6 Local Runners Test the HOKA Skyflow

This summer, HOKA gave a group of Lexington-area runners the chance to test the brand new Skyflow. Check out some of their reviews below or on John’s Run/Walk Shop’s social media to see how this cushy, springy shoe is elevating their routine as they run through Central Kentucky.

Kirstin Speer

Hear Kirstin’s thoughts on the Skyflow as she runs past Lexington horse farms.

Jeff Kiser

Got a nice opportunity from John’s Run Walk Shop to demo the new Hoka Skyflow running shoe. They supplied the shoe and said go run. Win win!

Run 1:

I’ve never run in Hokas before. Took them out for an easy 3 mile run which I do on all my new shoes. Lots of cushion.

Run 2:

Five miles via downtown on sidewalks, pavement, and even some bricks. Support on the bricks was really good. Don’t normally do this fast of a pace solo on a weeknight. Must be the comfort of the shoes. Did I mention it was 89 degrees with a heat index of 97? Two runs in and I’m liking them. Can’t wait for a really long run.

Gotta Run!!

Run 3:

Three miles of hill work tonight after the rain in my new Hoka Skyflows courtesy of John’s Run Walk Shop. A little slippage on the acceleration up the hill (must have been my speed!), which I didn’t like. The road was wet. In the shoes’ defense I’ve not done hill work after it has rained, so it may be pretty common. Still liking these shoes. Very comfortable!

Run 4:

Boom! When your alarm goes off at 4:30 am on a Saturday, you either go on vacation or a very long run. FYI, I’m not on vacation.

No Joke … 20-miler just went down. Toughest 20-miler out here!! I last ran it 5 or 6 years ago. Swore I’d never do it again. Well it’s still there and a challenge.

Grimes Mill is a beautiful location. Got to run in my new HOKA Skyfows. I really liked them today. My hips don’t feel too bad. Usually this kind of milage gets to this old man, but not bad today. The only negative was a lot of slippage on the wet roads. Gonna have to make sure I run on dry surfaces. Isn’t Marathon training fun?!

UPDATE: Put 49 miles on my HOKA Skyflows that John’s Run/Walk Shop supplied me. Put them back in the box for a few weeks waiting for my next marathon.

Ran the Erie, PA Marathon at Presque Island yesterday. Went into the race with a slight hip issue that I was worried about. Had absolutely no issues in the race. I’m thinking it was all about the shoes. Short story is, I love these shoes on dry ground. Gonna put them back in the box for a few more weeks and bring them out for marathon #45!

Gotta Run!!! 

Ute Keathley

Ute talks about marathon training in the HOKA Skyflow and how it’s helped with her heel pain.

Post-Marathon Update

I used the HOKA Skyflow for part of my marathon training and enjoyed the great fit and springy sole! After feeling ready to tackle this distance, "Helene" the storm system moved in. We arrived in Columbus to rain that never stopped!

Even being soaked through and through, the HOKA Skyflow never lost comfort. There was no blistering, hot spots or slipping out of the wet shoe. The shoe never felt unsafe on wet roads or on the debris-covered bike/ run trail!

I was able to finish strong and was very happy with my choice to run in this shoe. Now on to train for my next race!

Corbin LeMieux

I usually don’t run in HOKA shoes because they’re usually too bulky for my taste. But the Skyflow does not make me feel that way.

This shoe is very light and responsive. I mainly use it after harder runs, and it keeps my legs turning over no matter how tired and heavy my legs are.

I do feel like the cushion is a little firm even after a few runs, so I haven’t done anything longer than a one-hour run in the Skyflows. No toe or foot pain ever in these shoes, so the fit works well for my feet. 

Deborah Howatt

John’s Run/Walk Shop asked if I’d like to try some new running shoes. I’m really picky about my shoes. Well, my right foot hates anything new. (Am I the only one with this problem?) They handed me these pretty HOKA Skyflows, and BOTH feet were happy. So far 👍🏽👍🏽!

UPDATE: I ran/walked in my new Skyflows for a few weeks and decided to wear them for Ironman 70.3 Louisville. I had a lot of complaints that day, but my feet/shoes weren’t one of them!

Jennifer Jenkins

I had never worn HOKA shoes before, so I was eager for this try-out period thanks to John’s Run Walk Shop. Unfortunately, before I could get many miles in with the Skyflows, I suffered a hip injury, so I had to put training on hold for a while to recover.

Instead, I tried out the HOKA Skyflows as a walker and during ordinary, daily wear. I wore these shoes around the house, to run errands, and at work.

They had a great first impression. The fit was comfortable, and the shoe seemed to fit the shape of my foot unlike other shoes that are “cone shape” at the toe. The size (8.5 ) was true and fit me appropriately. I immediately felt a little taller or perhaps I had a firmer footing, so I stood up straighter. The foam feel during household walking was comfortable and I could see that the comfort level would motivate me to run if I wasn’t injured.

The large, white foam bottom wedge on the inside of the shoe made me a little self-conscious about the seemingly clunkiness of the look. The outside wedge was less intrusive since the color pattern extended down the wedge like with other shoes.

As I continued to wear the shoe longer into the day, the upper became very tight as the day went on. I loosened the laces and by the end of the day, I untied the laces and tucked them into the shoe seeking more relief. The elastic upper is snug with little room for feet to swell during the day. The mechanics of the shoe helped me walk more smoothly with my injury. While I still had a limp, the pain level was reduced, and my gait was a little more fluid.

I’m eager to give the Skyflows a good run once I am healthy again. I can see how the foam can give runners more spring and allow for a more efficient stride. I hope to provide an update soon!