Saucony Ride VS Guide: The Winner Is…
Saucony Ride 18 vs. Guide 18: A clear look at how these daily trainers compare, with a goal of helping you decide which one is best for you.
If you’re hunting for a daily trainer that blends cushioning with a touch of speed, and doesn’t break the bank (too much), the HOKA Skyflow might just be your next favorite pair. With features that sit right in-between the HOKA Clifton 9 daily trainer and the high-performance HOKA Skyward X, the Skyflow aims to deliver comfort, support, and speed all in one.
After putting them through a few test runs, I can say there’s more to these shoes than you’d expect at first glance
Key Specifications
- Price: $160 at hoka.com
- Weight: 9.4oz / 266g (Men’s size 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm (low-medium drop)
- Midsole: Cushioned and springy Supercritical EVA foam with a supportive heel-focused Active Foot Frame
- Upper: Breathable and form fitting Creel Jacquard mesh, reflective highlights, finger loop, padded tongue and collars, articulated heel counter
- Outsole: Rubber compound
- Fit: True to size, with a medium width. Also available in a ‘wide’ fit
- Type: Neutral daily trainer with added stability features
What’s Good
From the first run, the Skyflow feels like a shoe you can rely on for daily miles. It offers a plush, cushioned feel thanks to its Supercritical EVA midsole, but with enough spring to avoid feeling overly soft or sinking into the shoe. The articulated heel counter is a standout feature for me, and those prone to Achilles issues will love it as there’s less pressure, and more support where you need it.
Breathability is top-notch too. After testing them during a heatwave in California, the mesh upper held up, keeping my feet cool. The traditional lacing system is simple but effective, and the 360-degree reflective detailing is useful for early morning or late-night runs.
On the performance side, these shoes are really versatile. Whether you’re logging easy recovery miles or picking up the pace for a tempo run, the Skyflow adapts well.
The combination of cushioning and an early-stage rocker geometry gives a smooth, rolling transition that encourages efficient strides. Durability? The outsole shows minimal wear after several runs, and it grips well on everything from pavement to light gravel.
What’s Not So Good
It’s hard to find fault with the Skyflow. While it ticks most boxes, some runners might find it too cushioned for all-out speedwork. It’s not a dedicated race shoe, so if you’re aiming for serious tempo sessions or race days, you might want something lighter and more responsive.
The Verdict
At $160 from Hoka.com, the HOKA Skyflow strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort, cushioning, and responsiveness. It’s a reliable daily trainer that adapts to various runs, from long base miles to faster efforts, making it an excellent value for money. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned runner looking for a versatile trainer, the Skyflow is worth every cent in my opinion.
What do you think? Have you tried the Skyflow? Let me know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my Newsletter for more in-depth reviews and hit the like button on my YouTube video review if you enjoyed it! -Alastair
Best alternatives right now
While the HOKA Skyflow is an outstanding daily trainer, there are other options worth considering depending on your specific needs and prefered brand:
For my full list of recommendations, check out my regularly updated Best Daily Trainers roundup.
View Comments (2)
Oh man I love the colorway of this shoe, and you’re right about the durability of the NB Balos, such a shame because otherwise that’s an awesome shoe as well.
It’s basically summer in a shoe! 🙂