HOKA Zinal

HOKA Zinal trail shoes for fast runs on technical terrain

The HOKA Zinal was designed for trail runners seeking speed without compromising on grip and comfort. This lightweight trail shoe is specially made for short to mid-distance runs on mild to moderately technical trails. You’ll get a responsive shoe that climbs smoothly, descends quickly, and performs well on uneven surfaces. Thanks to its combination of cushioning and agility, the Zinal is a favorite for tempo runs and races.

Whether you're running a local trail race or working on your tempo on challenging forest paths, the HOKA Zinal helps you get the most out of every step. Its low weight allows for lighter and more efficient running, while the outsole provides enough grip for dynamic descents. The Zinal is built for speed while maintaining precision and control.

The perfect balance between speed and grip

The HOKA Zinal is designed to combine speed on the trails with reliable grip on a variety of surfaces. Its lightweight build keeps you quick on your feet without sacrificing underfoot protection. This makes the shoe ideal for runners focused on performance, who still need stability and traction.

Especially on technical sections or wet terrain, the outsole performs impressively. You experience excellent traction without the lugs slowing you down. This balance makes the HOKA Zinal a strong choice for hilly courses and mixed terrain where every second counts.

Technical features of the HOKA Zinal

Underfoot you’ll find the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with 4 to 5 millimeter lugs. This provides maximum grip without adding weight. The Litebase technology makes the sole lighter, while the lugs dig into muddy or rocky paths. As a result, you can confidently pick your line even on slick surfaces.

The Profly midsole offers a soft landing on impact, combined with a propulsive toe-off. This makes tempo runs and intervals comfortable and efficient. The upper is made of breathable mesh, partially recycled, to quickly wick away sweat and moisture. Thanks to the 5 mm drop, your feet stay close to the ground for better control, while still benefiting from ample cushioning when descending or picking up speed.

Optimal use of your HOKA Zinal trail shoes

The HOKA Zinal performs best on light to moderately technical trails where speed and grip are key. Think forest paths, hilly terrain, and gravel routes of about 20 to 30 kilometers. The shoe excels in trail races, tempo workouts, and short mountain sessions where direct response is important.

It’s less suitable for extremely technical alpine trails or ultra distances. In those conditions, it lacks some of the protection and support needed for long-term comfort. But in its prime environment – fast, relatively accessible trails – the Zinal gives you full confidence to accelerate and stay sharp.

Durability and maintenance

With an expected lifespan of 400 to 600 kilometers, the HOKA Zinal stays reliably fast and grippy for a long time. Its cushioning and tread continue to perform over dozens of runs, as long as you're using the shoes for their intended purpose. Rotating them with other shoes can further extend their lifespan.

After wet or muddy runs, the shoe dries quickly thanks to the open mesh upper. A quick clean with a soft brush and air drying at room temperature is usually sufficient. Avoid heat sources like a radiator or dryer, as they can damage the materials. This way, you’ll keep your trail shoes in top condition for longer.

Find your perfect HOKA Zinal at PassaRunning

In our collection, you’ll find both men's and women's models of the HOKA Zinal, so you can choose the right fit for your foot type. The shoes run true to size, so you can use your regular running shoe size. If you have slightly wider feet or are between sizes, we recommend checking the upper for breathability and flexibility.

Ready for fast trail runs with optimal grip? Discover the HOKA Zinal collection now and easily order your new trail shoes. With our expertise, we’re happy to help you make the right choice for your trail running adventures!