Hoka’s New Affordable Trail Shoe Is Unlike Anything Else the Brand Makes

Third time’s the charm. Generation three gives Hoka’s quirkiest trail shoe the bounce it’s been missing.

Trail running shoe with neon yellow sole and red outsole, red and black mesh upper, and yellow laces.

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By Jack Seemer

Published March 2, 2026

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Updated March 2, 2026

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When it comes to Hoka, more usually means more.

Every year, the brand moves north of $2 billion worth of shoes, mostly of the max-cushioned variety. Nearly two decades since its founding, Hoka is virtually synonymous with thick, oversized midsoles and shock-absorbing foam.

However, Hoka’s next drop also proves its far from a one-trick pony.

Black, neon green, and red Hoka trail running shoe with thick sole and textured outsole. — The Zinal 3 sits closer to the ground than virtually every other shoe in Hoka’s arsenal.

The upcoming Zinal 3 is a decidedly off-brand solution for runners looking for a traditional trail runner akin to the Norda 005 or Altra Lone Peak series.

For starters, it features a modest 30mm stack height — a whopping 32 percent reduction compared to the Mafate 5 — which drops down to just 25mm in the forefoot.

Pair of black and gray trail running shoes with white soles and red pull tabs, viewed from the back. — The shoe carries a stack height of just 30mm — a full 14mm shorter than the Mafate 5.

Black and gray running shoe with white sole and red pull tab on the heel. — The Zinal 5 drops to 25mm for a 5mm drop.

This isn’t to say that Hoka simply rewound the clock in the design department, even if the Zinal 3 would have felt on-trend years ago.

Supercritical EVA infused with nitrogen makes up the midsole, giving the shoe a dose of modern tech borrowed from super shoes.

Close-up of a black and red Hoka Zinal 3 running shoe with neon yellow sole and laces. — Supercritical EVA brings an added energy boost compared to previous generations.

Pair of neon green and black HOKA running shoes with red accents viewed from above. — On paper, the shoe weighs less than nine ounces.

The result will no doubt be a noticeable energy boost compared to previous generations of the Zinal, providing a bit more pop despite it sitting closer to the ground than virtually every other shoe Hoka makes.

The material also helps to keep the shoe’s weight in check. On paper, the Zinal 3 clock in at just 8.94 ounces, and that’s factoring in an aggressive outsole with 5mm lugs.

Black and white Hoka Zinal 3 running shoe with orange pull tab and rugged black sole. — A retooled outsole with 5mm lugs comes with added traction and aggression on the trails.

Availability and pricing

Listed as “coming soon” on Hoka’s website, the Zinal 3 is expected in the near future. It costs $150 and comes in two launch colorways, black and “Squid Ink.”

Hoka Zinal 3

$150 at Hoka

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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