These are the kind of shoes you take with you without overthinking. They are not meant for personal records or ultra-competitive races, but they are good enough to become a reliable partner in almost any situation. The more than 60,000 steps during my city break in Rome, the rain that caught us at the Vatican, and the two completely different runs in Bucharest convinced me that the Hoka Rincon 4 are the definition of "honest" running shoes. That’s exactly the term that defines them: honest. They don’t need gimmicks or big promises – they simply make your life easier, whether you’re running, walking, or just seeking comfort.

Technical Details

• Weight: 228 g (men’s size 42), 196 g (women’s size 38) – among the lightest running shoes in their category.

• Drop: 5 mm (31 mm at the forefoot and 36 mm at the heel) – a balanced drop for a natural heel-to-toe transition, ideal for neutral runners.

• Material: Ultra-light, breathable mesh – excellent ventilation, perfect for humid conditions. EVA midsole – provides a perfect mix of soft cushioning and responsiveness.

• Outsole: Strategically placed rubber sections to reduce weight and improve grip – it’s not fully rubberized but features rubber sections strategically placed to reduce wear in critical areas and offer decent traction on asphalt and other smooth surfaces.

• Shoe profile: Designed for asphalt but versatile enough for mixed surfaces. Ideal for daily training and even long-distance runs.

Fun Facts

If you’ve ever wondered what "Hoka One One" means, you’ll find the answer surprising. The brand name comes from the Māori language and roughly translates to "fly over the earth." That’s exactly the sensation these shoes gave me – lightness with every step, whether running, walking, or exploring a city.

And by the way, the name "Rincon" wasn’t chosen randomly. Inspired by the iconic Rincon Beach in California, this model captures the relaxed spirit and fluidity of the waves, offering runners an equally smooth and effortless experience. Their minimalism and lightweight design are the keys to making you literally feel like you’re flying above the ground.

First Test – Running and Exploring Rome

Running through the Eternal City

When I left for a two-day city break in Rome, I told myself I’d put the shoes through all possible tests: asphalt, cobblestones, humidity, and long walks. And that’s exactly what happened: in 48 hours, I covered over 60,000 steps (11,000 running), and not once did I feel the shoes bother me.

I started the run in the morning, on a cold and damp day, from Piazza delle Finanze. I passed through Villa Borghese, the historic paths near the quiet Tiber River, wet asphalt covered with dry and wet leaves, and the cobblestones of Piazza del Popolo – a true test of the shoes’ grip. Throughout the run, they offered a consistent feeling of comfort and safety. The midsole continued to absorb shocks well, and the breathable mesh upper kept my feet well-ventilated.

Long Walks – Comfort Over Distances

Beyond running, they were with me at every step through the city. I walked almost 30,000 steps per day, from the Vatican to the Colosseum, and discovered they’re more than just running shoes – they’re also excellent companions for city breaks. Being very light and flexible, I wore them without feeling any fatigue or pressure points. The minimalist design, especially the all-black model, made them a good choice for casual outfits as well.

Even when an unexpected evening rain caught us at the Vatican, the shoes proved to be reliable allies: they dried quickly and didn’t let the moisture ruin my day.

Tests at Home – Two Different Runs

1. IOR – Two Big Laps with Paul

After the Rome experience, I took them for a relaxed run in IOR Park with Paul. We did two big laps, totaling 11.5 km, at a pace of 6:45 min/km – the kind of run where you talk more than you run. Here, they proved again to be shoes that "disappear" on your feet. I didn’t feel them at all, which allowed me to simply enjoy the run and the conversation about races, holiday plans, and life.

2. Morii Lake and Chiajna Delta – 18 km with Speed and Inspiration

On Sunday morning, after a few busy days decorating the Christmas tree and a party with Seven Sport Club, I decided it was a must to go for a run. But finding the motivation after a night of socializing isn’t always easy. Alone, without big plans, with headphones on and a flask of water, I started around 11 a.m. The air was cold, but the sun gave me the energy to move.

