The Hoka Mafate THREE2 is Trailcore at Its Best

Sweet Streets

Trail and lifestyle have collided in all the best ways over the past few years, bringing the rugged and technical aspects of the outdoors to city sidewalks and urban streetscapes.

During that same time, Hoka has ascended into the cultural stratosphere, blending its chunky look and max comfort with the performance aspects of running and hiking. So it’s only appropriate that Hoka would reach back into its not-so-distant past to revive a trail classic in a modern package: the Mafate THREE2 and the limited edition THREE2 x nicolemclaughlin. 

A style combination of the Mafate Speed 2 and Mafate Speed 3, the shoe features the cush comfort of the former and the original upper of the latter, including a gusseted tongue and quick-lace system. A sticky and grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole rounds out the package.

The result is a beautifully rugged shoe that works in any environment, from Manhattan to the mountains.

In addition to the standard release of the THREE2, Hoka has also partnered with the creative design mastermind and Instagram sensation Nicole McLaughlin for a limited-edition version of the shoe. Known for combining disparate products into bespoke footwear and appare in the wildest of ways (for instance, Keen sandals made of orange peels), McLaughlin added some beautiful touches to her edition.

With five utility pockets (we didn’t realize we needed this until now) on a dirt and water-resistant four-in-one gaiter, co-branded labels, and a Velcro heel spike, the shoe gets a unique look that’s both fun and functional at the same time.

McLaughlin worked hand-in-hand with Hoka’s design team, and the end result is a perfect marriage of Hoka’s technical expertise and her tongue-in-cheek design language.

The Hoka Mafate THREE2 is available now for $185; the Nicole McLaughlin collaboration releases November 3 for $249 on hoka.com.