Rincon 4

The Rincon 4 rides light, quick and direct. This is not a soft, sink-in shoe. The foam is responsive rather than pillowy, so you feel the road and get a lively, connected turnover that rewards a quicker cadence. Roll it into a tempo effort or a progression run and it feels eager, the low weight letting your legs turn over without fighting the shoe. On easy days it stays comfortable enough, though runners used to plush max-cushion trainers will notice the firmer, more grounded feel underfoot. The 5mm drop keeps you fairly low and encourages a midfoot or forefoot landing. Over a half marathon it holds up well for lighter, efficient runners. Heavier heel-strikers may find it firms up and feels a little thin as the miles stack up.

For a light shoe the Rincon 4 gives you a decent stack of foam, but the tuning is on the firmer, more responsive side rather than soft and protective. You get enough cushioning to soak up daily training miles and stay comfortable through a steady hour, but not the deep, cosseting ride of a max-cushion trainer. That firmness is deliberate. It keeps the shoe light and fast, and it means energy comes back quickly rather than getting swallowed by soft foam. Lighter runners will get the most protection from it. If you are heavier or run high mileage and want more underfoot forgiveness, a plusher daily trainer will serve your legs better over the long haul.

The Rincon 4 is a neutral running shoe with no medial post, guide rails or other correction, so it leaves your stride to do its own thing. The relatively firm foam actually helps here, giving a stable, planted platform that does not wallow or tip the way a very soft shoe can. The narrower midfoot keeps the foot centred and the ride feels controlled at speed. That said, there is nothing built in for runners who overpronate or need guidance. If your ankles collapse inward or you have been steered towards support shoes, this is not the pair for you, and you should look at a dedicated stability trainer instead.

The upper is thin, light and breathable, which is exactly what you want in a warm-weather trainer but also where Hoka has trimmed weight and cost. The engineered mesh lets air through freely and dries fast, and the redesigned fit wraps the foot cleanly with a secure heel. Padding is minimal by design, so do not expect a plush, sock-like interior. Most runners will be comfortable sockless for short efforts, though the sparse tongue and collar padding means it favours a lighter, efficient foot over a heavily built one. It is a comfortable, honest upper that prioritises breathability and low weight over luxury.