Daily Trainer

HOKA Rincon 4

Hoka's lightweight daily trainer: a lot of foam for very little weight, at the cheap end of the range.

The Rincon is Hoka's lightweight daily trainer, and the cushion-to-weight ratio is the whole point of it. It is barely heavier than a racing flat, it still carries a proper stack of foam, and it costs less than most shoes that manage either one.

It works as a do-everything shoe if your mileage is moderate. Easy runs, steady runs and the occasional tempo where you want a bit of snap all suit it, which makes it a sensible first Hoka and a sensible second pair.

It is not a durable shoe. The outsole rubber is patchy by design to save weight, so the exposed foam wears faster than on a Clifton, and heavier runners tend to bottom it out on long runs. Treat it as the light option in your rotation, not the one taking every mile.