width: Narrower
Heel width: Narrower
Orthotic friendly: No

The main issues with the shoe are that it has a narrow fit and can feel too snug for some runners, which may lead to discomfort, especially for those with wider feet.

width (6)

snugness (5)

heel (3)

true to size (2)

tightness (2)

narrowness (2)

toe room (1)

flexibility (1)

Pros

"The shoe fits true to size with good lockdown from the moment you wear it."

true to size

lockdown

performance fit

"The Zinal 2 fits true to size, making it easy for runners to select the appropriate size and enjoy a secure fit."

fit

lacing

security

"There is ample room in the toe box, allowing for the feet to expand comfortably on longer runs."

toe box

comfort

"The updated stretch-knit collar effectively keeps debris out while providing a snug fit."

collar

debris protection

fit

"The overall design and material choices make the shoe feel like it disappears while on the trail."

design

support

security

"The snug fit of the shoe caters specifically to runners who prefer a more secure feel while running."

fit

secure

"The shoe provides a comfortable fit with a snug design that helps prevent debris from entering."

snug fit

debris

design

"The shoe provides a race-ready fit that enhances performance during competitions."

race-ready

technical trails

competition

"The shoe has a glove-like fit due to its snug upper and firm lacing system."

fit

upper

lacing

comfort

"The shoe maintains a snug fit through the forefoot, akin to racing shoes."

forefoot

racing

fit

"The upper of the Zinal 2 provides an excellent fit and lockdown."

secure

fit

comfortable

"The upper design is secure and comfortable while remaining lightweight."

comfortable

secure

lightweight

"The Zinal 2 offers a consistent fit that matches HOKA's usual sizing."

comfort

sizing

"The upper is made of a breathable woven mesh that expands during runs."

breathable

flexible

lightweight

"The integrated stretch-knit tongue provides easy access and a secure fit around the ankle."

integrated tongue

ease of entry

fit

"The sock-like stretch knit collar provides a snug fit and excellent midfoot support."

sock-like

midfoot support

Cons

"The fit may be too snug for runners who prefer more volume in their shoes."

snug fit

performance profile

"The shoe's upper material may contribute to a lack of consistency in fit from the forefoot to the heel."

upper material

fit inconsistency

"The loose collar of the upper compromises the locked-in feel and support compared to the original model."

upper

support

collar

"The fit of the shoe is inconsistent, being tight in some areas while loose in others."

fit

tightness

looseness

"The shoe fits very specifically, which might not accommodate everyone's foot shape."

foot shape

niche

technical trails

"The midfoot security can be difficult to achieve, leading to foot sliding inside the shoe."

midfoot

slipping

adjustment

"The heel collar fit is sloppy, leading to some occasional slippage during runs."

heel collar

slippage

security

"The thin tongue makes it hard to secure the laces properly without squeezing the foot too much."

tongue

lacing

circulation

"The narrow forefoot fit may not be comfortable for all runners."

narrow

forefoot

fit issues

"The narrow fit may be uncomfortable for runners with wider feet, potentially causing pressure issues."

fit

width

comfort

"The shoe is not wide-foot friendly as it tapers towards the toes."

wide feet

tapered

comfort

"The forefoot may be too constrictive for wider feet, suggesting a size up might be necessary."

fit

forefoot

constrictive

"The shoe has a narrow fit that may not accommodate wider feet well."

narrow fit

wide feet

"The fit may be too narrow for some runners compared to other Hoka models."

narrow fit

shoe size

Hoka

"The fit can be overly tight for some runners, making long runs uncomfortable."

tight fit

discomfort

long runs

"Over-tightening the laces can lead to discomfort, indicating a need for better fit."

lace tightness

discomfort

fit

"The heel cup initially feels loose, which may affect the fit."

heel cup

loose fit

initial discomfort

"Heel retention is insufficient, which may lead to a feeling of instability for some runners during intense runs."

heel retention

instability

"There is noticeable movement in the heel which can be distracting."

heel movement

distraction

"The toe box may be narrower compared to some users' preferences."

toe box

narrow fit

standard width

"The shoe is designed with a really narrow fit, potentially uncomfortable for those with wider feet."

narrow

fit

"Some runners, particularly those with wider feet, may find the shoe too snug."

snug fit

wide feet

fit issues

"Lace pressure from the tongue area could use reinforcement, making lacing less comfortable for some runners."

fit

lace pressure

"The upper material lacks flexibility, which could potentially affect comfort during runs."

upper material

flexibility

"The upper mesh may not provide enough protection on technical trails."

