Hoka Evo Jawz Trail Running Shoe
Stripped down to its performance core, like a dune buggy, the Evo Jawz offers a thrilling and unbridles ride. It is low to the ground with a firm but not rigid midsole that relishes muddy and uncertain terrain.
Woven Rip-Stop Upper
The woven rip-stop upper is designed for superb durability and a secure fit. The woven fabric forms around the foot wrapping each foot in breathable comfort. The fabric allows air to fully permeate the entire upper providing a constant supply of fresh, cool air while simultaneously forcing out hot, muggy air. The rip-stop fabric enhances abrasion resistance when on tough terrains, allowing the shoes to take anything you throw at them.
In addition, the upper features a moderate active foot frame for maximum tuned stability, providing torsional support and preventing your ankles from rolling when on uneven trails. Lastly, a textile lining inside the shoes provides exceptional moisture management keeping a nice even microclimate within the upper. The lining wicks sweat and excess moisture then forces it out of the shoes aiding breathability.
Profly Midsole
The Profly midsole that is used within the Evo Jawz provides a unique balance of propulsion and protection. A slightly firmer midsole compared to the road running range, the Profly compound provides ultimate protection from trail hazards underfoot such as rocks and branches while increasing responsiveness. The energy created from the heel strike is harnessed and created into good energy where the midsole uses it to propel you forward into your next step.
Vibram Megagrip Outsole
The outsole compound is constructed from Vibram MegaGrip that offers high traction and excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces. The Evo Jawz features multidirectional lugs for supreme grip on varied terrain uphill and downhill while enhancing mud dispersion. This technology allows the lugs to come into contact with the ground thus creating more surfaces are for the shoes to grip keeping you confident when racing over tricky ground. Lastly, flex grooves that are cut out predominantly in the forefoot area enhance flexibility allowing the shoes to flex as one with the foot instead of hindering your movement.
Shoe Review
The Hoka Evo Jawz is a speed machine. It's one of the lightest trail running shoes on the market, making it an ideal choice for racing. The colourful design is striking, it stands out for all the right reasons. It's also a shoe with real bite - the 6mm multi-directional lugs give it fantastic grip, especially on wet and muddy surfaces. It's like nothing else Hoka have ever designed before. I would say that unlike many of the other models I've reviewed, it would also be suitable for short-medium distance fell races, as well as trail running. The upper material is made from an extremely breathable and lightweight mesh. Fantastic for wicking away moisture, meaning that it doesn't get weighed down when wet.
In terms of sizing, I wear a 10.5UK in Hoka, so I would recommend buying a slightly bigger size.
This is one to be unleashed for competition, when grip, speed and performance are the most important criteria. It's also worth mentioning that in comparison to other similar shoes on the market, the Hoka Evo Jawz are excellent value for money.
KEY FEATURES
1. 6mm lug depth, with an aggressive tread for extra grip, particularly on soft and muddy surfaces.
2. Extremely lightweight - ideal for racing.
3. Breathable upper materials that wick away moisture.
4. A super sleek and stylish design.
Reviewed by Ben Mouncey, Seasoned Mountain Runner from Yorkshire.
