The Clymb just launched a sale on Hoka One One trail shoes. For those who have not been following weird shoe technologies, these are a very different kind of shoe — huge, fat EVA shoes that are supposed to absorb all the rocks in the trail, but still provide a mid-foot strike, similar to many barefoot shoes. Three different models for men and women are available, ranging from $70-$82 (normal prices are $170-$210, and they seldom discount). The huge soles are incredibly light, with the shoes ranging fom ~9-11 oz, depending on the size and model (this is based on what I’ve read in reviews).
I’ve read a bunch of reviews for this technology, and reviews are mixed. Many trail runners — including several serious runners who normally run in barefoot shoes — like them for certain kinds of trails, particularly bombing downhill on rocky ground. Others like them for protecting their feet if they’ve recently sustained an injury, since they appear to offer more ground protection than any other lightweight mid-strike shoe. I haven’t bit yet on a pair, but I’m considering it as a backup shoe for use if I get injured. I know I’ve had some recent stubbed toes in VFFs that have been brutal.
Anyway, it’s an interesting technology, and this is a great deal for anyone who is curious. But I’d definitely recommend doing some reading up on these before considering a purchase — they stick to the lightweight philosophy, but are very different than anything else available. Enjoy.
Standard full disclosure for The Clymb or any similar site: if you click through the link and buy anything, they credit $10 to my account… which I appreciate. I have no affiliation with Hoka One One, The Clymb, or any other gear site, except as a fellow gear junkie searching for deals.

