Hoka One One Cavu 2 test and review - A lightweight racing shoe
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Naming a shoe after a lightweight single person aircraft seems appropriate for a company that boasts the slogan ̈time to fly. ̈ Weighing in at 7.2oz, a full ounce lighter than the first iteration, the Hoka One One Cavu 2 is the lightest running shoe I've ever owned (however not the lightest offered by Hoka).
Something about them just screams racing flat, and the impulse to run fast in these shoes is overwhelming.
My first run out in these was intended to be an easy couple mile jog, but it quickly turned into a speedy sub-20 min. 5K. The Cavu 2 is light, fast and nimble, yet boasts enough of the trademark Hoka cushion to keep things comfy.
Right out of the box, the Cavu 2 felt like home. The fit is true to size, and the initial feel was comfortable and slightly pliable, almost broken in.
The one-piece seamless mesh upper creates a nice airy wrap for the foot. Combined with the lycra comfort-fit bootie, your foot feels snug and secure in the comfortable, lightweight package surrounding the foot.
The tongue is gusseted and ties into the partial bootie that wraps the midfoot. The gusseted tongue is always a welcome feature to see on running shoes as it helps keep the tongue in place.
The Cavu 2 is one of the most responsive shoes I've run in. The shoe is exceptionally adept at adjusting the changes in direction on pavement at a fast pace.
The upper keeps your feet cool with well thought out ventilation. The upper also cradles the foot nicely, keeping it stable above the sole and in place during lateral movement.
The X-shape design of the sole gives ample grip and traction on pavement and asphalt alike. I also did some 200m repeats in these shoes on the local high school track, and these shoes thrived on that surface.
The Cavu 2 ́s would be a great choice for shorter distance racing and even distances up to a ½ marathon.
With just enough cushion to keep things comfortable, the Cavu still excels at being responsive and feeling agile. The Cavu 2 is light and wears like a racing flat, and in fact, that's my intended use for it this fall.
From speed workouts, track sessions to 10K ́s the Cavu 2 is certain to come through. The simple, unassuming design and stylish look make the Cavu 2 an easy choice. With an MSRP of $110.00, the Cavu 2 is pretty affordable.
Sean Kiffe
RunRepeat Expert