Here we go with the first update of Hoka’s Elevon Series. If you just look at the shoe it seems that this one fills the gap between the popular Clifton and Bondi modells. Quite some cushion but still with a very dynamic approach that you probably wouldn’t expect. The stack height is something else and something that raises some eyebrows. A shoe that certainly ticks all the boxes that Hoka is knows for. I personally like the slick and simple design of this one. This shoe is the most cushioned modell in the lightweight segment of the product range, the Fly Collection.
A detail that sticks out – by any means. The rear part of the Elevon 2 is particularly bulky and a true eye catcher. Something that has been seen in the latest Nike releases as well. Hoka was one of the first companies that used such a design feature and as the masters of bulky soles, they have been copied by several players of the industry.
Sometimes it is the simple stuff that counts. The design of the tongue and the placement is something that i really liked and that is extremely well made at this one. While being super thin, it still feels very comfortable. The asymmetrical tongue is lightly padded with a cutout to provide more comfort.
To create a dynamic running sensation, Hoka designers put flex grooves in the forefoot and placed springier foam in this part of the shoe for a more responsive toe-off. These are the parts of the sole that i cherish a lot. A vital part for my running style.
The Elevon 2 comes with a 5 mm drop. The center of the sole is a well cushioned dual-foam that is placed between a stiff rim and core construction. This is the center of the shoe and creates a quite unique sensation that is not something that i have experienced before in Hoka shoes. It took me quite some runs to get used to this. While having plenty of underfoot cushion, it feels firmer than the Clifton. Eventually this makes the Elevon 2 a shoe that responds easier to speed sessions and uptempo runs.
A look at the outsole design displays crystal transparent rubber with strategic placed forefoot grooving that are meant to increase the flexibility while toeing off.
During the 160 kilometers that i put on these shoes until now, the crystal rubber did not show much wear and tear. It is a firm outsole that offers plenty of traction and makes this shoe a great work horse, especially on the road.
If you have used this Elevon in the older version you will find the core update in even more support in the shoes midfoot and forefoot part. Together with the asymmetrical internal support wings, the Elevon 2 offers a better fit with more cushion. The extended heel is meant for a smoother transitions but as i have a forefoot to mid foot stride, i couldn’t really judge this feature.
To create a light shoe, Hoka not only saved some weight within the sole design, furthermore they used a comfortable and breathable mesh upper that provides some proper air flow that surprised me.
Some more detailed picture on the upper of the Elevon 2 to highlight the material and show the nicely knitted structure.
While this shoe helps you quite a bit to develop and maintain a dynamic stride, it is possibly a heel strikers best friend. The back part of the shoe is softer with extra cushioning while being firmer in the forefoot.
Another picture of the heel, a feature that is hard to overlook on the Elevon 2.
As stated above – If you are used to the classic Hoka feeling. You will be disappointed. The Elevon 2 is less softer cushioned as you might expect. This could create an odd feeling if you expect a certain sensation from this shoe. Nevertheless, the Elevon 2 is a proper shoe that likes to play with speed while providing firm cushion.
The Elevon 2 weights in with a mere of 288 grams. Quite some weight for shoe like this. To makes this good shoe even better i expect Hoka to shave off some grams for the 3rd version. This would make this shoe even more fun that it is now.
To me the Elevon 2 is a great daily trainer. Often enough i even got carried away playing around with some uptempo speeds. Paired with plenty of cushioning this is a shoe that kept my legs safe and recovered during longer runs and tempo workouts. I can see myself running even more miles with it.
Hoka One One’s Elevon 2 is a proper and very positive update. If you are still not a 100% sure if Hoka has a shoe for you as you are not a fan of the massive cushion, then this one might be a good choice. The Elevon 2 is a dynamic shoe with enough cushion to make the beaten up legs happy. Long runs, tempo runs and also daily jogging routines is the blazing field of this model.

Tune of the day: Vale-Smith – Cassia Topaz