minimalist

upper

alpine

technical

"The shoe's low-profile design sits lower around the ankle than preferred by some users."

ankle

low-profile

fit

"The heel lock is not effective, causing foot movement within the shoe."

heel lock

fit

movement

stability
Stability level: Less stable

The main concerns about the shoe's stability are its lack of stability on uneven surfaces and the feeling of instability during sharp turns, which both appear frequently in the feedback.

lockdown (1)

grounded feel (1)

rocker (1)

grip (1)

flexibility (1)

control (1)

stack-height (1)

propulsion (1)

Pros

"The overall lockdown is solid, particularly through the forefoot and midfoot areas."

solid lockdown

forefoot

midfoot

"The shoe's platform feels low to the ground, facilitating quick decision-making on varied terrain."

low to the ground

quick decisions

stability

"The rocker design assists with maintaining an efficient running cadence and posture."

rocker

cadence

posture

"The stability of the Zinal 2 provides confidence when navigating trails."

stability

confidence

trail

"The shoe's minimal design and flexibility enhance its agility on trails."

flexible

agility

speed

"The shoe maintains great stability and control, especially on technical descents and climbs."

stability

technical_terrain

confidence

"The reduced stack height offers improved trail feel and better control over technical terrain."

trail-control

technical-terrain

"The shoe maintains the Hoka early-stage meta rocker for improved propulsion."

rocker

support

efficiency

Cons

"The shoe's heel collar has some stretch that leads to instability during sharp turns or on soft terrain."

heel security

stability

soft terrain

"The shoe lacks stability, which can be problematic on uneven surfaces."

stability issues

uneven surfaces

"The rocker feature is less noticeable, which may disappoint some users seeking that advantage."

rocker

stability

less pronounced

"The Zinal 2 lacks a rock plate, limiting its suitability for rough and technical trails."

rock plate

stability

"The shoe exhibits lateral instability, making it feel less secure, especially at faster speeds."

lateral instability

high stack height

security

"The shoe's construction may leave some runners feeling unstable."

stability

comfort

security

"The Zinal 2 lacks stability on uneven terrain."

stability

narrow midsole

technical terrain

grip

The main concerns about the shoe's grip are its limited performance in very muddy terrain and the outsole lugs not extending to the toe, which affects uphill traction.

versatility (2)

traction (1)

outsole (1)

lug_design (1)

lightweight (1)

depth (1)

lugs (1)

muddy terrain (1)

Pros

"The shoe features an upgraded Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole that enhances traction and grip."

Vibram

deep lugs

traction

aggressive

"The shoe features stout lugs that enhance traction on aggressive terrain."

stout lugs

traction

"The chevron-shaped lugs provide noticeably better grip compared to the previous model."

chevron-shaped lugs

Vibram MegaGrip

"The shoe's grip is significantly improved with taller lugs for aggressive traction."

lugs

aggressive

traction

"The new lug design of the Zinal 2 improves grip on various surfaces while still being lightweight."

grip

outsole performance

"The Zinal 2 has effective grip with its 5mm lugs, making it versatile on different surfaces."

lugs

traction

versatile

"The outsole offers good grip for trail running."

grippy

outdoor

trail

"The Vibram Megagrip outsole offers solid traction across varied terrains, ensuring grip on the trails."

Vibram

traction

varied terrains

"Excellent grip was observed on various trail conditions, demonstrating versatility."

excellent_traction

versatile

wet_conditions

"The Zinal 2 has a grippy outsole that performs well across various off-road terrains."

grip

outsole

versatility

"The new outsole design features deeper lugs that significantly improve traction, especially on downhill runs."

downhill-running

outsole

"The Vibram Megagrip outsole offers excellent traction and grip across varied terrains."

Vibram

agility

multi-terrain

"The shoe features an aggressive outsole that provides excellent traction across various terrains."

outsole

aggressive

traction

performance

grip

"The Vibram outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of terrains."

Vibram

sticky

grip

"The Hoka Zinal 2 features an updated and effective Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole which enhances grip."

outsole

Vibram

lugs

"The shoe is designed with a Vibram Megagrip outsole providing excellent traction."

Vibram

Megagrip

outsole

traction

"The shoe has great versatility, suitable for various trail conditions thanks to its enhanced outsole design."

versatile

3-season

outsole

"The shoe's grip is impressive on varied surfaces, making it versatile for different terrains."

grip

varied terrain

versatility

"The shoe's outsole offers excellent grip even in slippery conditions."