I started slowly, the first 9 km being more relaxed, at a pace of 6:00 min/km, crossing asphalt, cement, running tracks, and some rougher surfaces. The shoes transitioned seamlessly from one surface to another, cushioning every impact well and keeping my feet relaxed.

At the 9th kilometer, I felt energized and decided to test the shoes’ responsiveness: I sped up and ran 3 km at tempo pace, between 4:30-4:35 min/km. Surprisingly, they performed well even at speed – light, stable, and very responsive, even though they’re not designed for explosive performance.

After that fast segment, I returned to a steady pace of 4:55-5:05 min/km and continued running through Chiajna Delta. Along the way, I stopped a few times for photos and to enjoy the scenery, but the run always felt easy and natural. By the end, my watch showed 18 km, and I felt I could have easily done 20 if time had allowed.

This run convinced me that Hoka Rincon 4 not only excel at long distances but can also support fast segments when you want to pick up the pace. Light, comfortable, and versatile, they make running a joy.

What Makes Them Special?

• Incredible Weight: At just 228 g (size 42), they’re among the lightest training shoes, making them ideal for long and fast runs.
• Balanced Cushioning: The EVA midsole provides soft cushioning without being excessive, maintaining a sense of control and responsiveness.
• Excellent Breathability: The ultra-light mesh allows efficient ventilation, and the quick-drying feature makes them ideal for wet conditions.
• Versatility: From running to long training sessions and even urban walks, they’re dependable companions.
• Solid Grip: On dry or wet asphalt and even on light trails, their outsole offers excellent traction.

Price and Value

One of the strengths of the Hoka Rincon 4 is their excellent price-to-quality ratio. Upon release, these shoes were positioned in the mid-price range for premium running shoes. Generally, you can find them priced between 500 and 600 RON, but during sales, the price can drop even below 450 RON – a real bargain for what they offer.

Compared to other models in the Hoka range, like the Clifton, the Rincon are more affordable but retain many of the premium features of the brand: soft cushioning, lightweight design, and minimalistic aesthetics. If you’re looking for versatile shoes suitable for running and walking, the Hoka Rincon 4 are a safe investment.

Pros and Cons

Pros – Why You Should Buy Them

• Featherlight: At just 218 g (size 42), Rincon 4 are among the lightest running shoes you’ll find, making them ideal for fast training and races.
• Exceptional Comfort: The EVA midsole provides soft and pleasant cushioning, perfect for long runs or recovery sessions.
• Breathability: The ultra-light mesh upper keeps your feet cool even in hot or humid conditions.
• Quick-Drying: After rain or an accidental puddle, the shoes dry surprisingly fast, which saved me during my city break in Rome.
• Versatility: Great for running and urban walks; the minimalist design (especially the black variant) makes them suitable for casual outfits.
• Competitive Price: On sale, they’re among the most affordable Hoka shoes without compromising quality.

Cons – Things to Know Before Buying

• Reduced Durability: The outsole, which combines rubber sections with exposed EVA foam, may wear out quickly if you run extensively on abrasive surfaces (like cobblestones or rough asphalt). These shoes are better suited for smooth asphalt.
• Less Cushioning than Clifton: If you’re used to Hoka models with thick soles, the Rincon 4 might not offer the same level of cushioning, being oriented toward minimalism and reduced weight.
• Fit: The upper is relatively thin and might feel tight for runners with wide feet; consider going half a size up if you’re at the edge of your size range.

Conclusion – Honest Shoes for Practical Runners

The Hoka Rincon 4 are the shoes you can rely on, no matter the situation: easy runs, fast training sessions, city breaks with 30,000 steps a day, or simply daily walking. They’re not the "flashiest" shoes on the market, but they do their job excellently, and sometimes, that’s what matters most.

Compared to the Hoka Clifton, they feel lighter and more playful. If the Cliftons are ideal for runners seeking generous cushioning and stability over long distances, the Rincon 4 offer the same comfort but in a lighter, more versatile, and faster package, without significant compromises in cushioning.

Personally, I think I’ll add another pair to my collection – one for running and one just for walking. 😊 If you find them on sale, don’t hesitate – they’re worth every penny.