Vibram

grip

stability

"Traction lugs have been improved with a jagged design for better grip on varied terrains."

improved_traction

jagged_lugs

varied_terrains

"The Zinal 2 is suitable for technical scrambles while remaining lightweight."

technical

scrambles

versatile

"The shoe boasts deep 5mm lugs designed for improved traction in various conditions."

traction

trails

depth

"The 5mm lugs enhance grip, allowing confident navigation of technical terrain."

lugs

technical terrain

traction

Cons

"The shoe might not be suitable for very muddy terrain despite being designed for off-road use."

off-road

grip

muddy terrain

"The outsole lugs do not extend to the toe, impacting uphill traction."

outsole

traction

lugs

uphill

other

The main points to note are that the shoe is frequently praised for being lightweight and having a minimal design, while it is often criticized for its lack of protection and high price.

lightweight (3)

lightness (2)

sustainability (2)

cost (2)

minimalism (1)

weight (1)

water performance (1)

breathability (1)

Pros

"The shoe has an overall minimal design that adds to its performance characteristics."

minimalist

stripped down

performance

"The Zinal 2 is impressively lightweight, enhancing speed."

lightweight

speed

"This shoe is lighter than its predecessor, enhancing the experience for speed-driven runners."

lightweight

running efficiency

"The Hoka Zinal 2 is incredibly lightweight, making it a great option for speed-focused trail running."

lightweight

speed

trail running

"The shoe's construction facilitates quick drying after water crossings, making it suitable for wet conditions."

water resistance

quick drying

"The shoe has excellent breathability thanks to its design."

breathable

light upper

"The shoe's weight is impressively low despite its robust features."

lightweight

performance

race shoe

"At 7.1 ounces, the shoes are extremely lightweight, enhancing the feeling of being connected to the trail."

trail-feel

fatigue-reduction

"The Hoka Zinal 2 is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to run in."

lightweight

agility

trail

running

"The overall design of the Zinal 2 is streamlined for a race-ready experience."

race_ready

streamlined

fast

"Premium features such as the stretch-knit collar contribute to an enjoyable running experience by keeping out debris."

stretch-knit

debris protection

premium

"The stretch-knit collar helps keep out debris, enhancing usability on trails."

debris

gaiter

protection

"The shoe effectively keeps out water, dirt, and stones due to its upper design."

water resistance

debris protection

"The shoe incorporates several recycled materials, highlighting Hoka’s commitment to sustainability."

sustainable

recycled materials

"The Hoka Zinal 2 utilizes a range of recycled materials, promoting sustainability."

recycled materials

eco-friendly

sustainability

"The shoe dries quickly when exposed to moisture, enhancing usability in wet conditions."

moisture

water resistance

quick drying

Cons

"The shoe lacks sufficient protection at the front and sides, limiting its ability to shield against hazards on the trail."

protection

safety

trail hazards

"The vamp material is not waterproof, allowing water to seep in during wet conditions."

waterproof

vamp material

wet conditions

"In very hot conditions, the breathability of the shoe could be improved."

breathability

hot conditions

comfort

"The shoe is viewed as expensive for its specific use and limitations."

expensive

value

specific use

"The price point is considered high compared to similar options."

price

premium

"The shoe is not ideal for long-distance runs, making it less versatile."

distance

short runs

niche

"The shoe's specific design might limit its application for various runners and conditions."

specific

limitations

options

"The shoe is not suitable for muddy, snowy, or highly technical trails."

mud

snow

technical

trails

"It is not recommended for distances longer than a half marathon."

long runs

half marathon

"The shoe's price is steep given that it does not include super foam technology and is specialized for racing."

price

"The upper material feels plasticky and may affect breathability."

breathability

upper

plasticky

"Runners accustomed to a different shoe design might find the transition to the Zinal 2 challenging."

shoe design

adjustment

Hoka

"The shoes can get cold, resulting in discomfort during chilly runs."

cold

discomfort

breathability

Model Updates

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Reviews

Read reviews about the Hoka zinal 2 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

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Wear-tester reviews (16)

4.3/5

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Hoka zinal 2

Hoka zinal 2

Surface

Cushioning

Category

Breathability

Weight

Heel-to-Toe Drop

Support

Width options

Grip

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

Most Mentioned Pros

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cushion

Pros

Cons

comfort

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durability

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performance

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fit

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stability

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grip

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Cons

other

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Cons

Older Models

Newer Models

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4.3/5

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Find out if the Hoka zinal 2 is right for you.